Even Cinderella needed help getting dressed for a special occasion - here are suggestions from the experts at Hobby Horse for show ring presentation. Always review the association rules for the shows or breed you compete in, and try to observe your competition before you invest in show apparel. The show ring is a traditional place, but there's always room for a new look, as long as it's legal and in good taste. Have fun and good luck!
| EVENT | WOMEN | MEN | ||
| Local/Regional | National / World / Futurities | Local/Regional | National / World / Futurities | |
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HALTER / LONGE LINE horse only is judged on ideal conformation, movement, beauty. Horses are shown in hand, not ridden. |
Starched jeans or show pants; blouse with pin or tie; western hat; western boots, belt and buckle. Simple vests, blazers, short jackets also appropriate. | Same for local/regional levels, with dressier vest, blazer, or jacket. Take care to color coordinate with the horse, but don't overshadow the horse with glitz. | Starched jeans; pressed, starched shirt; long tie or scarf; western hat; western boots; belt and buckle. | Starched jeans or pleated front pants; starched shirt with tie; sport coat or blazer; western hat; western boots; belt and buckle. |
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SHOWMANSHIP handler only is judged on ability to fit and present halter horse. Horses are shown in hand, not ridden. |
Starched jeans or show pants; blouse or slinky top with vest, blazer, or jacket; gloves; western hat; western boots; belt and buckle. Pay extra attention to makeup; it's an up-close class. | Poly dress-style show pants (a must); blouse or slinky top with a short jacket or longer blazer; gloves; western hat; western boots; belt and buckle. (Be careful of high contrast at hips.) | Starched jeans or pleated front pants; starched shirt with tie or scarf; sport coat or blazer; western hat; western boots; belt and buckle. | Starched jeans or pleated front pants; starched shirt with tie; sport coat or blazer; western hat; western boots; belt and buckle. |
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HORSEMANSHIP / EQUITATION rider only is judged on correct riding form and ability to handle horse. |
Chaps; fitted blouse (horsemanship style with leotard bottom is popular), with or without vest; gloves; western hat; western boots; belt and buckle. | Chaps; fitted blouse (horsemanship style with leotard bottom is popular), with or without vest; gloves; western hat; western boots; belt and buckle. Form fitted garments critical. | Chaps; starched jeans to coordinate with saddle blanket; scarf in square knot; western hat; western boots; belt and buckle. | Chaps; starched jeans to coordinate with saddle blanket; scarf in square knot; western hat; western boots; belt and buckle. |
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WESTERN PLEASURE horse is ridden and judged on manners, movement, beauty. |
Chaps; blouse or slinky top, with or without vest or short jacket; gloves; western hat; western boots; belt and buckle. Color coordinate clothing with horse and saddle blanket. | Same for local/ regional level. More elaborategarments with rhinestones, sequins, beads, fancy trims appropriate. | Chaps; starched jeans to coordinate with saddle blanket; scarf in square knot; western hat; western boots; belt and buckle. | Chaps; starched jeans to coordinate with saddle blanket; scarf in square knot; western hat; western boots; belt and buckle. Perhaps add crew neck, trim fitting sweater in cool weather. |
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TRAIL horse is ridden and judged on ability to maneuver over and through obstacles. *Remember that freedom of movement (to open gates, for instance) makes vests or other less restrictive apparel a great trail look. |
Chaps; blouse or slinky top, with or without vest or short jacket; gloves; western hat; western boots; belt and buckle. Color coordinate clothing with horse and saddle blanket. | Same for local/ regional level. More elaborate garments with rhinestones, sequins, beads, fancy trims appropriate. | Chaps; starched jeans to coordinate with saddle blanket; scarf in square knot; western hat; western boots; belt and buckle. | Chaps; starched jeans to coordinate with saddle blanket; scarf in square knot; western hat; western boots; belt and buckle. Perhaps add crew neck, trim fitting sweater in cool weather. |
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REINING, CUTTING & COWHORSE horse is ridden and judged on speed, accuracy, and degree of difficulty in performing maneuvers derived from ranch work. |
More casual. See WESTERN PLEASURE; looser fitting garments for movement; coordinate clothing to saddle blanket. | Same for local/ regional level. At upper levels (if you're good!) a great place to show off fuller sleeves, rhinestone or beaded trims. | More casual. See WESTERN PLEASURE for men, but scarves are optional. | Same as for local/ regional levels. |
