What is competition clothes?
When you have worked hard, it is normal to have an urge to show how far you have come, and that exactly is what you get the change to do at a show. At the shows, there are different regulations and requirements for the appearance of both the horse and the rider. The purpose of these rules is to give the judge the best conditions to evaluate in regard to the discipling and the level, you are competing in.
It is the national riding association that determines the rules for the competition clothes at the specific levels. It can vary from discipline to discipline and from one level to another.
Finding the right competition clothes
To find the right show wear is not always an easy task. It has to look presentable while meeting the specific requirement and also be comfortable to wear. It cannot be a poor choice in riding wear, that prevents you from performing your best. Your competition wear needs to be a bit extraordinary.
It can be tricky to figure out, which competition wear that are right for a certain competition - what are the rules, and why is there a difference between what riders you have seen before was wearing?
Know your regulations
It is the national riding association that determines the rules and the standards for what type of show wear you need for the individual levels within each discipline. Sometimes, there is enough flexibility for you to choose somewhat for yourself, but usually it goes, that the higher the level, the stricter the rules. Therefore, the regulations are very clear on that area.
It is always a good idea to know the rules and regulation before going shopping for new competitions clothes, so you don’t end up making a wrong purchase - these can be found at the website of the national riding association (Dansk Rideforbund).
Comfort and design
Competition wear needs be the perfect combination of comfort and design. The competitors need to wear somewhat similar clothes. This is to secure that the judge has an equal basis to evaluate from. However, it is also important that you stand out just a little bit. Furthermore, it is important that your breeches have a good contact to the saddle, that your freedom of movement is not restricted, and that there are no other annoyances that can affect your performance.
To summarize, you need an outfit that meets the requirements and lives up to the specific regulation, and that at the same time is comfortable to wear and nice to ride in.
Show breeches
A pair of show breeches is an important part of your dress. These will often be white, they need to have a tight fit, and they should be comfortable to wear while you are in the saddle. Show breeches must not restrict or bother the rider, why they need to be of a soft, flexible and stretchy material.
Whether you are looking for a pair of show breeches for an adult or a kid, there is plenty to choose from, and there are options enough to find the perfect fit for your specific size, fit and style.
Show shirt
A show shirt is not the most visible item of your competition dress. This is the shirt you wear under the show jacket, and it is of a tight fit with a tall collar - the collar is the only thing that shows. It is advisable that you find a shirt that has a good, tight fit, that is seamless and provides a good freedom of movement. It has to be the right size to prevent loose fabric under the jacket. The right size will also be more breathable than the wrong one.
Preferably, the competition shirt should be long enough to be tucked into your breeches while you ride.
Show jacket
For some, the show jacket is the most important part of your competition wear. The show jacket exude class and gives the judge a good view of your movement on the horse. It can be tricky to find the perfect show jacket and you should always try it on before deciding on one - it needs to fit you perfectly and look amazing at the same time.
The color of the show jacket varies from discipline to discipline, but often the color is dark - black, navy or army green e.g. I some cases it can be red too.
Always try your new show jacket before buying it. You need to make sure, that the fit is tight as is should be, and that the movements of the shoulders are not restricted. You do not want a wrong fit affecting your riding at the show.
It is all in the details
It is the small details, that makes the difference in the competition dress. You should look and feel your best whether you are entering a dressage show, a showjumping competition or any other event.