[Preppy_Ponies]

Whether you need to braid or not depends on the show. So see if it's required otherwise a neat pulled mane should be fine. Some shows actually discourage you from braiding. But if you do need to then start practicing now so that by the time the show gets here you will know hat your doing.

Yes the consignment store is your friend See if you can find everything there not just your show coat.

I don't know if it's true or not but when I was little I was told that the reason a show shirt if known as a ratcatcher stems from old days. The collar was meant to keep rats and other critters from falling down your shirt when you were foxhunting. But then again that could of been someone trying to mess with a guliable kid

[Preppy_Ponies]

Shirts are monogrammed now instead of using a stock pin. It's safer than having a big old pin right next to your windpipe It doesn't have to be but that is the standard now. It doesn't cost much and they look very nice when it's done.

[Preppy_Ponies]

I'll keep my fingers crossed on the boots. I have big feet too and managed to find some used ones a few years ago. Since your shows a bit off, don't be in a rush to find them keep checking back. Good luck!

[midniteontherox]

lol... ratcatchers.... thats funny
Some shows actually dont WANT you to braid??

[Preppy_Ponies]

Originally Posted by midniteontherox

lol... ratcatchers.... thats funny
Some shows actually dont WANT you to braid??

Yeah I've been to some that say something like they "discourage braiding". The one show that comes to mind that does that is our local IEL circuit. It's the high school show circuit.

Another thing is I do/did mostly rated shows on the west coast and if it was lower than a b I didn't braid. And for some b's I didn't braid either it depended on the show itself. A braid mane does present a nice presentation for the judge but a nice neat pulled mane can look great as well. And for most shows that you do braid for tails are still optional. I had one horse who never got his tail braided b/c he carried it crooked. Ask your trainer if people generally braid for this show or not and then you will have a better idea if you need to our not.

[HorseBliss]

the ratcatcher doesn't HAVE to be monogrammed, but it sure is a lot easier. lol i have 2 that are, and i prefer to use them over the pin. plus, they're pretty. haha. there's someone at my barn who does monogramming. the tack store i go to, they use her to monogram stuff. so next time i'll just go straight to her. lol

what's your price limit on boots? i found a nice pair on Dover for like $80. they're synthetic leather. they don't look nearly as nice as leather, but faaaar better than rubber. plus, i didn't even really have to break em in (best part lol).
Saxon Equi-Leather™ Zip-Back Field Boot - Horse Riding Boots at Dover Saddlery

i would go with the velvet helmet too, just cos it'll look nicer. you'll see a lot of people with GPA's and IRH's (i don't see a lot of them in velvet tho).

[midniteontherox]

Oh wow, Thank you HorseBliss, those boots are perfect! I was just hoping to avoid spending like 300 dollars on field boots!
My velvet helmet is an IRH. Im not a fan of it though. It sits too high on my head (not in an unsafe way, but a non aesthetically pleasing way) lol

Thanks again!

[HorseBliss]

haha, i love my IRH. my CO makes it look like i have a turtle shell sittin on my head. lol

[midniteontherox]

lol yup thats a good description.

I love my Aegis helmet.... its SOOO super comfortable.

[Xiphias]

Ok your shirt "ratcatcher" can be a sleavless (sp?) one, don't have to be monagramed, but a nice stock pin would look nice...I will pull up a step by step on how to do the braids, if the tail is not braidable, that's ok....boots a must, unless you are still showing short, or long stirrup (kids classes) you can braid your hair, and loop it back under, and put it into a mesh hair net, that will look fine, don't have to have it tucked under your helmet....brb, going to find the braiding instructions....Cathy