Showing Lead Rein Outfits Advice needed for a newbie.

[ponymadmum]

Hi Everyone,

I am taking the plunge into showing with my son and his shetland, with our first show in a couple of weeks from now. It's only a local low level one so I won't be going mad with my purse just yet. But I'd love some advice so I don't go there looking totally silly.

I have managed to get hold of a brown tweed jacket for my son (no velvet collar but I presume this is ok?) and I have a brown tweed jacket for myself. It's not the same pattern but a similar colour.

As I bought the jacket for myself secondhand, it came with matching trousers. Will this be OTT on the tweed and should I go for navy trousers or plain brown ones? And do I need a hat to match too? I have some black jodhpur boots for myself, will these be ok?

He already has beige coloured jods, will these be ok to wear? And black jodhpur boots too. I have got him a red tie and plan to wear the same, is this ok?

Our pony is black and has a black saddle and bridle which I think will do for this time but should she really be in havana?

Sorry for the million questions, but being a newbie, I find showing quite mind boggling!

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Child and pony are fine as is.

You really do need to wear a hat. It depends on how loud your tweed is as to whether you could get away with the trousers or not. Lead rein is usually done in skirts. Your boots will be fine with trousers.

 

[WelshD]

ideally the jod boots on the rider would be brown but its not the end of the world

Most show people choose havana tack but this isnt essential, there are no rules saying tack must be brown or anything

For you I would suggest a long navy or brown skirt, if you only have trousers they would be ok (choose plain ones) but a skirt is usual. Your boots will be fine, the leader normally wears a high neck blouse or an open neck blouse - ties are not usually worn by leaders, if you want to pick out the red then perhaps a neat silky scarf tucked in would be more suitable. You must wear a hat I'm afraid - the look you are going for with your outfit is a nanny/governess type look

Dont forget gloves for you and your son, brown is ideal, navy is ok. Not black or white/cream

If you have Facebook try the group 'Show Gear for sale or wanted' - quality showing stuff can be picked up reasonably cheaply on there

 

[ponymadmum]

Thank you both for your replies, very helpful. I have managed to pick up a few bargains on Ebay including a hat. All I need now is a pair of brown gloves and we're set I shall check out that page on facebook too WelshD Thanks.

 

[honetpot]

Have a look on here. http://horsegossip.proboards.com/board/78/show-riding-clothing-sale
The trend now seems to be for navy culottes, a dubarry or lookalikie on your feet for local shows.

 

[Crackerz]

Thank you both for your replies, very helpful. I have managed to pick up a few bargains on Ebay including a hat. All I need now is a pair of brown gloves and we're set I shall check out that page on facebook too WelshD Thanks.

Fab, make sure you show us a pic when it all arrives!