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It's 2012- have you set New Year's goals for you and your horse? If success at horse shows is a goal, part of achieving those winning moments will include planning your presentation to create a winning impression. Let's talk about what's new and important this year in western show apparel and tack.
First, consider the show scene: due to the recent poor economy, entries at all but the very largest national shows have softened. Innovative local shows that offer plenty of walk-trot and jackpot classes seem to be holding their own, but regional shows that don't bestow national titles or offer lots of fun events and cash-back classes are struggling. For the average show rider- a midlife woman who works- it's becoming easier to pick and choose shows that fit our budgets, not our egos. So planning our tack and apparel purchases is guided by both where we show and by our pocketbooks. Advance planning in both areas can help make your 2012 show goals a reality.
For the lady show rider, 2012 brings more color and variety in the show ring, a bit of playful fun with accessories, and more interest than ever in comfort in the saddle. The phenomenon of older-and-wider-riders will continue to influence show tack and apparel fashions for years to come with continuing emphasis on quality equipment that offers style and value, and is convenient and comfortable to use.
Let's take western show apparel trends from the top, starting with hats. Western show hats continue to be the billboard that creates a frame for your face, so finding a hat that's comfortable and flattering is paramount. Quality felts can be gently shaped to emphasize your face shape; they'll need a tune up at the beginning of each season. Hat shapes continue to be square or semi-square along the brim front, with the brim sides rising steeper than in years past. Black hat with black chaps almost always works; neutral felts like platinum and sand are also versatile and add light around your face. White hats are a fashion statement that can add pizzazz to your outfit but plan on replacing them each season as they yellow with exposure to air.
Your show top - whether a blouse, tunic, rail shirt, or vest set- sets the pace for your presentation. It should fit trim and smooth with sleeves long enough to cover your wrist bones as you ride. Most show tops are worn tails-out these days, which is very comfortable but can create the illusion of thickness at the waist. If you tuck your top in, be sure your belt and buckle coordinate with the outfit and fit smoothly.
In tops, think about being 'on stage' with your primary colors in the top coordinating with your saddle blanket and horse to create a theatrical look that makes a dazzling impression from across the arena. Trims on tops should follow vertical lines to suggest a tall, slim figure, with confident use of appliqué, crystals, and metallic fabrics bringing extra drama to your presentation.
Fabrics for show tops range from basic black stretch to heavily embroidered taffetas, but today's winning looks are all about embellishment: bold, layered, colorful, and reflective with nailheads, rhinestones, metallic inks and overlay fabrics, and very elaborate designs. While some fabrics stretch and some do not, a trim silhouette is paramount for a correct show appearance.
Custom show tops in the arena this year will be genuine works of art, and their prices- often thousands of dollars- will reflect their unique attributes. If you're crafty, consider embellishing a basic top with crystals and applique to make your own one-of-a-kind creation for far less. Customizing takes time and practice, but if you start with a ready-made top, your creativity can take you to the winner's circle with pride wearing your own unique apparel.
Welcome back the vest! After years on the sidelines, vests are back in the spotlight this year with a new longer length that covers the rider's chap tops and features a gently squared neckline. Tastefully paired with an open-neck crisp cotton blouse and accented with a small scarf at the neck, this hybrid look gives vests a new charm in the show ring, while keeping their comfort and classic western silhouette.
For horsemanship classes, a classic starched blouse and scarf is an understated new look for equitation champions, though many will still wear fitted stretch tops that have minimal color contrast at the waist area to create an illusion of perfect poise as they ride. Showmanship stars continue to wear suit looks, with elaborate tops (some of which can also be worn riding) paired with fitted show pants.
Those show pants are always trim and hemmed long enough to touch the handler's boot heels when standing for the judge. Under chaps, wear show pants, simple jeans (no rips/bling/fancy pockets) or stretch riding pants for comfort and a smooth fit in the saddle. Boots only get to peek their toes out from under showmanship pants or chaps, so best to color-coordinate them to their neighboring garment and keep them simple and shined.
Chaps cover half your body when you show, so make sure they fit like those proverbial gloves and that they help you look tall and trim in the saddle. Black chaps with fringed legs are far and away the most common look, but consider some colored chaps for a new look. Chaps should be snug but not tight- if yours are a struggle to put on, zip-in extensions hidden under the fringe lend temporary room if your weight fluctuates.
Colorful clothing is a western tradition that sometimes disappears in a sea of black in the show ring. Clever use of color can bring interest and originality to your show presentation; coordinate your tops and saddle blankets with your horse's primary coat color for a winning look, but consider adding colored chaps to your wardrobe for versatility and freshness.
Trending colors this year will include jewel-tone shades of turquoise, deep aubergine purple, fuchsia, and indigo blue as great partners with bay, gray, and black horses. Red-based horses including sorrels, chestnuts, and red roans look terrific in sand, chocolate, whiskey, and new olive green.
Don't overlook accessories, the finishing touches that bring sparkle and personality to your presentation. Earrings and neckline pieces may be modern crystals or traditional conchos, but they'll all enhance your look and make it uniquely yours. Your hairstyle also makes a style statement and should be tidy and trim for a day in the saddle. Whether you prefer a ponytail or a bun, add an interesting hair accent like crystal-topped pins to complete your look.
Show men continue to dress conservatively in starched, fitted dress shirts worn with small neckties. Matching your shirt color to your solid or patterned saddle blanket makes an instant, easy show set that works in any western event. Add a blazer for halter events and a few colorful small scarves to tie at your neck and you're done shopping for the show season… if your hat is pricey, perfectly shaped, and in pristine condition, of course!
The best-dressed horses will be wearing beautiful traditional western tack made from quality leather, hand-tooled and accented with traditional silver this year. We're seeing some darker leather edging into the show pen, which highlights silver nicely and doesn't turn pink in the sun. Saddles have big skirts to show off all that silver, and therefore need big saddle blankets underneath them. Headstalls should be carefully chosen to flatter your horse's facial features, and of course all tack must fit horse and rider perfectly to prevent pinching and pitching!
While show ring trends evolve more slowly than street wear, it's important to plan, shop, and invest wisely to stretch your budget and create an impression of quiet confidence in the show ring. Study online blogs and magazine sites, as well as show photographer's proof pages, to see what your competition will be wearing and you'll get ready to win. Invest in the best within your budget to be stylish, confident, and dressed for success in the show ring in 2012.
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