{"id":304,"date":"2022-03-22T03:32:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-22T07:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/?p=304"},"modified":"2022-09-09T17:38:05","modified_gmt":"2022-09-09T21:38:05","slug":"what-to-wear-to-a-dressage-competition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/what-to-wear-to-a-dressage-competition\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Wear to a Dressage Competition (A Complete Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re reading this, chances are you\u2019re worried about an upcoming dressage event. Maybe you’re about to compete in your first competition! Or perhaps you’re going up a level. Either way, I\u2019m so excited for you\u2014and you should be excited too. And today, I’m going to help you decide what to wear to a dressage competition so you can look your best and head into your competition weekend with the most confidence possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know it can be nerve-wracking, but at least now that you\u2019ve got this guide, you won\u2019t have to worry about what to wear because I’ve got you covered!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Table of Contents<\/div>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
    <\/ol><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase. We only make genuine recommendations!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"dressage<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    What Is Proper Dressage Show Attire?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    When deciding what to wear to a horse show, you want to think formal and conservative<\/strong>. Dressage is an extremely old sport, dating back to when it was done as entertainment for royalty. Like many such sports, it has plenty of traditions that are fiercely upheld… And one of those things is the classic aesthetic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Therefore, you don\u2019t want anything flashy<\/strong>. If your helmet is bright purple, you need a different one! Instead, you should stick to neutrals like whites, grays, beiges, navys, and blacks. In addition, everything you wear should be clean, wrinkle-free, and polished<\/strong>! How you look is very important when it comes to the overall success of your show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    Choosing Your Dressage Outfit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Now let’s get to the practical aspects of choosing your horse show attire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your Shirt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Let’s start with the basics. First, you need a white competition shirt or show shirt with a standup collar. Something like this one<\/a> (short-sleeved) or this one<\/a> (long-sleeved) for women, or this one<\/a> for men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stock Tie, Choker, or Tie<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    To go with your shirt, women will usually wear a stock tie or choker, while men will wear a tie. A stock tie is similar to a classic men’s tie, but it’s shorter and has a different shape and aesthetic. Here are some examples<\/a> or a stock tie. Again, make sure these are conservative in color such as white or cream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Women in Training and First Levels can usually just wear regular stock ties, but for upper levels, ruffled stock ties are usually preferred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Show Coat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"dressage<\/a>
    Example of a show coat from Asmar Equestrian<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    The show jacket is one of my personal favorite parts of a dressage outfit\u2014I think it really just finishes the look and makes me feel like the real deal. Here<\/a> are here<\/a> are some examples of beautiful show coats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You should wear a dressage coat that’s either black or navy. If it is extremely hot, you may sometimes be permitted to take your jacket off, but you should have one with you just in case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Breeches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    For the bottom half of your outfit, all competitors should wear light-colored breeches<\/a> that are either white<\/a> or light beige<\/a>. Only in the case of young children are jodhpurs<\/a> allowed as well as breeches. If your breeches have belt loops, then you should wear a belt; however, once again, it should be a conservative color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tall Riding Boots <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"dressage<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    The next part of your outfit is one of the most important pieces: your dress boots<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Riders need to have tall boots, field boots, or jodhpur boots for competition. The riding boots should be black, polished, and clean. If you need some ideas and recommendations, definitely check out my guide to tall riding boots<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Only riders up to First Level are allowed to wear half chaps, gaiters, and\/or leggings. These can be solid black or brown leather (or leather-like material), should not have any fringe, and should match the color of their boots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Helmet (Or Top Hat)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Riders have the option of wearing a riding helmet<\/a> or a top hat. Top hats are usually exclusively worn at the upper levels, however, even more experienced riders are now are opting for helmets due to safety reasons (which I think is definitely a good thing!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The helmet<\/a> you wear should match your outfit (black or navy blue), be clean, and be ASTM\/SEI certified for safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Gloves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Riders may choose to wear gloves that are either white or black. Generally, riders competing in the upper levels choose to wear white gloves whereas lower-level riders wear black ones<\/a>. This is because your hand movements are more apparent in white gloves, which can be a problem for riders with less experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Depending on the show, it may not be required to wear gloves, but in my personal experience, I find it best to wear them for optimal grip as well as hand protection and blister prevention!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Spurs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In the upper levels, it is required that you wear spurs that are clean and shiny. (Spurs are optional for lower levels.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Other Tips for Completing Your Dressage Show Attire<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"dressage<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    How to Do Your Hair for a Dressage Show<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There are a variety of ways you can do your hair for a show, but you want to make sure it’s out of your face and can fit easily with your helmet. I actually have an entire guide on horseback riding hairstyles<\/strong> (for shows as well as more casual riding), and you can check that out here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    Horseback Riding Hairstyles<\/a><\/blockquote>