The Equestrian’s Guide to Show Ring Attire

You and your horse have spent hours polishing your performance—practicing your transitions and perfecting your lead changes. Now, the big moment has arrived and show season is finally here. Make sure that your turnout reflects your preparation by dressing the part. This 2023 Horse Show Apparel Guide reviews the rulebook as well as current fashion trends to help you stand out from the competition.

2023 Horse Show Apparel Guide

The Dressage Ring

Dressage riders are required to dress formally in recognized competitions. Current and retired members of the Armed Services and police units are permitted to wear their respective uniforms. 

According to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) 2023 Rule Book, the acceptable attire for dressage is: A short riding jacket or cutaway coat (modified tailcoat) with short tails is permitted at any level of competition. A tailcoat is permitted in all classes above Fourth level. Any single-color jacket or tailcoat is permitted and may have subtle pinstriping, checks, or tweeds. Striped or multi-colored jackets or coats are not permitted. The color of the stretch and/or breathable underarm or side of the body panel in a jacket may be black or the same color as the garment fabric. Tasteful and discreet accents, such as a collar of a different hue, modest piping, or crystal decorations, are acceptable.

Coat: In recent years, dressage coats can be seen in a variety of colors, including maroon, brown, navy, and black. A dressage coat helps to define your outfit and help you stand out from the crowd. Dressage coats differ from hunt coats in that they have four buttons, while hunt coats have only three. The ​​Ariat Artico Show Coat is a popular 4-button option, made from a stretchy, wicking fabric that is not only comfortable, but it looks wonderful too!

Shirts and Stock Ties: Accent a show shirt, such as the Ariat Women’s Aptos Vent Show Shirt or the Kerrits Women’s Encore Long Sleeve Show Shirt, with a stock tie, like the Ovation Dri-Tex Dressage Stock Tie, and a stock pin for women or a conservatively colored tie for men. Show shirts are now frequently made from technical fabrics to keep you dry and cool over the course of your test.

Breeches: White breeches are most traditional in dressage competitions, but tan and light grey are also seen, depending on the color of the rider’s coat. Full-seat breeches, such as the Ovation Women’s Bellissima II Griptec Full Seat Breech and the Romfh Women’s Isabella Full Seat Breech, assist the rider in developing a deep seat in the saddle. A belt will polish off your look…  consider looking with one with rhinestones for a touch of bling!

Boots and Half Chaps: Tall dress boots, in black, brown, or navy blue, are the most popular in the dressage ring. The Ariat Kinsley Dress Tall Riding Boot and the Shires Moretta Adult Aida Leather Riding Boots are both great options. At Fourth Level or below, you may instead wear paddock boots and half chaps that match in color and closely resemble the look of a tall boot.

Gloves: Not only will a pair of gloves complete your look, but they also protect your hands from blisters and help provide a grip on the reins. The Roeckl Roeck-Grip Lite Riding Gloves are a great choice. White is commonly seen in the dressage ring, although black, brown, or navy blue is also acceptable. If you choose to wear white gloves, you will want to make sure that your hands are very steady–white can accentuate excess movement. Gloves can be found in a variety of fabrics. Choose the best style and fabric for your budget and comfort.

Spurs must be made of metal. The shank must be either curved or straight pointing directly back from the center of the spur when on the rider’s boot. If the shank is curved, the spurs must be worn only with the shank directed downwards. However, swan-necked spurs are permitted. The inside arm of the spur must be smooth and one or both arms may have rubber covers. If rowels are used, they must be blunt/smooth and free to rotate. Metal spurs with round hard plastic knobs on the shank are permitted. “Dummy” spurs (without shank) are permitted. Armless spurs are permitted. –2023 USEF Rule Book

Spurs: A few quality options for spurs that are appropriate for use in dressage competition include the Korsteel Never Rust Prince of Wales Dressage Spurs, Korsteel Swan Neck Spurs, and Stubben Soft Touch Spurs. Pair them with a set of black leather spur straps for a classic look.

Whips: According to USEF, “One whip no longer than 120 cm (47.2 inches) may be carried in all classes except, under penalty of elimination, USEF/USDF Championships, USEF National Dressage Championships, USEF High-Performance Championships, and USEF High Performance qualifying and selection trials.” Many equestrians turn to the FLECK Plain Fiberglass Dressage Whip and the EquiStar Glitter Handle Dressage Whip.

Helmet: An ASTM/SEI-certified helmet is a required piece of apparel (PAS, VG1, and Snell-certified helmets are now allowed due to a USEF extraordinary rule change). Black, navy, and brown helmets are all commonly seen, with many dressage riders wearing helmets with a touch of sparkle. The One K Defender Rose Gold Stripe Helmet, the Charles Owen Luna Helmet, and the Tipperary Windsor Matte Helmet with MIPS are all popular options. Long hair should be completely contained within a bun or under your helmet.

The Hunter Ring

Hunter riders will get a competitive edge by dressing conservatively and neatly. Current and retired members of the Armed Services and police units are permitted to wear their respective uniforms.

According to the 2023 USEF Rule Book, Conventional attire following the tradition of fox hunting is encouraged and preferred. It is further recommended that the rider’s attire does not distract from the performance of the horse and rider. Judges shall not eliminate a rider for inappropriate attire except for safety. Shirts must have a choker, similar collar, or tie. Breeches may be buff, canary, tan, rust, or white.

Coat: Generally, dark-colored hunt coats, such as navy, black, or hunter green are seen in the hunter ring, although lighter colors are more common at breed shows. If you’re a member of a recognized hunt and have earned your colors in the field, you may wear a red coat. Patterns that appear solid at a distance are acceptable. Many hunt coats, like the RJ Classics Women’s Skylar 37.5 Grey Label Show Coat and the Tredstep Symphony Style USA Show Coat, are now made from technical fabrics, promoting rider comfort while still providing a classic and traditional look. The RJ Classics Women’s Blue Label Devon Show Coat is completely machine washable, making care easy after a long hot horse show day.

Shirt: Currently, white show shirts, such as the Ovation Jorden Tech Show Shirt, are popular, especially in the equitation and hunter ring. You can choose a long-sleeved, short-sleeved, or sleeveless shirt, but if jackets are waived, a long-sleeved shirt is recommended. Technical fabrics wick sweat away from the wearer, keeping you dry and cool in the warm summer months.

Breeches: Typically, tan-colored knee-patch breeches in either a front- or side-zip style are worn. The Tailored Sportsman Women’s Trophy Hunter Front Zip Mid-Rise Breech and the Ovation Women’s Bellissima II GripTec Knee Patch Breech are perennial favorites. Pair the breeches with a conservative belt that matches your boots for a polished, professional look.

Boots: Tall, black leather boots are best for adult riders. Many hunter riders use field boots (tall boots with laces), but dress boots are becoming increasingly more popular. The Ariat Women’s Heritage Contour II Field Zip Tall Riding Boot, the Shires Women’s Moretta Gianna Leather Riding Boots, the Tredstep Donatello III Field Tall Boot, and the Stride Women’s Sport Field Boot are wonderful options. Young riders often turn to brown leather paddock boots and garter straps.

Gloves: Choose black gloves for the hunter ring, for example, the SSG Soft Touch Show Glove. There are a wide variety of styles and fabrics of gloves available, including ventilated and breathable options, so shop around to see what works best for you, and be sure to ride in your gloves prior to the competition so that you are comfortable with the feel.

Helmet: An ASTM/SEI-certified helmet is mandatory whenever you are mounted on a horse (PAS, VG1, and Snell-certified helmets are now allowed due to a USEF extraordinary rule change). Black, navy, and brown helmets with minimal ornamentation are appropriate. The Trauma Void EQ3 Smooth Shell Helmet, the Charles Owen Ayr8 Plus Helmet, and the One K MIPS CCS Helmet are all frequently seen, with the Troxel ES English Show Helmet being a popular budget-friendly option. Long hair should be completely contained within your helmet underneath a hair net for a neat appearance.

The Jumper Ring

In the jumper ring, a wider variety of attire is acceptable, although you should always aim for a neat appearance in the competition. Current and retired members of the Armed Services and police units are permitted to wear their respective uniforms.

The 2023 USEF Rule Book explains Coats are not required. Breeches of any color are permitted. Shirts (polo shirts are permitted) must have collars and sleeves (sleeves may be either long or short), and must be tucked into breeches. Sleeveless shirts and shirts with exposed hoods are prohibited. Boots are required. Half chaps are permitted as long as the color matches the paddock boots being worn.

Shirt: Your show shirt should be light-colored with a collar (the Ariat Showstopper Shirt, the Ariat Women’s Sunstopper Pro 2.0 Show Shirt, or the Kerrits Women’s Winter Circuit Show Shirt, for example). You can choose a long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirt. For more informal competitions, well-fitted polo shirts, like the Kerrits Women’s Pivot Polo Shirt, are acceptable.  Sleeveless shirts are only permitted if you will be wearing a coat over them. Look for a technical equestrian shirt with wicking properties and UV protection to stay comfortable in the saddle, so you can focus on your performance.

Coat: For more formal competitions, you will want to wear a hunt coat. Choose a coat in a color that compliments both you and your horse. For jumper competition, a coat with some stretch, such as the Tredstep Symphony Style USA Show Coat, will allow mobility in the saddle. Again, technical fabrics have become quite popular for rider comfort.

Breeches: Choose white breeches, for jumper classics, or tan-colored breeches, for less formal classes, in either a front- or side-zip style. Pair breeches with a belt for a professional, put-together look. Generally, knee-patch breeches are worn by jumper riders–the Ovation Women’s SoftFlex GRIP-TEC Knee Patch and the Romfh Women’s Champion Euro Seat Knee Patch Breeches can help you stay secure in the saddle.

Boots: Tall, black leather boots are the best choice for adult riders. The Stride Women’s Sport Field Boot, Ariat Women’s Nitro Max Tall Riding Boot, Tredstep Donatello III Field Tall Boot, and the Ariat Heritage Contour II Field Zip Tall Riding Boot are all excellent options. Boots should be clean and polished.

Gloves: Gloves are optional, although common in the jumper ring. There is a wide variety of styles and fabrics of gloves available, so shop around to see what works best for you. Many equestrians love the Heritage Pro Flow Summer Show Gloves. Be sure to ride in your gloves prior to the horse show to make sure they’re comfortable and don’t interfere with your riding.

Helmet: ASTM/SEI-Certified Protective helmet is mandatory (PAS, VG1, and Snell-certified helmets are now allowed due to a USEF extraordinary rule change). The One K Defender Rose Gold Stripe Helmet and the Trauma Void Lynx Helmet are both popular options. Long hair should be tucked into your helmet, preferably with a hair net, like the RWR No Knot Hairnet, or neatly tucked into a bun.

The Cross Country Course

When heading out onto the cross-country course, comfort, safety,  and functionality are key. Many event riders enjoy building coordinating looks that reflect their personality and showcase their barn colors. Look for technical fabrics that will keep you dry and wick sweat away from your body while you tackle the challenging fences put in front of you.

According to the USEF 2023 Rulebook, “At Federation licensed and endorsed Events, Athletes must wear headgear as follows, except as may otherwise be mandated by local law (see also GR801):. Upon arrival, anyone riding a Horse must wear properly fitting protective headgear which passes or surpasses ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards for equestrian use and carries the SEI tag. The harness must be secured and properly fitted.”

Helmet: A well-fitting ASTM/SEI-certified helmet is essential for eventing (PAS, VG1, and Snell-certified helmets are now allowed due to a USEF extraordinary rule change). Many eventers choose to wear skull caps, like the Charles Owen MS1 Pro Jockey Skull Helmet and the Champion Revolve X-Air Skull Cap with MIPS, because they put less pressure on the head being brimless in the event of a fall.

Body Protector: A safety vest is a required piece of equipment for eventers on the cross country course. USEF explains, “ A body protecting vest must be worn warming-up for and in the Cross-Country phase. Stable, team or club colors are permitted. The Federation recommends that the vest should pass or surpass the current ASTM standard F1937 or be certified by the Safety Equipment Institute. Inflatable vests are permitted only when worn in addition to a body protecting vest during the Dressage and Show Jumping phases.” Many different styles and fits are available, with the Tipperary Phoenix Pro Eventer Vest, Champion Adult Titanium Ti22 Body Protector, and the Charles Owen JL9 Protective Vest, being exceedingly popular.

With the exception of the safety equipment, the rest of the attire for the cross-country course is quite casual. The rulebook states:
CROSS-COUNTRY PHASE.
a. Protective Headgear. Any color helmet is permitted. Tasteful and discreet accents, such as a different color piping or crystal decorations are acceptable, including national flags.
b. Shirts. Light-weight clothing is appropriate, a shirt (any color) with sleeves must be worn.
c. Gloves. Gloves are optional and may be any color.
d. Breeches or jodhpurs. Any color is permitted.
e. Boots. Black, brown, or other dark hue, modest piping of a different color is permitted. Full chaps are not permitted. Half-chaps must be black or brown and full grain, smooth leather with matching leather boots. 

Shirt: A lightweight shirt made from technical fabric will help to wick away your sweat, while keeping you dry and comfortable. Your shirt is also a great way to showcase your personality and add some flair to your turnout. The Shires Aubrion Women’s Hyde Park Cross Country Shirt even has matching socks for a perfectly coordinating look!

Gloves: A pair of properly fitting gloves will help you keep a firm hold on the reins, whatever the weather or the course conditions may be. The Roeckl Roeck-Grip Gloves are breathable and elastic, with an excellent grip–even in the rain!

Breeches: A pair of technical breeches will help you stay balanced and secure on course. The Romfh Women’s Sarafina Full Seat Breech and the B Vertigo Women’s Davina Full Seat Breeches are two popular options that will keep you properly positioned as you gallop through the flags.

Boots: Tall, leather boots are most frequently seen worn on the cross country course. Both field boots and dress boots are acceptable, but many eventers prefer field boots, such as the Ariat Women’s Heritage Contour II Field Zip Tall Riding Boot and the Tredstep Donatello III Field Tall Boot, because they give more flexibility in the ankle, allowing you to sink deeper into your stirrups upon landing. 

The Western Show Pen

Western riders should appear polished and conservatively dressed, paying careful attention to their silhouette on the rail. Color plays a very important role in the impression that you make in the show ring, and you should take into consideration your horse’s coloring. Also, remember that you should dress to play up your strengths: dark colors minimize, while light colors emphasize your position in the saddle.

The 2023 USEF Rule Book says Riders must wear a Western hat; a long-sleeved shirt with any type of collar, (exhibitors in National Show Horse and Saddlebred divisions must wear a necktie, kerchief, or bolo tie) trousers or pants and boots; (a one-piece long-sleeved equitation suit is acceptable provided it includes any type of collar). Chaps, shotgun chaps, and spurs are optional unless riders are showing in trail or pleasure class (riders showing at an Arabian, Half Arabian, Morgan, or National Show Horse competition must wear chaps). A vest, jacket, coat, and/or sweater may also be worn. Whips are not allowed except with a side saddle. Protective headgear may be worn without penalty; not required to be of Western style.

Shirt: A Western show shirt or jacket is the foundation of your show outfit, and a tailored, flattering fit is crucial. Traditional, solid-colored blouses, such as the RHC Equestrian Women’s Buck Stitch Button Down Show Shirt or the Ariat Women’s Kirby Stretch Shirt, are timeless, budget-friendly looks. They are preferred for those who show in events like reining or cutting, where freedom of movement is paramount. More tailored jackets are typically seen in pleasure, horsemanship, and equitation classes. Rhinestones, patterns, and color, as seen on the RHC Equestrian Women’s Jeweled Collar and Shoulders, can help riders stand out and shine in rail classes. Just make sure that the color of your shirt coordinates well with your horse’s coloring, many companies have color charts to assist with this. 

Pants: Classic jeans can work, but they can often make for a bulky fit under chaps. The best choice is a pair of fitted western pants with a hint of stretch. The Hobby Horse EZee Rider Stretch Show Pants and the Irideon Circuit Riding Pants are popular options. You can even consider trying English breeches… just make sure they have belt loops wide enough for your western belt! Pants should always match your chaps in color.

Chaps: Chaps are one of the most important elements of a winning Western wardrobe. A flattering fit will set the tone for your entire ensemble. They should hang snugly off your waist, and they should cover your pants belt when you are mounted. There should not be any gapping at the front of your thigh. They must be long enough to cover your boot heel when in the saddle. The Hobby Horse Simplicity Chaps and the RHC Equestrian Women’s Ultra Suede Leather Fringe Chaps give the look of custom-fit chaps at an economical price point. Styles sporting fringe are typically seen in the show ring, but some fashion-forward riders have brought back the scalloped trim. 

Belts and Buckles: A plain belt that matches your pants and chaps is the most flattering look. Western belt buckles come in an endless variety of shapes and sizes. Always choose a buckle that is proportionate to you. If you can, wear the buckle you just won. 

Boots: Think about how your Western boots will look peeking out from under your chaps, through your stirrups. Match the color to your chaps. Fatbaby styles should be avoided in the show ring since they can break up the clean line under your chaps. We love the Ariat Women’s PrimeTime Western Boot and the Smoky Mountain Boots Women’s Shelby Western Boot! You can learn more about Western boot selection on our blog post, How to Find the Best Western Boots for You.

Hat: Subtle differences in quality, shape, and maintenance of your Western hat accentuate the horse person underneath. Your hat should fit comfortably and stay on in a stiff breeze, and it should flatter your facial structure as well as punctuate the rest of your outfit. The Bullhide Kingman 4X Wool Western Hat is a great option. Generally, your hat should match your chaps, although a bright white hat can help you stand out with dark chaps. An ASTM/SEI-certified protective helmet is also an appropriate piece of headgear to wear.

Accessories: These are the finishing touches to help you stand out. Earrings will frame your face and harmonize your look. They should be about an inch in diameter or smaller. Avoid dangling earrings, which can be distracting and uncomfortable. A scarf, like the Western Express White Scarf Tie, can help to complete your look and showcase your individuality.

Spurs: Your spurs should be effective on your horse, but they should also look nice. Spur straps can sport pretty buckles or fancy straps with conchos and tooling.

At The Cheshire Horse, we carry exactly what you need to make a splash in the show ring, with an extensive selection of dressage, hunter/jumper, and Western apparel. If you have any questions regarding what to wear in the show ring, we encourage you to reach out to a member of our friendly and knowledgeable sales team.