How to Dress for a Dressage Show

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 16, 2023 References

Dressage shows are often formal events and it can be daunting choosing what to wear for this traditional equestrian sport. For most dressage shows you need to wear a jacket, riding shirt, and breeches. You also need to wear a helmet, stock tie, and tall riding boots. Some dressage shows give you the option of wearing spurs or a body protector. Once you have planned how to dress for the event, you can focus on having a fun day out with your horse!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Choosing Appropriate Clothing

1
Choose a black, dark navy, or tweed riding jacket for novice competitions. Make sure that the jacket buttons comfortably and that the sleeves reach to your wrist. Black is the most traditional choice for dressage shows.
- You can purchase riding jackets from saddlery stores or online. There are also many secondhand riding jackets for sale online if you don't want to purchase a new one straight away.
- At novice competitions, wearing a jacket is usually optional. Some riders choose to wear just a white shirt.^{[1]
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- Conservative colors and designs are necessary for dressage shows. However, colored collars, piping, and subtle pinstripes on the coat are permitted.^{[2]
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- If you are going to be wearing the show jacket often, it’s best to get it tailored for you or at least professionally fitted. This will ensure that you look professional and feel comfortable at each show.^{[3]
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2
Pick a black or dark navy tailcoat for advanced competitions. Choose a tailcoat that fits you well. Follow the guidelines that are set by the event closely to make sure that your tailcoat meets the requirements. Otherwise, you may not be able to compete.^{[4]
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- Advanced and championship competitions have slightly different attire regulations due to the formality of the event. Pinstripes and colored collars and piping are usually not permitted. A tailcoat is an essential piece of clothing for advanced competitions.^{[5]
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3
Wear a white riding shirt under your jacket or tailcoat. A white riding shirt is standard for many equestrian competitions. Choose a shirt that is long enough to tuck into your breeches and that buttons comfortably. Make sure that your shirt is clean and ironed before the dressage show.^{[6]
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- Riding shirts can have either short or long sleeves. Choose the type that you feel the most comfortable in and that is the most practical for the weather.
- If you are going to be riding in very hot weather, choose an athletic riding shirt. These shirts have mesh underarm inserts to help keep you cool.^{[7]
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4
Get light colored breeches for the dressage show. Beige or white breeches are the most traditional choice for dressage competitions. Your breeches should feel snug, but not pinching or binding. When you are trying on new breeches, walk around and sit down in them to make sure that you have the right fit.^{[8]
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- Breeches are specialty riding pants that are comfortable to wear while you are in the saddle. They are flexible, stretchy, and snug-fitting, and are often made of a combination of cotton, spandex, and polyester. Breeches won't rub or harm your skin in the same way that wearing regular pants to ride would.^{[9]
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- If you are riding in the dressage show as part of a team, you can wear breeches that match your official uniform color.
- Neutral-toned breeches such as buff and fawn are also acceptable for dressage competitions.^{[10]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Picking Accessories

1
Wear a protective helmet for all dressage competitions. Choose a helmet that is either black or navy blue. It must meet the safety requirements of your region and be fitted properly. If you are riding in an advanced or championship level competition, you can choose to wear a top hat or a uniform hat that matches your coat color.
- Check the inside label of the helmet to check that it has been safety certified and that the code matches the regulations set by the dressage show.^{[11]
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- You can purchase riding helmets from saddlery stores or online. Always purchase a new helmet as it is difficult to tell if a used helmet has been damaged.
2
Choose black or brown tall riding boots. Boots that are suitable for dressage competitions are tall, have a low heel, and do not have laces. Make sure that your boots are clean and polished before the competition begins.^{[12]
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- Tall riding boots aren’t always necessary for junior competitions. In these competitions, the riders can wear jodhpur boots with matching half-chaps or gaiters. Check the regulations well before the event so that you can make sure that you have the right gear.^{[13]
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3
Wear a stock tie if you are wearing a riding jacket. A stock tie wraps around the collar of your riding shirt. Make sure that the stock tie is neatly pressed as it will be visible under your dressage jacket. Simply undo the velcro fastening and neatly fasten it at the back of your neck.^{[14]
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- You don't need to wear a stock tie if you are just wearing a riding shirt.
4
Choose neutral-toned gloves. Gloves are a must in many dressage shows. Pick a neutral color such as white, beige, or cream. Try to match the gloves to the color of your breeches if possible.
- In some dressage competitions you will be penalized if you don't wear gloves. Always check the regulations beforehand to make sure that you have all of the right attire.
5
Use spurs if they are permitted. Spurs are not a requirement in many dressage shows; however, you can choose to wear them if they are allowed. Spurs must be English-style and metal.^{[15]
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- The maximum length of spurs that are allowed in dressage shows are 2 in (5.1 cm).^{[16]
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- English-style spurs are sleek, plain, and modern in comparison to Western-style spurs which are more flashy and decorative.
6
Wear a body protector if you prefer. Although body protectors aren’t traditional wear in dressage competitions, they are often permitted due to the safety benefits. Make sure that your body protector is well-fitting and clean.
- Body protectors are designed to reduce the risk of serious riding injuries. They are snug-fitting and are worn over your torso. You can purchase a body protector from a saddlery store or online. If you haven't worn a body protector before, get it professionally fitted so that you can be confident that you have the right size.^{[17]
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Remove your jewelry. Leave earrings, necklaces, and bracelets at home on the day of your dressage show. This is because it’s easy for jewelry to get caught while you are riding, which can be dangerous. However, certain jewelry-like accessories are permitted in dressage competitions, such as medical bracelets, club badges, and watches.^{[18]
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- If you are wearing studs and do not want to remove them before the competition, simply place a small piece of tape over each earlobe to prevent your earrings from getting caught on anything.
8
Keep your hair neat and out of your face. If you have long hair, tie it back neatly in a bun or ponytail. Make sure that it is tied below your helmet to ensure that your helmet fits properly. If you have short hair, make sure that it looks neat and tidy, and that it cannot block your vision.^{[19]
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- You can also use a hairnet to secure your hair if you prefer.

Community Q&A

Question

What differences are there between this and how a beginner male dressage rider should dress?

Community Answer

If you do not have long hair, you do not have to put it in a bun. And you do not have to wear makeup. Other than that, you still need white breeches, a show coat, dress boots, a show shirt, and a helmet.
Question

Does it matter if my horse is really big?

Community Answer

No, it does not. Horses of all sizes can do dressage.
Question

What are the straps called that go around the rider's knee?

Community Answer

Those are called jodhpur straps and are mainly used in jumping events for younger kids.