BE Competitor's Dress Rules-What can you get away with?!

[rosiesowner]

Let me start this post by saying that I do not want, particularly, to break any dress rules! I am a rule follower

But anyhow, I'm in the process of buying day passes and the like ready with the intention to hopefully enter the BE90 at Bishop Burton in October. It's been my goal for years so this is very exciting! Because I'm an eventing geek, I've had a skim through the rulebook in the past and know it says black or navy jackets for the dr and sj. However, after having volunteered at a couple of events I've noticed quite a few people in lighter blue and other coloured jackets. At the last event I was on scoreboards next to the sj and saw a girl with a bright red jacket and saddlepad compete! Incidentally, this was in the 90 at BB.

So, the long and short of this incredibly convoluted post is what do you folks of the BE world reckon about my chances of getting away with an understated, plain burgundy jacket for jumping? If not I can borrow a friend's black softshell as I don't want to initially run out and buy a new jacket.

Pic of jacket for reference!

 

[be positive]

People pushing the boundaries and constantly breaking the dress code rules is why navy or black is now allowed at the lower levels, at one event the dressage steward tried to eliminate most of the class as they were all in black/ navy with white breeches, the rules ended up being changed so that BE could be more inclusive so sadly most of the lower level competitors will wear "incorrect" turn out and get away with it, you will still see most of the pro riders in tweed at novice and below which is still considered correct by many competitors.
You need to keep within the rules for dressage, many of the judges are old school and although it should not affect the marks they may be inclined to give the lower score if they are undecided, the SJ judges will probably overlook the jacket you have but it may be worth you investing in a smart tweed if you plan on doing BE regularly and let your horse and yourself stand out from the crowd by performing well rather than by what you are wearing.

 

[rosiesowner]

People pushing the boundaries and constantly breaking the dress code rules is why navy or black is now allowed at the lower levels, at one event the dressage steward tried to eliminate most of the class as they were all in black/ navy with white breeches, the rules ended up being changed so that BE could be more inclusive so sadly most of the lower level competitors will wear "incorrect" turn out and get away with it, you will still see most of the pro riders in tweed at novice and below which is still considered correct by many competitors.
You need to keep within the rules for dressage, many of the judges are old school and although it should not affect the marks they may be inclined to give the lower score if they are undecided, the SJ judges will probably overlook the jacket you have but it may be worth you investing in a smart tweed if you plan on doing BE regularly and let your horse and yourself stand out from the crowd by performing well rather than by what you are wearing.

I reckoned that might be the answer!
As I said, I'm not that intent on breaking any rules; I was just wondering what I could, in theory get away with. I can borrow a jacket this time and then if we do more BE invest in a nicer one as I do like my tweed but sold it sadly as it no longer fits! Either way we will be sticking to the turnout rules

I just don't want to spend too much initially as I am funding this entirely myself and am a little strapped for cash due to the princess pony herself...

Any recommendations of a good quality but affordable tweed jacket would be much appreciated

 

[EventingMum]

Totally agree with be positive, BE is very traditional in it's dress code which I like. My son rode in tweed with a coloured stock up to and including novice and then wore a black jacket and white stock beyond that. I'm quite old fashioned and must admit not to being a fan of the modern jackets and colours you see in show jumping these days and hope the trend doesn't creep over to BE. XC is the place you can enjoy being as colourful as you like with your tops and saddlecloths. Try Ebay for cheaper tweed jackets or many online saddlery shops have them fairly reasonably too.

 

[Batgirl]

You would get a minus 2 with most of the judges I write for (and if I were judging) rules is rules

 

[rosiesowner]

Totally agree with be positive, BE is very traditional in it's dress code which I like. My son rode in tweed with a coloured stock up to and including novice and then wore a black jacket and white stock beyond that. I'm quite old fashioned and must admit not to being a fan of the modern jackets and colours you see in show jumping these days and hope the trend doesn't creep over to BE. XC is the place you can enjoy being as colourful as you like with your tops and saddlecloths. Try Ebay for cheaper tweed jackets or many online saddlery shops have them fairly reasonably too.

I loved wearing my tweed with a coloured stock! It was just unfortunate I had to sell it... I may have to try some on in a shop then have a look online

I've got to say, some of the jackets seen at show jumping comps don't even look... well like show jackets! There are some crazy colours out there. Burgundy is the craziest colour I've ever had, but I will happily take the excuse to buy a new tweed!

 

[rosiesowner]

You would get a minus 2 with most of the judges I write for (and if I were judging) rules is rules

Don't get me wrong, I do want to obey the dress rules! I was just wondering what would happen if for example I didn't manage to get my hands on one in time. Oh well... looks like I'll have to use it as an excuse to go shopping

 

[Crackerz]

You would get a minus 2 with most of the judges I write for (and if I were judging) rules is rules

And so they should, i think turnout should be one thing that never changes and rules are kept fairly tight

 

[cundlegreen]

i can't believe you compete and haven't got a tweed jacket! I would have thought that would be a staple in any rider's wardrobe. They go for peanuts in secondhand tack shops, unless you are picky, or a strange size, I can't see you have a problem finding one without spending a fortune. My last lightweight summer tweed cost me 20 quid.

 

[PaddyMonty]

i can't believe you compete and haven't got a tweed jacket! I would have thought that would be a staple in any rider's wardrobe.

I've been competing BE (BHTA), BS (BSJA) an BD for more years than I care to admit and I've never owned a tweed jacket. Always either worn black or the rather nice light grey jacket. Never had a comment about my grey jacket at BE.

 

[Llee94]

Emily King has been competing in a Burgundy jacket recently so I think you would be okay. However, I still prefer the standard navy, black and tweed jackets.

 

[rosiesowner]

i can't believe you compete and haven't got a tweed jacket! I would have thought that would be a staple in any rider's wardrobe. They go for peanuts in secondhand tack shops, unless you are picky, or a strange size, I can't see you have a problem finding one without spending a fortune. My last lightweight summer tweed cost me 20 quid.

It used to be my go to! Until I sold it and bought my new one which is a lovely colour but sadly not appropriate for BE!

 

[rosiesowner]

Emily King has been competing in a Burgundy jacket recently so I think you would be okay. However, I still prefer the standard navy, black and tweed jackets.

It's a bit nicer than my burgundy though... It's a lovely jacket that'd probably set me back more than 8 months of livery I did wonder about that to be honest! Still, I can always make or use an excuse to go shopping

 

[Chiffy]

Another traditionalist here! Please don't succumb to these awful garish jackets, it's bad enough at SJ competitions.
A tweed jacket until intermediate looks the best in my opinion, no need to copy Emily King!

 

[Luci07]

Have a look on ebay or put up a wanted on FB.".

 

[rosiesowner]

Another traditionalist here! Please don't succumb to these awful garish jackets, it's bad enough at SJ competitions.
A tweed jacket until intermediate looks the best in my opinion, no need to copy Emily King!

Don't worry, I won't be blinding the judges with my aqua blue jacket and bling helmet just yet

 

[rachk89]

I've been competing BE (BHTA), BS (BSJA) an BD for more years than I care to admit and I've never owned a tweed jacket. Always either worn black or the rather nice light grey jacket. Never had a comment about my grey jacket at BE.

With you on this one. I don't even like tweed. Bought a black jacket for dressage and i refuse to stray from it.

I know one girl who bought one of those bright red jackets for showjumping. It is nice but I don't really think she should be wearing it. I associate that colour with professionals thanks to the whitakers wearing it years ago. Don't really see what's wrong with sticking with formal colours either. Wearing bright pink isn't going to improve your score.