what to wear to a clinic?

[GGsuperpony]

I'm attending my first-ever clinic next weekend, and I'm trying to decide what to wear. The clinician is Francesca Mazella, who was a Big Eq rider in the 80s - won the Maclay and what I think was called the AHSA medal final in the same year IIRC. The clinic is not a terribly formal situation - local trainer invited her for her own students then opened it to others since there was space available. It's to be held in the outdoor ring at the local trainer's farm.

In terms of practicalities, the day will likely be hot and I imagine we'll be in direct sun for two hours. If it isn't hot, it will be raining. (Oh well - this is Georgia so with the humidity we'll be pretty damp by the end either way!)

Here are my options:

Breeches:

TS Trophy Hunter breeches in tan
TS two-way stretch breeches in green-beige (I find very uncomfortable though, PLUS don't want to wear in the rain since they shrink)
Platinum breeches (not sold anymore - like TS but a little shinier, heavier) in light tan


Shirts:

Nice short-sleeved navy or light pink polo
Nice long-sleeved button-up (will have to buy if I go with this option - seersucker, perhaps? my nice seersucker one is too small :no: )
Nice coolmax pale blue show shirt, no choker, unbuttoned at the collar


Gloves:

Clean off-white crochet/pigskin gloves
Black show gloves (hot!)


Helmet and boots:
No choice here - a navy GPA, an older one that's almost the same as the charcoal color; and of course, black field boots.

So - what would you wear? I need fashion help - I'd rather be a little overdressed than even a tiny bit under-dressed!

[Pirateer]

I would wear the Trophy Hunters, the navy polo, crochet gloves, and the navy GPA :)

[MR]

I agree.
* TS Trophy Hunter breeches in tan
* Nice short-sleeved navy polo
* Clean off-white crochet/pigskin gloves
* a navy GPA
* black field boots

You want to be considerate and professional-looking, but also comfortable.

Have fun!

[heartinrye]

I would wear the Trophy Hunters, the navy polo, crochet gloves, and the navy GPA :)

Ditto.

Also- (pet peeve!) its Maclay, not McClay.

[CraziiPonii]

I would wear the Trophy Hunters, the navy polo, crochet gloves, and the navy GPA :)

I agree. Just look neat, clean and professional and make sure your horse(or horse your riding) is too. Have Fun!!

[DancingQueen]

Agree with above posters although I would go navy and black gloves if it by chance was cooler or rained and a the light pink and pale gloves if it was hot.

Also I would make sure to carry a stick and wear a small pair of spurs (or just keep them handy) even if it is not part of your usual get up.
Also if you have a stronger bit for showing and something lighter for at home, you might want to go with the lighter bridle. In my experience many clinicians prefer less bridle over too much.
If you are not sure discuss it with your regular trainer beforehand.

Have fun!

[Wizard of Oz's]

I'd go with the tan trophy hunters, navy polo, show gloves, navy gpa, and field boots. I agree with whoever said to bring spurs and a stick, and to use the lighter bridle if you use more than one. If you use different bits on your horse, I'd bring them just in case.

[kaazs]

I'd go with the polo, black show gloves, and the TS Trophy Hunters. Very similar outfit to what I wore at my clinic earlier this month. Good luck at the clinic :)

[Addison]

Black gloves as light colored ones will draw too much attention to your hands. I think the navy polo would look smart but in the Georgia heat I would go for one in micro-fiber/cool max.

[LookinSouth]

I would wear the Trophy Hunters, the navy polo, crochet gloves, and the navy GPA :)


ditto. I personally wouldn't wear the black show gloves if their hot. I hate hot sweaty hands and for a clinic I think clean, classic crochet gloves are perfectly acceptable.

I agree with whoever said bring spurs/crop/assortment of your usual bits.

[Aliascml]

I agree with MR. The navy polo, TS breeches, crochet gloves, GPA and Field boots should look very nice and be comfortable. :)

[GGsuperpony]

Thanks everyone, for your help!

I decided to buy a new polo shirt for the occasion. I worried the navy one would be WAY hot. And plus, Memorial Day weekend = sales!

So here is the final outfit:

Navy GPA
Medium-gray polo
Ivory/pigskin crochet gloves
Tan TS trophy hunter side-zips
Black field boots (of course)

Thanks everyone for your help! My biggest concern was that a polo and crochet gloves would be okay, and it sounds like the consensus is yes. Thanks again!