Are dress code standards falling?

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millreef

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The reason I ask is that yesterday I took my Stage 2 riding exam. I read the blurb from the BHS and wore my hacking jacket. I also wore cream jobs and long black boots. I had a brown hat (thought it matched my hacking jacket and tie rather well). I was more than shocked to see that I was the only one at the exam wearing one (a hacking jacket I mean)! More than half the students didn't wear jackets, but just wore long sleeved white shirts with either ties or stocks. The other half wore black/grey show jackets. Surely the BHS should pick up on this? One of the students even wore her gaiters on the wrong legs! I just couldn't stop looking at them, hoping that someone would tell her (and NO it wasn't going to be me). The examiners MUST have seen this surely?
 
Sign of the times I feel. Perhaps not falling but changing?

I am knocking on a bit now, that's my excuse for being a bit of a stickler for turnout. I wouldn't dream of turning out in anything other than how you did for an exam or anything, chaps are strictly for more casual wear. I wouldn't be seen dead at a show or hunting etc without boots. I have seen chaps worn zip side in (ouch, how can thay happen?) and nobody said a word - even me, didn't want to embarrass the culprit.

Things change. Take PC for instance.
I joined in 1974, or 73, I can't remember the date, for lessons we wore non stretchy jodhpurs (with batwings:eek:) shirts, ties, hacking jackets, HAIRNETS:eek: and jodhpur boots, only the seniors wore long boots. The last Camp (my original PC) I attended as an Instructor in 90 something or other, sweatshirts were creeping in, although Instructors still looked as if we had stepped out of the PC manual, gloves, boots, breeches, ties, jackets (hot, hot, hot:() hats.

By 2000 (at my daughter's PC) tradition was out of the window, comfort, convenience and casual was in. PC sweatshirts, no ties, coloured jodhs. I can appreciate that things must move on and improve, it is the way of the world, but I miss the formality of it all in a way.
 
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I think it's a combination of falling and changing - the fact that people don't want to bother looking smart or make the effort means that standards adapt to meet this. I'm sure some people will argue it's to try and avoid us looking like the stereotypical rider, snobbish, posh, etc etc, but I agree, it's so sad that this has happened. The strictness of dress code was before my time, so theoretically I should be quite happy at being allowed to wear whatever, but I would always turn out in hacking jacket etc for something like that, and wish that everyone was still expected to, whether it be exams, PC lessons, or anything else like that. Oh well....
 
I agree with Enfys, and although I am not quite as 'experienced' (ahem) ;) I too miss the traditional standards. We used to have a turn out prize for PC rallies. I was judging at a RC show at the weekend and I wore my hunting breeches, long boots, hat (with hairnet), and I felt a hacking jacket would be a bit OTT so I wore my shooting tweed (bloomin glad I did it was freezing!) and I would expect the competitors to extend the same courtesy.
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I have also been called 'picky' for marking down people who have entered 'style and performance' classes in their everyday yard jods (multicoloured), which they assume is acceptable because they are on the yard where the show takes place.

IMO if it is too much effort to turn out correctly then it's better not to turn up!
 
I am a bit torn on this subject.

For shows where turnout is an important aspect of the particular class then I agree that every effort should be made to meet traditional standards.

For exams, well the BHS exams are expensive and many of the people who apply to do them are among some of the lowest paid workers I know - and they may also have had to travel to the exam centre at considerable cost to themselves. Does it really matter what colour your jacket is? Or what material it is made from? I've seen a rider turn up to the exam in an anorak - she didn't actually possess a jacket.

As long as what is worn is clean, meets the safety criteria set, and is safe and not so lurid as to scare the horses :eek: then personally i wouldn't be too bothered.
 
The bhs manual says a dark coloured v neck pullover is acceptable if you don't have a tweed so cost is no excuse. Beige jodhs are normally cheaper than fancy colours in the sale too.

Personally if I was forking out for the exam I'd be terrified I'd fail for breaching the dress code!
 
im not sure about bhs exams but in one of the local shows i was at recently a lady came third in the ridden m&m large breed on a dirty highland while rideing in muck boots! it wasnt a small class either there wer about 12-15 in it and every one else was well turned out.
 
This is what I hate about the BHS, sorry but does it actually matter what you wear as long as it is clean & tidy. I don't own a tweed jacket, but have a smart navy made to measure or an even smarter Equiport one, so clearly neither of these would be acceptable & I should rush out to buy a tweed for one day. I think the BHS wants to get with the times assess the candidates on their ability rather than what they are wearing.
 
What "the watcher" said.

It is important that people doing professional qualifications learn to look like professionals (e.g. for job interviews and creating a good first impression with clients) but as long as what is worn is clean and practical I don't think a specific 'uniform' is necessary.
 
kizzywiz said:
This is what I hate about the BHS, sorry but does it actually matter what you wear as long as it is clean & tidy. I don't own a tweed jacket, but have a smart navy made to measure or an even smarter Equiport one, so clearly neither of these would be acceptable & I should rush out to buy a tweed for one day. I think the BHS wants to get with the times assess the candidates on their ability rather than what they are wearing.
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Clean and tidy but on the wrong legs ?????

And really who owns a dark V neck pullover these days ?? My dad !

I understand where you are coming from but you have the pick of 2 lovely jackets but you don't know a single person you can borrow a tweed from for 1 day, really?? If you are a size 12 or 14 feel free to come and peruse my collection, there might even be a sneaky 10 in there. I live to the " a good tweed will last you all your life" saying ... and I say it each time I buy a new one !! :-) ...maybe the same reason you have 2 dark ones lol.

I think it is good that they have turnout guidelines and what they ask you to wear means that they can make a good assesment of your riding, they could completely relax them but then the boundrys would be pushed further and you'd get someone in hunters pink jods and a puffa jacket
 
I wore a navy v-necked jumper for some of my exams - smart and practical and easily available cheaply.

I will be wearing chaps for my first show with share horse - I can't get boots to fit my legs! It's as smart as I can be.
 
I was very poor in the days i did my BHS exams, I didnt use that as an excuse though, I turned up almost entirely clad in borrowed gear :)
 
I'm sure you could get a V necked pullover in primark for about a fiver. A lot cheaper than having to take exams again because you didn't create the "right" impression and the examiner thought "If they can't be bothered - why should I?" BTW I'm not an examiner but one of the "oldies" who also went to PC and exams fully kitted out. Said hacking jacket is still doing the rounds some 30 years on and looking good!
 
In short i think yes, i have noticed at various unaffiliated SJ comps (dressage turnout usually very good but a bit too bling fom my taste!). I usually get a lift withmy YO and her son and all three of us jump and are dressed with beige jods, shirt, tie and jacket and we are usually the exception. Most people are in "wear what you" want especially those blouson jackets favoured by show jumpers etc
 
Definately becoming slacker - Our PC kids must wear light coloured jodhs and are not allowed suede chaps - the kids wear long boots or gaiters - I hate seeing kids on ponies in long boots.
We have a polo shirt for summer rallies and white shirt, tie and black pullover for formal.

Long hair is tied back in an enormous scrunchy (no hair net) and the horse wears enough bling to light up the town.

I remember the days when we wore jacket, shirt & tie when hacking out the livery horses and heaven help it if anyone forgot to oil their horses feet before leaving the yard. Students were allowed to ride out in a polo necked jersey, jodhs and short boots.
 
Well believe it or not, the jacket I wore for my exam yesterday is the same one I wore 22 years ago when I did the stable management! It was in a sale and I picked it up cheap but it's a very good quality one. The people at the exam yesterday were not all working pupils, there were a lot of "the ladies what lunch" type. They're doing the exams so they can play with their horses whilst their banker husbands and blond children are other wise engaged during the day. (And no I'm not bitter.... well, maybe just a bit). It just seemed a little unfair that they hadn't bothered to read up on what was expected.
 
When I was at college and we had our BHS exams, we always had to wear all the correct gear. For example hacking jacket, cream or beige jods, white shirt, tie and black long boots no chapps!! Or we were not alowd to take our exams! I think that people are slacking when it comes to the dress code at BHS exams and should be marked down for it.
Little pony
 
Don't know about BHS exams, but I show at local level and think the standards are atrocious.

I know that the aim of local showing is to encourage people into the sport, but I have never, ever heard a judge advise someone that they or the horse could change their tack/dress. Surely part of learning your ringcraft is being given advice on the correct dress?

I regularly see people in ridden/working hunter classes with their hair flying all over the place (how much for a hairnet?), horses in those awful three ring gag thingies, bright numnahs, over-reach boots and DIRTY tack!

I also see in-hand competitors dressed to ride - i.e., in long boots, jods, black or blue jackets and the horse in a riding bridle with the reins over its' head. Sometimes this can be an adult showing a Sec A or a shetland, which they clearly aren't going to be riding!

Now I know that we all have to make do with the equipment we have and money to buy stuff for every class we might want to enter doesn't grow on trees, but the point I'm making is that I never hear anyone getting the guidance in the first place.
 
Havent read all the replies, so sorry if i repeat.

I think the standard has dropped! I remember when I was a tiny little kid, going to a county show and doing tack and turnout/best turned out. My mum (yes I was literally 2-3yrs old) stayed up all night, cleaned my tack, pocked out the saddle soap in the extra holes on the bridle, bathed the pony night before and morning of show, impecable plaiting, I was lifted onto pony, then boots placed on feet. Rider and leader had matching flower and hat.

I have had it pressed into me, always wear hair net etc etc etc. This last year gone, at the same show, but 15or so years on, I was turned out, again impecably, perfect plaits, stunningly white coloured horse, not a scrap of dirt anywhere. And do you know what won the class? A tiny little bay pony, yes it was clean, but had dressage white things around the plaits, tail unplaited and unpulled, child wearing pony club tie, not matching flower.

I like the old fashioned look, not so for lessons or hacking as used to be, but for competing definately!!

bexcy-bee x
 
At least you know you looked smart. Im sure it didnt go unnoticed. If your doing anything formal I think its always best to look smart...the girl with the gaiters probably got noticed too but at least you would have got noticed for the right reasons lol ;)
 
Chunkie said:
Don't know about BHS exams, but I show at local level and think the standards are atrocious.

I know that the aim of local showing is to encourage people into the sport, but I have never, ever heard a judge advise someone that they or the horse could change their tack/dress. Surely part of learning your ringcraft is being given advice on the correct dress?

I regularly see people in ridden/working hunter classes with their hair flying all over the place (how much for a hairnet?), horses in those awful three ring gag thingies, bright numnahs, over-reach boots and DIRTY tack!

I also see in-hand competitors dressed to ride - i.e., in long boots, jods, black or blue jackets and the horse in a riding bridle with the reins over its' head. Sometimes this can be an adult showing a Sec A or a shetland, which they clearly aren't going to be riding!

Now I know that we all have to make do with the equipment we have and money to buy stuff for every class we might want to enter doesn't grow on trees, but the point I'm making is that I never hear anyone getting the guidance in the first place.
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Agreed !!

Although if you are showing in hand in a double it should have riens over the head and a riding bridle. Also workers can be ridden in any bit these days and boots are allowed I'm afraid !! ( but just for the jumping phase)

Jods and boots in an inhand class also a pet peev of mine too ! My cords I wear for inhand were 99p off ebay I have 2 pairs 1 dark for my grey 1 light for my bay !

Why do Judges not say more ? like I would have put you 2nd but moved you down due to your t/o ??
 
My PC has fairly strict rules for under 16s at camp- in the morning, proper turnout with hacking jackets, clean tack, beige jods, etc. You get marked on your turnout, your pony's, your tack, your stable and your tent! Everyone takes it very seriously and works so hard- I felt bad docking marks because you could see how much time they'd spent. In the afternoon, they wear their shirt and tie or a smart polo shirt with their PC jumper and coloured jods so they stand half a chance of keeping the pale ones clean for the mornings!

For tests, until the C+ people are allowed to wear their cream jods with correct boots and chaps, shirt and PC tie and their PC jumper if it's cold/ they don't have long sleeves- it's still smart and appropriate but far comfier in the middle of summer! For the theory they turn up in the jackets and stuff, but quickly are allowed to take them off before handling horses!
 
millreef said:
Well believe it or not, the jacket I wore for my exam yesterday is the same one I wore 22 years ago when I did the stable management! It was in a sale and I picked it up cheap but it's a very good quality one. The people at the exam yesterday were not all working pupils, there were a lot of "the ladies what lunch" type. They're doing the exams so they can play with their horses whilst their banker husbands and blond children are other wise engaged during the day. (And no I'm not bitter.... well, maybe just a bit). It just seemed a little unfair that they hadn't bothered to read up on what was expected.
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You do sound a bit bitter there, sorry.
It's not really unfair, I don't know how BHS exams work but could they have been marked down for that?
 
Grrrrrrrr This i my pet hate too :mad:

All of my kit is off ebay either good quality second hand or new but shop soiled and needed a good wash the only expensive thing i have are my Ariat long boots which will last me FOREVER (I'll make sure of it!).

Hair nets 2 for 99p or at least tie it up properly.

Even when I'm only evening unaff SJ i clean tack, plait up, hoof oil, hair net, breeches, navy jacket and hat- bit of make up :p.

My horse is still very green and when excited can have a 'space-hopper' canter which is hard to sit out and he really 'over' jumps- so i feel we are prone to looking a bit messy in the ring- so by turning out to a high level I hope people will forgive us more.

AND I think its good for our horses to learn that they will be going out the next day and I think they enjoy looking good too!
 
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I think it is a sign of the times, I also remember turning up at PC rallies with PC (or associates) tie, hacking jacket and boots - woe betide anyone who did not turn up in that dress, ok, when we had been inspected and it was hit, we were allowed to take our jackets off. Not having anything to do with PC since I left in the late 80s I was really shocked when a girl from the yard went to a rally in (horrors) SWEATSHIRT!!!!!!!
 
QR

I can't afford a tweed jacket, so as OP and other replies on this thread are so outraged that I might wear my black SJ jacket to a local unaff show, I can PM them my home address to they can buy & deliver a lovely tweed to me :D

Any offers? Anyone? Since you're all SO outraged....
 
Lolo said:
My PC has fairly strict rules for under 16s at camp- in the morning, proper turnout with hacking jackets, clean tack, beige jods, etc. You get marked on your turnout, your pony's, your tack, your stable and your tent! Everyone takes it very seriously and works so hard- I felt bad docking marks because you could see how much time they'd spent. In the afternoon, they wear their shirt and tie or a smart polo shirt with their PC jumper and coloured jods so they stand half a chance of keeping the pale ones clean for the mornings!

For tests, until the C+ people are allowed to wear their cream jods with correct boots and chaps, shirt and PC tie and their PC jumper if it's cold/ they don't have long sleeves- it's still smart and appropriate but far comfier in the middle of summer! For the theory they turn up in the jackets and stuff, but quickly are allowed to take them off before handling horses!
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I would not allow my child to join this pony club. As long as my kid is clean and smart it's not fair to install ideas of snobbery from such a young age.

It's no wonder that horse riders can be so villified by the general public. Outdated ideas may have worked well at the time, but I think it should be applauded that equestrianism is trying to keep up with changes in social class mobility, health & safety standards etc.

I do agree that people should make an effort to be smart, clean, tidy & safety conscious, but to turn up noses because someones' jacket colour offends you is ridiculous imho.

(still waiting for someone to offer to give me their tweed jacket so I can keep them happy).
 
little pony said:
When I was at college and we had our BHS exams, we always had to wear all the correct gear. For example hacking jacket, cream or beige jods, white shirt, tie and black long boots no chapps!! Or we were not alowd to take our exams! I think that people are slacking when it comes to the dress code at BHS exams and should be marked down for it.
Little pony
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A WHITE SHIRT WITH TWEED?! *Fans self* ;)
 
BrambleandMonty said:
QR

I can't afford a tweed jacket, so as OP and other replies on this thread are so outraged that I might wear my black SJ jacket to a local unaff show, I can PM them my home address to they can buy & deliver a lovely tweed to me :D

Any offers? Anyone? Since you're all SO outraged....
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I completely agree.

I don't even have a black/navy competition jacket yet (I'm not showing at the moment so i don't need one yet, not until August)

I don't have a lot of money right now, not with a part-time job and university fee's looming over the horizon, so the little money I do have goes on thing for my horse anyway.

I'd sooner fork out money to buy him a good quality UV protection fly rug rather than buy myself a show jacket for similar money.
I've found a couple of nice jackets that are affordable and I will fork out for them when I can.

But then, my second cousin doesn't have a lot of money either. Last weekend went to a dressage show and won both of her classes.
Everyone else was there with their big horse trucks, super expensive competition gear etc etc
Second cousin looked nice in her white jodhpurs, navy jacket and show shirt, her Ariat long boots are expensive though (she spent all winter saving up for them apparently).

But surely the main thing should be how you ride and treat your horse. Sure you should look nice for a competition, but the most important thing is, as I just said, your ability to ride your horse.
 
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