If you are competing in a Western Show, your clothing must be carefully chosen. There are a few rules that govern the types of things you are allowed to wear, and things you should avoid during Western Shows. Here are a few guidelines.
If you are involved in either the showmanship or halter classes you need to show your horse close to your judge. You will be the one being focused on, not your horse. It is important to choose an outfit that minimizes actions.
With showmanship classes darker shades of western wear work well. You want to lesson the attention that movement can gain, especially at your legs and hands. If you are in the show ring lighter colors are acceptable, though they will show off movement much more than darker colors will.
Also for showmanship it is another good idea to have matching tops and bottoms. Do not have two drastically different colored western wear top and bottoms. Keep a good showmanship pattern by not drawing too much attention to your top, or your bottom.
Horsemanship is very similar to showmanship, but you are now mounted on your horse. He no longer is used merely as a prop. You want to keep clean lines with your clothing.
Small details can make a difference when placing in competitions. When competing you do not want the rider's movements to distract from their performance. Have your western wear clothing blend or flow with your top.
If you wear a drastically different western wear top, that cuts off at your waist, it can bring more attention to your top half than you wanted. Also, wearing light colored bottoms can do the same thing. If you have a hard time keeping your legs from moving a lot during your rides lighter colors with advertise this more.
If you are in a western pleasure class you can wear vibrant colors. This is because the horse is the one being focused on, not the rider. Coordinate your outfit so it fits, but they do not have to be the same colors. Just make sure the western wear clothing fits. |
