A Quick Guide to IHSA Show Attire
When show day hits, many people who are new to the IHSA and the Equitation ring experience the main question: what do I wear?
The expectations for attire for IHSA shows mirror what you would see in the hunter/jumper ring, so you may already have all your clothes if you’re a seasoned competitor, or you may not. Hopefully this list should help you out either way, and give you an idea of what to dress in.
1. The Coat and Gloves
A conservative show coat never goes out of style: it is the safe route, and the most classic route to go when in doubt. Navy, black and dark green are the main color options, although you could always spice it up a little with a small embellished collar, but simplicity is usually best in the judge’s eyes. IHSA also requires black leather gloves, which can be found for a reasonable price at any tack shops. You want to stand out for your amazing riding, not your amazing and flashy sense of style.
2. The Show Shirt
The classic crisp white show shirt, with a little bit of flair on the inner collar and sleeve cuffs is the all around best choice. Pastel colored shirts can work too, depending on your choice of jacket and other attire. Traditional ratcatcher shirts work as well. There are also many new shirts by brands such as Essex, Ariat, and RJ Classics that make fun shirts with prints and a thin material for when it gets hot under your jacket. To save money, try seeing if any of the kid sizes fit! For the ladies, make sure you have a good sports bra (a tan one if your shirt is white or see-through) that is comfortable, durable, and offers good support.
3. The Breeches and The Belt
Finish off the look with classic light tan breeches, and a plain black leather belt with a simple belt buckle. Make sure your breeches have a zipper and buttons and/or hooks; riding tights will not be the best choice, since IHSA specifies their preference towards traditional breeches. If your pants do not have belt loops, don’t panic. Belts are not required, they are just normal.
4. The Boots and Socks (we can’t forget our feet of course)
Tall, black leather, field boots are what we want for IHSA, and all showing about after we graduate from the schooling shows really. Our team is sponsored by Parlanti so we get discounts on their amazing boots. Other great boot brands are Ariat and Tredstep Ireland! Dress boots are okay too, but not known to be as comfy or adjustable as field boots, due to their lack of laces in the front. Also make sure to grab a pair of tall socks for your boots. Noble Outfitters® has ones that are thick around the foot and thin around the calf made specially for tall boots that come in great colors!
5. Last but not least… The Helmet!
This is probably the most important part, because not only is a helmet with a pretty appearance valuable, but also its safety and ability to protect you from all unwanted possibilities. You want to ensure a proper fit, and make sure to have a visor on your helmet front. Two of the more popular brands are Charles Owen and IRH, both of which have a clean and classic appearance. Do not use your children’s helmet that is shiny, and has an adjustable knob at the back; it is time for the real deal, the velvet or faux-velvet helmet, no more helmet covers! Also make sure to have plenty of hairnets in your show day bag, because it is required that you put your hair up into your helmet (no braid, ponytail, or pretty buns).
While at first, to someone who’s new to showing, this can all seem a bit overwhelming and expensive, but with a little help it’ll become easy as 1-2-3 to get it all! Many of your teammates will be willing to share their show coats, boots, and even hairnets with you. If you don’t know how to attach your competitor number to your jacket or put your hair into a hairnet, ask a teammate because everyone is willing to help.
The shirts you can find at Dover or your local tack store, or a Tack Exchange Shop, like the one in Middleburg, VA. Those boots can also be obtained through various ways: you could buy them brand new, you could buy them used, you could wish for them for Christmas (equestrian gifts make great presents, we’re happy with one specific item), or you could just borrow a friends or parents if they also ride. Sites like SmartPak and Dover are great for ordering online, although SmartPak has better deals on shipping. In addition, we recommend keeping an eye out for Dover’s Tent Sales, the Maryland Saddlery store in Butler, MD, and The Surrey in Darnestown, MD. They both have consignment items, along with new ones, and many sale events throughout the year.
Good luck, happy riding, and don’t forget to make your horse look as spiffy as you do at your horse shows!
