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Choosing the right outfit for your horseshow can be a difficult choice leading to plenty of anxiety and indecision. This is especially true for western disciplines with timeless and established fashion traditions. For the elite showmanship and line classes, keeping a clean and tidy appearance is most important. Flamboyant or multicolored outfits can divert the crowd’s attention from what’s most important – your horse! Western horse showmen veterans will often take a conservative approach toward their outfit, adopting a monochrome color scheme. A monochrome outfit will be one solid color from the boots to the cowboy hat, with maybe some negligible discrepancies in belt or cuff color. Fringes along cuffs are definitely frowned upon as they can make the horse’s stride seem choppy and awkward.

These traditions do not necessarily extend to female riders at the horseshow, where western fashion fads vary from year to year. Fashion enthusiasts recommend blouses as the newest fashion trend for women in horse shows. A blouse can be complimented well with jewelry along the cuffs and collar of the outfit. Darker colored chaps are suggested for pants, as to not distract from the beauty of the horse. A clean button down and nicely shaped cowboy hat with a Quarter Horse Crease is promised to look professional and garner respect. Again, always refrain from wearing loud colors at horse shows as it will inevitably scream novice.

There are exceptions to the rules that are commonly followed even in the elite levels of horse showmanship. Various speed games such as barrel racing, pole bending, or key-hole racing call for flashier, more unique outfits. This may include different colored tops and chaps and even patterned designs in some shows. Although there is some room for color experimentation, shirts should still be crisp, clean, and long sleeved. Unkempt or loose fringes, zippers, and half-chap loops are aesthetic nightmares and carry safety risks during these fast and furious games. Although outfit experimentation may be encouraged in this type of showmanship, still avoid outright glitziness and flamboyance.

Keep in mind that you will constantly be judged for your appearance throughout the horse show and that professionalism and a conservative outfit will likely go a long way. An ostentatious outfit with many patterns and colors will be unlikely to add any style points. A clean, well-fitted, appropriate outfit that meshes well with your horse’s coat is undoubtedly the most important piece of advice when choosing western wear for your horse show.