What should i wear for dressage

A common fear with many amateur riders is not knowing what is appropriate clothing to wear on the big day. In this guide we will take you through what to wear for an unaffiliated or affiliated low level dressage test. Unaffiliated is a term used for any competition which is not associated with British Dressage BD , the national governing body for dressage in the UK. Unaffiliated competitions can sometimes be more relaxed as they do not have the same rules to adhere to.

However, most unaffiliated competitions will run under BD rules. If you are ever unsure, always contact the event organiser who will be happy to help.

Most riders you see competing will be wearing a show jacket. This is a plain fitted blazer, typically black or navy. Most dark neutral colours are permitted; avoid any patterns or bright colours. Tweed hacking jackets are also an acceptable choice for dressage. The Dublin Hanna Mesh Jacket is a popular choice as it is versatile enough to be worn in most disciplines.

It is made from a stretch mesh material which is lightweight and easy to move in, making it ideal for summer days. This jacket can also be layered up with a thicker show shirt for the winter.

The princess seam construction gives a flattering, tailored look to all riders. It is double vented to sit neatly over the saddle and has a hidden zip front for a secure fit. Next, we move on to show shirts. Show shirts are designed to be worn under your jacket; they are typically white or cream in colour and are made from a lightweight material. They are a diverse piece of clothing worn in dressage, show jumping, eventing, showing, the list goes on!

There are a range of styles and designs available on the market. Choose from short or long sleeves, or sleeveless depending on the time of year you are competing. In the summer months, many judges will permit riders to compete without a jacket, however your shirt will need to have sleeves.

Most show shirts are made of a combination of mesh and another material for comfort and breathability. Show shirts should be paired with a tie or a stock which is white, cream, or a dark neutral colour. Ready tied stocks are available for convenience. Dublin Tara Competition Lace Shirt. This slim fit slow shirt is a great choice for summer competitions or for those who want a shirt with a touch of elegance. It features a beautiful lace bib and back panel as well as rhinestones up the front placket.

Pick a black or dark navy tailcoat for advanced competitions. Choose a tailcoat that fits you well. Follow the guidelines that are set by the event closely to make sure that your tailcoat meets the requirements. Otherwise, you may not be able to compete.

Pinstripes and colored collars and piping are usually not permitted. A tailcoat is an essential piece of clothing for advanced competitions. Wear a white riding shirt under your jacket or tailcoat. A white riding shirt is standard for many equestrian competitions. Choose a shirt that is long enough to tuck into your breeches and that buttons comfortably.

Make sure that your shirt is clean and ironed before the dressage show. Choose the type that you feel the most comfortable in and that is the most practical for the weather. If you are going to be riding in very hot weather, choose an athletic riding shirt. These shirts have mesh underarm inserts to help keep you cool.

Get light colored breeches for the dressage show. Beige or white breeches are the most traditional choice for dressage competitions. Your breeches should feel snug, but not pinching or binding. When you are trying on new breeches, walk around and sit down in them to make sure that you have the right fit. They are flexible, stretchy, and snug-fitting, and are often made of a combination of cotton, spandex, and polyester. Breeches won't rub or harm your skin in the same way that wearing regular pants to ride would.

Part 2. Wear a protective helmet for all dressage competitions. Choose a helmet that is either black or navy blue.

It must meet the safety requirements of your region and be fitted properly. If you are riding in an advanced or championship level competition, you can choose to wear a top hat or a uniform hat that matches your coat color.

Always purchase a new helmet as it is difficult to tell if a used helmet has been damaged. Choose black or brown tall riding boots. Boots that are suitable for dressage competitions are tall, have a low heel, and do not have laces. Make sure that your boots are clean and polished before the competition begins.

In these competitions, the riders can wear jodhpur boots with matching half-chaps or gaiters. Check the regulations well before the event so that you can make sure that you have the right gear. Wear a stock tie if you are wearing a riding jacket. A stock tie wraps around the collar of your riding shirt.

Make sure that the stock tie is neatly pressed as it will be visible under your dressage jacket. Simply undo the velcro fastening and neatly fasten it at the back of your neck. Choose neutral-toned gloves. Saddles and riding boots may be returned within the one year period, but are subject to a prorated refund based on usage.

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Be sure to enter your Military DoD into the comment box. Smile, it's freestyle. Keep smiling no matter what - it will endear you to the judges and the crowd. If you need some ideas to get you going, start with our collection of equestrian clothing for competition riders.

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