Show Equipment


Several people have asked what they need for competition. The following is a list of the clothing that you should have. Go to the equipment page to see a list of items that you can borrow from the team.

boots:

black dress boots (without laces) or black field boots (with laces) are both acceptable; they must be tight and come all the way to the knee

pants:

specifically made for riding, most have suede or leather patches at the knee; tan and beige breeches are currently most common although other colors are also acceptable

jacket:

blazer-type jacket that fits close but still allows movement; it should be navy blue, hunter green, black, or grey with or without pinstripes

shirt:

white, blue or any other light color will do, it is almost strictly a matter of personal preference; ladies should also wear a choker (it comes with the shirt) and pin, while men should wear a dark colored tie

helmet:

black velvet helmet with harness; the IHSA requires all competitors to wear certified helmets; check the inside of your helmet for the ASTM/SEI tag.

other items:

while not required, these items polish off your look and can make a difference in the ring:

black riding gloves
short black or brown crop
hair net and bobby pins for women, even those with short hair

If you are planning on buying new things, this is a good list to start with. If you need advice on brands, style, fit, or anything else, feel free to send us an email. One of our team members may even be able to go with you to a store and help you pick some things out. Check out the directions page for information on tack stores in the area.

If you already have some items that do not exactly match these descriptions, let us know and we can tell you if they are acceptable in the show ring. Many other clothing items are okay if you make an effort to look neat.


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