Do you ride better when ...

[Greylegs]

... you're wearing your "posh" gear?

Chatting on the yard the other day, we pondered whether we actually give more attention and effort to our riding when we're wearing our show gear and best boots, than we do when just in every day stuff. The general consensus was that we do, because we feel sort of "special", like we've made an effort and so try harder. It might just be that we try harder anyway when we're competing, of course.

I have a lesson this morning, so putting the theory to the test, I'm wearing my best beige show breeches instead of my every day ones, I'll be putting on my best Ariat boots instead of the perfectly respectable MH ones I normally wear, and a nice shirt instead of an old sweat shirt. i've stopped short of putting on a tie, and will wear my everyday skull instead of the velvet Charles Owen in keep for best, but at least i've tried!! I feel like I'm ready to go! I'll keep you posted, but would be interested if anyone else feels the same.

 

[Woolly Hat n Wellies]

I definitely don't! I can practice and practice and practice at home, and then I fall to pieces as soon as I put my posh gear on. I think when I'm all dressed up I feel the pressure of competition more, I feel like people are looking at me and thinking "all the gear and no idea" because my riding won't live up to my posh kit, whereas in my scruffy stuff they can't possibly think that I have any high and mighty ideas about my own abilities.

 

[fattylumpkin]

I'm a very inelegant rider, putting it mildly, and my horse is just a happy hack who remains oblivious to my best efforts to school her. Mostly we look like two homeless vagabonds when out riding, but this christmas my husband (probably for shame's sake!) bought me lots of very posh riding wear and new boots and everything! The problem is I'm afraid to wear it because of that saying Woolly Hat n Wellies mentioned - "all the gear and no idea" - it would definitely apply to my horse and me

 

[nfpony]

i always feel like i ride better when i tuck my shirt in,even if its just a cotton t-shirt..

 

[PollyP99]

I think as a theory it makes sense, im sure it could have that effect. I carry myself much better and am more assured when suited and booted in my day job so think that should transfer to riding. I can't try the theory as my mare is lame and off work for a while but interested in your experiment!

 

[Hanson]

Hhmmmm...think it would take more than a nice outfit to improve my riding!

But I do agree in theory, I feel more focuses with the nice stuff on and I do try to do matchy matchy when I do have a lesson (which isn't nearly regularly enough).

However, age has taken hold and I now go for warmth and comfort over looks...I took stock of myself the other morning ( sadly on way home!) and couldn't find one item of clothing that I was wearing that matched in colour or style - still it's dark in the mornings when I ride so hopefully no one will see me ����.

 

[Charlie007]

Yes I think I ride better when I'm in my nice gear. If I wear my show gear I feel uncomfortable, it all fits well but I only wear it for competition. I like to look smart for my lessons/ clinics and I do feel like I want to show my horse off more making my riding lighter! Does that make sense??!!

 

[Apercrumbie]

I don't! I feel a need to "look good" instead of "ride effectively" which means my riding goes to pot! I think I do sit up a bit straighter though.

 

[Kezzabell2]

I don't own any posh gear. There's no point everything gets caked in mud anyway

 

[NinjaPony]

Yes! I like to school in a nice matching saddlepad/bandages combo, with a relatively clean pony and wearing something smart- it makes me feel like we should know what we are doing and therefore motivates me to ride more effectively...

 

[Greylegs]

Well ... home from my lesson now and I have to say my boy was just awesome today. I worked hard and he tried his socks off, so maybe there is something in it. My YO ... a very matter of fact lady with masses of experience and an excellent rider herself - watched most of our session and declared herself "Very impressed" with how we did, which was praise indeed from someone not given to compliments. So maybe I need to wear the posh boots and nice jods more often!! Maybe next time, I'll wear my show jacket as well for that extra bit of incentive. ....

 

[Nappy Croc]

I ride better in proper riding boots rather than yard boots I might go for a hack in, but otherwise, no.

 

[mc80007]

No definitely not! Every time I seem to kind of 'make an effort' with what I'm wearing, my ride seems to always end in disaster!

 

[spookypony]

I ride best under competition conditions, which tends to mean wearing the posh gear. I don't think there's a causal link, though!

 

[Jenni&Ditty]

I feel like i ride better in a t-shirt than a baggy jumper/coat??? I think because it makes me sit up more rather than slouch.
I think i ride better in my nice boots just because they are comfy
But is it just because you think you look better, therefore you think you are a better rider? I think in my case it is!

 

[spotty_pony2]

It's funny because I wore my 'competition hat' for jumping at home today because I believe I ride better when I wear it. Not necessarily true but if it works mentally then that's all that matters!