FAO;Showing ppl/Judges -Inhand turn out help.

[starsnrunes]

I'm hopefully going to get to take Herc to a show in a few weeks. And could do with a bit of turn out help. He's a Traddy cob and I know what's correct for me, but the slight downfall atm is that I don't have a tweed jacket.

I have my old black one, but i've not worn it for several years and have no idea if it still fits.

So if you were a judge would you rather see;

A black show jacket, shirt and tie (with cream/pale trousers and some shoes I can walk in)
A waistcoat (my fall back if my jacket doesn't fit) with shirt and tie etc.....It's a smart (quite low tho) black pinstripe waistcoat (basically my suit one) And if I went for this option would matching trousers be better even though Herc has dark legs?

I will get a tweed eventually (found some nice brown ones on Ebay for £50) but I don't know if i'll get a chance to order one in time, or if it'll get here in time.

It's only a local show, and to be honest I have no disolusions of really getting placed anyway, let alone winning.

Oh and any tips for cleaning velvet hats - I'm going to just wear my riding hat, however it may have had and accident or two with a muddy puddle over the years and not exactly be black anymore.

 

[Cop-Pop]

I would def wear the waistcost No idea about cleaning velvet hats tho I'm afraid - warm water and a gentle brush maybe? Goodluck - dont forget to tell us how it all goes

 

[Thelwell_Girl]

Steam the hat!

I know it sounds odd, but boil a kettle and hold the helmet in the steam and move it about a bit. Apparently perks the pile up a bit?!

 

[MissSBird]

Ditto steaming the velvet hat - though remember that unless the show specifically requires you to wear a riding hat you can get away with something else.

I'd also go with the waistcoat, though I'd still team it with lighter trousers. That way you won't be wearing too much black.

 

[starsnrunes]

Ditto steaming the velvet hat - though remember that unless the show specifically requires you to wear a riding hat you can get away with something else.
QUOTE]

I know, However unfortunately atm it's the same as the jacket issue, and I only have a NY yankees baseball cap and 2 wicker cowboy hats (and not the show suitable style, but closer to stetsons), which is why I was just going to stick to the riding hat.

I'm looking for a flat cap on my Tweed hunt too.

Thanks to all....will try the Steaming trick.