Saddle Seat Attire
The clothes you wear during a horse show are a "riding habit." You must have the proper riding habit for your discipline and your division. Learn more about what you should be wearing when, and where to find it!
Saddle Seat Equitation Division
Note: Detailed information for the EQ Equitation Division is available in the USEF Rulebook under "Appointments."
Informal Attire:
If your class takes place before 6:00pm, your Saddle Seat Equitation habit can be considered "Informal." You will need:
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Suit (Matching Daycoat and Jodhpurs in a conservative color)
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Collared shirt
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Tie
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Vest
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Gloves (in complementary color)
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Jodhpur boots (in complementary color)
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Derby hat (in complementary color) or protective headgear
Acceptable informal colors: Black, blue, grey, burgundy, green, beige, or brown. Habits may contain herringbone, pine stripes, and other combinations of colors that appear solid. Colors not listed may result in penalization or elimination.
Formal Attire
If your class takes place after 6:00pm, even more conservative attire is required, and formal evening wear is permitted. You will need:
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Tuxedo-type jacket
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Matching jodhpurs
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Formal shirt
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Bow tie
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Vest or cummerbund
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Gloves (in complementary color)
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Jodhpur boots (in complementary color)
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Women's top hat (in complementary color), men's homburg, or protective headgear
Acceptable formal solid colors: dark grey, dark brown, dark blue, or black. Formal shirt must be white or off-white with the bow tie and vest or cummerbund to match shirt or riding habit in color. Colors not listed may result in penalization or elimination.
Saddle Seat English Pleasure Division
Note: Detailed information for the EP English Pleasure Division is available in the USEF Rulebook under "Appointments."
Informal Attire:
English Pleasure Saddle Seat classes call for informal attire. You will need:
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Daycoat (Color may be light but not gaudy)
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Jodhpurs
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Collared shirt
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Tie
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Vest
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Gloves (in complementary color)
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Jodhpur boots (in complementary color)
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Derby hat (in complementary color) or protective headgear
Acceptable informal colors: Gaudy colors are to be avoided.
Saddle Seat Academy Classes
Academy classes are limited to riders enrolled in a lesson program who have not shown in regular performance classes, and who will be showing lesson horses.
Informal Attire:
Saddle Seat Academy classes call for informal attire. You will need:
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Jodhpurs
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Collared shirt
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Tie
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Vest
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Gloves (in complementary color)
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Jodhpur boots (in complementary color)
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Derby hat (in complementary color) or protective headgear
Prohibited: Suits and riding jackets
Bennett Farms Saddleseat Looks
It's All in the Details
Jodhpurs
Jods must be Kentucky Jods, with a flared bottom that falls about two inches below your heel, suede patches inside the knees, and underpasses at the hem.
Hat
All hats should be properly sized to fit tightly across your brow so it does not come off or slip down during your ride. Hats can be secured with extra bobby pins.
Makeup
If applicable, makeup helps the judges see your features at a distance, like stage makeup for actors. Like stage makeup, show makeup is applied relatively heavily.
Shirts
Shirts should be collared dress shirts with holes in each side of the collar for a tie bar. Choose a color that compliments your suit/daycoat and your vest.
Gloves
Get black or a color that matches your suit. Extra long gloves or the use of black electrical tape keeps your skin from showing between the glove and shirt cuff.
Hair
Short hair can be worn tidily under your hat. Long hair must be worn in a low bun. Tools needed: hair nets that match your hair color, bobby pins, hair spray, hair brush.
Jacket/Daycoat
Jackets and daycoats should be tailored to fit snugly with longer sleeves that won't ride up when you bend your elbows. Choose patterns and colors based on your division.
Boots
Low pull-on jod boots without seams across the toe are ideal for saddle seat shows. Patent leather is optional but be sure to clean and shine your boots before the show day.
Ask your trainer!
If you have any questions about what you should buy or wear for a show, talk to your trainer! We're always here to help you get ready for the show ring.
Vest
Vests can be more colorful than your suit and can also make use of texture and subtle patterns. Choose a nicely tailored fit that flatters the figure.
Accessories
Flashy details will help glitz up your look. Sparkly stud earrings, tie pins, tie bars, brooches, and number magnets are a great way to add some classy bling.
Where to Buy
Now that you've studied and taken your notes on what your riding habit will be, it's time to buy! The below vendors offer Saddle Seat attire, both new and on consignment.
