[CowGirlUp1833]

EDIT: The following post is refering mainly to Hunters...

Where has the art of braiding gone? When did we get so lazy? Isn't proper grooming part of proper showing? In my opinion, getting dressed properly and and making our horses sparkle is part of the glam of showing.

Last summer, I had the ONLY horse with a braided mane, and one of very few sporting a hunt coat and properly managed hair. Even the more formal shows around here are often "braiding and coat optional" now days.

Granted, its different if its a fun/schooling show where many of the competitors are first timers, but even then, why can't we give them the full experience? I can understand that its expensive for students to go out and buy formal dress if they are only going to show for fun, but TEACH them how to braid, it costs nothing but a little time and effort.


Our barn is pretty laid back and is very focused on enjoying our riding and our horses. The plan is to dress as a team this show season in the barn colors, charcol breeches and navy polo shirts. But lately I've been rethinking this, and I've resolved to follow tradition and turn out in my dress atire and braid my horse.

One thing is for sure will see me and Stevey in full turn out at any shows we attend this summer. It just presents a nicer picture to the judge and frankly, turn out is part of the tradition that I love so much about Hunter/Jumpers.

[zorse]

I've never seen dressing up at the smaller shows. Some of the larger B types would be jackets and braids. It just depends on the show.
I don't wear my jacket in the jumper ring unless it's a "jacket" show. I do see people at the big A's with just a polo on and I don't think that is professional, esp since those people ARE the professionals. I wear a polo at smallers shows, but anywhere that offers money (not like $100..I mean upwards of $300) I think it's respectful to wear a jacket.

[2000-Flash-2000]

there have been threads about this topic before and I really dont knoe why...I ride western and barrel race and alot off ppl have to braid their horses manes (including me) because their hands get tangled in it.... I really dont know why ppl stopped in huntseat and stuff becasue it looks really sharp!!!

[No1Dazy]

Well, being from TX, I only wear a coat when they make me.

Braiding with our barn is optional for schooling shows, but we encourage the kids to learn and practice for those shows. Our horses (and students horses) are always braided at recognized shows.

[Fox Glove]

At any A rated show I have ever been to
Jackets are only removed at the descression
of the Show Streward, due to heat ..
IF the rider cares to then remove his
or her jacket, then and only then,
they may.

I know this is common on
the Florida Circut.
But I do not see it very often.

TTFN,
Paula

[CowGirlUp1833]

Originally Posted by zorse

I've never seen dressing up at the smaller shows. Some of the larger B types would be jackets and braids. It just depends on the show.
I don't wear my jacket in the jumper ring unless it's a "jacket" show. I do see people at the big A's with just a polo on and I don't think that is professional, esp since those people ARE the professionals. I wear a polo at smallers shows, but anywhere that offers money (not like $100..I mean upwards of $300) I think it's respectful to wear a jacket.

Sorry, I guess my brian was thinking for Hunter/Jumper and Dressage shows...I agree, its not a big deal in strickly Jumpers classes, but for Hunters, it IS part of tradition...and thats what makes me sad

Hunters to me is a very classic sport, steeped in a lot of tradition, and it seems that a lot of that is being put to the wayside.

[westernjockey]

I still braid my horses mane and tail every now and then her tail is easy to braid. But her main just now got long enough.

[SilentSpring]

Honestly I don't see why dressing a certain way or braiding should be required...

Yes, I think braiding looks nice, but so does a natural/pulled mane. And hey...if you ever run into trouble, you've got no hair to grap onto! And lets face it, even the most experienced riders run into trouble, though I know you shouldn't rely on having to hold the mane or anything, thats not what I mean.

And for rider clothes, yes, I think it looks fine. I also think dressing more casually is fine too. What purpose does a riding jacket serve??? Making you hot and uncomfortable in a lot of cases. Having a black velvet riding helmet also looks nice, but isn't really as practical as a vented helmet for hotter weather. Tall boots and half chaps are a more traditional look (as opposed to short boots without chaps), but they also serve a purpose, so I agree with that.

The whole concept of a riding jacket is what I think is the worst... they seem like they would make it worse, not better. Other sports wear traditional clothes or uniforms based on them being useful and practical. They wear specific things for being practical, safe, and team colours. You don't see a gymnast wearing running shoes, but they do have bare feet, hair out of the way, and stretchy bodysuits so nothing gets in the way of routines, etc. You don't see soccer player wearing a suit, you see them wearing cleats to help them run, shorts and t-shirts to keep them cool, and shin guards to protect their legs. The point is, you see them wearing things developed for their sport, not things that are "traditional" or "pretty". I'm not saying no other sport has any sort of impractical "uniform" because there very well may be.

Horse back riding does seem to carry the burden of having traditional, yet somewhat impractical, clothes. You wouldn't wear a riding jacket, show shirt, etc, when riding at home in the middle of summer usually...so why should you when showing? Most other sports will wear the same kind of equiptment during practice and in competition, because the clothes are practical for both.

I don't mean to put down anyones opinions or offend anyone...just what I think And I don't really show anymore, that could be influencing my opinion :P

[sirius-dressage]

Well, maybe the schooling shows in Vegas are different because everyone is turned out in coats and tan breeches, hair done properly, gloves, etc. But braiding is discouraged. I have to braid my horse because he's an Arab and my hands get caught up in his mane that I am not going to pull. I did think that those who decided to braid looked a lot sharper. I just feel like, if I'm going to show, I want to go all out and look like I'm at a show. I don't want pictures of me riding around in just a polo.

Though, in the jumpers...hmm, I think it was half and half of who wore just polos and who wore hunt coats. I think the big name trainers who were showing hunters earlier in the day ended up leaving their jackets on. But my trainer rode in just a polo...no coat. She ended up winning her class, so...I dunno.

I like coats and braids...english riding is a sport just seeped in tradition, so I think trying to compare it to a sport like soccer or gymnastics is kind of irrelivant. You can't just disconnect the english discipline from its roots. I just think that, you know, you're going out there to present yourself and your horse nicely, why not go the extra mile if you can?

[littlecelticpony]

I don't understand this, either. My friend and I were just discussing this the other day.

My sentiment on the matter is that if you're going to a show, whether it's a schooling show or an A-rated, braiding and neat, workman-like turnout shows respect for yourself, your horse, and your judge. You obviously feel you have honed the skills to compete, you should take pride in them. Besides, taking the time to prepare your wardrobe, your horse's equipment, and putting in the effort for braiding and grooming sets the tone for the entire day: professional and tailored, with attention to detail.

As far as the jacket-waived rule....I still say, even here in the Texas heat, warm up without your coat, and slip it on as you're riding into the ring for your round. Plus, it looks better for the photos, too.