[TheNoviceRider]

I agree. It is tradition and imo it looks sloppy to show up without a jacket or a braided mane. At the low level hunter shows I do everyone wears a jacket and most braid (everyone from my barn does). I think that you should make an effort...not matter how big or small the show is

[SammyDoodle]

I always braid for showing and dressage classes. Also I like to be properly dressed for each class.

I dont braid all the time for jumping - but my horse's mane is nicely pulled

[EventingDayDream]

I love braiding! Looks so snazzy!

[SilentSpring]

Originally Posted by CowGirlUp1833

Okay, well, what purpose does clean boots or a clean horse serve, really? It doesn't make him Move better....doesn't make him more trained. But its because you are out there competiting. You should look the part. If you want to ride around in 1/2 chaps and a muddy horse, then I think you should be content riding around a muddy paddock too....

Like Little Celtic Pony said; if your going to show, take pride in it.

Cleaning your boots keeps the leather in good condition, and therefor make them less likely to break, so you should clean them sometimes anyways. And your horse should be clean even if you arent showing...you don't just groom your horse before a show, and no other time. lol

[CowGirlUp1833]

Originally Posted by SilentSpring

Cleaning your boots keeps the leather in good condition, and therefor make them less likely to break, so you should clean them sometimes anyways. And your horse should be clean even if you arent showing...you don't just groom your horse before a show, and no other time. lol

What I'm saying is that Showing is just that...to SHOW your horse...you want him to look the best he can...and yourself too.

[Thrills]

I agree. I don;t braid becasue I do open shows (english and western pleasure) but I do band with does take me about 1 1/2 hours just so that my horse looks nice and well turned out. If I was showing hunters I would braid as well.

Jackets are a must too..except for one show this summer..outdoor in 53 Celcius heat...the judge said Im taking off my jacket, how about you ladies do the same before we all pass out.

Like you said, the point if a show is to...well...show off and I like having a very clean and tidy well turned out horse, and it gives me an excuse to dress up as well

[SilentSpring]

Originally Posted by CowGirlUp1833

What I'm saying is that Showing is just that...to SHOW your horse...you want him to look the best he can...and yourself too.

Yes, but personally I think that the only class really suited for that is maybe in an in hand class where they are specifically judging your turn out, etc. In hunter they are judging how the horse moves/jumps...in jumper, the speed and agility...in dressage, the horses mouvement and accuracy... It's just my opinion that you shouldn't be judged on, or expected to, dress a certain way or braid. But you should be judged on your riding ability and your horses ability.

I think you should look nice...but what I mean is, who decided that braiding and riding jackets are the only way to look nice? Who decided that something so impractical as a riding jacket should be what is considered "nice" in riding? It's tradition, yes...but many things have changed since then, so why shouldn't riders be accepted if they are wearing a clean, tucked in polo shirt and a vented helmet? If anything, wearing something uncomfortable would take away from your riding...so why wear anything more than you need?

If at, lets say, soccer practice or whatever (in summer), you showed up wearing pants and a sweatshirt, people would think you are crazy. Why? Because you are an athlete. You should be wearing what will let you perform the best...not what looks pretty. Horse back riders are athletes - out horses are athletes - not beauty queens.

Lol, im probably coming off sounding pretty snobby and mean right now haha...and believe me I dont mean to be, I don't mean to offend anyone :P Just a little friendly debating I'm not saying, that in todays showing world, that you shouldn't braid or wear traditional showing clothes. I probably would too (not sure about a jacket though...haha), but I only would because thats what people expect of you in that environment. What I am against is not people doing it now, it's that it ever became this way in the first place. I think it'd be sooo much nicer if what people expected for showing clothes was breeches (of any colour) boots and a t-shirt haha...because really, we'd just be doing ourselves a favor. It would allow us to do our job, and be the athletes that we are.

[bay_blnd jmpr07]

At every show I go to I braid Fiona's mane, get her tail knot free, my boots cleaned, tack cleaned and my hair goes under my helmet. I believe that it shows respect to the sport and to the judge. I am comfortable in my show clothes and I can deal with the heat...and between classes I'll take my coat off if I'm getting hot.

I like looking my best and riding my mare looking her best and I feel professional almost.

I've been to so many shows where the horses weren't braided and they look like they just came out of the stall...It's almost sad looking.

[bay_blnd jmpr07]

And the way you and your horse look do come into play sometimes. A h/j judge thinks there were 2 horses and riders that were excelent but can't make up his mind for who should be placed...the braided horse with the clean tack will be placed higher.

[SilentSpring]

Originally Posted by bay_blnd jmpr07

And the way you and your horse look do come into play sometimes. A h/j judge thinks there were 2 horses and riders that were excelent but can't make up his mind for who should be placed...the braided horse with the clean tack will be placed higher.

All that I dissagree with is: Why? Why should they place higher? Isn't that what most people are against in life...judging people based on their appearance?

I think its sad if we have to resort to looks and clothes to judge our sport. :P Thats just me haha...I realize I am against the majority in this thread.