[willeys bonanza]

WEll my first show is in about three weeks. I have the major stuff, like the jacket, boots and helmet. My question is on the little stuff, that i guess are kinda stupid but im new on this show stuff, and there are only a few ppl at my barn that show. Keep in mind this is a little show nothing big.

Well should i get a long or short sleeved shirt? what color, the jacket is navey pin striped. Also we got a few shirts from my moms friend but they are way too big. What is the i guess collar for? How does is attach and do all shirts have them? Also what do i attach the number with on my jacket? Also should i wear an under shirt? like a tank top? what color gloves should i get?

These are kinda stupid questions, but any other things i might need, oh and i have a couple hair nets. thanx a bunch!

[JBandRio]

Originally Posted by willeys bonanza

Well should i get a long or short sleeved shirt?

IMHO, always go with a long-sleeved shirt. If it's hot enough that jackets are waived, a long sleeved shirt looks more polished and put together than sleeveless or short sleeves, regardless of the level.

what color, the jacket is navey pin striped.

Whatever color compliments your jacket and your horse. White always works, regardless. Pale blue or lavende or pink works with your jacket and with most horse colors. Peaches work with your jacket, but don't work with all horse colors. What color are the pinstripes in the jacket? Using that color (or one of those colors if the stripes are different colors) rarely fails.

Also we got a few shirts from my moms friend but they are way too big. What is the i guess collar for? How does is attach and do all shirts have them?

If it's just a size too big, they can still work. But if they just hang, and the collar gapes, then it will just look sloppy. The collar usually attaches with a button to the front of the shirt - the shirt will usually have 2 buttons right at the neck, and the collar would button to the bottom of those 2 buttons. It will then either velcro at the back or your neck, or close with 1 or 2 buttons. Yes, all hunter/jumper ratcatcher shirts have a collar.

Also what do i attach the number with on my jacket? Also should i wear an under shirt? like a tank top? what color gloves should i get?

Most numbers some with little holes and a string. Run the string through the back of the number and tie it around your waist, with the tie in front. It helps to run one side of the string through the closest button hole of the jacket. Just use a regular bow, like tying your shoelaces.

An undershirt isn't necessary.

Gloves - black.

These are kinda stupid questions, but any other things i might need, oh and i have a couple hair nets. thanx a bunch!

Not stupid questions! Hairnets are good. If your hair is long, part it in the middle, have it drape straight down to cover your ears, put one hairnet on (with the 2 knots at your forehead and nape), and pull it and your hair into a very low ponytail, keeping the hair over your ears, secure with ponytail band (NOT a hairbow). Then flip your head upside down, ponytail going up the back of your head, and put on another hairnet, knots the same as before. Push the knots on your forehead back so your helmet doesn't smoosh them permanently into your skin and put your helmet on, back to front, head still upside down. Stand back up and push any stray hairs back under the hairnet(s), hair still covering ears, and fasten your helmet.

[AutumnAttic]

make sure to take your own string for your number, as most places provide pins.

Always wear the collar

Id go with a white long sleeve shirt, as it is acceptable for everything

[willeys bonanza]

As for the numbers, would it be ok to use four safty pins? like throught the back of the jacket, so you couldnt see them? thanx a bunch you guys!

[AutumnAttic]

Originally Posted by willeys bonanza

As for the numbers, would it be ok to use four safty pins? like throught the back of the jacket, so you couldnt see them? thanx a bunch you guys!

That is acceptable yes, but i wouldnt do it. It can snag your jacket, and after using pins for a while, you will be able to see the little whole in your jacket. Youd be better off using black string

[GiddyUpScoot]

IMHO a string looks sloppy - like you didn't want to put the extra effort into your appearance, but for a small schooling show you can probably get away with the sting. I prefer to put a safety pin through the inside of the jacket and hang the number from it, then put a number pin (or another safety pin through the inside of the coat) at the bottom to pin it down... ALWAYS pin the bottom of your number down I have been pinning my coats for years and the 2 coats that I have now I have been pinning for 6+ years and there are no (noticeable) holes or anything. If you don't want to pin, buy some magnetic number pins, take off the metal backing/hanger from the number and use the magnetic # pins to keep the number down - I have heard that they are excellent!

For the shirt, I'd say go long sleeve. I like them better - not sure why because even if coats are waived mine always stays on, even if it's 90 and humid out *lol* I have a navy pin stripe coat as well - a lot of colors look great with it. My favorite is a pink plaid shirt, but I also wear my lavender and peach shirts, and I have 2 grey shirts (one herringbone and one plaid) that look awesome with it as well For the most part, every shirt color will compliment your horse because it isnt directly against the horse's coat - as long as it looks good on you and with your coat, you should be fine! I ride my chestnut with the above shirt combos... I had someone tell me one time that I couldn't wear the pink with him, but it looks really nice. As long as the shirt fits well, looks good with the coat, and compliments your skin tone you can go gung-ho with your shirt White is traditional, but colors are so much more fun *lol*

All shirts have a collar. It should either be monogrammed or you should have a stick pin for it. I like the look of a monogrammed collar (I actually did some of my own using fabric paint *lol*), but a stick pin is equally as good. Make sure that your pin is centered on the collar and it is level. Also make sure that the pin is in the center of your neck when you put the collar on.

Black gloves, for sure

Oh - and if you can see through your show shirt, you can definately wear an undershirt... just make sure it's not really noticeable. I had to wear a white shirt under a white on white stripe shirt that I had because you could see right through it :/

[Dandy_Brush]

Everyones already given such great advice, I just wanted to add that not all horse shows have you pin or tie the number to your waist, sometimes you pin it to your saddle pad or the horses bridle, but it might just be for Dressage, i'm not sure. I'd sneak a peak at the other riders to see where there putting the number
Good Luck, and Have Fun!!!!!!!!!

[Lindsayanne]

If you have an ounce too much fat on you, please don't use the string. You have to be super skinny to pull it off IMO. I use safety pins but try to leave them in and use the same holes.


long sleeve vs short: honestly I know the sleeveless is faux pas, but I feel like I have a way bigger range of motion in my arms when I'm in a sleeveless shirt under my jacket. I don't remove my coat when they are excused so I figure no one can really see. Actually I'm going to expiriment with just a bib this year. A faux collar you can wear over a tanktop!


Consider your panties and pantiline in breeches as well! Make sure if you wear a color it doesn't show through and if the pantiline is too obvious, try a thong/long underwear/or no underwear.

[JBandRio]

Strings are used everywhere, including big A shows

[realitycheck]

I've definately never seen anything but strings. I'm trying to imagine how pins would look - ick! And how in the world would you move your number if the judge asks you to slide it slightly to the outside during a flat class? It does not seem practical to me.