How to Dress for Show Season Success

ride. Protective boots are essential on the crosscountry course and Glynis says it is crucial that they not hold water as they will become heavy and then slip after galloping through water jumps. Taping the straps as Emily has done is a good precaution against straps loosening and boots then slipping. She also recommends bell boots to help prevent pulled shoes and injury from overreaching
Fit for a Dressage Queen
Classically elegant describes the turnout of Eileen Keller and her American Warmblood mare Amber Flame shown here competing at First Level.
Ann Bater owner and manager of Victoria Saddlery in Victoria BC and a dressage rider herself who is currently competing at Intermediare I level praises Eileens black dressage style jacket spotless white breeches and white gloves although she notes that dressage is allowing dark coats in other colours besides navy and black now such as dark brown or charcoal grey.
As of this year 2012 hard hats must be worn in all levels in dressage competition Ann continues. White breeches are still required although some riders prefer cream which is also fine as long as stock tie show shirt and saddle pad match.
All in all Eileens outfit is workmanlike and tidy just what a dressage judge will be looking for.
Amber Flame is nicely presented as well with the square white show pad required in the dressage ring and clean dressage saddle and snaffle bridle. This horses braids are not the usual dressage style of larger buttonstyle braids done with elastics Ann comments but this hunter braiding is perfectly acceptable because it is very nicely done and very neat. However she says often the dressage horse has a pulled trimmed at the top and banged cut off straight at the bottom tail. This horse might improve its dressage look with such a tail.
A Shining