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Buying new show gear

970 views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  blingmypony 
#1 ·
Well it's been about two years since I've shown outside of like schooling shows at my barn to keep my horses used to the crowds etc. Beginning around september it looks like I'll be out at significantly more shows, whose dress codes aren't as loose as my barns XD

I dug out all my old hunter stuff annnnd pretty much none of it fits lol. I have my stock pin still, and I feel like half of the shows around me have banned them anyway. So I need to shell out some cash for new clothes and figure while I'm at it I could get some newer tack as well, my stuff is a bit...beat up lol.

Stuff I need:
Show Jacket
Ratcatcher
Breeches

Stuff I'll Be Updating:
Saddle
Bridle
Tall Boots
Helmet

Wondering what all you lovely people here have opinions on, whether you have a favorite brand, distributor etc. I'm not LOADED so please keep I do have a bit of a budget in mind ;] lol
 
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#2 ·
Are you an ebayer? I've found some really fantastic deals on there! I hate buying cheap stuff that falls apart but I'm no millionaire so I compromise by finding good quality at a good deal!

Breeches- The best brand is what fits you best! Side zips are still the most popular. Greenish beige is popular but there's a lot of more khaki/beige out there too. My favorites are Ariats, mainly b/c Tailored Sportsmans don't fit me. I have some higher end TuffRiders, Equine Couture, and RJ Classics that I show in as well.

Ratcatchers- Most brands are clearancing out their 100% cotton for coolmax. Definitely a worthwhile substitute! Colors/plaids/stripes are much more popular then they were in years past in the hunters but white is still correct for equitation classes. (although the most popular for white shirts is to have a fun lining for collars and cuffs) A new trend are "wrap collars". Instead of a detachable collar it's all attached and buttons together. They're new enough that I haven't been able to find any on ebay though! I haven't seen stock pins in years, mainly b/c they're dangerous! Monogramming collars has taken their place. Essex/Beacon Hill are my favorites. I have some Ariats but they're a little boxy.

Jackets- Almost all jackets these days have patterns (plaids, pinstripes, etc). Navy is always classic. But medium to dark grey is extremely popular, along with black (black with a pattern, not solid black), and the occasional brown. The most important thing about the jacket is fit. Not every brand fits every body type. Buy whatever fits you the best! Grand Prix are good quality, as are Tailored Sportsman, Ariat, and RJ Classics. But out of all those the Ariats fit me the best.

Helmet- whatever fits your head the best! (noticing a theme here? :)) Fora while in our area GPAs and Charles Owens were neck and neck for popularity and I think CO's finally won out. (at least in the hunters). They have several models that fit differently so it's worth trying them all on. I see a lot of IRHs at the local shows.

So the common them is buy what fits! :) hope that helps a little bit! It can be overwhelming to have to find all of that stuff... but very fun too! have fun with it!
 
#3 ·
I agree with upnover - quality counts and it doesn't need to cost the earth. There's some great stuff for sale on this forum too.

I've seen attitudes changing to what you can and can't wear, but as long as respect is paid to tradition it seems that some touches of individuality are accepted. So don't be put off from creating your own flavour of a classic style.

My aim is always to try to have a bit of fun somewhere (even if it's under the jacket and only you know it's there)!!!
 
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