Lead Rein, dress code for leaders at local show

[OldNag]

Evening!

Well we've had pony for about 10 days now and are loving every minute. She's an absolute star and really gentle with the kids. Couldn't have wished for a better start for them.

We are going to their first show this weekend - only a very local small scale affair. We're hitching a lift in someone's trailer. All a bit sudden but I'm not going to turn down an offer like that, and the kids will have a ball.

However, I have very limited experience of shows, I only ever did very occasional ones within riding schools (20+ yrs ago), and I suspect it's all changed over the years anyay!

I've often seen photos of show ponies on lead rein with immaculately dressed leaders in full garb.

But what's appropriate for a local type show? Someone at the yard said to me wear trousers and a shirt that tucks in. I don't think I own any shirts - now I don't have to wear a suit I don't think I have any that fit! And as for tucking anything into trousers... since children I try to avoid that But I need to find something smart that is appropriate.

So my question is ... do any of you ever lead leadrein ponies at shows, and if you do, what do you wear?

Thank you!

(See I told you I'd have stoopid questions to ask!)

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I don't do lead-rein showing but do like to watch the classes.
You need to look smart but not OTT for a local show. Suitable footwear, so that if it rains you are still ok (I'll never forget watching the class at the Great Yorkshire Show one year with all the smart ladies in their wellies), dark trousers if the pony is light coloured, light coloured if the pony is dark and a jacket should be fine. gloves would be a good idea and you might want to wear a hat but will probably not be the only one without if you choose not to.
Good luck! It's lovely to hear that your new pony is doing so well, remember to update us after the show, won't you?

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

So long as it is smart it's ok. Trousers, shirt/blouse, waistcoat ot hacking jacket and I would always try and wear a hat - not a riding hat or Beagler or a baseball cap but a Trilby or the likes would be more suited. If you don't want to wear a hat then make sure your hair is neartly tied back in a bun out of the way.

 

[OldNag]

Thank you both.

I donn't think any of my hats are suitable so will chance being bareheaded, and I have no waistcoat or hacking jacket. (Will have to go shopping if we're going to do more of this). I'll see what I can find lurking in my wardrobe, still have some suit jackets there which I might be able to cram myself into! Do have gloves though and was going to go for jod boots.

I'll let you know how we get on.

 

[babymare]

ok done lead rein with my daughter and mmmmmm smart is important. For local shows was jods boots waist coat hard hat and gloves but for championships ok i did wear a skirt and floopy hat ( and felt a pratt as so un horsey) - if no jods and boots nice trousers casual but smart and work man like (if know what mean) . a white shirt and if poss a smart waist coat but please please wear gloves blk or brown but please gloves important . ok you may not have the gear for this show but go use it to look and learn and enjoy - always smile at judge and thank them at end of your show - manners cost nothing but so many people forget them to thier judge and it does make difference - get your little one practising the thank you to judge with a smile - all little things that a judge likes but most of all go enjoy and have a brilliant day lol i have 22 years of magic moments with my daughter x

 

[OldNag]

Thank you v much babymare. Having trawled my wardrobe, have decided to get myself a waistcoat and I'll go with jods (navy)/boots. I have got gloves ( hope they are OK, they';re just ones I use for riding and they will match).

I know what you mean about the skirt/floppy hat - thankfully we're unlikely to do anything more than local shows so I won't have to feel a complete pratt! It would seem so strange to be around a horse in a skirt.

 

[FMM]

It is totally incorrect to be in the ring without a hat on - you do need to wear one. Sensible shoes, and smart. I used to wear a tweed jacket with trousers before I found a skirt and jacket (from M&S). But always something covering your head. And I would definitely avoid jods and wear trousers if you have them - which will look as though you have made a bit of an effort without spending any money!!! Some examples below - one outfit was what I already had after a bit of digging and the other cost about £15 in the M&S sale ...