in hand showing on a budget!

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inthehills

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I'm hoping to take my boy to a couple of the local shows this summer, in the native in-hand class (he's a 5 YO highland)

It's not something I plan to do long-term but think it will be really good training for him and something we can do together in the very early stages of his career (he's just been backed)

I've just been having a look online at the dress code and quite often a tweed riding jacket is mentioned- is it really essential?

I don't really want to have to spend much money on buying clothes.

Would a shirt (what colour?) with a smart quilted brown bodywarmer be acceptable instead?

I do have cream jodphurs so could I wear these or do you wear trousers for an in hand class?

And can I wear my riding hat (which has a matte black silk- not a shiny one!)

Sorry for all the questions! what's really annoying is that I used to steward for a local show and I just cannot remember a thing about what people used to wear- where is that memory when you need it.....
 
For local shows smart is fine. Dark or light trousers depending on your horse's colour, jodphur boots, a shirt and tie and your hat will be fine. You could use a man's (or child's) shirt and charity shops are good for ties. If you can, go to one before you take your horse, and have a good look at what everyone is wearing. Alternatively have a look on Google images.
 
In the last few years I have seen people wearing different attire for in hand. As long as you look smart then you will be fine. You will definitely need your hat but also gloves and if you can a showing cane. Good luck!!
 
You'll be fine in the waistcoat. A shirt that isn't white, preferably long sleeved and tie. Jods are a no no in inhand classes so go for trousers. Lighter trousers for dark legs, darker trousers for lighter legs. Try to avoid black trousers but for local level they would be fine. Smart, sensible boots that you can run in. Personally I hate seeing the Dubarry style boots being worn but if they do the job without having to buy a new pair of boots then kick on.
 
thank you for the replies, that's really helpful :-)
i'm looking forward to it but as is always the case with horses (well, life in general!) need to watch the budget! So it's good to know I can use what's in my wardrobe.
 
Have a look on ebay too. I went to Royal Windsor in my £6 ebay tweed jacket and 50p charity shop shirt and tie. It didn't look and better/worse than everyone else's and the judges certainly didn't seem to notice ;)

If you are just starting out then have a look in your wardrobe (and that of any of your family). Look as smart as you can and enjoy the day. If you get into it then you can start scouting round for new things.
 
As long as you look clean and have clearly made an effort I wouldn't worry - jeans or jods are to be avoided generally though

I take my Welsh pony to inhand classes in a skirt, white blouse and crochet tank top - its not ideal but its all I have and I am by no means the most incorrect there!
 
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