Dressage in a slightly different color

[GreekDressageQueen]

Getting ready for show season and I really want to do something a little different, but nothing too out of the ordinary. I really like cream breeches, with matching gloves and stock tie, but I can't find cream breeches in my size (I'm a larger rider) at the moment. I will probably have to special order them.

In the meantime I was thinking about going instead with a stone or willow color breech, champagne colored gloves (they look very similar to the willow breech so I think they will match even though the names are different) and buying some matching fabric to make a stock tie. My undershirt is white but I can hide that when I tie the stock. If I do that - I might go with a white saddle pad with a multi-colored trim of gold/silver/beige/gray to set off my color scheme.

Do you guys think this will fly? I'm not trying to be a stand out - I really just HATE wearing white - and I'm trying to see if I can do something a little different and still be tasteful and "serious" in front of the judge. My horse is a darkish bay (no white at all) and I will be riding 3rd level. Thanks!

[Beasmom]

I think it sounds fine! I have breeches, show shirt, gloves and saddle pad in (close to) matching champagne color. I "dyed" one of my stock tie dickies to match the outfit for very warm weather shows by briefly dipping the dickie in tea water. Perhaps you could do something similar with a pair of white show breeches that fit?

[johnnysauntie]

.I "dyed" one of my stock tie dickies to match the outfit for very warm weather shows by briefly dipping the dickie in tea water. Perhaps you could do something similar with a pair of white show breeches that fit?

ooooh. Good idea!

[Ambrey]

I noticed that the final rider in the world cup was using a BROWN bridle. Today, brown bridles, tomorrow purple jackets!

It sounds lovely :) I was planning on wearing light gray, so as to not dingify my gray horse, but there's nothing particularly traditional about either me or my horse so it's OK ;)

[Beasmom]

For schooling shows, the dress codes are relaxed. Beyond basic safety gear, color of breeches or shirts do not matter.

The OP is discussing attire for Third Level at Recognized shows.

[merrygoround]

I can see the cream breeches, and while the judge should not mark down different turn out, I would be careful that my rides exceeded my attire. ;)

[Ambrey]

I was discussing my planned attire for recognized shows- there have been numerous discussions of such things on this board, and I think the consensus is that as long as turnout is neat and attractive it won't affect scores.

Cream (or light gray) is not exactly garish.

[FancyFree]

For schooling shows, the dress codes are relaxed. Beyond basic safety gear, color of breeches or shirts do not matter.

The OP is discussing attire for Third Level at Recognized shows.

Yes I think it's a bit different at a recognized show than at the local schooling show. I am still of the persuasion that anything other than black and white is too radical. :lol: I'm old school, conservative. I do like the look of navy and cream and some turn-outs I've seen look great. Classic black and white for me though.

[quietann]

How about saddle pads? I keep being tempted by non-white; white looks fine on the mare, but so do a lot of other colors. I wear some-shade-of-tan breeches, for now at least. We also will have black tack, though I prefer brown on the maresy.

(Maresy is a deep, dark Palomino; her mane and tail are not pure white and in particular, her tail has some dark streaks. Because she is such a girly girl, people keep trying to get me to accessorize her in Barbie pink, but I am resisting! She is going to stand out no matter what just because of her color, her size (small), and her attitude (Diva!) As for me, I look best in cool-neutral colors like some shades of brown, navy blue, olive green etc.)

We are mostly planning on schooling shows, and definitely Training Level this year, but trainer does want us to do Dressage at the Seacoast in NH in August, which is USDF recognized.

[FancyFree]

How about saddle pads? I keep being tempted by non-white; white looks fine on the mare, but so do a lot of other colors.

You mean a solid color other than white, not just a colored trim on a white pad? I would not do it.

Maybe a colored trim, but I would stick with a white pad.

[Tif_Ann]

I noticed that the final rider in the world cup was using a BROWN bridle. Today, brown bridles, tomorrow purple jackets!

LOL well I not only have a brown dressage bridle and saddle, but the padding on the bridle is baby blue. Sad, huh?

I also wear a brown jacket. I did give in for the first show and use a white pad trimmed in baby blue because one of my trainers just cringes at anything but white pads, but even she admitted he looks awful in white. So I'll be getting the cream stuff next :)

If/when Pi gets past 1st level, we'll switch to a black pad if I have to be completely traditional.

[FriesianX]

I've shown in light grey and champagne, and done quite well at BIG recognized shows. You don't want to stick out too much from the norm, but a light conservative color is fine for breeches, gloves, and saddle pad. My old chestnut horse went well with the champagne color - matchy match:winkgrin:. Now I have a black and white boy, and so it is hard to deviate from, well, black and white :lol:

And I have seen some of those elegant, light, non-white colors on other riders now at some of the bigger shows. Personally, I think it is less :eek: than some of the BLING on bridles, saddle pads, and even saddles. And most judges are much more focused on the quality of the riding than the clothing of the rider ;)

[SillyHorse]

You mean a solid color other than white, not just a colored trim on a white pad? I would not do it.

Maybe a colored trim, but I would stick with a white pad.
I show mostly with black pads, sometimes brown, almost never white. Conservative, not necessarily white, is the name of the game.

I have scribed for some pretty big-time judges, and none, not one, has ever commented on the color of a saddle pad. Nor have I ever heard a comment about the colors of breeches or coats, other than if the judge thought something was attractive, as long as they were conservative. The judges do not care about that stuff. Wear whatever you want, as long as you stay within the rules.

[EqTrainer]

This makes me feel very old, because I remember when there were mostly brown dressage bridles. In fact I have one sitting here in front of me, a Stuebben WB sized brown dressage bridle that must be at least 20 years old. It is *beautiful*.

For the OP, I would not hesitate to ride in any conservative color.

[FancyFree]

The judges do not care about that stuff.

Maybe so, but I won't be buying a purple jacket any time soon. :winkgrin:

My former, very traditional trainer was convinced that judges looked down on people who would have their tests called. Probably something a judge wouldn't articulate to anyone else, but thought it nevertheless. I don't know if she is right or wrong, but she was convinced of it. ::shrugs:: She'd be apoplectic if I showed up in a other than white pad. :lol:

But to each their own.

[SillyHorse]

Maybe so, but I won't be buying a purple jacket any time soon. :winkgrin:

My former, very traditional trainer was convinced that judges looked down on people who would have their tests called. Probably something a judge wouldn't articulate to anyone else, but thought it nevertheless. I don't know if she is right or wrong, but she was convinced of it. ::shrugs:: She'd be apoplectic if I showed up in a other than white pad. :lol:

But to each their own.
Have you ever scribed? You learn a whole lot about what judges think (and do not think).

[FancyFree]

Have you ever scribed? You learn a whole lot about what judges think (and do not think).

Nope I never have. The trainer I was talking about has. BTW, how does scribing tell you how they think? I remember where one judge wrote at another board she took points off for not being on the correct diagonal, but in a way that it wasn't reflected in the scoring sheet. So yes, I think personal preferences may come in to play that the scribes and riders are not privy to.

[CatOnLap]

I think being a discrete scribe is the most fun job in the whole ring. You get to hear all the funny/snarky/nasty/aside comments under the judge's breath that never go on the score sheet. and you learn a ton about all sorts of things related to dressage.

Although bright attire may sometimes attract a moment's attention from spectators, I've never seen a judge consciously mark down a rider for out of the mainstream attire that was in accordance with the rules of the show. However, the mainstream is a little broader than black and white, even at the top levels. Tasteful combinations of dark-almost-black colour shades including navy, shades of cream, brown tack or the more widely available black and white, are all mainstream and have been for nearly a century. Sparkles not so much, but even they have made a tasteful appearance in the form of blingey browbands and stirrups lately.

While no one cares what a newbie rider wears at their first barn show, someone aspiring to the FEI levels, riding at third , does well to acknowledge the traditions of the sport. If you are a good rider, they will remember you for that, even if you are in the black and white uniform. If you are not a good rider, it is probably better to blend in rather than be remembered for the bright colour of your breeks or jacket, no matter how pretty they look on ebay.


where one judge wrote at another board she took points off for not being on the correct diagonal
Actually that was on this board from a poster, who it turns out, was not really a recognized judge.

[atr]

I was in the tack store the other day and saw a new range that begins with a "G" (helpful, I know, but they've been advertising everywhere--from Scandinavia, I think) and they had the most beautiful palest grey full seat breeches an all the matching shirts, etc.

They weren't cheap--about $250 for the breeches if I remember rightly, but they were nicely made.

[FancyFree]

I didn't catch the whole story on that one CatonLap, sorry.

Dressage judging is subjective to a certain extent, sometimes maybe a great extent. They have prefferenes that they aren't necessarily going to share with a scrbe. If it was strictly on performance, how do some owners of non-traditional breeds claim they find bias in the sport? Preferences do come into play.

[Trevelyan96]

I would love to have a brown dressage saddle and brown bridle with the white padding for my chestnuts. I think they're stunning.

[FriesianX]

Nope I never have. The trainer I was talking about has. BTW, how does scribing tell you how they think? I remember where one judge wrote at another board she took points off for not being on the correct diagonal, but in a way that it wasn't reflected in the scoring sheet. So yes, I think personal preferences may come in to play that the scribes and riders are not privy to.


I do believe that was an "L Grad", not a judge. L means Learner (speaking from experience since I am also an L Grad), which means we can judge schooling shows. It is a long path to become a recognized judge.

In the L program, the faculty actually discuss the posting diagonals and say it is NOT relevant unless it is disturbing the horse (i.e. on a circle, you could disrupt the horse's rhythm, then again, you may not).

As one who has scribed a TON, and who has judged several schooling shows, and who has sat with a lot of judges, VERY FEW even notice what someone is wearing unless it is wildly off base. I admit, a bright purple jacket might catch a judge's eye, but a dark eggplant one, likely not. There is SO MUCH to pay attention to when judging, the movements come quick, quick, quick, and in each movement, the judge is looking at the horse's gaits, the rider's influence on the horse, the horse's performance of the actual movement, the submission, the impulsion, AND quickly formulating a score and a comment. Do you really think they even notice whether you are wearing white versus cream versus light grey breeches?

A few years ago, a local trainer came down center line wearing a BRILLIANT red tie :eek: I'm not sure the judge noticed - the TD sure did, she made a comment to him about it being inappropriate and he should know better - although she didn't tell him it was against the rules. It was pretty funny. He was in the top 3 in the class, although I noticed the next day, his tie was white. And he wasn't in the top 3 :lol: Maybe that red tie was good luck?

[FancyFree]

A few years ago, a local trainer came down center line wearing a BRILLIANT red tie


Way to get noticed though. :lol: Is that against the rules btw?

[CatOnLap]

If it was strictly on performance, how do some owners of non-traditional breeds claim they find bias in the sport?

well, as you point out Dressage Judging is terribly subjective and this is supported by the study the CotH NerdHerd recently did on USDF scores for the last 2 show years (watch for their upcoming article in CotH).

However, the breed bias that is claimed by some is probably not as widespread as imagined, and may have more to do with particular breeds'way of natural movement. Its an old argument- when you have a horse bred for dressage, it is more likely to have movement that approximates the dressage judging standard than one who is bred for something else, like cutting cows or pulling carts. It would be like me entering the Miss USA pageant and claiming "ageism or fattism" if I didn't win - I wasn't exactly bred for a beauty pageant IYKWIM. :lol:

I ride warmbloods and appaloosas and quarter horses. I don't think a judge has ever knocked me down for having colour, but there is no doubt my warmbloods score higher, more easily and I wouldn't ever blame breed prejudice.

[egontoast]

I remember where one judge wrote at another board she took points off for not being on the correct diagonal, but in a way that it wasn't reflected in the scoring sheet.

That was Dressage Art on this board. She was in the L program but said that she would mark people down for 'wrong' diagonals but would not say so on the test so they would not be able to lodge a complaint.

Now she will run to the mods about this even though it's true, she said it and I can probably find the quote if necessary.

[SillyHorse]

Nope I never have. The trainer I was talking about has. BTW, how does scribing tell you how they think?
You'd be surprised how much judges talk to their scribes about what they think about all sorts of things.

[Ambrey]

Just do a search- there have been SO many discussions of this, and people showing at upper levels in conservative but non-traditional colors have reported no problems at all.

The comments people have gotten were for non-conservative colors- I think there was something about a bright teal saddle pad or something.

But it's interesting, as I'm shopping for "show" items I've been asking opinions on another board and a comment from someone in europe was that there, non-traditional is just not done. White breeches and white saddle pads, period.

White would vanish on my horse with a mostly white back- I was planning on black with silver trim. If I get a comment on my first recognized test that I would have scored higher with a white saddle pad, I'll let everyone know ;)

[FancyFree]

If I get a comment on my first recognized test that I would have scored higher with a white saddle pad, I'll let everyone know

Also if you get a comment saying you would have scored higher had you been riding a warmblood, you'll let us know that as well I hope. ;)

:rolleyes:

[FancyFree]

You'd be surprised how much judges talk to their scribes about what they think about all sorts of things.

No doubt they do. But generally they're not going to share their personal biases with a scribe, imo. Also those biases could be a completely subconscious thing.

Actually I'm glad to see the sport lightening up where people can be creative with their turn-out. Perhaps the judges are as well. So maybe the rider in the purple coat and pink pad will get a judge who adores her turn-out, or maybe she won't.

[carrie_girl]

Whereas I don't think the OP's proposed outfit is enough to really make a big negative impression (sounds lovely to me!) I DO think that what you wear, and turnout in general is a part of a judge's first impression. I can imagine a judge looking up and seeing a rider circling the ring wearing a bright purple coat with matching saddle pad thinking "hum, this should be interesting!". Now I don't think that would necessarily reflect on the score, but I do think a rider might have to overcome that first impression to get it. Like another poster said, if you are going to wear something outside of the norm, you better be good enough that your ride is more memorable than your outfit.

[Ambrey]

Whereas I don't think the OP's proposed outfit is enough to really make a big negative impression (sounds lovely to me!) I DO think that what you wear, and turnout in general is a part of a judge's first impression. I can imagine a judge looking up and seeing a rider circling the ring wearing a bright purple coat with matching saddle pad thinking "hum, this should be interesting!". Now I don't think that would necessarily reflect on the score, but I do think a rider might have to overcome that first impression to get it. Like another poster said, if you are going to wear something outside of the norm, you better be good enough that your ride is more memorable than your outfit.

LOL, I agree that the purple jacket would probably turn heads... I keep telling my friend I'm going to have one made but really I only say that because it's fun to watch her eyes roll ;)

No, there's a difference between "nontraditional" and "garish." I don't think any judge is going to lift an eyebrow as long as you stick with very conservative colors and the rules (light colored breeches, dark jacket).

[FriesianX]

Way to get noticed though. :lol: Is that against the rules btw?

Here are the dress rules (I didn't copy the section on waiving jackets, blah, blah, blah). The rules don't indicate a color for the tie/stock tie.:winkgrin:

DR120 Dress.
1. The dress code for Training through Fourth Levels is a short riding coat of conservative
color, with tie, choker or stock tie, white or light-colored breeches or jodhpurs, boots or jodhpur
boots, a hunt cap or riding hat with a hard shell, derby or top hat. A cutaway coat (modified
tailcoat) with short tails is permitted. Half chaps, gaiters and/or leggings are not allowed.
Gloves of conservative color are recommended. Exception: Riders through First Level may
wear half-chaps, gaiters or leggings in solid black or brown, without fringe, matching the color
of their boots, and made of smooth leather or leather-like material. The dress code for the FEI
Junior Tests, FEI Dressage Tests for 4, 5, and 6-year-old horses and the USEF test for 4-
year old horses is a short riding coat of conservative color, with stock or tie, breeches, hunt
cap or riding hat with a hard shell, derby or top hat. A dark tailcoat is also permitted for the
FEI Junior Tests. The dress code for FEI Pony Riders is dark coat or club uniform coat,
breeches or jodhpurs, white shirt with tie or hunting stock, gloves, boots and hunting cap; top
hat or bowler not allowed. Spurs are optional for all of the FEI Pony and Junior Tests, FEI Dressage
Tests for 4, 5, and 6-year-old horses and the USEF test for 4-year old horses. (See
DR120.8) BOD 1/13/08 Effective 12/1/08 EC 10/20/08 Effective immediately
2. For all tests above Fourth Level, the dress code is: a dark tailcoat with top hat, or a dark
jacket with a bowler hat or hunt cap, and white or light colored breeches, stock or tie, gloves,
and black riding boots. Spurs are mandatory for FEI tests (except as noted above under
DR120.1). (See DR120.8)
3. Members of the Armed Services and police units may ride in the uniform of their service
at any level. Riders choosing to wear Armed Services or police uniform must wear the appropriate
military/police cap or hat for their branch of service, or protective headgear.
4. Riders at all levels of competition must wear one of the following: A hunt cap or riding hat
with a hard shell, derby or top hat, military/police cap or hat, or protective headgear. Any exhibitor
may wear protective headgear at any level of competition without penalty from the
judge. Exhibitors choosing to wear protective headgear must wear a short, dark jacket, dark
tail coat (only permitted for tests above Fourth Level), or Armed Services or police uniform (if
eligible), dark hatcovers (where applicable) and must otherwise conform to DR120 (see
GR801).

[Beasmom]

It might turn stomachs...

A nice eggplant colored coat I can see, and imagine it would be very attractive. Likewise almost-black versions of other colors. I love me a dark, dark green, for instance. And it would look fine with my champagne-colored stock, breeches, gloves and saddle pad.

I have a 17-year-old Pikeur coat that still looks spectacular on me, good ol' traditional black, no fancy piping, velvet collars or any bling other than the silver Pikeur buttons. I love that coat and fight the weight battle every spring so I can fit into it. One. More. Year.

My concession to "bling" is an array of very nice Southwest Indian pins for my stocktie and very small, tasteful earrings to match. Oh, and Figaro has two cool "People on Horses" browbands to match my jewelry of the day.

I wouldn't mind seeing a few tasteful options in show shirts & stockties, very pale pastels, for instance. My champagne/eggshell/antique white is well within the "conservative" range, and looks much better on most people than stark white does. Especially if you're older (and I am).

[Soldier06]

Absolutely! My mom does I1 with her chesnut horse and hates black and white. He goes in all brown tack and she wears cream breeches/shirt/stocktie with a navy shadbelly. The horse wears a cream saddle pad, or if at a more "local" show wears a cream pad with navy piping or navy pad w/a cream and silver twisted piping (I believe they are Eskadron pads). On his bridle he wears a autumn crystal browband.

Most of her stuff is from EuroAmerican or Dressage Extentions. :) I believe most of it is Pikeur or Cavallo.

ETA-Reading some of the posts about judges first impressions reminded me of a story. For the NEDA championship my sister (at the time about 8) painted a HUGE bright pink heart on BOTH his front feet,this was the day before. My mom couldn't get it off so she left it. Said horse has quite the toe-flicking extension so his pink feet were flinging all over. At the end of the test when my mom walked up to the judge she said "His feet are adorable! I loved it! You must have a daughter". :lol: What are the chances.

[Ambrey]

Soldier, you must share a photo, that sounds absolutely gorgeous!

[Ambrey]

It might turn stomachs...

A nice eggplant colored coat I can see, and imagine it would be very attractive. Likewise almost-black versions of other colors. I love me a dark, dark green, for instance. And it would look fine with my champagne-colored stock, breeches, gloves and saddle pad.

Eggplant sounds lovely. Were I to admit that I'd prefer that to purple, though, my planned someday april fool's joke to buy some sort of garish saddleseat coat and show it to all of the dressage people at the barn as my new show coat might not work :winkgrin:

[GreekDressageQueen]

Since some of you are wearing similar colors to what I'm trying to put together - where did you get the off white colored gloves? I found a "champagne" pair in Dressage Extensions but it was more cream than off-white. The pair of breeches I'm trying to match are the Irideon Cadence in Willow. I tried to copy a pic in here but the photos are protected. In a pinch, I guess I could wear black gloves and be done with it, but I really want to wear light-colored gloves to show off my steady hands.

I couldn't find any cream breeches or off-white that weren't $300+ dollars. <sigh> Don't get me started on the fact that I can't find white breeches in just a knee patch. I know *everyone* loves full seats, but I don't. They make me feel like I crapped my pants, I feel too constricted in the thigh, and I just generally hate the way they feel/look. Judges can't even SEE my butt - well yes it is quite large so he/she will see it - but they can't see my breeches under my jacket to even care.

I spent all day looking for things to match and it is really frustrating. I am probably going to have to go back to white just to make it easier. <double sigh> Or until I have enough money to get everything custom-made. I did find a website selling leather gloves for casual/driving use and there were some gorgeous colors, but nothing in an off-white or bone color.

"And God said to the DQ - thou shalt not wear a purple riding jacket." :lol:

[SillyHorse]

So maybe the rider in the purple coat and pink pad will get a judge who adores her turn-out, or maybe she won't.
Why would you say that? Who said anything about purple jackets and pink pads? :sigh:

[FancyFree]

On his bridle he wears a autumn crystal browband.

Did she have her brow band custom made? If she would let you post a picture, I'd love to see it. The cream combination is a possibility that I'd be interested in. But that's as radical as I get. :lol:

The only thing about the cream is I've heard that it can difficult to get good matches with your breeches, gloves and pad.


"And God said to the DQ - thou shalt not wear a purple riding jacket."

You said it, not me. :lol:

[Beasmom]

GDQ, my two pairs of off-white gloves are SSG and Millers. The SSG is a synthetic leather-like material that is very nice and grippy. I will have to look up these willow colored breeches to know what exactly you're looking for.

Oh, yes, white breeches with only knee patches exist! In the long ago past, I had a pair. My "champagne" breeches are by Aanstadt Das (They are also several years old, but brought out only for shows) in one of the high tech fabrics Sonya switched to after Equissentials started up. Equissentials, by the way, might be a possible source for you.

Off to look up those willow Irideons!

[Carolinadreamin']

SillyHorse, there was a few references to purple jackets here although I didn't notice one about a pink showpad. I don't think those posts help the OP with her original question though.

GreekDressageQueen, Irideon's Cadence riding breeches come in white without the full seat, just the knee patches.

[Beasmom]

Have a look at Roeckl Chester gloves. They are offered in a very nice ivory color. Dover Catalog, Adams Pet Supply, and others.

Looked at the Irideon Cadence in Willow at Adams Pet. Very nice!

Back to look for other options....

[GreekDressageQueen]

GreekDressageQueen, Irideon's Cadence riding breeches come in white without the full seat, just the knee patches.

Yes, but not in the 1X. I find the XL a little too snug for my tastes and my big butt. :) The legs are not as much of a problem as in the belly - I hate it when it creases my waist and causes bulges.

[GreekDressageQueen]

Have a look at Roeckl Chester gloves. They are offered in a very nice ivory color. Dover Catalog, Adams Pet Supply, and others.

Looked at the Irideon Cadence in Willow at Adams Pet. Very nice!

Back to look for other options....

I will have to check out those gloves. Thanks!!!!

[FriesianX]

Don't get me started on the fact that I can't find white breeches in just a knee patch. :lol:

I buy the dressage patch breeches from Equuisentials - they are a long knee patch, nothing on the seat, and they come in every color (and size) you could imagine! I do usually show in full seats, but for everyday riding, I much prefer the non-full seat too, they are more comfortable.

[McVillesMom]

VTO Saddlery's pull on breeches with knee patch come in white - but it looks like only up to size 34:

http://www.vtosaddlery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=VTO&Product_Code=VSPB&Category_Code=BRCH

[GreekDressageQueen]

I buy the dressage patch breeches from Equuisentials - they are a long knee patch, nothing on the seat, and they come in every color (and size) you could imagine! I do usually show in full seats, but for everyday riding, I much prefer the non-full seat too, they are more comfortable.

Oh I really wish you hadn't shown me this!!!!!! :lol::lol: I am IN LOVE with this company already and fear I will have to buy several pairs - my husband is not very happy. :D But the dressage patch breech is only $169 and it's custom whereas I was going to spend $125 for Irideons off the rack.

How does the French Terry hold up though? Did you get any colored leather with the white breeches? I think the black leather or gold would look nice off the saddle and nobody will see it while I'm on. Wow...you just opened Pandora's box for me.

[Beasmom]

Equissential's French Terry wears like iron. I have several pairs -- the first pair is probably 5 or 6 years old and still looks fabulous. I bought them shortly after they spun off from Aanstadt Das.

Hey, riding clothes manufacturers! Y'all need to offer some nice matching cream-colored show stuff. Really. Not everyone looks good in stark white. The rules allow "light" colored breeches. we're not strictly limited to white.

[spaghetti legs]

Why don't you just just wear what you wore last year to the first show and check out what everyone else is wearing to shows in your area and then go update your show wardrobe should it need it.

I'm really quite certain that for a local and smaller schooling show, neat, tidy and traditional really is the best approach, especially because trends come and go and you can be assured that your jacket etc is going to go the distance and what you might think looks cool today, will have you embarassed later down the track - or out of pocket. I notice that some posters have jackets that are many years old and they must have been very tastefully chosen, classic and beautifully made if they are still acceptably worn today.

[Coreene]

Just a quick aside re breech color. Three European riders tonite at World Cup wore cream breeches; Jan Brink, Monica Thedorescu and I forget the other one. White pads.

[Ambrey]

Cream breeches and white pads?

I was going to say that I read somewhere that there were riders in cream at the olympics.

[MEP]

Jan Brink has always worn cream breeches and that was my inspiration to get cream from Equissentials a couple of years ago! When I had my chestnut, I used a cream pad. Now with a grey my preference is for black.

Also, Jeanette Haazen, at the World Cup, had lots o'bling - around the collar on her jacket, on the saddle pad as well as the bling browband, on her boots, and even on the ends of her horses' braids! it was (somewhat) subtle, but it was definitely there. Course, she had the all pink schooling outfit as well. Pink shirt, pink striped breeches, pink saddle pad, and pink polos! With sparkles EVERYWHERE! Really fun. Minna Telde had lovely brown tack for her chestnut, plus she schooled in brown boots which matched her tack. There have been other threads mentioning brown tall boots for schooling and boy, they sure looked great!

[Kyrie]

I really hope other colours (tasteful cream, beige, pale silver etc) do become acceptable in the dressage arena at all levels. White jods/breeches are hideous, not to mention see through in the rain :eek:

[slc2]

I actually think black and cream look really good....but....the colors like that often add a lot of expense to the clothing budget and it's much harder to match colors than black and white. There's also a lot of used clothing out there in black and white. It's usually the cheapest and most practical route to stick to black and white....or even cheaper, re-use old cloths from the hunter shows. It won't matter at a small show.

[Carolinadreamin']

slc2 has a great point there. What to wear is about the last thing I want to worry about when getting ready for a show, even a schooling show. Sticking to the basics makes it simple and cheap (buying used, love it).

[quietann]

Well, the traditionalists among you may breathe a sigh of relief; palomino Miss Feronia gets a white pad with light blue and royal blue cording, simply because with a show 1 week away, that's the best I could do in local tack shops. She's so little and short-backed that most dressage pads are too big for her, and her withers are so high and laid-back that she needs something with some shaping in front rather than square, so I don't have a lot of choices. The pad I got is a Roma all-purpose; the Roma pads work well on her.

(evidence of how nice she looks in royal blue, and OMG those withers! can be found at http://annsrats.com/horses/feronia/april2009/indoor4.jpg. Yes, we occasionally fool around with groundwork in a rope halter...)

I think I may have moved away from cream for her anyway; she doesn't have the classic Palomino white mane and tail, but cream/yellow only seems to emphasize how non-white it is.

Question: the new pad is needless to say a bit stiff. Should I wash it before I use it?

(I am still wearing tan breeches, but I hardly consider that an issue for schooling shows...)

[Demeter]

No doubt they do. But generally they're not going to share their personal biases with a scribe, imo. Also those biases could be a completely subconscious thing.


I think I've scribed for only one or two judges in many years who didn't have quiet asides about this or that. My experience runs from L candidates to non-US judges at CDIs. I've heard a great deal about preferences--nearly all of them regarding how a horse moves per its apparent breeding.

I have heard remarks about untidy hair, or stock ties that are out of control, even the lining of a coat (but not its color, interestingly).

All of those remarks were about something that distracted the judge by detracting from the ride. None of them seemed to influence scores above or below the line. Granted, I attend shows mostly in my own region, so have little experience with judges who mostly work elsewhere in the States.

Here's my bad-scribe confession. I have asked judges with whom I'm friendly (relationship developed over years) what they thought of a particular coat, or whether that rider "should" have a top hat, for example, after a test is completed and sheet handed in ... and I always get a blank look and the reply like "what are you talking about?"

I believe strongly that it's those of us *not* tasked with the responsibility of evaluating the performance of a dressage test that care more about what anyone is or is not wearing.

Follow the rules of "lighter than" and "darker than", ride like a good dream, and enjoy yourselves.

[SillyHorse]

I really hope other colours (tasteful cream, beige, pale silver etc) do become acceptable in the dressage arena at all levels.
They ARE acceptable, and perfectly legal.

[quietann]

I hate hairnets, with a passion. I have yet to get one onto and off my head without tearing it, which sort of defeats the purpose. And I look really weird with all my hair tucked under my helmet. My hair is shoulder length or slightly shorter and curly, not really suitable for a "dressage bun" because the front bits won't be contained in a ponytail. Short hair is not an option (it really bothers my husband).

So... hairnet? Or are there alternatives?

[BaroqueLady]

I think that if you believe you look fabulous in your show duds and your horse
looks stunning in the pad/tack you have chosen, you will ride better.
Attitude is important...belief in self and abilities is essential...and training is all.

[slc2]

That's the first conformation shot I've seen of that palomino mare, quietann. WOW is she uphill. What a beautifully built horse.

BaroqueLady said it well - if one feels confident one rides better, and being decked out as you like gives confidence. Just...then confidence is expensive...LOL.

[Beasmom]

"The clothes make the man (or woman)?"

I think so. Look sharp, feel sharp, ride sharp!

My solution for unruly hair: I cut it all off!

If your hair is not suitable for a "traditional" dressage bun, and not long enough to be French-braided down the back of your head, can it be pulled back and put in a snood?

[FriesianX]

Oh I really wish you hadn't shown me this!!!!!! :lol::lol: I am IN LOVE with this company already and fear I will have to buy several pairs - my husband is not very happy. :D But the dressage patch breech is only $169 and it's custom whereas I was going to spend $125 for Irideons off the rack.

How does the French Terry hold up though? Did you get any colored leather with the white breeches? I think the black leather or gold would look nice off the saddle and nobody will see it while I'm on. Wow...you just opened Pandora's box for me.

I've had pairs that have lasted me YEARS! I finally busted through the knnes of my FIRST pair of French Terry Equusentials, they were 7 years old when they gave up the ghost, and I wore them all over, did barn work in them, went shopping in them, rode two horses/day in them, they were FABULOUS. I've got a few pairs that are 4 years old now and still look very sharp.

And the dressage patch is so much less expensive than the full seats. I have NOT mixed up the colors on light breeches - my understanding is dark dye can leak out onto light material, although I yearn for some black stars on my light deerskin (to match my black and white pinto horse:winkgrin:). I think you could go light colored to light colored... Always worth a call to them - see what they can do.

[FriesianX]

I hate hairnets, with a passion. I have yet to get one onto and off my head without tearing it, which sort of defeats the purpose. And I look really weird with all my hair tucked under my helmet. My hair is shoulder length or slightly shorter and curly, not really suitable for a "dressage bun" because the front bits won't be contained in a ponytail. Short hair is not an option (it really bothers my husband).

So... hairnet? Or are there alternatives?

I finally tried one of those bun things with the clips on the sides - and lots of bobby pins and hair spray. My hair is just below shoulder length and very fine - I can never contain it all. Hairnets, forget it, with fine hair, the wisps always escape everywhere. If I can contain the majority of it in a bun, then glue down the rest, it is the best option I've found. Of course, if you have thicker hair, you MIGHT be able to do a double french braid and tuck the ends up under your helmet?

[GreekDressageQueen]

Why don't you just just wear what you wore last year to the first show and check out what everyone else is wearing to shows in your area and then go update your show wardrobe should it need it.

I'm really quite certain that for a local and smaller schooling show, neat, tidy and traditional really is the best approach, especially because trends come and go and you can be assured that your jacket etc is going to go the distance and what you might think looks cool today, will have you embarassed later down the track - or out of pocket. I notice that some posters have jackets that are many years old and they must have been very tastefully chosen, classic and beautifully made if they are still acceptably worn today.

Well, last year I was an eventer and had many other colors to choose from. This is year I decided to just do dressage so I have to update my wardrobe appropriately. What passes as acceptable for eventing doesn't always pass in dressage. So out goes my black double vented coat, my navy plaid hunt coat, my colored pads and the matching colored rubber reins. :winkgrin:

As for looking around at others...well there are only a handful of people who "do" dressage in my area and most of them ride Arabians and have other show customs/fashions to follow. We don't have any local shows just some fun schooling shows where people wear whatever so unless I really want to sport that purple jacket...:lol:

And the reason I am really focused on the clothing issue is that I'm trying to qualify for 3rd level championships at a recognized show. I've been around long enough to know that what you wear matters so I just want to make sure I do it right. Eventing only for the last 14 or so years has really spoiled me. :) I haven't had to wear white breeches since I was showing jumpers in high school!!!!

Thanks for all the posts everyone!

[GreekDressageQueen]

If your hair is not suitable for a "traditional" dressage bun, and not long enough to be French-braided down the back of your head, can it be pulled back and put in a snood?

What is a snood? :eek:

Great, now I have to worry about my hair. I have long, thick, curly hair that hangs halfway down my back. I was going to braid it and put everything in a hairnet. I hope this will okay.

[Kyrie]

They ARE acceptable, and perfectly legal.

Clearly NZ is behind the times as I'm still seeing white jods :)

[kookicat]

I hate hairnets, with a passion. I have yet to get one onto and off my head without tearing it, which sort of defeats the purpose. And I look really weird with all my hair tucked under my helmet. My hair is shoulder length or slightly shorter and curly, not really suitable for a "dressage bun" because the front bits won't be contained in a ponytail. Short hair is not an option (it really bothers my husband).

So... hairnet? Or are there alternatives?

I french plait mine, though it sounds a little bit longer than yours. The plait keeps the shorter bits tidy, can you can turn the tail into a neat bun.

[Beasmom]

www.headcoverings-by-devorah.com/Headcoverings_Snoods

Look up Snood or Snoods in Google to find out more about snoods. There is one woman (Lady MacSnood) who offers hand-crocheted snoods.

I didn't look through all the sites since I have no hair (!) to put in a snood, but it seems snoods come in different sizes, called "cauls" or "bun covers", which I suppose would be similar to our Show Bows.

anyway, might be an option to hairnets, and a bit more attractive.

[spaghetti legs]

GDQ, my second paragraph wasn't aimed at you :) I apologise if it seemed as thought I was taking a dig. Good luck with your qualification!!!

[SillyHorse]

This is year I decided to just do dressage so I have to update my wardrobe appropriately. What passes as acceptable for eventing doesn't always pass in dressage.
I don't understand. There is legal and there is not legal. There is no "acceptable."

So out goes my black double vented coat
Why? It's perfectly fine.

I've been around long enough to know that what you wear matters so I just want to make sure I do it right.
You just said you've just started doing pure dressage. I think you have been around the wrong people. The judges don't care. So knock yourself out buying what you percieve to be "acceptable" clothes, but I doubt it will help get you the championship. What you wear does NOT matter, as long as it's legal.

[FancyFree]

And the reason I am really focused on the clothing issue is that I'm trying to qualify for 3rd level championships at a recognized show. I've been around long enough to know that what you wear matters so I just want to make sure I do it right. Eventing only for the last 14 or so years has really spoiled me. I haven't had to wear white breeches since I was showing jumpers in high school!!!!


You wrote that your trainer would be happy if you go traditional, so just do that. You can't go wrong with classics. I absolutely agree that a nice, neat, tasteful turn-out matters in your overall look. It won't help your riding or your horse's performance, but it can't hurt.

Good luck! You must be very excited. I hope you'll post a pic of what you end up wearing. :)

[FriesianX]

For those who are interested in some fun colors and patterns for dressage shirts, check out Tack of the Day today! They have some really pretty shirts in rose, lavendar, light blue, and white with white patterns! I'll admit, I didn't get brave enough to buy COLORS, but I did go for patterns;) The rose shirt is calling to me though - but it clashes with my black and white stallion, and will clash with my chestnut and white pinto yearling, darn it...