Show trends for 2013? Help

I've never shown before and hope to start entering hunter and maybe jumper schooling shows in a few months. I've been looking at pictures online and trying to figure out what's in style but would love some feedback from you people who consistantly show as to what's being worn. First off, I have a troxel riding helmet that is cracked and needs replacing (not appropriate for showing anyway) but I really like these helmets. Would any of these be in style enough? Especially the first one? I have a really small budget and these are attainable. I really like how IRH fit me.

(IRH Elite Xtreme (I really like this one)
IRH Elite Xtreme Helmet - ASTM/SEI Certified Helmets from SmartPak Equine

(IRH SSV)
IRH ATH SSV Helmet - ASTM/SEI Certified Helmets from SmartPak Equine

(IRH Air 10 . Not my favorite but I would still wear it)
IRH Air 10 Helmet - ASTM/SEI Certified Helmets from SmartPak Equine


Belts-Are large belts the only kind that are in right now? I have a beautiful 3/4" fancy stitched belt but didn't know if the smaller belts are out.

Gloves-Would these black gloves be acceptable in hunters since they have the knuckle air venting? I don't know if hunters just wear the plain leather gloves or if these would work. RSL Rotterdam Riding Gloves | Dover Saddlery

Breeches-Pull ons, side zip, front zip? So many options!

Jacket-I really prefer black. Is black ok for both hunters and jumpers? I really like this one: Equine Couture Raleigh Soft Shell Hunt Coat - Soft Shell Jackets from SmartPak Equine

Last question: For jumper classes, do riders have colored square pads for their horses, or is white the only color allowed? Thanks guys. I appreciate your help .

The best trend to follow in the hunter ring is going to be the "traditional trend" haha. Traditional is always the best way to go.

The helmet is going to be entirely up to you, first and foremost is needs to fit you properly. Unfortunately the popular helmets are the pricey ones like Charles Owen and GPA. CO makes a helmet that is cheaper than the ones that you posted: Charles Owen JR8 Junior Helmet - ASTM/SEI Certified Helmets from SmartPak Equine , but again, this is all up to you. Any of those helmets will work.

I wouldn't worry about the belt. I have seen so many belts in the show ring from plain leather ones to blingy ones. Your best bet is to stick to something subtle and one that fits with the belt loops on your breeches (skinny belts tend to look funny on the newer style breeches with the wide waistbands).

Those gloves are perfectly fine in the hunter ring, just make sure they're black.

Breeches - for the show ring, stay away from pull on. The side zip/front zip is a preference thing. Some brands of breeches fit me better in front zip while another brand fits better in side zip. Try on a few different brands to see what works with your body. I have recently been very happy with Equine Coture's breeches and they are reasonably priced...I use them for schooling but they would work just fine in the show ring.

That jacket is good, just make sure it fits you correctly. Black is usually seen more in the jumper and Eq ring, but has become less out of place in the hunter ring. And the trend now is the soft-shell jackets with stretch, like this one.

Don't forget a show shirt...the ones with the wrap/snap collars are currently in (and such a brilliant idea, no more lost collars), but one with a collar works just as well.

Well fitted tall boots will also be very important. If you are going to splurge on anything, these should be the item (except a helmet, make sure you have a good helmet too). Spend the money upfront and take care of them and they will last you a long time.

For the jumper ring, you can use any color pad you want, but you can never go wrong with a plain white square pad. Make sure you have a fitted hunter pad for the hunter ring.

Thank you so much! That helped a lot .
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You're very welcome.

Jin Stirrups:

Jin STIRRUP 12cmX12cm – Where'd You Get That

SoftUp Pro:

Soft'Up Pro – Where'd You Get That

Those stirrups are becoming very popular lately. Also for helmets, you'll notice a lot of European GP riders wearing Antares and KEP helmets. Pricey but oh so nice!

Definitely go with the traditional look. Is very hard to screw up English attire. Simple black coat that fits well and fawn or ran breeches that aren't baggy or dirty. A thin belt is usually best for English, tall boots and a black velvet or microsuede show helmet. It's hard to mess up English, the biggest thing is keeping your horses socks white and him very well turned out, and keeping your self clean.