What to wear
Every year as the show rolls around I get asked the same questions the week leading up to the show. What to wear and “can I use this”. The first thing I always tell people is to look at the rules. They are now online at Equine Canada’s website and all the answers can be seen there. However I do know that people can get confused when looking as the rules for tack and dress cover Bronze, Silver, Gold and FEI levels all in the same section.
So…. What can you wear: Gold Show up to 4th level
Rule found at: E 4.1.3
Jacket: Dark coloured or grey, or tailored dressage vest. Shadbelly is not allowed. Contrasting collars, pinstripes and piping are allowed.
Helmet: All equine canada shows require an approved helmet
Breeches: White or light colored. This means light grey, cream, beige are allowed.
Gloves: Mandatory- does not state what color is necessary
Boots: riding boots (tall) laced or not, with or without zippers. Must be dark colored.
Spurs: optional (see rule 4.1.8 to see which ones are allowed)
Shirt: The rules do not actually state what color the shirt must be anymore (previously stated white). A tie, hunting stock (stock tie) or choker (as on a hunter show shirt) are is required.
Not allowed? half chaps if your showing gold level shows you must have tall boots on.
one example of proper turn out for a Gold level show up to 4th level
Another version of appropriate attire at Gold level show to 4th level
Bronze shows to 4th level:
Rule found at: E 4.1.4
Jacket: Dark coloured or grey, or tailored dressage vest. Shadbelly is not allowed. Contrasting collars, pinstripes and piping are allowed.
Helmet: All equine canada shows require an approved helmet
Breeches: White or light colored. This means light grey, cream, beige are allowed.
Gloves: Mandatory- does not state what color is necessary
Boots: riding boots (tall) laced or not, with or without zippers. Must be dark colored. OR dark coloured half chaps zipped over short boots.
Spurs: optional (see rule 4.1.8 to see which ones are allowed)
Shirt: The rules do not actually state what color the shirt must be anymore (previously stated white). A tie, hunting stock (stock tie) or choker (as on a hunter show shirt) are is required.
The rider would essentially look the same as the above images except the option of matching half chaps are allowed.
Weather: Hot or Rainy:
Hot weather:
In times of extreme heat or humidity the competitor may ask the steward for permission to ride with out jacket. when there is no jacket the rider must have for a shirt: A shirt with sleeves and a collar which may be opened, Solid in colour or pin striped, long or short sleeved. A cooling or tailored dressage vest may be worn over the shirt (Vest must match rules for jacket colour).
Stock ties must be removed or pinned down to the rider shirt.
Polo shirts are an example of appropriate warm weather, no jacket option
Another appropriate example with the stock tie either pinned down as shown or removed.
Another example of collared shirt, shown with stock (needs to be pinned) or without.
Wet Weather:
In bad weather riders may wear a protective helmet cover and a warm or waterproof overcoat that is either transparent or conservative in color.
I hope this helps people figure out some of what is needed for this weekend. When in doubt refer to the rules, or ask the steward at the show!
Krystl
That’s awesome. Now can you write an equivalent blog about required tack? 😉