I am counting down the days until spring arrives. I can’t wait to pack up my winter boots, jackets, and scarves. While spring doesn’t usually necessitate tank tops and flip flops, I do enjoy wearing beautiful pastel colored short sleeved shirts at this time. To stay warm during the cool spring mornings and nights, I often slip on a colorful sweater over my short sleeved blouse. Sweaters are a great way to bridge the gap in your wardrobe between the cold winter months and the hot summer months. If you currently don’t own any spring sweaters, now is a great time to stock up on them. On this blog, you will learn how to find the perfect sweaters to match your spring shirts. Enjoy!
Dressage is a very formal sport, and there's not as much room to play with your outfit as there would be in a western pleasure or gymkhana class. The classic uniform of white breeches, a dark coat, black boots, and a black helmet really is your only option if you want to look professional and avoid negative remarks from the judge. But that does not mean you can't subtly display your own unique style. Here are four ways to customize your equestrian show clothes without committing any fashion faux pas.
Choose a dark-colored coat that is not black.
A few years ago, wearing any coat color other than black was frowned upon. However, the FEI rules technically permit any coat of a "conservative color" and some riders have begun to wear colors other than black. You'll probably still be one of the only riders at the show wearing a non-black coat, but you certainly won't get the disgusted looks you may have in the past. Show your style with a navy blue, dark green, or dark brown coat -- just make sure it's appropriately styled with 4 buttons and a single vent in the back as is customary for dressage coats.
Wear spurs with subtle accents.
If you typically wear spurs in the dressage ring, look for a pair with some etching on the sides. Just make sure the spurs are dressage-legal with a blunt, non-roweled end and black straps that blend in with your black boots. A pair with a few etched flowers or swirls looks a lot more unique than a plain chrome pair.
Choose a unique stock tie.
There are so many different types of stock ties to choose from. There are ruffled varieties, styles that are neatly folded, and simple styles that lay flat under your coat. Look through your local tack store's selection of stock ties, and find one that's bold and expressive. Make sure you try tying it a few times before you purchase it. The pre-tied ones that fasten around you neck with Velcro are much easier, but don't always come in as many fun styles.
Wear a monogrammed helmet cover.
There are many plain, black helmet covers with subtle monograms in the center, front panel. You can find one monogrammed with a design you like or even with your initials. The upside to this is that you can wear the cover over any helmet and make it look show-ready.
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