County level in-hand showing

[roll_along]

I have my youngster entered in a county show in the hunter youngstock. The last few shows I've been to I've worn my tweed jacket but it has been BOILING hot!
The next show is the county one and I'm just wondering is it acceptable to wear shirt, tie and just a waistcoat if it's really hot again or will this be frowned upon? Should I just stick to the tweed and melt?

I haven't really done any showing before so it's all new and I don't want to insult the judges as soon as I walk in the ring by wearing the wrong thing!

 

[chrissie1]

At county level really you do need the jacket. I bought a very lightweight one after suffering many years of being too hot, and it made such a difference.

 

[atouchwild]

No you don't need your jacket, waistcoat is absolutely fine. This is my mare winning at county...!

I always show like this, also have a dartmoor who show at county and I wear the same but the waistcoat is navy. I do wear a jacket if it's cold though!
Horses for courses I guess, but I have never had any comments.

 

[Simsar]

At county level really you do need the jacket. I bought a very lightweight one after suffering many years of being too hot, and it made such a difference.

Agree with Chrissie. Looks so much nicer with a jacket on, but yes it is about the horse not the jacket. But the lady above without is to multicoloured for me. Should have gone to specsavers.

 

[S_N]

You should really wear a tweed jacket, but as proven, you can get away with wearing a smart waistcoat. Also, remember to tie up long hair and wear a hairnet - it looks so messy without IMHO.

 

[Penniless]

Its always been show etiquette to wear your jacket (even when it's boiling hot) but you will find that in extreme heat - the judges will announce jackets can be removed. We've always adhered to that ruling - even when we've been slowing melting. Of course, some breed classes don't have the same dress code, so depends on what you're showing of course, but for Hunter classes - a jacket is a "yes". Good luck.

 

[Truly]

100% wear a jacket

Especially for Hunters you have to make the effort to do everything correctly.

As everyone has said , it is the horse that is judged but if it comes down to it and your horse and another horse are equal in the judges eyes, he or she will probably pick the best turned out ...the overall picture is very important and Hunter judges are sticklers for tradition and correct turnout.

I always say we owe it to our horses to turn ourselves/them out smartly.

I always wait to the last minute to put my jacket on if it's really hot and take it off as soon as I get out the ring. You'll be fine

 

[Loopy_Loo]

Thanks everyone, think I will wear the jacket and overheat! Don't think my girl will be competitive against all the pros , I'm just taking her out for experience, but we still want to look the part.

Saves me some money too - don't have to buy a waistcoat now!

 

[Simsar]

Good luck keep us posted to how you do.

 

[Maesfen]

I'm a stickler for etiquette or I would be if I could spell it but there is a different sense of dress code with coloureds, Arabs and native breeds to that of the hunter ring and I agree with the others, I'm afraid it's you'll have to boil unless the judge tells you differently. Sometimes, they'll send word to the collecting ring steward that coats can be removed so check with them too; if enough ask, they should mention it to the judge for approval as there are very few show rings with shade and they shouldn't want you keeling over like guards on parade!

Are you going to give us a dress rehearsal, it'll be good practise and if not then you must post pics of the day please, we'll be rooting for you.

 

[Truly]

Thanks everyone, think I will wear the jacket and overheat! Don't think my girl will be competitive against all the pros , I'm just taking her out for experience, but we still want to look the part.

Saves me some money too - don't have to buy a waistcoat now!

You mustn't think like that.

The only difference from the pro's to amateurs (unless you know who is who) is the appearance. By that I mean correct turnout and handling.
If you have the correct clothes on, your horse is smartly plaited and you stand and trot them up correctly, then you look just as professional
You don't need lots of money to look professional, you just do your homework (which you are doing by asking) practice standing them up etc and make sure they are immaculately turned out.
Always by confident and look at the judge and say good morning with a smile when you stand them up too.
Good luck and enjoy it