I have stumbled across many articles on how to do makeup for horse shows. I have never shown, but in the future may wish to participate in some, like gymkhana, possibly reining if I learn enough, most western events save for maybe western pleasure and dressage.
Is it mandatory to wear makeup for shows like this?? I totally understand the horse looking good, but never thought the rider would need makeup on top of the eye catching attire.
It's about presentation. You can get super technical into it and there are guides and articles on it, more so for things like HUS and WP I find. I just wear what I normally wear. I'm competing is hunters and Dressage, so it's about the horse anyway.
I think WP "costumes" can be and often are way, way overdone for both men and women. I'd really love to see more people just wear contemporary Western fashion and maybe a pair of fairly plain chaps. They will look like actual people who wear a Cowboy Hat outside the arena.
Some judges might prefer that look, and there is no accounting for it because that isn't a measurable rule.
I will say, that sprayed on makeup, "taco hats" that aren't even the right shape to be real "taco hats", shirts that blind the crowds and bling on your bling is a tired look in my opinion. WP fashion for guys is just as bad, if more subdued.
I think it really depends on the show and what you are doing. WP in the breed shows then you should consider wearing full make-up, having your hair in a very neat tied back style, wearing earrings, and a necklace and your bling blouse, with the rhinestone belt etc. English in the breed shows, same thing with the hair and make-up, even the earrings....
For the ranch horse stuff it's a little difference, you don't really wear bling and you shirts are kind of plain cotton, no excessive pretty pretty. Hunter/Jumpers are clean and they usually put some make-up on as well but they aren't nearly as done up as the WP world...
I think for rated breed shows it would be a bigger deal.
For local shows a little lipstick, blush and neat appearance would work to present a pleasing picture.
JMHO. Have fun!
Even for open shows, depending on the judge I suppose, it will matter if all things are equal. I was at an out of town fall fair show, I won the high point, when I was collecting my winnings at the show office after the show, I saw the judge and as always, I thanked her. She thanked me for presenting a nice entry and mentioned one class, horsemanship I believe, was won on my presentation, as the second place entry was virtually identical in performance, she said she had to nitpick to find an edge, I won because my makeup matched my outfit. So there ya go, and that high point prize money paid for my diesel there and back, not bad as it was a 5 hour haul one way.
Show cow horse! No make up needed! Any ties are decided on the cow score and if you tie on cow score, you split the pot. :thumbsup: In cowhorse, you need a long sleeve western shirt w/collar & cuffs (your preference of type - some women go a little blingy), a western hat (or a helmet) - type, crease, material up to you!, and chaps/chinks. Presentation in cow horse is clean gear, clean clothes and clean horse (clipping is not required (or desired) , although I do Pi's whiskers, fetlocks, a small bridle path & outside of her ears). Guess it's sort of akin to Ranch Horse Classes.
I could never get excited about all the trends/fashions for arena classes. I think some of the shirts are beautiful, but could never get into you have to have the "right" color of equipment/clothes, etc., the "right" pad, the "right" hat ... and the "right" Makeup. I have no problem with others liking and complying with that, it just was never for me - arena classes or the attire required for it.
I have shown to a fairly high level, done affiliated dressage, she jumped amd evented and never worn make up. I am always well presented, clean and smart as is the horse.
I have acted as a steward at bigger shows and judged too, can honestly say that I have never even given it a thought as to the rider wearing make up or not.
I’ve never worn make-up for a class. Granted I haven’t competed much and I was younger when I did but it was never part of turnout classes or other competitions. Clean horse, tack, clothes/rider, but not makeup.
Thanks for all the great info everyone! It's great to hear from so many experienced people! I don't know if I'll ever go super far in the showing world. I love the idea of a nice western style shirt, proper cowboy hat and jeans/chaps in a western event because to me that is what the western image is all about. I also don't really like makeup very much, lol! But I can definitely see where even a slight difference of appearance might give me an edge if I ever get to that level!
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
The Horse Forum
3.4M posts
92.6K members
Since 2006
A forum community dedicated to horse owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about breeding, grooming, reviews, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more!