hunter/english class question

I agree that traditions are no longer being followed. Its not a bad thing in some cases. I must just be old /sigh

When you go to shows I'm a pretty firm believer of looking the part. You want the judge to look at you as you enter the ring and see you as a serious competitor who came in to win. You wouldn't walk into a job interview wearing a holey tshirt and dirty jeans, right? To me, a show is the same thing. You come in looking your best.

THAT BEING SAID... is there a chance this lady didn't know what she was doing and didn't have anyone to tell her?? Seriously, how many posts have there been on this forum that have started, "what should I wear to a show?" TONS! I think the dress shirt/tie thing is kind of wierd... but maybe the rubber boots was all she had. And unless from day 1 you had perfect equitation I think you should give people a break for not being in the perfect position.

i am not old (only 25- i don't think thats old) and I agree with having the RIGHT attire for the show. I understand if you can't afford the best or everything but you should do what you can to get what is appropriate(half chaps with matching boots are ok with me at a schooling show). I have ALWAYS been taught that hunters is "painting the perfect picture of the judge" ... anywho just my two cents :)

I am right there with you! I am 27 and have been riding Hunters since I was a child. And as UpnOver said, you wouldn't go to a job interview in frumpy clothes either. Part of being in a Hunter show is dressing for success. I have a few friends at my barn that ride other diciplines and they all say that they would never do hunters because its so "picky" and "prissy." But I like it! I like getting dressed up to look as prepared as I have prepared my horse. Its a package deal.

In fact, one of my friends that had nothing good to say about Hunter's wants to do it now! The tradition is very appealing! But to each their own...

I sure as hell wont go to work in my pajamas... for somepeople showing is their job. Isnt it embaressing to dress like a slob at a show? In what discpline of riding is it actually acceptable to do so?? I dont think any. I am just wondering what kinds of shows person rides in that says who cares?. Ive never been to a schooling show jackets were optional, unless it was like 100 degrees.

Yes I can see where people are coming from when they have the preception of "snobby hunt shows" ect. But like HeartmyOTTB said.. I kindof enjoy it. I have never been to a show myself.. But when I am finally ready, I am excited to get all dressed up in the 'uniform' and be picture perfect. Its kindof like getting ready for a night out.. or say.. like getting ready for your first day of highschool.. and wearing your very best most pristine clothes.

It feels good to look nice, and if expecting people to wear the traditional clothes to a show is snobby, I wanna be a snob! hahahha

I'm not saying people should go drop copious amounts of money on show clothes..Just do what you can afford. but dress appropriately.

Trail riding. Mounted games. Campdrafting. Endurance.

I HATE open shows. I detest that people/horses are judged on appearance as much as riding ability. I hate that it panders to the rich, and those who don't train their own horses but pay others to do it for them. I still show occasionally, but I do it on my terms. I recently rode at our zone showriding competition in my ASH get up. Got a few odd looks but still placed well. It should be about how you ride, not about how you look.

That's the reason I gravitate toward things like MG and sporting (only judged by a stopwatch) Campdrafting (judged on how you ride and work your cow) Polocrosse (the score) etc. Clean cut.

The only showing I am interested in is ASH shows, because they have reasonable expectations. Simple dress code, and they mention in the rulebook that NEW and EXPENSIVE gear often looks tacky and older, well cared for gear looks better.

That is what most people go by but in hunters each judge has a different opinion so you may do amazing in one show with that attire and "piano hands" as I call them because that judge for some odd reason found it good....don't know why anyone would think that though...

Just thought i'd add. I am all for tradition... I was more ranting on the general nature of showing. Got a bit carried away, lol.

For the people that actually care about the sport, that is insulting. I ride hunter jumpers. Why would you play soccer if you have a football? If you are going to ride in a hunter jumper competition, then you should be wearing the attire that is fitting to the discipline. That just makes no sense to me. She's not fitting into a "stereotype", that's just the way hunter jumpers is. If you don't like it, find a different discipline.

To answer the OP's question, no I don't think wearing unproper attire at a show is acceptable. It clearly states in the arabian horse rulebook and any other rulebook what the rider should be wearing, so unless the rulebooks say that outfit is acceptable, than it's simply not. In open and schooling shows some may allow half chaps and rubber field boots, but definatley not at an A rated horse show.