Ring assitant attire- Showing

[Dizzle]

Off showing tomorrow, ROR class and I’m once again ring assistant.

Will be wearing fawn trousers, brown boots and a pale pink shirt. Is this okay? Shirt with have the top couple of buttons undone so no tie. This is our first 'big' show so don't want to let the team down!

Secondly does it matter what sort of bag I take the grooming kit in with? I usually use my Bently bag as it has lots of pockets and an over the shoulder strap so it’s easy to carry around all day.

Finally, we’ve now got the horse relaxed at shows… what on earth can I give to my rider to calm her down?!

Any other top showing tips you can pass on would be fab!

 

[miss_c]

Some shows will specify that all grooms/assistants have to wear a hat in the ring. I would have thought a Bentley bag would be ok, although I have seen people with baskets.

 

[FMM]

You'll need a hat as well.
DOn't forget a drink for the jockey and a wet sponge in a bag (for the sweaty horse) as the weather is meant to be quite warm.

Rescue remedy is used by some. I find getting to the show early, working in without having to rush around like a looney and having someone get the horse ready whilst I get changed has a calming effect!

 

[Dizzle]

Yes, we had a sponge in a bag at Monday’s show, it was fab! (although will need to get a new sponge as have a feeling I’ve left it in there all week).

Hat! Yes I totally forgot, I only have a black hat, will this matter?

Is the shirt okay without a tie or anything?? Is a pale pink shirt okay??

 

[cronkmooar]

As mentioned above a basket is more professional and would be the preferred option.

It is bad maners to enter the ring without a hat - and a number of shows would require you to leave the ring - so please wear a hat

My personal preference would be:

Fawn trousers
Brown Jod boots
Shirt - not white
TIE - to match your riders if possible
Jacket - to match what your rider is wearing ie tweed if your mount is anything other than a hack
Hat - beagler etc - normal riding hat will do

If this is a big show then really you should be correctly attired

Good luck