Driving Jackets

[MauryaMarie]

I am new to showing my horse in driving and am trying to aquire an outfit I can wear for a long term. My horse is a friesian and we drive in a marathon cart at training or prelim. I have a red hat with black feathers and small net veil. I have a plain black apron being made for me. (I'm a bit on the large side)

Any suggestions on a jacket? I used a red jacket for my first show but i think it was TOO red and short waisted.

Thank you for your suggestions!

Kathleen
Owned by Maurya

[nfld_pony]

I also work with friesians.

This is hard to answer. Mine changes per show, per the weather, and per season. Even more so for ladies. In doing a CDE last year, my whip was told that her coat wasn't a fall colour, it was more spring.

I know this didn't help you much, but it was more of a side note that one outfit won't work all year around.

[SomethingDazzling]

What I usually do is start with the hat. I mainly drive in one of my 3 toppers I bought from Sherri Lower (LOVE THEM!! :D), but I have several straw too. I try to purchase hats that will co-ordinate with an apron I already have (I usually stick with a hat that I can wear my black or plum apron with). After that, I hunt for a jacket, & complimentary scarf - I've found that Goodwill has some good deals or I wait for big sales at department stores, if I can help it I don't wanna spend $50.00+ on a horseshow coat. ;)

I change my outfits from show-to-show, season-to-season, and with the weather. I'm done buying hats though - I have too many outfits! :eek:

I have a plum topper with white ribbon, that I (will-just got it) wear with a white jacket/complimentary scarf (brave, I know), and I top it off with my plum apron (already had it for another staw hat) - just as an example of one of my many choices :winkgrin:
GOODLUCK! :)

[Drive NJ]

Well, Im not usually a fan of the "black" look but a Black Linen type fabric jacket might blend vey nicely. Use a red patterned scarf tied like an ascot to fill the neckline to add back the color. Another look could be going with a dark grey jacket, and again use color at the neckline.

Typically black jacket with black apron looks
a) hot
b) funereal
and c) can fade into invisibility

so accents of color are important as long as they are used wisely

Another thought is to add a thin binding around the apron edge in your chosen color

MORE IMPORTANT than the color is how it fits you and how it feels. If you are driving in a poorly fitting jacket that bunches up across the shoulders or gapes at the buttons YOU are going to be uncomfortable and moving poorly to compensate and it will make the turnout look wrong

Best advice we've ever heard is to try things out and take lots of pix - still and video. and then look at the pix with a critical eye. ask a friend to look at the pix. if something jumps out at you it needs to be fixed

Best of luck with your turnout in progress

[China Doll]

I have a black friesian cros. I am getting a painted cart with a burgundy seat. My apron will also be burgundy to match the seat for a proper turnout. Not just any color I decide.
I have a brown suit with green pinstripes, green bouse, brown hat with green accents.
Another outfit is a multi colored jacket with a black background and subtle burgundy and green with a black hat.

[winfieldfarm]

Best advise is to pick a suit coat that is cut to fit you sitting down.

I prefer military cut coats to the typical lapeled blazer. I feel the lapels gap and show off too much bosom bounce, especially if you are well endowed. Strap those girls down and button high! Definately three botton blazers over the one button double breasted or even two buttons with the second being below your bustline.

I second the Goodwill, Salvation Army thrift store ideas because you can save some serious cash, get lots of coats and have seasonal looks.

Now for colors try starting at the Hobby Horse clothing web site. They have a terrific color wheel for matching horse color to the shades of the season and clothes. I swear by this as my starting point for most horse show outfits of any kind, not just driving.

[Cartfall]

Try several local thrifts/goodwill stores. I have yet to spend more than 10 dollars on a jacket. I have found some good ones that match my hats.

Definitely always start off with a hat.

Make sure the jacket has enough room for your shoulders to drive and long enough sleeves to come to your wrists when your arms are extended in driving.