Saddle Seat Showing on a Budget: 5 Splurges for a Million Dollar Look

We all know showing horses is expensive. Not everyone can justify a custom riding outfit from head to toe, but there are several little “hacks” that can help you achieve that professional, clean-cut look on a budget. As the old adage goes, “the devil is in the details”, and even the smallest things can make or break your overall appearance. Even if you aren’t showing in equitation, the way you present yourself in the show ring really does matter. You might be surprised how a few small changes can make a world of difference. Here are five essentials for attaining a polished, show ring ready look:

1. Back Number Magnets: While some riders simply use safety pins to secure their number onto their jacket, magnetic number holders are so much easier (and prettier) and won’t leave holes in your suit! Especially if you are showing multiple horses in one session, magnets are your go-to accessory because you can easily slide your top number out from under them, and boom! You’re ready for your next class. Some riders choose to use the metal hook on the back of their number to hang it from the collar of their coat. While this gets the job done, it can be distracting to judges and spectators alike if your number is flapping around while you ride. For the most polished look, we suggest carefully removing the hook from your number (or folding it over) and using magnets to secure it somewhere between your shoulder blades.

Pictured: Crystal Solitaire Number Magnets, $24 

2. Derby: Spend the money on a derby that has a nice shape to it. Derbies that are lumpy or have an unrolled brim ruin the look of your entire ensemble. For best results, go for a hat with a fur-felt blend (5X fur derbies are typically the highest quality items). Make sure to have your hat rolled and steamed if needed before your class. If your hat is an older style, you can easily remove the feather from the brim to update your look.

3. Gloves: While some riders prefer to ride without gloves because they think it gives them a better feel of the reins, bare hands in the show ring can really detract from the overall appearance of horse and rider. Especially if you’re showing in the amateur or junior exhibitor classes, consider donning a pair of leather gloves to match your suit. If you’re worried about getting sweaty hands, a little sprinkle of baby powder in your palms before you put your gloves on will do the trick. Pro tip – if your suit sleeves are a little too short, spend a bit more money and buy the gloves with the extra-long cuffs so that your wrists don't hang out.

4. Collar Bar: It may seem like a small, insignificant detail, but having one of these makes a big difference in finishing off a polished look. Especially if you are not wearing a professionally tailored shirt, a collar bar will help tuck in the wings of your collar so that they aren’t sticking out to the sides and overlapping your vest. You can purchase slide-on collar bars, or for more security, screw-on collar bars can be a great way to add a touch of sparkle to your outfit. Pro tip – if your shirt doesn’t have collar bar holes in it, you can easily punch them yourself, or take it to your local tailor.

Pictured: Classic Collar Bar, $20

5. Jods: Finally, make sure your jods are long enough! Jods that clearly don’t fit are a dead giveaway that you're not wearing a custom suit, and can throw off the proportions of the rest of your outfit. If the heels of your boots are peeking out from under your jods, they are too short. This can also magnify any movements you make with your legs while you ride. Invest in a pair of well-fitting jods that hang approximately 2 inches below your heel when your leg is bent in riding position. Also, don’t forget your underpasses/tie-downs so that your pants don’t crawl up your legs as you ride!

While at the end of the day this is a horse show, and not a fashion show, it is so important to take pride in your own appearance if you want to set yourself up for success in the show ring. When we already spend hours grooming our horses and cleaning our tack in preparation for a show, your show clothing and embellishments should be just as carefully thought out. No matter what, choose clothes that fit well over anything, and get the right accessories to back them up. With just a little extra attention to detail, judges will start to take more notice of you in the show ring, and we guarantee you will be rewarded for your efforts.