Riding Attire
The winning Look —on any Budget
There is so second chance at a First impression.
There should be no excuse these days not to be able to achieve that winning look with all the variety of equine riding apparel available today.
So often we spend so much time in trying to achieve the perfect picture with our horse and simply forget about ourselves “the rider”
It all comes down to correct fitting clothes and colour co-ordination.
Gone are the days of cloning, today the different styles and colour range is so extensive that anyone can achieve that creative and individual look that we all strive to achieve.
Tweeds , stripes , polka dots and plains can all play a part in that “ Winning look “ and have given us all a new lease on life
Jackets styles today are more defined than yesterday with numerous fabric and colour choices.
Cutaways and mini Tails have had a successful launch and can be seen in just about all rings these days in all states. Traditional styles in Black, navy, brown and green are still popular. The overall length of the jacket is once again personal choice just remember not too long or two short as this can spoil the overall look .
The conformation of the rider is important as well when choosing a jacket, tailored to your actually size not the size you wish to be
Show Hunter classes are ever increasing in numbers and the choice is simple -Beautiful tweed jackets are recommended (but not to loud ) and combine with dark brown leather gloves . Stand back and look at the fabric from a distance and this should guide you to the finished product
Vests too are no longer restricted to four basic colors. Over 72 colors line up today for you to chose from. Wool Satin, linen and cotton are just some of the beautiful fabrics used. The mini vest or bib as they are referred to are a great alternative to the more traditional woolen vest for the hot days. Similar in concept and design, mini vest are worn around the neck and secured to stop movement. As with the full vest only a small v of color can be viewed, just enough to enhance the look .
Shirts come in stripes, plains, polka dots and even pin spot – self collared or white collar and cuffs making it so easy to dress up the old or enhance that new jacket.
Jodhpurs nowadays come in many colours, beige, peach, maize, banana, cream and white. It’s your choice.
Clean and tidy jodhpur boots or leather top boots in either black or brown play their part as well.
Gloves add that finished look and touch of class to any rider. The colour of the gloves should be matched to the riders’ jacket and or jodhpurs’, but not too bright of course.
Dark colours such a navy, Brown, black are still the popular choice but green, banana and camel are becoming a acceptable part of the total look. For all Hack classes and rider classes, so long as the colour complement’s the outfit than the choice is yours .
Turnout classes being the exception, with a cream coloured glove, leather palm and a crocheted back being compulsory for Formal or semi formal events for adults and children.
Riding helmets also come in various colors, try to match with basic black, brown but to be different try burgundy or green.
But don’t forget about the tie, it has to match as well, something so little can make the world of difference.
Once again the sky’s the limit but try to pick up the colour scheme thoughout.
Accessorize the total look with beautiful buttons for your jacket, velvet collars and piping, button lapels and hair bows or scrunchies.
Hacking canes nowadays come in Bamboo, traditional or coloured, plaited leather and even decoupage. Just beautiful
It’s your choice but remember that it must all co ordinate from the colour of the horse and their browband to the tie that you wear. If you are not sure just go and spend a few hours at the shows and sit back and observe or contact your equine boutique or your local saddlery for advice and to view the latest apparel range.
“Dress for Success in 2012.”
Contact – Donna Taff
Tel; 61 2 45 720 377
Mob: 0419 202450
Email: galleryequine@bigpond.com