Horse show fashion is not just about sparkle, trends, or finding the most expensive outfit in the tack room. At its best, it creates a polished overall picture that flatters the rider, complements the horse, and helps the exhibitor walk into the arena with confidence.
But, even experienced riders can make subtle wardrobe mistakes that take away from that picture. Sometimes it’s a shirt that creeps up in motion. Sometimes it’s a color that looks great on the horse but washes out the rider. Sometimes it’s a hat that’s shaped poorly, hair that’s unfinished, or accessories that compete with the class instead of completing the look.
We asked several leading horse show fashion professionals to share the mistakes riders may not even realize they are making.
Wearing an Outfit That Looks Good Standing Still but Fails in Motion
Fit is one of the most important parts of a show outfit, but it is also one of the easiest things to misjudge. An outfit can look beautiful in a photo or on a hanger and still create problems once the rider is moving. Kelley Mundrick Martin of Head to Tail Boutique says one common issue is “anything ill-fitting/distracting that takes away from the overall picture.”
Dana Reece of Unbridled Couture believes proper fit should do more than simply avoid distraction. “In my professional opinion, I think that confidence is one of the hardest things to portray in the arena, so your outfit should help facilitate that,” Reece says. “The fit of your shirt should accentuate your best features and minimize others.”
Kara Langeland, owner of Kara Langeland Show Clothing agrees that movement is where fit problems often show up. Her number one pet peeve is “a beautiful, well-made shirt that creeps up and gives an illusion ‘back bulge.’ Please have a horsemanship panel added so it stays tucked in tightly,” she says.
Elizabeth “Spike” Brewer of Boo Yah Custom Clothing says hunt seat exhibitors need to be just as careful. “A hunt coat that is too long, too tight, or too baggy can instantly take away from your overall look. If you can sit on it while posting, it is too long. Sleeve length matters too. Always try your coat on with your show shirt and undergarments before show day.”
Choosing Colors for Your Horse but Forgetting Yourself
Many riders choose colors based almost entirely on their horse. “People tend to focus on colors that look good with their horse, but don’t take into consideration what colors actually look good on them,” Martin says.
Carrie Bachey of Just Peachy Show Clothing says, “When you start by choosing a palette that complements your coloring, hair and skin tones, it’s naturally going to create a more flattering overall picture,” she says. “On the flip side, if a color competes and washes you out, it’s going to create the impression that something is off, regardless of your horse’s color.”
“Stick with tradition,” Brewer says. “Shades of black, navy blues, brown, and dark gray are standard for a reason. If you love a non-traditional color, use it as a subtle accent, not the base.”
Paula Diuri of Paula’s Place says, “Be mindful of whether you’re being noticed because your outfit stands out in a positive way. Unique is only good if it’s tasteful.”
Ignoring Hats, Hair and Proportion
In western events, the hat is one of the first things people notice. “Good hat shape and quality means everything,” Martin says. Hair also needs to match the class. “Always a bun for horsemanship and showmanship.” She prefers “a small ribbon tied up in a bow” for those events. For trail, pleasure, and western riding, she says longer ribbons can work, “but not too distracting is what I lean towards.”
Langeland says shoulder proportion is another overlooked detail. “My second pet peeve is rounded shoulders,” Langeland says. “It’s such an easy fix. A rider may need a half inch shoulder pad to up to an inch and a half to correct this. This alone makes for a sharp, crisp square look.”
Over-Accessorizing or Under-Finishing
Martin says she is “not a fan of big earrings and crazy hat colors.” Brewer agrees that accessories should stay quiet, especially in hunt seat classes. “Less is more with accessories,” Brewer says.
She also warns against collars that try too hard. “Keep collars simple,” Brewer says. “Sparkles, loud colors, and bold designs are a no-no. Judges should not notice your collar before they notice you. It should blend, not compete.”
Bachey says some of the most important wardrobe pieces are the ones people do not see. “Despite being one of the most impactful components of your wardrobe, some of the least talked about and most overlooked accessories in the show pen are shapewear and proper undergarments,” Bachey says.
Forgetting the Whole Picture
Langeland reminds riders that their clothing still has to allow them to perform. “Make sure the fit fits,” she says. “The jacket or shirt needs to fit like a glove with the ability to move like an athlete.”
Reece says one of her biggest complaints is “when the saddle pad doesn’t match or work cohesively with the shirt.”
Still, fashion should not erase personality. “Wear your personality. Be you,” Langeland says. “Pick colors and design you love and that flatters your horse. This will give the rider the extra confidence they need.”
Martin would also like to see some classic silhouettes return to the pen. “Let’s bring back traditional back zip horsemanship shirts and vests,” she says. “They are so much more flattering on most people.”
The best outfit does not scream for attention, nor does it disappear completely. As Bachey says, “The sooner you acknowledge the fact that you are choosing to compete in a sport where your appearance is being judged, the sooner you’ll be able to start making the smartest choices when it comes to your wardrobe.”
