waived coats, what about fei tests at usdf show

[carovet]

I can't remember what is typical -- once coats are waived do you see people riding the fei tests without coats or do most people still wear the shadbelly?

[eggbutt]

I've never, ever seen an FEI test ridden coatless!

[slc2]

It would be the true emblem of a wussie.

[Classical DQ]

When coats are waived it most likely includes the FEI tests as well. This is for national classes. Coats are waived due to health concerns, not vanity!! Temps in the 80's with humidity can put the feeling into the 90's. That may not be too bad for most that live in the south, but when temps are in the 90's and 100's and you figure in humidity you are looking at over 100!! The fact that you are even riding and showing proves you are no 'wussie'. (Not that you should feel the need to prove that!!!)
So...short sleeve shirt, no stock tie. If you have a light colored cooling vest you may wear it!! New rule for this year!!! Be safe!

[slc2]

Let's see who does it.

When Jane Cleveland didn't take her coat off at a very hot show for an FEI class, there was a shout of hallelujia, clapping and cries of 'WHAT A WOMAN!'

It is, in fact quite literally, a red-faced badge of courage.

I don't blame anyone who wants to shuck their coat, but most of the people at FEI are so fit they can stand 10 minutes of being boiling hot, no matter the heat index. And I bet you a nice lunch those who keep their coats on will still get a cheer.

If you argue that is not common sense, what exactly about riding gigantic livestock around in circles in or not in wool clothing, in the sun on a 110 degree day, DOES demonstrate common sense? If any of us had any sense we'd be sitting in the shade in our backyards drinking a mint julep and expressing concern about the laboring classes.

[trooper345]

FEI class = WEAR YOUR COAT :D

[SillyHorse]

Why? Will being overheated and in danger of illness make you ride better?

[mademoiselle]

I don't get it ... It's one thing to be doing the only sport where you wear a top hat and a wool coat, but I don't get the it's boiling hot and you should suffer 10 minutes because of the look.

I mean we always want people to think that riding horses is a sport, but we don't treat it like one. I love traditions, I love the nice picture of a very well braided/groomed horse. I think that to some extent the shadbelly andthe top hat are nice, may be a tad over the top, but it gives a very nice overall picture and pleases the look.
Personally, I'm not a big fan of the top hat, just because I think that my head is more important than a fashion statement so it will be helmet for me thank you. But the whole badge of honor, you are so cool because you rode with a wool coat is beyond me.
A good dressage test is not judged on what you are wearing, or it shouldn't ... so, if you ride a great test, who cares what you are wearing.
If your attire is what matters, time to start beauty pageants.

Dressage is a sport, treat it like one.

Off my soap box.

I can't wait to ride FEI with a helmet and coatless:winkgrin:

Just to prove my point Anky and Isabell, could wear purple short, and tank tops and still beat most of us on our best days all decked up, so ...

[Quest52]

When I would ride my FEI tests I think my trainer would have disowned me if I would have ridden without my coat. They would be waived, the weather above 100 degrees, and my shadbelly would be in a bucket of ice to be worn, soaking wet.

Though, the lady that I ride with now who use to have two very nice trakhaner stallions though Grand Prix was always the first one to take her coat off if it was waived, and it never bothered her scores.

[CDNJumperGirl]

iirc they disallowed coats at last year's NAJYRC in Colorado. I remember seeing the pictures and thinking 'why wouldnt they have just worn their coat for 10 minutes' ;) but if the show forbids coats due to heat, then thats another story. That WAS and fei event, it was the North American friggin championships! Makes me think differently about being silly and putting on my coat in blazing heat to ride national level test....

[mademoiselle]

When I would ride my FEI tests I think my trainer would have disowned me if I would have ridden without my coat. They would be waived, the weather above 100 degrees, and my shadbelly would be in a bucket of ice to be worn, soaking wet.

:eek::eek::eek:


Last time, somebody told me what I should wear, I was 8 I think :lol::lol::lol:


I already knew that I was not a hard core DQ, but know it's a fact.;)

[Reiter]

I've never heard of or seen people clapping because someone is wearing a coat in broiling temps. That's silly! I do agree it looks better with the coat and I try to keep mine on if possible. I actually don't show in the summer because I can't handle the heat (even without a coat). I'm very fit, but I'm one of those strange people that doesn't sweat enough, so I overheat and get nauseous! I really shouldn't live in California! ;)
There is a reason coats are waved. It is a health issue and a personal choice, so if heat doesn't bother you then leave it on. As far as it being a batch of braveness or something, that's just utterly rediculous! No wonder dressage has a bad name with other deciplines. I totally agree with mademoiselle! There are too many princesses that should be in beauty pagents! Where is the barfing icon when you need it! :no:

[monstrpony]

... and, heaven knows, it's not dressage if you don't suffer enough!

[Quest52]

:eek::eek::eek:


Last time, somebody told me what I should wear, I was 8 I think :lol::lol::lol:


I already knew that I was not a hard core DQ, but know it's a fact.;)


I was doing Young Riders. So though I wasn't 8, I was about 15.

Now though... I don't think I've ever seen my trainer ride with no coat. Humph (???)

[eggbutt]

I can't wait to ride FEI with a helmet and coatless:winkgrin:


Heck, you work so hard and long to be able to ride a shadbelly, no one wants to go without it! :lol::lol::lol:


Just to prove my point Anky and Isabell, could wear purple short, and tank tops and still beat most of us on our best days all decked up, so ...

When Anky, Isabell and Edgar ride "coatless" it will become the fad and all will follow suit! :yes::yes::yes: Until then I can't imagine anyone I know shedding their shadbelly.

[eggbutt]

6. In extreme heat and/or humidity in all classes including FEI classes at National Competitions, management can allow competitors to show without jackets. However, competitors must wear a regulation hat and solid white or very pale colored long or short sleeved shirt, without neckwear. T-shirts are not permitted. Members of the Armed Services or police units may wear summer uniforms.

[mjhco]

iirc they disallowed coats at last year's NAJYRC in Colorado. I remember seeing the pictures and thinking 'why wouldnt they have just worn their coat for 10 minutes' ;) but if the show forbids coats due to heat, then thats another story. That WAS and fei event, it was the North American friggin championships! Makes me think differently about being silly and putting on my coat in blazing heat to ride national level test....

First, the coats were waived due to the heat. EVERYONE wore their coats.

Then one rider had to stop in the middle of her test with dry heaves and almost came off her horse at the walk because she was so overheated. She was allowed a reride.

Then a couple riders later showed severe heat distress during the bit check. At that point the head of the ground jury forbade coats.

[yaya]

I've never, ever seen an FEI test ridden coatless!

Here, both the temp and humidity can be in the 90s at the same time.

When coats are waived, coats are GONE, even up to Grand Prix.

[Melyni]

but only in USDF classes not in a CDI, then they have to wear coats.
Friggin stupid in mind. We want to be thought of as athletes and then we wear clothing from an 18th century drawing room!
I think a neat shirt and breeches with boots ad a suitable helmet are just dandy! And if I get to ride FEI in the heat (which hopefully will be soon) you betcha that I will discard the coat as soon as I can.
MW

[FriesianX]

I've seen people show GP without a boiler suit, ahem, I mean coat. It gets to be 100 to 110 here in the Summer - and amazingly, there aren't many covered arenas! Generally, in the bigger shows, there is one indoor arena, and the FEI classes are there, so you see most riders fully clothed, but in the shows without an indoor, when the Summer heat hits, people shorten their warm up and toss their jackets. Even some of the FEI rides.

I look forward to the day when a conservative colored vest becomes allowable show attire! As someone who has suffered from heat exhaustion more than once:eek: One year, one of the competitor's HORSES heat stroked, that was scary! I dont think it is a matter of toughing it out, it can become a matter of health - in high humidity or high heat!

[poor-horse]

For those of you who keep saying "if" or "when" I get to FEI, I'll shed the coat..... Why don't you shut up wait til you do get there to speak on this matter? For those of us who've waited, worked and donned the shadbelly with pride - I for one, can say, I'm incredibly proud and happy to wear it no matter what the weather.

For those who think it's too hazardous to ride with a show coat in extreme heat...maybe you simply shouldn't show when it's hot!!!!! :confused:

[XenophonKnows]

First, the coats were waived due to the heat. EVERYONE wore their coats.

Then one rider had to stop in the middle of her test with dry heaves and almost came off her horse at the walk because she was so overheated. She was allowed a reride.

Then a couple riders later showed severe heat distress during the bit check. At that point the head of the ground jury forbade coats.

Sad, isn't it. That the pressure to conform is SO STRONG that CHILDREN have to be a step away from the brink for people to get common sense. Many Thanks to that "Head of the ground jury" for stepping forward.

Hopefully the young people participating learned from the experience.

Riding without a jacket WILL NOT KILL YOU. But being vain, thick headed, and conformist enough to ride with one MIGHT KILL YOU.

[JackSprats Mom]

For those of you who keep saying "if" or "when" I get to FEI, I'll shed the coat..... Why don't you shut up wait til you do get there to speak on this matter? For those of us who've waited, worked and donned the shadbelly with pride - I for one, can say, I'm incredibly proud and happy to wear it no matter what the weather.

Just a thought...maybe it shouldn't be the JACKET that makes you proud but the horse;)

Honestly, I can't believe folks would be so proud of a jacket that they would suffer that much in the heat....10 mins of riding a test is hard blooy work!

ITS JUST A FREAKIN JACKET PEOPLE...maybe its time to start focusing on what dressage is REALLY about and not the clothes, saddle, breed or whatever else needs to be in fashion to be a real DQ.

[slc2]

I know it may be viewed as sacrilege by the clothies, but you CAN ride FEI in a short jacket.

[poor-horse]

Just a thought...maybe it shouldn't be the JACKET that makes you proud but the horse;)

Honestly, I can't believe folks would be so proud of a jacket that they would suffer that much in the heat....10 mins of riding a test is hard blooy work!

ITS JUST A FREAKIN JACKET PEOPLE...maybe its time to start focusing on what dressage is REALLY about and not the clothes, saddle, breed or whatever else needs to be in fashion to be a real DQ.
Like I said, if it's too hot for you, don't show. If you don't like the required attire, don't show, or find a new discipline.

I've been proud of my FEI horse since I birthed her here. All the way from Training level on up - and I did it all myself. So don't speak to me of pride. You have no idea.

[Ambrey]

Like I said, if it's too hot for you, don't show. If you don't like the required attire, don't show, or find a new discipline.


Uh, the point was, it's not required attire, if it's waived. And the shadbelly isn't an accomplishment in itself, it's a piece of clothing.

If you can't be proud of your accomplishment without a jacket when it's 110 degrees out, it might be you need a little bit of perspective :yes: The pride should be what you feel after riding the test in front of the judge, no matter what shape of textiles you have on your body.

[Carolinadreamin']

One year, one of the competitor's HORSES heat stroked, that was scary! I dont think it is a matter of toughing it out, it can become a matter of health - in high humidity or high heat!

Exactly. When it is that bad, I am not willing to risk the health of my daughter or my horse. We stay home.

[not again]

http://www.paddocksaddlery.com/browse.cfm/4,1529.html

[slc2]

"Don't speak to me of pride. You have no idea"

I think you just told us.

[yaya]

Cooling vests don't work in high humidity. The water can't evaporate to cool you if the air around you is already saturated. So now you're hot AND wet.

[mademoiselle]

For those of you who keep saying "if" or "when" I get to FEI, I'll shed the coat..... Why don't you shut up wait til you do get there to speak on this matter? For those of us who've waited, worked and donned the shadbelly with pride - I for one, can say, I'm incredibly proud and happy to wear it no matter what the weather.

For those who think it's too hazardous to ride with a show coat in extreme heat...maybe you simply shouldn't show when it's hot!!!!! :confused:

Well, for some of us that are not as 'cool' as you are because you wear a shadbelly and we don't, not showing when it's hot is not an option.
You see tomorrow I'm showing my horse and it's supposed to be between a 105 and 110 with a 90% humidity. I'm pretty good with the heat, I'm one of those that deal pretty well with it. But you know what no way, I'm going to wear my coat.

We are talking about a coat ... Come on people, it's a freaking piece of fabric. There are more important things in life. At least in my life, there is.:yes:

[poor-horse]

"Don't speak to me of pride. You have no idea"

I think you just told us.
slc - you're pretty good at sticking your opinion in here ALL the time also! ;)

FWIW - I personally don't care if you all wear a coat or not; if you faint from heat exhaustion or not. I said I'm wearing mine, and if you don't like it, fine, but don't bitch about it. Don't pass judgment until you actually get to wear the shad...which is what this thread is about in the first place.

[mademoiselle]

So, till I ride FEI, I can't have an opinion.

Wow, it's a good thing I'm planning on starting to ride at PSG this coming fall, because I love to give my opinion.

And last I knew, the thread was actually about waved coats, not about 'how cool you are when you wear a shadbelly'.

And I could care less if you wear yours or not. I don't judge people that wear one, everybody is free to do whatever they want.

[Ambrey]

Don't pass judgment until you actually get to wear the shad...which is what this thread is about in the first place.

Uh, yeah, someone needs some perspective.

But apparently we all just do NOT understand, because we're not nearly as awesome as she is.

[slc2]

um...yeah.

Actually I think it is cooler if you soak your clothes, even if it's humid out. I can't imagine why, but it does seem to help. Bathing also helps, rinsing oneself off tends to pull heat out of one's body. One awful hot day I saw a gal at a a show in a long coat, holding a hose over herself, just drenching herself before she went in. Same for the horse, LOL.

[poor-horse]

Wow - struck a nerve here with everyone!!!! Super!!!! Stop crying and start riding. Get your butts down centerline, and then I'll respect what you have to say.

[Ambrey]

Yep, you got it. We're all highly sensitive about our heat sensitivity. You struck too close to home.

[samd]

I have always been taught to wear my coat no matter what. Some judges look and go wow there wearing there jacket still in this extreme heat. They either think you really respect what we are supposed to wear in our sport or are just plain crazy.

Now on a little bit of a side note. I grew up raising and showing animals at Fairs in FFA. We were blue corderoy(sp) jackets. No matter how hot it is we don't have an option of getting jackets waved. Its part of the uniform. So I've had to get used to roasting while showing on and off a horse.

[Dressage Art]

I've seen people show GP without a boiler suit, ahem, I mean coat. It gets to be 100 to 110 here in the Summer - and amazingly, there aren't many covered arenas!
Yep, the summer shows that are coming up most will be in temps of 105F with the warm up under the blazing sun! It gets really, really hot in inland California. I passed out several times from heat and ended up in urgent care from that. I'm not the only one who stopped showing in the summer b/c of that.

There is absolutely no way that I can wear a boiler suit made from 100% wool with a lining in it as well. I can't see anything "courageous" in spending the rest of the day in a hospital. Actually, I think the boiler suits doesn't make dressage look as a sport, since the rest of the sports are performing in the current century uniforms.

PS: more than that, the FEI boiler suit costs up to $1,000.00 - May be it's shocking for some, but I would love to save that $ and not be required to buy a shadbelly to show at FEI. But again, I forget at times that dressage showing is about $$$$$.

PS: PS: If it makes any difference, I've been riding my mare since she was Training Level, but still can't feel pride wearing an FEI boiler suit. I feel pride that I didn't give up on her during difficult times.

[FriesianX]

Oh yeah, DA, don't I hear you! And at least we don't have the humidity of some areas - did you see the post, 105 degrees and 90% humidity? I almost faint just thinking about that.

The OP is asking whether it is allowable to show without a coat - a few people here seem to think we are criticizing those who choose to show with a coat. Hey, it's a free choice, but don't slam those who make the choice to go in a white shirt. The rules allow it when a coat is waived. And everyone has their own personal health issues, heat tolerances, clothing preferences, etc.

Remember everyone, when the rules were written, they were really based on cooler climates - showing in Germany in a long sleeved jacket is much different than showing in Texas or Michigan or Central Valley CA in the Summer!

DA - I'm hoping to venture into the PSG ranks sometime in the next year - and I'm wearing a short coat and a safety helmet. No way am I giving up my helmet (and the short coat goes with it).

Yep, the summer shows that are coming up most will be in temps of 105F with the warm up under the blazing sun! It gets really, really hot in inland California. I passed out several times from heat and ended up in urgent care from that. I'm not the only one who stopped showing in the summer b/c of that.

There is absolutely no way that I can wear a boiler suit made from 100% wool with a lining in it as well. I can't see anything "courageous" in spending the rest of the day in a hospital. Actually, I think the boiler suits doesn't make dressage look as a sport, since the rest of the sports are performing in the current century uniforms.

PS: more than that, the FEI boiler suit costs up to $1,000.00 - May be it's shocking for some, but I would love to save that $ and not be required to buy a shadbelly to show at FEI. But again, I forget at times that dressage showing is about $$$$$.

PS: PS: If it makes any difference, I've been riding my mare since she was Training Level, but still can't feel pride wearing an FEI boiler suit. I feel pride that I didn't give up on her during difficult times.

[Pony Fixer]

I live where it is hot in the summer. Frequently high 90s to 100. And frequently humid. I *always* wear my coat. I was taught as a hunter rider to *always* wear my coat. In fact, it was a rule of my trainers at the time--look the part or ride for someone else.

I just ordered my tailcoat and can't wait until it gets here. I will wear it even when coats are waIved.

However, I warm up sans coat, and put it on while walking to the test ring. I start to unbutton/remove my coat on a hot day before I even leave the ring. So I wear it about 10 minutes. I seriously think my helmet makes me hotter than a coat, and the overall picture is prettier and more professional.

But I also say, to each his/her own. I don't look *down* on someone for not wearing a coat.

[Dressage Art]

Hey, it's a free choice, but don't slam those who make the choice to go in a white shirt. The rules allow it when a coat is waived.
Ditto! Time to come down from your high horse in your fancy tail coat! :D

DA - I'm hoping to venture into the PSG ranks sometime in the next year - and I'm wearing a short coat and a safety helmet. No way am I giving up my helmet (and the short coat goes with it).Good luck at PSG! I'm still will be doing 4th and may be wet my toes at PSG just for fun. I'm still missing the trot extensions for PSG, but will see how the next year will shape up.

[Ambrey]

Good luck, DA and FX, on your PSG excursions :)

[Dressage Art]

Good luck, DA and FX, on your PSG excursions :)thanks, I think we both will be with out coats as well :lol:

[Ambrey]

thanks, I think we both will be with out coats as well :lol:

Prideless fools :winkgrin::lol:

[SillyHorse]

Prideless fools :winkgrin::lol:
No kidding! :lol::lol::lol:

[mademoiselle]

So, today I showed without my coat and it was great.
I watched some of the FEI rides. They started early when it was only 85 ;), in the PSG divions 2 riders didn't wear their coat. One of the 2 won the class.
She had the nicest test and won ... Which proved the point that the judges don't care what you are wearing as long as you are showing the best test.
The highest score of the day was in my division. It was a GP rider on her upcoming stallion. She scored a 79% and was not wearing her coat. I can't even imagine what she could have gotten, if she had kept her coat on (maybe an 85 or a 96% :lol::lol::lol:).
Maybe it was pure luck, but the top 3 rider in that divison all rode without a jacket. By the way it was about 107 by the time I entered. So hot !!!!
So, you see poor horse, I followed your advice I stopped crying and I started riding. I got my butt down centerline and got a 3rd and a 2nd place.
Can I have an opinion now ? Pretty please:winkgrin::winkgrin::winkgrin:

[FriesianX]

Prideless fools :winkgrin::lol:


I like to think of it as "proudly prideless" :D Hey, at least my horse is clean and braided (and let me tell you, with all that white, clean is a powerful statement!).

[FriesianX]

So, today I showed without my coat and it was great.
I watched some of the FEI rides. They started early when it was only 85 ;), in the PSG divions 2 riders didn't wear their coat. One of the 2 won the class.
She had the nicest test and won ... Which proved the point that the judges don't care what you are wearing as long as you are showing the best test.
The highest score of the day was in my division. It was a GP rider on her upcoming stallion. She scored a 79% and was not wearing her coat. I can't even imagine what she could have gotten, if she had kept her coat on (maybe an 85 or a 96% :lol::lol::lol:).
Maybe it was pure luck, but the top 3 rider in that divison all rode without a jacket. By the way it was about 107 by the time I entered. So hot !!!!
So, you see poor horse, I followed your advice I stopped crying and I started riding. I got my butt down centerline and got a 3rd and a 2nd place.
Can I have an opinion now ? Pretty please:winkgrin::winkgrin::winkgrin:

Oh my gosh, I'm not sure what impressed me more about your post.

A - that you SURVIVED riding (with or without jacket) in 107 degrees plus humidity (gulp, I'd be with DA in the hospital with heat stroke), or
B - a GP ride with 79%!!!

Congrats on your placings (and surviving that heat, honestly, it gives me a headache just thinking about it).

[Ambrey]

I don't think the 79% was a GP ride- I think it was a GP rider on a horse she is bringing up the levels. Not that that makes it less impressive, just that I interpreted it differently ;)

I did my "dry run" of my new show clothes today and let me tell you, even in 70° heat and 20% humidity, with nothing more strenuous than going out front for a photograph, they were hot. Whoever slapped the label "coolmax" on that show shirt had a wicked sense of humor.

[mademoiselle]

I don't think the 79% was a GP ride- I think it was a GP rider on a horse she is bringing up the levels. Not that that makes it less impressive, just that I interpreted it differently ;)


Yes, you got it right. I guess the heat fried my brain and my post was not very easy to understand.:lol:

[SillyHorse]

I can't even imagine what she could have gotten, if she had kept her coat on (maybe an 85 or a 96% :lol::lol::lol:.
You are so funny! Congratulations on a great show - coatless!

[Foxtrot's]

In these conditions - the likes of which I have never experienced - is it even fair to the horses to ask them to go? Do they hose them off before and during warmup?

I remember a controversy of a BN German dressage trainer in Queensland getting a lot of flack for making the riders (pre-Olympians) ride in extreme heat in a clinic and several getting heat stroke.

[Carolinadreamin']

That's a question that was on my mind today, Foxtrot. Was uncharacteristically attending a hunter schooling show today just to help some of our riders venturing over from combined training. It was 100 degrees. Saw at least one rider get sick and then slump over as she was leaving the arena. Saw way too many horses being used in too many classes with different riders. Some of those horses looked like they were ready to drop. It was disgusting and shame on those barns who allowed their horses to be used and abused like that.

However, at a dressage show where the horse will ride just one or two tests, too hot for me, but perhaps would be not as bad as what I witnessed today.

[Dressage Art]

Prideless fools :winkgrin::lol::lol: Pride is overrated, happiness & health is much more important ;)

PS: but I polish my mare’s hoofs for shows & her tail is always impeccable! (see my profile photo :D )

[Dressage Art]

Congratulations on a great show - coatless!
ditto!

[kdow]

That's a question that was on my mind today, Foxtrot. Was uncharacteristically attending a hunter schooling show today just to help some of our riders venturing over from combined training. It was 100 degrees. Saw at least one rider get sick and then slump over as she was leaving the arena. Saw way too many horses being used in too many classes with different riders. Some of those horses looked like they were ready to drop. It was disgusting and shame on those barns who allowed their horses to be used and abused like that.

However, at a dressage show where the horse will ride just one or two tests, too hot for me, but perhaps would be not as bad as what I witnessed today.

It would seem like there should definitely be restrictions on the use of horses during shows (even schooling shows) in extreme conditions. Maybe some kind of vet check like you get in endurance races, where horses showing in more than X classes have to meet certain criteria before they can enter any further classes? (Temp lower than a certain threshold, pulse at some sensible number?)

Plus of course there should be plenty of water and ice on hand to help keep things cool and for use in emergencies. Maybe some of those misting fans placed strategically to keep competitors cool while they're waiting to go?

All that said, I do have to say that the cynical side of me wants to ask - if you decide to wear your coat in weather where they've been waived for health reasons and pass out, is it fair for the show to send you the bill for the time the medical staff spend with you making sure you're not going to die or suffer serious harm from heat exhaustion?

It's really not something to take lightly - and once you start getting too hot, just like when you have a fever, your judgment can go right out the window so you can potentially put yourself in a worse situation by making the wrong choice at that point.

If it's really THAT important that you wear a coat and present the right 'image', then maybe it's time to go find a competent tailor in your area to see how a shad might be altered to still give the traditional shape but not cause severe overheating - maybe mesh panels under the arms? A stripe down the back? Depending on the fabric used, it could possibly be done in such a way as to give the same 'look' at the distance most people will seeing you from in a test.

[mademoiselle]

In these conditions - the likes of which I have never experienced - is it even fair to the horses to ask them to go? Do they hose them off before and during warmup?



I will answer for myself. I debated wether or not I should ride but decided to go and play it by ear. If I had felt that at any point my horse was not dealing well with the heat, I would have stopped and just quit.

First, he is very fit and it has been hot for a while, so he is used to deal with hot weather. I have an eventing background and he is the type of horse who needs to be very fit to perform. He could probably run an event tomorrow and be fine.

At the show, I walked him for 20mn, just stretching him and moving him laterally (SI,Half pass, HI ...). Then I finished my warm-up with 10 mn of trot and canter, and I went in the ring.
Could he have used a longer warm-up to get a better score ? YES, sure... but it was not worth making him miserable to achieve that goal.

After my ride, I got off and he got hosed off and walked a lot, then he was put back in his stall with his fan munching his hay.

[slc2]

There were actually times when we did no warmup at all, and just went around the ring at a trot before the bell rang and we went in. There are definitely ways of conserving horse and rider energy in hot weather.

I don't look down on anyone who takes their coat off, despite observing people cheer riders who keep their coats on when it's hot. Different people's heat tolerance varies, even if they are rather fit, and I'd prefer that people feel more free to compete rather than less.

[flshgordon]

Like I said, if it's too hot for you, don't show. If you don't like the required attire, don't show, or find a new discipline.

I've been proud of my FEI horse since I birthed her here. All the way from Training level on up - and I did it all myself. So don't speak to me of pride. You have no idea.

nice attitude :rolleyes: and we wonder why some people think DQs are snotty?

Here on the face of the sun, last weekend's show had temps in the mid-upper 90s with heat index over 100....in June already (this summer is going to kill us!) many FEI riders, including GP went without coats. Not one was penalized by a judge and I'd say none "lost their pride" by not doing so. If wearing a coat is what gives you pride.....:lol: :lol: :lol:

[dalpal]

I would certainly ditch mine if it were dangerously hot. I agree with the poster who suggested a nice conservative riding vest.

This thread reminds me of the discussion in the PSG/snaffle thread.

Here's my question...is this a sport or a costume party?

Posters pointed out that you must use a double bridle because, well, you just should. You can just have a loose rein on the curb. My thought...then why do you need a curb bit if a plain old snaffle is now allowed???

Spurs...posters pointed out that if you don't need them, just don't touch the horse with them...Okay, so my thought....why do I need to have on spurs at all if I don't need them???

This thread....posters pointed out....you gotta wear a coat, it just isn't the same/you aren't tough enough if you ditch the coat showing FEI when coats are waived...Okay, my thought...why does it matter????

Are we in a sport or a costume party?

[Coreene]

Amen. As I said re whether toppers should be "earned" or not, it must be fabulous to have such an otherwise worry-free life that the only thing you can get into a wad about is what hat someone is wearing, whether or not they're wearing a coat on a hot day, etc. :dead:

[Carolinadreamin']

Agree. Worry and concentrate on your own riding. I don't get the hang up with the obsession over what everyone else is thinking or wearing, statistics, what the upper level riders are doing, how the swedish judge scored a rider from whatever country, etc.

Whatever need riding is filling for you, that's where your concentration and efforts will go. If it's the actual challenge of dressage, you'll spend your time riding and training. If it's to fit in to some strange idea of a clique, you'll spend all your time obsessing about what others are wearing or saying.

[Classical DQ]

Hmm...wonder how many FEI riders that would ride with their wool coats would not ride in a helmet because the helmet is too hot? And...fitness is not always an indication of whether you are bothered by the heat. Many athletes cramp and overheat in extreme hot, humid weather. Often athletes bodies are so trained to sweat at the beginning of exercise to be sure the body cools efficiently, so they may actually sweat more. And then when you figure in tension or nerves.... Anyway...if coats are waived you may ride without them and yes...I have seen FEI competitors that did. Sometimes I think too much emphasis is placed on the 'look' and not on what really matters...RIDING!!! (And I have a shadbelly and have shown FEI)

[SillyHorse]

Here's my question...is this a sport or a costume party?
Some of the responses here make me think costume party. :no:

[thatmoody]

Hmm, perhaps mademoiselle and I may have crossed paths at the show this weekend. It was insanely hot, and I wore my jacket the first day because I had an 8am ride time (urgh) and didn't the second day because I had a later ride time (and I believe it was hotter today, too).

The horse didn't even pant - he's Florida born, Florida bred, and has been conditioned carefully. I've been riding during the daytime for a while in preparation, so we really were pretty well adapted. But it was still miserable - fans in the stall and hosing every couple of hours kept him comfortable, but I was drinking Gatorade (there is a reason it was developed in Florida) and feeling like I was going to die.

I was interested to note how many riders did wear their jackets in the FEI tests, though - I know the heat affected my thinking and riding ability, so I was going to do anything I could to stay as cool as possible.

[mademoiselle]

Well, the FEI riders had ride times in the morning and also 'only' rode in the indoor.
A few went with just a shirt. As you said you wore your coat when you rode first thing in the morning but not with a later ride time. I can't even imagine riding what it would have felt like to wear a jacket when I rode my test (11:40, 1:40, 1:30 and 2:30 or something like that). All my rides were when it was the hottest.

[Ajierene]

When people wonder why Equestrian sports don't catch on in the mainstream, think about this:

Do you think the average Joe feels like he can relate more to an overstuffed penguin on a horse or someone in a (much less expensive) polo shirt?


As shown in the incident of multiple competitors falling out at a show, riding in a shadbelly does not make you tougher, it makes you more prone to heat stroke and distress and it offers NO benefits. Read - there are no benefits to wearing a shadbelly at all, ever.

[RoyalTRider]

I don't think being a sport and having some "costume party" tendencies are mutually exclusive. ;) I personally don't care who does or does wear his coat/ top hat/ whatever else when or in what weather... but I don't think doing so makes dressage any less a sport. It's not comfortable to wear a long-sleeved leotard in a packed arena to perform gymnastics, but until recently it was required. I recall an interview with the US 2004 (?) women's gymnastics team where the girls talked about applying glitter to their Olympic team captain right before she went out to compete. I certainly don't see gymnastics as less of a sport because the girls talk about worrying about make-up before a competition. They are tough athletes- and they see attire, that and that of their teammates, as finishing touches to their sport.

[Ambrey]

Long sleeved leotard and tights.

Wool jacket, breeches, shirt, stock tie, hat, tall boots, OUTDOORS IN 100 DEGREE HEAT.

You do the math ;) There is tradition and pride, then there is logic.

[Quest52]

Posters pointed out that you must use a double bridle because, well, you just should. You can just have a loose rein on the curb. My thought...then why do you need a curb bit if a plain old snaffle is now allowed???

Spurs...posters pointed out that if you don't need them, just don't touch the horse with them...Okay, so my thought....why do I need to have on spurs at all if I don't need them???


having both of these on your body, and on the horse show your ability to navigate them. You move up the levels, you show that you can use the tools. You have these things to show that you can navigate them. If you can't... you don't have a horse to ride... you have a backwards rearing crazy ball of fur. (if the horse is trained right and not rein sour or leg dead)

Wear spurs and a double, and keep your body correct. Its the efficiency of your body and the sport.

[Ambrey]

Spurs and double bridle are a tool, not a medal :( Since when is dressage a test of how well a rider knows how to use tack?

[slc2]

Dressage is, in fact, a test of how well one uses tack.

The double bridle, the tail coat, the top hat, are, like all 'uniforms', a 'symbol'. People are happy to get to the point where they have the skill to handle and use the double bridle. The top hat and tail coat are less of a meaningful symbol (and people know that), but still a part of the ritual and the tradition of putting the foot on the next rung of the ladder.

When people say 'why use a double, why put all that junk in the horse's mouth', I think they don't understand that.

The double bridle is like the young driver driving his first stick shift car - s/he feels good knowing s/he has arrived at that point.

[SillyHorse]

The double bridle is like the young driver driving his first stick shift car - s/he feels good knowing s/he has arrived at that point.
Maybe you're not old enough to remember when all cars had standard transmissions. You certainly didn't have to have "arrived" anywhere but the car lot in order to drive a stick shift.

[RoyalTRider]

Long sleeved leotard and tights.

Wool jacket, breeches, shirt, stock tie, hat, tall boots, OUTDOORS IN 100 DEGREE HEAT

My post had nothing to do with whether or not anyone should wear coats, ever. It was in response to comments suggesting that worrying about such things makes dressage (appear) to be somewhat less of a sport. I was by no means comparing leotards (tights? what?) and a dressage habit. I was illustrating that other sports, too, have athletes that wear what they do as a matter of tradition and worry about how they- and others- look.

[Arizona DQ]

Exactly. When it is that bad, I am not willing to risk the health of my daughter or my horse. We stay home.

Thank goodness, a voice of common sense in the wilderness... :no:

[SaddleFitterVA]

Read - there are no benefits to wearing a shadbelly at all, ever.

I'd say there are benefits.

From watching riders in warm-up at World Cup this year, and then in the show ring, those long, weighted tails...they hide a lot of bounce in the rider's butt.

I was shocked at how far out of the saddle one favorite was bouncing.

If I ever hit that level and find my "give a sh!t about what other people think", and I feel the need to have tails....I think I'll find a tailor and have a coat made from a modern, breathable fabric with enough spandex to be comfy...or I'll just ride in a polo shirt.

[Arizona DQ]

I'd say there are benefits.

From watching riders in warm-up at World Cup this year, and then in the show ring, those long, weighted tails...they hide a lot of bounce in the rider's butt.

I was shocked at how far out of the saddle one favorite was bouncing.

.

:lol:Yes, the tails do hide the butt, but you better have a flat belly..... ugh.....:lol:

[Ambrey]

My post had nothing to do with whether or not anyone should wear coats, ever. It was in response to comments suggesting that worrying about such things makes dressage (appear) to be somewhat less of a sport. I was by no means comparing leotards (tights? what?) and a dressage habit. I was illustrating that other sports, too, have athletes that wear what they do as a matter of tradition and worry about how they- and others- look.

Ah, well I think you also misunderstood the comments from others about the fact that it makes dressage seem less like a sport. I think the problem isn't that it is worried about appearance/uniform... but specifically that the uniform is not conducive to the athletic endeavor.

And putting appearance above health doesn't seem to make sense if dressage riders are athletes.

Make the uniform something people can wear for the sport without hyperthermia. Doesn't mean you have to eliminate the uniform!

[Ajierene]

I'd say there are benefits.

From watching riders in warm-up at World Cup this year, and then in the show ring, those long, weighted tails...they hide a lot of bounce in the rider's butt.

I was shocked at how far out of the saddle one favorite was bouncing.

If I ever hit that level and find my "give a sh!t about what other people think", and I feel the need to have tails....I think I'll find a tailor and have a coat made from a modern, breathable fabric with enough spandex to be comfy...or I'll just ride in a polo shirt.

HA! touche!

[slc2]

"The uniform is not conducive"

All those many years riding in the shadbelly telling you that?

Coats are available in very nice blends; too, I think a part wool blend actually is more comfortable in summer than most stretchy, 'sporty' fabrics.

Actually, the tail coat was originally developed for riding. That's where it first came from. It only later became associated with formal wear.

The tail coat isn't about being 'impractical' or 'overly formal' at all. It was, simply, a riding coat.

[Ajierene]

"The uniform is not conducive"

All those many years riding in the shadbelly telling you that?

Coats are available in very nice blends; too, I think a part wool blend actually is more comfortable in summer than most stretchy, 'sporty' fabrics.

Actually, the tail coat was originally developed for riding. That's where it first came from. It only later became associated with formal wear.

The tail coat isn't about being 'impractical' or 'overly formal' at all. It was, simply, a riding coat.

You might want to check your facts. The shadbelly originally developed during the Regency period as 'day wear'-meaning the jacket you wore in daytime activities such as formal lunches. It was popularized by Beau Brummel. It late became evening wear. Just like the stock tie, the origin had nothing specific to do with riding. The fact that people rode horses as one of their major modes of transportation is the only stretch you can make.

It is the other way around...formal wear, then used for riding.

[Ambrey]

All those many years riding in the shadbelly telling you that?


No, the USEF told me that when they waived coats for hot days. But seriously, it's not rocket science to know that a wool coat is not the appropriate outfit for an athletic endeavor in 100 degree temps... I'm surprised anyone would even bother to argue.

[RoyalTRider]

Ah, well I think you also misunderstood the comments from others about the fact that it makes dressage seem less like a sport. I think the problem isn't that it is worried about appearance/uniform... but specifically that the uniform is not conducive to the athletic endeavor.

The quote to which I was responding (made clear by my quoting a phrase from it):

Sometimes I think too much emphasis is placed on the 'look' and not on what really matters...RIDING!!!

It says plain as day that the concern was... well, whether too much emphasis was placed on the look. THAT it what my post was about- arguing that one can place emphasis on looks without diminishing the sport.

[slc2]

Actually, Aj, it is the other way around. The shadbelly coat was designed to make riding easier, the idea being it was easier to ride in it than in the usual coat with lots of fabric in the front, and it only later became the fashion for formal occasions. First riding, then formal wear.

[Ambrey]

D'oh, sorry. Around here it gets to be 100 degrees pretty frequently during show season, I just skipped part of the mental process.

[rothmpp]

I showed last weekend. While it was not 100 - it was still hot enough that they waived coats (not that they have to anymore). I did not wear my coat. I did not have a score less than 68%. I didn't place less than second. And I can identify the hole in my test that was the difference between first and second. It had nothing to do with wearing my coat.

I have scribed thousands of tests over the years. For every type of judge from a small "r" to FEI "O". I have never heard a single one say "Can't they man up for 10 minutes and wear their coat?". What I do hear is "Why the hell is she wearing that thing? What is she trying to prove?".

While I absolutely respect the right of anyone to wear their coat in whatever weather they choose - don't kid yourself that it is the difference in your score. It's not.

[Gloria]

Exactly!!! When they waive the coat, they want you to take advantage of it, not turn your nose up to it. Wearing a big dressage coat in 100 degree temperature is like wearing a big sweater jogging in 100 degree temperature. The only thing that gets proven is how lack of judgement that person is.

Don't forget that all the riding attire were originated from Europe where the weather is much milder and cooler. It is common sense for them to wear heavier coat. It is also common sense for people in hotter climate to dress lighter.

[Ajierene]

Actually, Aj, it is the other way around. The shadbelly coat was designed to make riding easier, the idea being it was easier to ride in it than in the usual coat with lots of fabric in the front, and it only later became the fashion for formal occasions. First riding, then formal wear.

I would ask where you got your information from, but last time I did that the author you named I could not find anywhere.

But you know what, whatever helps you sleep at night. Just for you, I may go back to the library and cite the various books I got my information from.

Equestrian wear was nothing special in the 1800's - they wore what they wore on a regular day, partially because riding was just a regular day activity. People have just held onto it.

Gloria and others make superb points - equestrian wear was designed in much cooler climates and adhering to these antiquated traditions instead of putting your health first is just insane in my book. No fashion is worth that.

[ESG]

I was born and raised in south Florida, and have spend the majority of my adult life in southeast Texas, so I know about heat and heatstroke. I know to stay hydrated, to stay shaded and unstressed in the hottest parts of the day, and to dress appropriately.

The only time I have ever had a problem with heatstroke (also the only time I passed out) was at a dressage show in Texas in July. Coats are not waived at this show - they're forbidden. I had a First level test to ride at 2PM. Warmed up, rode my test, came back out of the ring to where my friends were standing, and said, "I feel,.................." and woke up on the ground, wondering how I'd gotten there. Thank god my sometimes-spastic TB decided to be a good boy, or I'd have been in real trouble, since I landed basically under his feet.

Nothing is worth heatstroke. Heatstroke can kill you. Don't dress foolishly, no matter what you're doing.

[Valentina_32926]

Here, both the temp and humidity can be in the 90s at the same time.

When coats are waived, coats are GONE, even up to Grand Prix.

I have also seen FEI (even GP) riders ditch their coats (this is Florida and when we show during the summer here its VERY hot) - most ride in them when waived but some people are GOOD ENOUGH they don't need the coats to show they ride FEI. :lol: