My daughter has been riding for 1 year and has done 3 school shows and I guess they expect everyone to know what is needed and have the money to do it!
We have tan breeches paddock boots, half chaps,helmet, %26amp; crop. She borrowed a jacket and had just a button up shirt on. Can anyone give me specifics on what to really get? $70 + for a cotton shirt and $100 + for a navy jacket is all I can find. Not to mention when I search for it on ebay sizing is bazzarr???
Just trying really hard to be a horse mom!!! I would appriciate any help!!!
What exactly do you need for an English school horse show?
Don't worry. As it's a schooling show, you don't have to worry about having the top-of-the-line current fads on the A show hunter circuit. I'm guessing that your daughter rides hunter seat and not dressage, as that'll affect what you need to buy.
First, ask around in your area if there's a local tack store. Most of these places will sell jackets, shirts, and everything else you need for your show. Even if you don't buy them there because of pricing issues, you'll be able o get an idea of the sizes your daughter takes.
Now, the proper attire for competition consists of breeches, field boots, show shirt or ratcatcher, hunt coat, helmet, gloves, and an optional stock pin (use only if you don't have a monogram on your shirt's collar).
Breeches: The current fad on the hunter ring is the Tailored Sportsman brand, but these are currently between $119 and $200 dollars. That's not really neccessary for a schooling show. Tan or khaki colored breeches are acceptable at this level, preferably with a European seem. This seem should run along the side of the thigh and then cross over the knee. If you don't have it, don't worry too much. Schooling shows won't penalize that.
Field boots: You mentioned you have paddock boots and half-chaps. If your daughter is young enough, she will be allowed to show in jodphurs and paddock boots (no chaps). If she's older and already wearing breeches, she'll need a pair of tall field boots. You don't have to go out and buy the most expensive ones. If you're on a budget, you can go ahead and buy a synthetic boot, though I always recommend leather. Make sure you measure the width of her calf and the height of her leg in addition to her shoe size, as field boots can be hard to fit. They should fit very snuggly and might require assistance when taking them off until they're broken in.
Show shirt: Usually this is a long-sleeved shirt. White is a classic, but lots of subtle patterns and colors are also seen. A regular button shirt with a tie would be acceptable for a young man, but a girl will need the double collar of a show shirt. I did a quick search of Dover and found some shirts in girl's sizes to give you an idea of what's acceptable:
http://www.doversaddlery.com/girls-essex...
http://www.doversaddlery.com/girls-conco...
http://www.doversaddlery.com/girls-hampt...
As you can see, if money is a problem, you can pick one up for as cheap as $30. The current fad now is to have the collars monogrammed with the girl's initials, but this can be expensive unless you know how to do it yourself. If you don't want to monogram it, just get a stock pin to pin to the collar.
Hunt coat: Traditionally these were navy or black, but nowadays you also see brown and gray just as often. For top of the line coats, you would pay well over three or four hundred dollars. Again, as your daughter is only showing at the schooling level, this isn't neccessary. I searched Dover Saddlery again and here's some that I found that would work and are also economical.
http://www.doversaddlery.com/childrens-n...
http://www.doversaddlery.com/uspc-devon-...
http://www.doversaddlery.com/childrens-o...
These (like the shirts) are all in children's sizes. If your daughter is older and has outgrown these sizes, you can search Dover for ladies sizes as well.
Helmet: The helmet MUST be certified. There are new rules requiring anyone under the age of 18 and anyone competing over fences to wear a certified helmet. The GPA is the most commonly seen, but with a retail price of around four hundred dollars, it's not the most affordable. What matters is fit and safety.
Gloves: These should be made of black leather. Crochet and knit gloves are great for schooling, but not for show.
As I said before, you should find a local tack store to get an idea of your daughter's sizes. Then you may want to check Dover Saddlery (http://www.doversaddlery.com ) for specific products. They have great rates, though shipping can be pricey for bulkier items. State Line Tack (http://statelinetack.com ) is another to investigate.
Reply:Expect $100 plus for the jacket. Anything under would be a steal- if you can, go to a local 4-H tack swap (things are very cheap there) and find a used one. It is the season of horse fairs, and almost every one has a tack swap.
For the shirt, what we do is make a "bib" instead. I always wear my coat when showing, even when it is hot out (looks more professional). I take an ordinary white shirt to wear under the coat. The bib costs under $10 to make. There are patterns available online, but basically it is a white cloth made into a bib shape with velcro on the back. On that bib, you make a loop and put a fake shirt collar line through it.
Here is an example, you can make it frillier if you want
http://www.jeffersequine.com/ssc/product...
Everything else is fine- it looks like you are good to go
Reply:you'll need a jacket, navy or black is generally best as these can be used for dressage and jumping, though would look out of place in a hunter class. white or cream jodhpurs look best. a shirt with a tie or collarless shirt and a stock always looks smart but a polo or would be acceptable. long boots rather than chaps and short boots is also preferred. gloves and hat should always be worn and a crop carried, the length depending on the class- a shortie for jumping or the full for dressage. if you are actually going to the UK to compete she will need a body protector as this is now the law for competing however this is not the case in the us. jacket sizing is normally measured in years for children and changes to the chest measurement for teens and adults. if she is still a child then second had stuff will be good as most kids outgrow it after only wearing it a few times. decent adult second hand can be harder to find. if you ask people at the stables or yard they should all know of local places that do good deals. the big shops are generally the most expensive. good luck in finding everything you need.
Reply:Look, for a schooling show you can use a white or pink polo shirt under a jacket. If it's hot, nix the jacket and let her ride in the polo shirt. Get her a good pair of black leather gloves. stick with the paddock boots and half chaps for a while unless there is a specific show rule that wants full english boots. Look at local horse shows for used stuff, it's for sale all over! Put up a flyer at the entry booth of things you are looking for and in no time you'll get some mom calling you to sell stuff her kid outgrew last week!
Invest in a great helmet...the rest can be hand me downs. As you show more you will see what is needed as she moves up in the show world. also, sit next to a trainer in the bleachers and pick their brain! Just remember, advice is usually given liberally and freely and much of it isn't worth a grain of salt!
Schooling shows are just that - for schooling...go, have fun, watch and learn.
Reply:Beats me. Iride bareback or western. Good luck!
buying
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