How to Dress for a Hunter/Jumper Show

Whether you are a show circuit pro or a first-time entrant, making sure that your show ring attire is up to par can make all the difference in your confidence and performance! The standards for what is worn at a horse show are largely based in tradition and can be seen as a way of showing respect to the sport. Not only that, but knowing that your outfit meets the requirements of your discipline can help you soar in the show ring.

If you are working to put together your ensemble for your very first foray into the competition ring, or even simply hoping to update your signature show look, Riding Warehouse's crew of riders experienced in horse showing are here to help. From helmets to show coats and show shirts, breeches and boots, down to your hair and accessories, gloves, and belts, this guide outlines all you need to know to be dressed for success from head to toe.

Hunter divisions are deeply rooted in honoring the tradition of fox hunting, from which they originated. So, of course, attire that gives a nod to that traditional style is highly encouraged and has become the standard. When putting together an outfit for the hunter ring, the main goal should be to not let your attire distract from you and your horse's performance.

While there are some rules outlined by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) on what can and cannot be worn in the hunter ring, there is definitely plenty of room left for interpretation. Given this, there are certainly several unspoken rules among competitors for what should be worn in hunter classes. The following guidelines take both these unspoken and written rules into account, so you can be sure to look professional and polished as you compete.

Helmet: A well-fitting helmet that either meets or exceeds ASTM/SEI standards, with a tag or label certifying the testing, is required of all riders at horse shows. Any time you mount your horse, no matter if you are schooling, showing, or going for a leisurely walk, helmets must be worn! Traditionally in the hunter ring, dark-colored or black helmets are worn with very few to no embellishments.

If you are on the search for a new show helmet that meets the necessary safety criteria, there's no need to worry! Every helmet offered by Riding Warehouse is at minimum ASTM/SEI certified. For an in-depth look at how to find a helmet that fits you well, check out our guide on How to Size a Horseback Riding Helmet.

Show Coat: Though the USEF does not have any direct rules relating to the show coats in the hunter ring, there are some guidelines that have historically dictated what a proper show coat for hunter riders looks like. Traditionally, hunt coats should be conservatively colored. However, a broader variety of color palettes are beginning to be accepted in the hunter ring as time goes on. Most commonly seen are navy, hunter green, black, and even gray.

Show Shirt: Underneath the show coat should be a well-fitted, crisp, and clean white show shirt. This shirt should be neatly tucked into your breeches and must have a collar, choker, or tie per USEF rules.

Breeches: Even though the USEF permits breeches to be canary, rust, or even white in color, tan knee-patch breeches are the true standard in the hunter ring. The look of these breeches highlights the more traditional style that the hunter discipline is centered around.

Boots: Black field or dress boots should be worn in the hunter ring. These boots are an important part of the traditional look of fox hunters, and it is important to be sure your boots are cleaned and polished before you enter the show ring!

Hair and Accessories: To complete your look, hair should be neatly tucked up into your helmet with a hair net that closely matches your hair color. A black belt and black show gloves will help add the finishing touches while also enhancing your security and performance in the saddle! We recommend keeping any other adornments like jewelry to a minimum, since a more traditional look is the name of the game.

The standards for the equitation ring are similar to those of the hunter ring, but with an even more conservative feel. As with hunters, the main focus of equitation should also be on the horse and rider's performance; your attire should not distract from the overall performance. Remember, paying respect to the tradition of the sport through your outfit is highly encouraged.

Helmet: Just as in the hunter ring, ASTM/SEI certified helmets (including a tag verifying their certification) is required. These helmets are also typically darker in color with no embellishment. A good rule of thumb for choosing a helmet is to select a well-fitting black helmet with as little embellishment or adornment as possible. Flashiness is not the look you are searching for in the equitation ring!

Show Coat: While there are no specific rules on the exact color of a show coat in the equitation ring (the USEF simply specifies that attire should "follow the tradition of fox hunting"), competitors typically wear conservatively colored coats in these classes. Think navy and black. Though more colorful options are being worn in the hunter ring these days, equitation classes lean more toward the traditional, subdued side.

Show Shirt: As in the hunter ring, show shirts must have a collar, choker, or tie. Be sure that your show shirt fits well under your coat and tucks neatly into your breeches. Though there is not a specified rule on the color of the show shirt in the equitation ring, we highly recommend wearing a white shirt, or at minimum have any visible parts of the shirt be white in color to achieve a crisp, clean, and professional look.

Breeches: Though canary, rust, or white breeches are technically allowed in the equitation ring per USEF rules, tan knee-patch breeches reign supreme. Like in the hunter ring, tan breeches accentuate the traditional look that riders strive for in this discipline.

Boots: Well-fitting black field or dress boots pull together the traditional look of the equitation rider. For more information, take a look at our guide on How to Size & Fit Tall Boots! Again, be sure to give your boots a final wipe down right before you mount your horse and head into the ring.

Hair and Accessories: Finish off your show ring ensemble by putting your hair up under your helmet with a hair net, and use a belt and gloves that match your tall boots. As in the hunter ring, we recommend keeping jewelry and any other bling to a minimum. Together, these little details add the finishing touch to a clean and classic look.

The show jumping ring allows for some more color and individuality to shine through in the rider's apparel. Depending on the level you are competing at, there are even different colors of coats and breeches, and different types of shirts and footwear that are allowed. These varied types of allowed attire are broken down by the USEF into three categories: standard, proper, and formal jumper attire. Standard jumper attire is what would typically be permitted at local, or low-level schooling shows, while proper jumper attire is required at higher levels. For the highest levels of competition, formal jumper attire must be worn.

If you are ever unsure as to the requirements for a specific show, be sure to check the prize list for guidelines, or contact show management for clarification. When in doubt, it is also always safer to dress on the more formal side than showing up to compete looking too casual. In the following section, we will outline the requirements of each category of attire, so you can have a better idea of what to wear for your next spin around the jumper ring.

Helmet: You guessed it! Helmets fitting or exceeding ASTM/SEI standards are required in the jumper ring per USEF rules, similarly to every hunter/jumper competition. Though there are no specific requirements on the color of your helmet, darker colors (often black) are most commonly seen.

Show Coat: At lower level shows where standard jumper attire is appropriate, show coats are not required. They become a must-have once proper jumper attire becomes the show's standard, though there are no regulations on the color of the coat. If you're competing at a show allowing this attire, feel free to wear a coat in a color of your choosing.

However, at the highest levels where formal jumper attire is required, coats must be dark or muted colors. Red coats and team coats are also permitted in formal jumper attire, as is service dress for riders who are members of the armed forces or the police. In fact, service dress is permitted in the hunter ring as well!

Show Shirt: Standard show attire requires only that shirts must have collars (polo shirts are permitted) along with sleeves of either long or short length, and the shirts should be tucked neatly into breeches. Traditional show shirts begin to be required with proper show attire, and may be of a light color and fastened at the collar. Ties or chokers must be worn unless the design of the shirt includes a built-in choker. For formal show attire, show shirts must be white or lightly colored with a white collar and cuffs. They must also be fastened at neck with a tie or choker—again, unless a choker is built in.

Breeches: As you move up the levels and through different categories of show attire, the color of breeches becomes more restricted. For standard jumper attire, any color of breeches are allowed. When moving up to proper jumper attire, they must be a light color such as white, fawn, or canary. In proper jumper attire, pastel or dark-colored breeches are no longer allowed. Finally, once formal jumper attire is required, white or fawn breeches are the only colors permitted.

Boots: Boots are of course required, but in the jumper ring, the type worn is up to the competitor. Field or dress boots are the most commonly seen footwear, but half chaps are permitted as long as the color matches the paddock boots worn with them.

Hair and Accessories: As opposed to the hunter and equitation rings, there are more options for wearing your hair in the jumper ring. A good rule of thumb to go by is to keep your hair neat, tidy, and out of your face. Riders often wear their hair tucked up under the helmet in a hairnet as you would see in other hunter/jumper disciplines. However, it may also be worn in a low bun in a hair net, and some riders will even wear it in a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. Of course, no show outfit would be complete without a belt and a pair of gloves that match the color of your footwear.

Jumper Attire at a Glance

Q: What should kids wear in the show ring?

A: Generally, the requirements for youngsters in the show ring are quite similar to those for adults. One of the main differences comes in the fact that kids are often permitted to wear jodhpurs with leather garter straps and paddock boots in place of a field or dress boot. Additionally, long-haired kiddos may wear their hair down in two braids, often secured with bows for an added touch.

Q: Do I always have to wear a show coat?

A: Show coats are required unless specifically stated by the judge or horse show management (for example, riding in a show jumping class where standard jumper attire is followed, in which a show coat is not required). Sometimes, show coats will be waived due to excessive heat so riders do not become overheated. If coats are waived, be sure that you are wearing a show shirt appropriate for your discipline underneath, so you are still properly outfitted to compete.

Q: What is a shadbelly, and when would I need to wear one?

A: A shadbelly is a specific type of show coat most often worn in dressage, hunter classes, and on fox hunts. These coats feature long, fitted tails that reach down to the horse's back while a rider is seated. The front of the coat is shorter than the tails, commonly ending at the rider's waistline. Shadbellies are typically double-breasted and should have a stock tie worn to accompany them. In the hunter discipline, these coats are typically reserved for formal classes such as stakes, classics, and derbies.

Q: Are there penalties if I am inappropriately dressed?

A: Depending upon your discipline, there are penalties and repercussions for wearing inappropriate attire at a hunter/jumper show. In both the hunter and equitation rings, judges may eliminate a rider if they are inappropriately dressed. For example, polo shirts and full chaps are not allowed in the hunter or equitation show rings (the only exception is in a non-judged, warm-up class), and riders wearing them may be eliminated from the competition.

For jumpers, the rules are slightly different. Riders wearing inappropriate attire during a show jumping class may receive a penalty for a first-time or small infraction that will also serve as a warning against further offenses. Repeated offenses by the same rider at the same show may then result in the rider's elimination from the competition.

With all of the work and effort that goes into preparing for a horse show, making sure that you are appropriately dressed for your discipline can go a long way in ensuring you are ready to succeed when stepping into the ring. The hunter/jumper show world is full of both clearly outlined and unspoken rules, and whether you are preparing for a ride in the hunter or equitation ring, or a blast over a show jumping course, honoring the tradition and history of the sport is a cornerstone of planning your horse show ensemble.

We hope that this article has provided some clarity on what to wear at your next equestrian event. If you have any questions regarding anything we've covered in this guide, our helpful and knowledgeable customer service team is here to help. They may be reached at 1-800-620-9145 or via email at info@ridingwarehouse.com. We wish you the best of luck at your next horse show!