The Ultimate Guide to Classic Hunter Equestrian Show Clothing
Whether you're a veteran of the show ring or just starting out, you can make sure you look your best with the right classic hunter equestrian show clothing. From tailored riding coats and helmets to stylish breeches and boots, this guide will tell you what is essential for any hunter equestrian show outfit and what our Stonehouse Stables riders are currently choosing to look their best.
Select the Right Show Jacket
A tailored riding coat is an essential part of traditional show clothing for any hunter event. In Virginia, where we compete most, hunter judges are conservative and like to see classic navy and black show coats. You should carefully choose a coat in a timeless cut, made from lightweight fabric to keep you cool and comfortable no matter the weather. It's important to select a style that will flatter your body type.
Look for features like nipped-in waists, fitted shoulders, and longer sleeves to make your silhouette look its best in the show ring. We carry both three- and four-button jackets, and usually one or the other is more flattering based on body type. Some riders look better in padded shoulders though that style is no longer the norm in our store.Coats are available in regular, long, and plus sizes, so there's no reason to wear a coat that does not fit. Most trainers have strong opinions about what they think looks best, so be sure to consult with yours.
Our younger riders typically stick to the classic dark color coats from R.J. Classics. Black and navy can be used in circuit shows as well as Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) shows. Because of the sweltering summer heat in Virginia, many wear the Harmony mesh coat which even conservative trainers have come to accept.
More experienced riders venture toward colors within a classic palette including dark green, merlot, and dove gray. We love the muted plaids, herringbones, and pinstripes in the orange label R.J. Classics Victory coats. However, even the boldest among us recently switched into navy jackets when they noticed the judge at the North Carolina show we were attending was an old-school veteran who prefers the most classic of looks.
When we derby, we love to don shadbellies and stock ties which you can read about in an earlier blog. You can even buy a shadbelly with mesh fabric now. We don’t get to derby very frequently, so we always enjoy the chance to wear formal attire.
Choose the Best Riding Breeches
Complement your show coat with the perfect pair of classic tan equestrian breeches. Our riders are split between the R.J. Classics Gulf breeches and Tailored Sportsman Front Zip Natural Rise show breeches. With access to both, rider selection seems to be solely based on personal preference. The Tailored breeches tend to feel snugger, and the strong, stretchy fabric has a different feel. Riders who prefer Velcro rather the boot sock breeches typically choose Tailored Sportsman.
You should choose a style with features like front pockets, an inner waistband fastener and thigh reinforcement for extra-long wear. For comfort in both hot and chilly weather, select a pair of breathable fabric breeches designed to keep you cool and comfortable no matter the conditions. Of note, the most classic riders use side zip show breeches when wearing a shadbelly so that a front zipper does not distract from the flattering tattersall points.
Add a Sharp Show Shirt
The shirt you select for your classic hunter equestrian show clothing is all about the details. Our trainers advise white for a timeless look and long sleeves so that a white cuff will be visible beneath your coat as you perfectly position your hands. Our riders enjoy fun features like embroidered graphics, snap front plackets and breathable backs with fabric technology that keeps them cool, dry, and comfortable in any weather condition.
Ariat, Essex Classics, and R.J. Classics have options in either lightweight cotton or technical performance fabric. Our riders take liberty in choosing inner collar and cuff patterns that represent a bit of personality. Recently, they’ve begun to choose shirts with color as long as the parts of the show shirt visible when wearing a jacket remain all white. Our Essex Dusk Hunter Show Shirts sold quite quickly this year, and we’re looking for similar shirts with patterned inner collars and cuffs.
Last season, one of our trainers wore a totally black R.J. Classics Maddie Show Shirt with her safety vest while showing a Green Horse. She later asked the judge if the attire was acceptable, and the judge surprisingly said she hadn’t really noticed the variance.
Accessorize with Equestrian Belt & Spurs
A belt is essential to finish the look of your classic hunter equestrian show clothing. To ensure a complete look, select a conservative leather belt. Our riders typically wear dark brown Ariat or Lilo leather belts with non-distracting buckles.
You want your jacket to lay flat, so make sure you carefully select your belt. A special favorite of our riders is the Tailored Sportsman padded leather C belt; however, we mostly see those when schooling as opposed to in the show ring.
For safety in the ring, be sure to invest in a quality pair of spurs if your trainer says you need them. Choose plain stainless steel or slightly more decorative styles with engravings to add your own personality to the ensemble. Our riders like to use Mary Jane Spur Straps with charms that only they can really see. With these stylish accessories you'll have the perfect outfit for any classic hunter equestrian show!
Finish the Look with Footwear & Helmet
To finish your classic hunter equestrian show clothing, you'll need to choose the right footwear. Your go-to choice should be absolutely clean and polished tall, black field boots. For an off-the-shelf classic tall boot, Ariat offers their Heritage Field Boots in all foot sizes with extra slim, slim, regular, wide, and extra wide calf choices, and short, regular, and tall boot heights. Some trainers prefer the laces of traditional field boots, but many don’t mind boots without laces.
We recently visited a conservative trainer who a year ago would have rejected a boot without laces but now says she’s come to accept them. Our more experienced riders typically graduate to some type of custom tall boot when they are ready for that investment.
Complete your show ring attire with a classic, triple certified riding helmet in black. Whether you go for a leather-look or matte-finish is really up to you! Recently, we’ve seen riders selecting helmets with a wider peak. The Charles Owen AYR8 and SP8 Plus models both feature the highest quality safety standards and classic hunter style.
With the right classic hunter equestrian show clothing and accessories, you'll be sure to stand out in the arena for all the right reasons!