Correct Dress - Hunter Classes?

[event_rider]

About 18 months ago, I posted about my recently purchased 4 year old 15.2 dun who I was considering doing some local level showing on http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/foru...ghtweight-Ladies-No-Chance-Show-Hunter-*Pics*.

Fast forward to now, and I now have a large 16.3, 6 year old dun who hit a massive growth spurt and has expanded in every direction. Needless to say, all that growing has meant that that everything has been done very slowly to allow all the various body parts to grow into themselves but I think we're getting there. I originally posted wondering what sort of class I should enter at local level and following the growth spurt, we've had some nice success and rosettes on pretty much every outing in local level lightweight hunter classes so I've decided to brave some big boy pants and enter a county level show. Up until now, tack and gear has been a bit of a cobble together of whatever came to hand. However, if we're competing against the big boys, I figure it's probably about time to invest in some proper items.

Consequently I have a few questions and I've been unable to get a consensus as to what is actually correct:
* Tack Colour: I've heard that brown is always correct for hunter classes? However, being dun and having black points, black tack would suit so much better? I'm investing in a new bridle and already have a black saddle so inclined to go black but want to ensure its correct.
* Rubber vs Steel Pelham: he goes much better in rubber bits overall so ideally I'd like to compete in a rubber pelham - does anyone foresee any issues? I've competed in one up until now and would rather not break what's working.
* Saddle Type: I have both a black jumping and dressage saddle. I can't afford to purchase a dedicated show saddle so will have to make do with what I have. Jumping saddle is not particularly forward cut and dressage saddle isn't overly deep so either could potentially work.
* Gloves/Cane: Again, I'm unable to get a consensus on colour - should these both always be brown or both black to match the rest of my tack? Would seem a bit odd to have brown when the rest of the leather on both of us is black.
* Waistcoat: Is it worth the investment even when it wont be seen?

Well aware that ultimately colour will probably come against us but looking forward to giving it a bit of a go!

 

[be positive]

I would go for a brown bridle it is correct whatever colour the horse is, if you get a dark brown good quality one it will look much smarter than black. I would use the jumping saddle, at county level the judge will ride and many hate sitting in a dressage saddle, the short girths also look out of place.
If the rubber pelham works use that although I prefer a double at that level, the horse will perform best in whatever he feels most comfortable in so that takes priority.
Gloves should be brown, never black, as should the cane, it is not about trying to match just traditional.

 

[Moomin1]

I wouldn't mix and match colour of bridle and saddle. If you only have black saddle, go for black bridle.

 

[Jnhuk]

Think it really depends on your level but brown tack is deemed more correct but if you have black then stay with black bridle and saddle unless you are looking to spend money on new brown tack for showing. I think is about etiquette rather than affecting the judging decision but someone more knowledgeable about showing could confirm this point.

Just make sure your stirrups and stirrup leathers are large/long enough for male judges who frequently have big feet and long legs!

 

[islandspirit]

I've shown at County level and only have black tack, I'm a bit of a weirdo and don't like brown and couldn't afford or justify a new saddle just to use once a year. Your jumping saddle would be better than your dressage and try to keep the numnah as discreet as possible. Brown gloves and cane, black boots which should have a straight top but mine haven't, spurs must be worn but you can use dummy spurs if you need to. Another good tip is to stitch the bottom of the bow on your hay to the hat itself if that makes sense, no idea why but it is traditional to do it. Don't worry about a waistcoat, it's not essential. Also, have loads of people ride your horse, whatever the level, it gets the horse ready for the ride judge. Don't tell yourself you don't have a chance, go telling yourself you're going to do well and have a fab day. It's supposed to be fun and not as terrifying as I thought it would be. Good luck

 

[event_rider]

I've shown at County level and only have black tack, I'm a bit of a weirdo and don't like brown and couldn't afford or justify a new saddle just to use once a year. Your jumping saddle would be better than your dressage and try to keep the numnah as discreet as possible. Brown gloves and cane, black boots which should have a straight top but mine haven't, spurs must be worn but you can use dummy spurs if you need to. Another good tip is to stitch the bottom of the bow on your hay to the hat itself if that makes sense, no idea why but it is traditional to do it. Don't worry about a waistcoat, it's not essential. Also, have loads of people ride your horse, whatever the level, it gets the horse ready for the ride judge. Don't tell yourself you don't have a chance, go telling yourself you're going to do well and have a fab day. It's supposed to be fun and not as terrifying as I thought it would be. Good luck

Thanks for all the feedback and tips guys - think my hand will be forced on the tack front as can't justify buying a new saddle and ideally would prefer to invest in a bridle I can use again at some point which makes brown a bit impractical. Nice to know that whilst a lot of the aforementioned elements are traditionally correct, they shouldn't make a difference to overall placing. Just terrified of sticking out like a sore thumb!