Starting dressage - advice and recommendation please

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Npsouth

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Hi,

I’m looking to start taking my ex racehorse to some low level dressage, and then potentially quest over winter.

I’m happy with her tack, and not looking to change anything. But I’m overwhelming myself with ‘stuff’ that I need, so looking for advice about what I actually need attire wise to get ourselves started. I’m a keen shopper but easily drawn in to buying things I like but don’t need.

I know I need a blue jacket, I have a blue velvet hat I can wear, have a stock. Is a show shirt necessary? Do people wear white gloves or a different colour or does it not matter?

What have I missed or would you say need please🤞🏼
 
You don't need a shirt if your stock fills in the gap in your jacket!! You can wear white gloves but also conservative colours, navy, black, brown. You don't need to wear a jacket now, you could wear a Gillette but if your competing in the winter a jacket is probably best!! You can now wear dark jods as well.
 
I have one of those shirts that zips up to the neck so looks fine without a stock. I'd get one of those with or without a stock. I often have thermals underneath in winter though!

Any colour gloves are fine.

Given last winter a smart raincoat might be more use than a show jacket. Otherwise only spend what you can afford - so long as you're smart and tidy
 
SEL said:
I have one of those shirts that zips up to the neck so looks fine without a stock. I'd get one of those with or without a stock. I often have thermals underneath in winter though!

Any colour gloves are fine.

Given last winter a smart raincoat might be more use than a show jacket. Otherwise only spend what you can afford - so long as you're smart and tidy
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Very much reiterate that you only need to spend what you can afford, especially if you're just starting out, it's often not that strict at lower level - a velvet (or tweed) jacket is ideal, you can always buy a secondhand one from vinted/ ebay/ fb to get you started. If you're getting a navy jacket then you can wear a cream or white stock, usually they get worn with a stock shirt but as has been mentioned, if you're wearing a stock then often you can't see the shirt underneath so you don't actually need both, alternatively at lower level I sometimes wear a stock shirt without a stock. Having the stock shirt and stock is the most correct though.

White jodphurs with a navy jacket or beige with a tweed.

Hairnet if you have long hair and gloves as mentioned already.

Have you got a white or I think you can get away with black, brown or navy saddle cloth or numnah? Also you normally need a number holder, either to go on the saddle pad or the bridle. Some shows you don't need your numbers though.
 
Thanks all - really helpful.

I’ll find a jacket I like (and eBay/vinted is a great shout), and then figure out if a shirt is needed. I have a stock already, which I love.

I do have a tweed jacket which I’ve worn up until now, but if I’m honest i felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb even though I looked smart and was fairly well turned out.

I hadn’t thought of a hair net so will get that and some kind of scrunchie, have smart black gloves which I can stick with. Hmm, our local venue when I went to watch recently did all have numbers so I’ll need to get one of those.

Where are peoples favourite white jodhpurs/breeches from?

I’ve done well to overcome my confidence issues around riding in the school and have worked hard to bring my ex racer up to a standard where she works softly in an outline and is relaxed enough to work and listen - I don’t want to be all gear and no idea but also don’t want to feel self conscious about not ‘looking the part’
 
British Dressage has really relaxed it’s dress code recently and most riding clubs tend to run under BD rules.

Have a look at the rule book on the BD website for more details but basically except for championship shows you do not need to wear a jacket. I wear one in winter for warmth and usually just a shirt with an American collar so no née for a stock or tie.

Gloves must be worn but do not have to be white. Jods do not have to be white or cream. Horses cannot wear boots or have ‘biscuits’ on the bit.

Have fun and enjoy it.
 
Ive never had a blue jacket so i just wore my tweed jacket and show gear, brown leather gloves. At basic level thats all you need
Enjoy!
 
Most important of all! You are only competing against your previous best. What others get does not matter. Of course it is nice to do well but it is not a reflection of how long a road you have travelled.
 
Bob notacob said:
Ps just to add the road bob and I have travelled is possibly the M25 ,which explains our lack of progress!
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So very true but a great reminder. I’m just excited to get out there and put our work in to practice. Looking forward to some test sheets and seeing what’s said!
 
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