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Now it’s time to turn our attention what you, the rider, need to wear. You may already have most of the acceptable items in your wardrobe already, so there is no need to go and splash out on a complete new set of clothes.
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Can I wear my hacking jacket, or do I need to buy a black or navy showing jacket?
The rules state that you don’t need to wear a black or navy jacket until you reach Advanced level. However there is nothing prohibiting you from wearing one at the lower levels either. So, if you have one, by all means wear it, but you are equally allowed to wear a ‘conservative colour’ plain coat or a tweed hacking jacket.
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What do I wear under it?
That is at your discretion(!) but see note below. You may wear a shirt and tie that co-ordinates conservatively with the rest of your attire. An American Collar is also acceptable and the traditional correctly tied stock is still very much in evidence.
In excessively hot weather, show organisers may permit you to ride without a coat providing you are wearing a suitable shirt that fastens at the neck (not bright or multi-coloured) with a tie, America Collar or correctly fastened stock.
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What type of riding hat should I wear?
Under BD rules, the hat does not have to have a harness, but you’ll find that every other unaffiliated competition will insist on a hat being up to the current BSI Safety Standard (PSA 015 & BS EN 1384) abs securely fastened at all times whilst the rider is mounted.
It can be a velvet covered riding hat or a jockey skull. The velvet (or hat cover) may be black, navy or brown.
When you get to Advanced level you may wear a tail coat and a top hat.
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What colour jodhpurs / breeches?
These may be white, cream or beige. (Cream or beige are more forgiving on ladies with curves.)
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Should I wear gloves?
Gloves are compulsory. Don’t wear white unless you have very quiet hands!
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I don’t have a pair of long leather boots, do I need to buy some?
No, whilst long leather, dressage-cut boots are a wonderful, flattering luxury, they are not necessary. A simple pair of long leather boots won’t cost the earth, should you prefer long boots and you may ride in long rubber ones, too.
You are also permitted to ride in jodhpur / paddock boots with gaiters made from the same leather. You cannot ride in suede half chaps.
Boots must be black or brown and may be top boots (long black boots with a brown top).
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Am I allowed to wear spurs in Preliminary classes?
Spurs do not become mandatory until Advanced level, and you may wear them at every level below that.
They must be made of metal. The bad around the heel must be smooth and there must be a shank on the back of the heel pointing towards the rear ( comb spurs are not permitted).
Spurs may not be worn upside down.
There is no restriction on the type of shank, and rowels are permitted provided they are fitted vertically and are free to rotate. Rowels which have points must have rounded ends.
Spurs that have a smooth rotating rubber or plastic ball on the shank are permitted.
Only blunt spurs without rowels may be worn for Young Horse classes.
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Learn the art of patience. Apply discipline to your thoughts when they become anxious over the outcome of a goal. Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success.
Brian Adams
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