New to Saddle Seat? Here's Why You Need All This "Stuff"

Welcome to the exciting world of saddle seat competition! To the newcomer, the saddle seat riding outfit can be a little overwhelming or confusing to understand. There are so many pieces that you have to acquire before your first show, and you may be wondering, "do I really need all of this stuff?" When you have so many options for your accessories, it can be difficult to determine what is best for you. Allow us to simplify things by breaking down the must-haves and the extras:

The Necessities

• Number Magnets: When you arrive at the horse show, your riding instructor will have a number for you. This needs to be attached to the back of your vest or suit coat, and will serve as your identification to the judge. Magnets are used rather than safety pins because they don't leave holes in your clothes, and present a cleaner overall look.
• Collar Bar: While it may seem like a small detail, this little invention can make a big difference in your overall appearance. This holds your tie in place, and will keep the neck of your shirt nice and snug, preventing your collar from flapping as you ride. If you don't have holes in your collar for a screw-on collar bar, you can use a slide-on collar bar instead.
• Hair Accessory: You will put your hair in a bun when you show. Although not a deal-breaker if you choose not to wear one, a bow or barrette adds a nice finishing touch to your outfit.
• Cuff Straps: Also known as "jod savers", these are for holding the cuffs of your jodhpurs up when you aren't mounted on a horse. Since show jodhpurs are typically longer than your practice jods might be, the bells of your pants tend to drag on the ground when you walk around. Your instructor will remove these once you are mounted on the horse.

Pictured: Academy Starter Set, $48.00

The Total Package

• Earrings: You can wear earrings you already have, or you can purchase a pair specifically for showing that matches the rest of your accessories. Whatever you choose, it's best to stick with a smaller, stud-type earring.
• Button Covers: If you want to be extra fancy, you can add button covers to your shirt cuffs for a little extra flair. If your shirt already has holes for cuff links, you can use those instead.
• Brooch: This is a nice touch to your suit coat or academy vest, and a great way to express yourself. Most riders like to wear a horseshoe or their initial.
• Tie Ring: If you really like "bling", you will love this! A tie ring is purely decorative and adds a little extra "wow factor" to your ensemble.

Pictured: Deluxe Academy Set, $89.00

It's possible to grow out of your show clothes in a single season, but you can typically get several years out of your accessories if you take care of them and choose versatile pieces that will work with any outfit. If you're budget-conscious or just want one go-to set, we recommend ordering your accessories in colors such as clear, pearl, AB or jet to get the most bang for your buck. Your riding instructor may have a specific idea of how they want their riders to look in the show ring, so it's always a good idea to have them take a look at your outfit and accessories before you make a commitment. If you're not sure where to start, we've been doing this for 15 years... give us a call, we'd be happy to help!

And, before you head off to your first show, download a free Horse Show Checklist to make sure you've got all your bases covered!