Starting to compete my native - gear + turnout for dressage?

[SnowGo]

Sorry if this is all a bit numpty-ish but I've never competed a native before, and haven't competed since I was about 15 (and never did much anyway). Also I've grown out of all of my old show gear so need to buy some new things!

I'll try and be concise to save everyone a barrage of questions:

Firstly, Am I alright to buy a tweed to do dressage, some showing and maybe an odd jump class in? And if so what colour for a grey? (Will attach a pic at the bottom of her). Do I need a stock or a tie?

Secondly, on the dressage front (which is what I will mainly be doing) am I fine to leave her natural? I can't imagine trying to get her mane into nice plaits! And should she still be in a white saddle pad?

She's a connemara is that makes any difference to things.

Thank you in advance!

(Apologies for it not being a confo shot but its my most recent one in good lighting- she's suddenly changing shade as her summer coat comes through!)

 

[atlantis]

Following this thread as I'm in exactly the same position with my 5 yr old connemara mare. She looks very similar to yours.

I have a tweed and stock and dressage boots already and I think you'd be better to go for a tweed as its more versatile and you'd be able to use it for all 3. However I really not the person to ask.

Edited to add a pic...

 

[rara007]

Tweed will be best if you also want to show in it. I wear tweed at prelim and novice anyway even though I have choice!
Natural is fine if it's clear she's a native, so leave feather tufts on TBH people leave even TBs unplaitted so it's not an issue! I still use a white square but there's nothing against brown numnahs/show cloths and the like.

Tie for showing, either for dressage, either coloured stock or shirt and tie.

Don't think there's much between brown and green tweeds for a grey, you chose

 

[Sukistokes2]

oh they are both lovely!

I do low level dressage and showing with my traditional cob. I just use the same get up for both. Black jkt, white shirt, cream jods, I have ties and stocks to match what mood I am in. The horse I show long and flowing. I have only had one adverse comment from a dressage judge who suggested she was unable to see a transition to walk because of the long tail, which was a bit silly I thought, however her attitude was negative throughout for everyone. so I didn't pay much attention. This is what i do , hope it helps.

edited to say, I use a black jacket because thats all I got!

 

[SnowGo]

Following this thread as I'm in exactly the same position with my 5 yr old connemara mare. She looks very similar to yours.

I have a tweed and stock and dressage boots already and I think you'd be better to go for a tweed as its more versatile and you'd be able to use it for all 3. However I really not the person to ask.

Edited to add a pic...

They do look really similar, even the dip dyed tail! Yours is slightly finer than my hippo of a pony though

rara007, thank you! I'm not planning on doing too much showing, but the show ground nearby does lots of showing classes and I want to tick as many boxes with her so I'll probably do a bit. I'm afraid its too late for the feather tufts though! They were sticking out at odd angles so they just had to go. I think her wild mane will give her away as a native hopefully.

Sukistokes2, I thought the point of traditional cobs was to have long flowing manes and tails??? How odd!

 

[Jinx94]

Nothing to add re turn out as I'm pretty clueless! But look forward to seeing some show reports more pictures are necessary!

 

[muckypony]

Both are lovely

I have a section D and he is always natural apart from riding club stuff - dressage or when we are told we have to plait! I have never plaited him for dressage but apart from RC it was mostly very low level.

I have a black jacket and a tweed, I usually use the black one apart from showing purely because the black one can just go in the washing machine when it stinks!! But I do prefer a tweed jacket on a native.

Most importantly have fun!!