How to Properly Dress for
the Dressage Arena

The sport of dressage is known for its blend of movement, precision, artistry, and harmony to demonstrate the proper training of the horse. In the competition arena, riders are required to demonstrate these elements in the form of a "test," which is a series of movements with each movement being scored by a judge on a scale of 0 to 10. An important component of any dressage test is the rider's competition attire. A rider's presentation can affect not only the judge's impression of you but also what areas of the body their eyes are drawn to during your test. The rider's attire should convey professionalism and respect to the judge while keeping the rider safe and able to perform their best.

To dress appropriately for the competition arena, a rider must follow the guidelines and rules set by the United States Dressage Foundation (specifically DR 120 and DR 121). For more information about USDF attire rules, check out our USDF Attire Rule Guide to aid in your show look selection.

In this article, we will discuss the dressage rider's proper attire, which includes an approved riding helmet, a show coat, a show shirt, a tie or stock tie, gloves, breeches, and boots. We also got the privilege to sit down with sponsored rider Kim McGrath, who gave us some pro tips for dressing for the dressage ring with style!

Proper dressage attire is essential for not only looking professional but also for ensuring that you are following USDF attire rules. The last thing you want is to be disqualified for your clothing! Below are the necessary items you need to enter the show ring:

Approved Riding Helmet - All riders mounted on the showgrounds must wear a riding helmet that meets or exceeds ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) / SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards for equestrian use. The helmet should fit the rider well with the chin strap snug yet comfortable. The helmet can match or coordinate with the rider's jacket color and can feature contrast-colored areas and crystal details. For more information on helmet fit or helmet safety standards, check out our Riding Helmet Education Center.

Hair Net/Bun - Hair should be worn up inside the helmet or in a neat bun outside the helmet. Riders who choose to wear their hair inside a helmet should ensure that the addition of their hair does not alter the fit of the helmet. Hair worn in a bun should be covered in a hair net or special bun net (subtle decorations on bun nets are allowed). Hairnets should also be used by riders who wear their hair under helmets to contain fly-aways. Fly-aways from underneath the helmet or from a bun are considered untidy and poor turnout. Riders with very short hairstyles may not require hairnets. Hair should not be worn in long braids or ponytails.

Show Coat - Riders can wear a short coat or modified tailcoat in any level, while a tailcoat is permitted above Fourth Level. Coats can be any solid color with a tasteful and discreet accent if the rider chooses. Accents can include a collar of a different hue, modest piping, or crystal decorations; accents should not be distracting to the judge. The coat should be comfortable and fit the rider well, similar to a tailored business suit. To perform your best, look for materials that allow freedom of movement and breathability. To see our favorite show coats, check out the Best Horse Show Coats Buying Guide!

Show Shirt - Shirts with a tie, choker, stock tie, or integrated stand-up collar are required. Ties, chokers, or stock ties may be any color or subtle pattern. Show shirts should fit the rider well, be tucked into breeches, and be worn under a show coat. In extreme heat, show management may waive coats. If coats are waived, show shirts must have sleeves and a collar, and detachable stock ties must be removed.

Gloves - Any color gloves are allowed from Intro to Fourth level, though USDF recommends white or light-colored gloves to allow the judge to see the rider's hands better. Dark gloves can be a good choice for riders still developing steady hands, but some judges may see this as a way of "hiding" something. It's best to move to colored gloves between training and First Level. At the FEI levels, gloves are required and must be the same color as your show coat, white, or off-white. Most riders in the FEI levels choose to use white gloves. Ensure your gloves fit well and are free from dust or dirt.

Breeches - Traditionally, dressage riders were only allowed to wear white, off-white, or tan breeches in competition. The new attire rules now permit solid white, light, or dark breeches in competition. Bright colors or patterns are still not allowed. It is the most traditional to wear white breeches or off-white breeches. Breeches should be well-fitting, clean, and wrinkle-free during competition.

Boots - Riders competing at Fourth Level and below may wear tall boots or paddock boots with matching leather half-chaps. Tall boots are the most common from First Level and up; however, they are required above Fourth Level. Tall boots can be dress, field, or dressage boots with front or back zippers. They can coordinate with the color of the rider's outfit and have colored accents. Boots must be made of leather or leather-like materials, have a distinguishable heel, and be clean. To avoid unnecessary pain that may also hurt your performance, make sure your boots are broken in before show day. Need help finding the right pair of tall boots? Check out our favorites in the Best Tall Boots Buying Guide or read our Tall Boot Size & Fit Guide so you order the right size!

For more information on how to dress up and show off your style in dressage attire, please check out our Guide on the USDF Attire Rules.

Kim McGrath is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medallist and has trained several horses to the Grand Prix Level. No matter the level she is competing, she is a style icon and enjoys expressing herself through her show arena fashions. One of the fun aspects of dressage is the amount of personal expression you can have with your competition attire. That said, finding the look that best represents who you are while only adding positive attention to your performance can be a challenge. We asked for her insights on how she chooses her show arena looks so you can find inspiration for yours! Whether you're classic, vibrant, or somewhere in between, the crew at RW wants you to look and feel your best as you head down centerline.

Q: What is your process for putting together a show arena look?

A: I think about what style I want to wear in the arena, but I also pay attention to the color, gender, and personality of the horse. This helps guide the color decisions. While I may not put pink on a gelding, I've seen it done and it looks great! It's all about taking the whole horse into account. Throughout the show, I never repeat a full outfit. I like to have some variety, whether that's a different stock tie, a different helmet, or a different saddle pad each day.

Q: When selecting show breeches, what are the most important factors for you?

A: Since I show exclusively in white breeches, it's all about how opaque they are! I do not want breeches that are see-through. The second factor is the rise; I prefer high-rise breeches for shows. That way you don't need a belt and it looks more streamlined under a show coat. If I do need a belt, I prefer stretchy elastic belts that are low profile without a big buckle.

Q: When selecting show coats, what are the most important factors for you?

A: To be realistic, for me, how it looks. Fit and color are the top priorities. It's a bonus if the fabric is breathable, but the fit and color are more important. In my mind, it's only an hour of your life, and you can deal with some discomfort if you look good!

Q: When selecting saddle pads and bonnets for shows, what are the most important factors in this decision for you?

A: I use my saddle pads and bonnets to tie together the entire show look. The saddle pad needs to complement the rider's outfit. For a bonnet, it needs to tie into the colors of the outfit or be more neutral. Personally, I find bonnets that are too bright to be too distracting.

USDF Rule Note: Leg protection (polo wraps or boots) can be worn in the WARMUP ONLY. The horse's legs must be bare once in the competition arena.

Q: How, if at all, have the USDF rule changes affected your approach?

A: While I have kept my white breeches from before the rule changes, I've used the new rules as an opportunity to wear colored saddle pads in the show arena. I always make sure to check with the Technical Delegate (TD) to ensure I know what is legal under the new rules. After chatting with them, I've incorporated some tone-on-tone "patterned" saddle pads into my show wardrobe that look great.

Q: Do you consider yourself more traditional or trendy, and why?

A: I'd say trendy. I like color and I want my outfits to be fun! While my white breeches will remain traditional, I think my incorporation of color is more trendy.

Q: What products are your must-haves for the warmup or competition arena, and why?

A: My favorite warmup boots are the LeMieux Carbon 3D Mesh Wrap Boots. They are super breathable for the warmup arena at hot weather shows, and are easy to remove right before going into the show arena. They clean up great between uses and always look polished. Another essential pair of boots are the LeMieux Faux Leather Wrap Round Bell Boots. Some of my horses are very big movers, and I prefer to give them leg protection until the final minutes of my warmup. These bell boots look great and stay in place, but are easy to remove when it's time to go.

When I'm going for a crisp, clean look and sticking to a white saddle pad, LeMieux pads are my favorite. I think I have at least four different styles! They have interesting technology for cooling the horse on hot days, or more substantial pads for the shows where the weather is cooler.

I always compete in Roeckl gloves. Their durability is great, and they always look bright white even after many wears and washes. Finally, on the show days when I choose to wear a belt, elastic low-profile belts like the Ellany belts are my favorite. They look sleek and don't create bumps underneath a show coat.

Closing Thoughts

Finding your unique show look may not be easy, but it should be fun! Feeling and looking good as you head down centerline can truly elevate your performance. Confidence is key in anything, and having the right outfit can give you that boost to perform your best. Experiment to find what you like and dislike; you may find you prefer Kim's approach of having different looks for different horses or on each competition day!

Mixing up your show look doesn't have to be expensive either. Items like stock ties, stock tie pins, hair bun nets or scrunchies, and saddle pads can give you a whole new look without breaking the bank. With USDF branching out into the color wheel, you can choose to add a splash of color or make your own splash with a look that feels the most you!

If you are looking for more assistance, please feel free to reach out to our helpful customer service at info@ridingwarehouse.com or 1-800-620-9145. Happy riding!