What to wear at a Western Dressage Competition.
The Western Dressage Competitor’s Guide
Written by Teresa
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OUTFITS! OUTFITS! OUTFITS!
Are you thinking about entering a Western Dressage competition and wondering what you should wear? You are not alone. One of the fun parts (or perhaps stressful parts) of getting ready for any type of western horse competition is picking out what to wear. (And coordinating your outfit with your horse).
Well…maybe more so for the gals, than the guys!
Deciding on an outfit does require some thought, no matter who you are or where you are showing. It can be as complicated or as simple as you want to make it.
This useful guide can help you navigate your way to picking out the ‘right’ outfit that will get you noticed or help you fit right in, for any level of Western Dressage Competition.
So, What Should You Wear to a Western Dressage Show?
Western outfits are diverse. They can be colourful, classic, punchy, and interesting.
So how do you choose from all the possible options that are out there?
One way to help you figure out your wardrobe choices is to consider the level and type of competition you are planning to compete in.
For local level comps or for lower or introductory level classes you may want to keep things simple. However, if you are planning to attend a State or National level competition or the Western Dressage World Championships, ticking all the right boxes, including accessories, can enhance your overall presentation.
A polished, professional, and attractive overall look makes for a great first impression when you “A…Enter working jog” into the western dressage show pen.
You don’t need to break the bank balance to achieve this either, there are many options to suit all budgets. Show clothing quite regularly gets recirculated through online marketplace sites, local horse club exchanges, borrowed and can even be hired in some areas. If you’re handy with a sewing machine (or know someone who is) you can design and sew some of your own outfits.
What is the CORRECT Western Dressage attire?
One of the many attractions of this sport is its suitability to a variety of horse breeds and competitor styles.
Everyone can fit in!
Take the time to consider colours and styles and how they may tie in with your horse’s coat colour, the show pad you intend to use and the look you would like to achieve. When it comes to colour coordination ideas, the Hobby Horse Colour Wheel is very helpful.
"My favourite style to wear at local comps is always comfortable, classic and elegant. A nice pair of jeans, a belt, a collared long sleeve arena shirt with a western hat to match. I try to think ahead to what colour show pad I intend to use, and coordinate my outfit with the pad colours. I usually add a kerchief, my favourite pearl earrings and a matching bow in my hair - I think the smaller details give that extra bit of class and set the outfit off.”
~ Erica Watkins
(Level One Western Dressage Competitor in Australia)
You can choose flashy and blingy western if that’s your jam…or you can opt for low key, understated, classic or even cowboy punchy. It’s all acceptable if it is in good taste, presented neat and tidy and meets the minimum requirements set out by each association’s specific rules.
The minimum dress requirements for Western Dressage competitions will be listed in the relevant Association’s rulebook. If you are in Australia, you can find it in Section 10 of the WDA-AUS WD Rulebook, if you are in the USA then you can find it in the WDAA Equipment Guide.
Right here I will give you the rundown of what you might see in the Western Dressage arena.
Shirts/Tops
Officially, most Western Dressage rulebooks mention “long sleeved western style shirt with a collar”.
Now that encompasses quite a lot.
There’s a vast array of beautiful men’s and women’s tailored button-down cowboy and cowgirl western shirts or ‘arena’ shirts that tuck into your jeans. These come in solid colours, paisleys, check, floral or patterned designs. Think Cinch, Wrangler, Ariat, CR, Kimes and the like.
The exquisite crystal and sequin adorned show jackets that are regularly seen in the Western Performance arenas make a bold and colourful statement, especially when matched with the perfect saddle pad and accessories. (Perhaps save this look for the bigger events though. 😉)
Show blouses that zip up the front and have embellishments on the collars, cuffs and zipper plackets tuck into your pants and paint a tidy sleek picture. These come in every colour/pattern/sparkle combination you could imagine. You can even add a beautiful show vest over the top. There are many places to find these, some of the most popular and well-known sources are Hobby Horse, Rods Western Wear, The Horseman’s Trading Post.
Just a reminder, extra bling does not equal extra points from the Judge. They are ultimately judging you and your horse on your execution of the western dressage test, not how pretty your outfit sparkles.
Pants/Bottoms
The rulebooks say, “western style trousers/pants”.
By far the most popular would have to be denim blue jeans. Well-fitted western style boot-cut blue jeans are the ‘go to’ for any level. (Please leave the ‘city look’ skinny jeans at home!)
Now there are so many brands and styles of western jeans on the market, there is sure to be something to suit all shapes, sizes, and tastes of competitors. One of my favourite pairs to show in are these Wrangler Mid Rise Performance Jeans.
Some jeans have fancy coloured stitching, fashionable rips or sparkly crystals and sequins on the back pockets or even come in faded or tie-dyed colours. Whilst these western fashion jeans are great for socialising and hanging out at the horse show they really aren’t appropriate for higher level classes and competitions. You can get away with some of them at your local level shows and lower-level classes, but for the bigger comps you need to grab a plainer, classier pair of jeans. Kimes, Cinch, Wrangler, or just about any western jeans’ brands have multiple options.
You can also wear western style show pants in a variety of materials and styles, these are best worn under chaps, and they also come in a variety of plain colours that you can easily match to your chaps and the rest of your outfit.
The rules do allow for all-in-one western equitation suits if they have a collar. These don’t seem to be too popular as they aren’t often seen at western dressage competitions.
No jodhpurs or English style riding pants are allowable.
Hat/Helmet
Most associations will strongly encourage competitors to wear an approved Safety Helmet when riding or competing, however it is only mandatory for Youth competitors to wear them.
“At local level shows I like to wear a nice arena shirt, usually CINCH, and a good pair of jeans. I colour match my shirt to my show pad. As a Youth competitor I have to wear a safety helmet, mine is black which also ties into my saddle pad.”
~ Hanna Corica (Level One Western Dressage Youth competitor in Australia)
A well-shaped felt or straw western style hat is the norm. A poorly shaped hat easily distracts the eye and ruins a competitor’s overall look.
For a truly polished look your western hat should match and compliment your entire outfit.
If you are going to choose a helmet, avoid the ‘coloured’ versions or the pony club ‘white’ style. Plain black or navy either hard cover or velvet covered proper safety helmets are widely used. A western style helmet is not necessary.
Boots/Belts
Most of the time you cannot see all of a rider’s boot, so you can get away with most styles of boot as it is hidden by your pants leg.
All boots must have a clear square cut heel for safety reasons.
If you are heading down the punchy cowgirl/cowboy style you can absolutely wear your fancy high shaft western cowboy boots on the outside of your jeans to match your look. For everyone else, tuck your boots inside your pants leg.
English tall boots are a no no!
Unless you are wearing one of those fancy show jackets that sits over the top of the waistband of your show pants, you MUST wear a belt!
It may not be in any specific rulebook. It shouldn’t need to be.
Jeans and show pants come with belt loops...please put a belt through them.
Think beautiful, tooled leather belt, or crystal bling or even a beaded accented leather belt. At the very least a plain brown or black leather belt will do.
If you have been lucky enough to win a trophy belt buckle in the past, now is the time to attach it to your belt and wear it with pride in the show pen. Or leave the simple belt buckle as is.
Chaps/Chinks
The rulebooks say, “chaps and chinks are optional”, so this is completely up to the individual’s preference and perhaps even your budget (good quality chaps and chinks can be a little pricey).
“For local level shows my favourite ‘go to’ is a solid colour arena shirt with a kerchief that matches the saddle pad. My favourite colours to wear on a chestnut are shades of blue or green and I always wear matching hat and chaps that pick up either the brown or black in the pad or my horse’s coat colour. “
~ Louise Harris (Level Three Western Dressage competitor in Australia)
A well matched Ultrasuede style coloured set of chaps can glam up an outfit – perfect for those bigger and higher-level competitions.
Shiny side out leather chaps look shmick!
Ranch/cutting style shotgun chaps in the various earthy coloured leathers are also acceptable. I can’t say that I have ever come across anyone rocking the batwing style of chaps in the Western Dressage arena but if that’s your style no one is going to hold it against you.
Cowhorse and ranch style chinks really enhance the punchy cowgirl/cowboy look and can put the finishing touch on that style of outfit. I say… Go for it!
English style half chaps or chapettes are a no go.
Spurs/Whips/Gloves
Spurs and/or whips are completely optional. Each association has specs for exact whip lengths and spurs can be western or English style, blunt or roweled. Always check the relevant rulebook for exact standards for these items. Gloves are also optional, however they can put a sophisticated polish on the rider’s presentation.
Accessories
The fun stuff!
Purely optional.
Scarves, kerchiefs, Wild rags (my fave), neckties, scarf slides.
The choices out there are mind boggling. Go hard. Be brave.
Mix and match to suit your own personal style and flair.
Coordinate with your saddle pad, your shirt, your hat or simply stand out and dare to be different.
They can be tied in a multitude of knots, with or without fancy slides or pins and they can be found all over the world in most western shops and zillions of online stores.
Riding gloves. Stick to black, brown, grey leather types. They blend in and look classy. Leave the coloured ones for training.
Tips for the Finishing Touches to Complete Your Western Dressage Show Outfit.
When it comes to jewellery, less is more.
Horse riding is technically a ‘dangerous’ activity no matter where you are. Small tasteful earrings rather than bulky or dangly ones are more appropriate. Same for necklaces. If you aren’t wearing a scarf, then a choker necklace or something on a short chain that won’t bounce around while you jog along would look classy.
Should you wear makeup?
Completely up to the individual. It must be noted that makeup does aid an overall polished and finished look. For the bigger fancier comps, add a touch of makeup.
Tasteful and conservative is all class. Beware the melting makeup in the summertime heat or the mascara running when it rains.
How should you wear your hair?
Neat and tidy and out of your face.
Unless you have short hair, you should be securing your hair back, so it doesn’t blow around your face and look untidy.
For the ladies, you can go with a chic, sleek bun at the back of your neck or a single braid down the middle of your back.
A simple low ponytail looks classy.
Whatever way you style your hair make sure it is a comfortable fit under your western hat or helmet and suits the look you are trying to achieve.
Now You Are All Set to Present Your Best Self at the Next Western Dressage Competition.
Whilst it may seem complicated it really isn’t. You can be as fancy or as plain as you like as long as you meet the minimum requirements.
You don’t have to spend a fortune either. You can spend as little or as much money on your outfit as you want (or can afford). Show clothes can easily be found second hand or you can borrow from a friend or fellow competitor.
Remember, a simple arena shirt paired with a nice pair of denim blue jeans, boots, belt and western hat is all western class and will be more than enough at all levels.
It is helpful to have a ‘Show Outfit’ checklist. This will help take the stress out of preparing and you can check items off as you pack them in the trailer before you go to the show.
Always check the rules and requirements of the competition you are going to attend.
Don’t forget to consider your horse’s presentation when choosing your outfit, put a smile on your face and be sure to enjoy the day out at the horse show.
