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Questions?
Email Us at info@stcroixsaddlery.com
FAQ’s about Riding Apparel, Breeches and Helmets
Q What is the difference between a hunt coat and a dressage coat?
A Typically we think of a hunt coat as 3 button closing high in the front and double vent in the back. Dressage coats typically are 4 button with single vent in the back. Of course over the years their have been variations of this and many of these old styles are still around. In international competition you may see the show jumpers wearing the 4 button single vent coats in their national colors. The most important thing is to check the rule book for your association and always be clean and pressed when you enter the show ring.
Q I’m going to a schooling show. What do I wear?
A A schooling show is meant for your to bring a young or inexperienced horse and "school" before a judge. The show management will usually state in the premium list or entry blank if "show attire is not required". Many competitors will come dressed to the teeth in show attire but technically the judge is supposed to ignore that. A clean polo or coolmax riding shirt with breeches and tall boots in the summer is appropriate. A sweater and/or riding vest with breeches and tall boots is good in cooler weather. Most schooling shows will allow clean half chaps and paddock boots in place of tall boots. The important thing is to wear something that is complimentary, tuck in your shirt, wear a belt if your breeeches have belt loops, keep your hair tidy, and wear a helmet. You should clean your tack and your boots (see FAQ’s for Boots). This shows respect for your sport and the judge and let’s the judge know that you are serious about your horse.
Q I hate high waisted breeches. Isn’t there something else I can wear for English?
A For breeches to fit well, most are designed to fit with the waist band directly over your belly button. This way you avoid "plumber pants" when you jump. JPC and DevonAire now have low rise or hip hugger breeches. These also work very well for women with short waists. Just remember that huntseat, dressage and hunters are steeped in tradition so if you opt for low rise breeches, stick to the traditional basics to round out your outfit. It’s more important to impress the judge with the appropriate turn out than to impress your friends with how "cool" you look.
Q I want a helmet that doesn’t make my head look like a big bubble. Why are they all so ugly?
A. ASTM/SEI helmets are tested to meet standards established for equestrian use. This means that they must provide enough padding (i.e. foam) to absorb the shock of your head colliding with a solid object like the ground, jump standard, a tree or pavement. The foam compresses with the force of the blow so that your brain slows down enough to avoid crashing against the inside of your scull. The foam is what creates the bulk of the helmet and without the foam the helmet won’t be certified. If you wear one of the non-ASTM/SEI rated hats, most likely it will fly off in the opposite direction you do and your scull will take the full impact with the solid object. Any hat with a snap-in harness is by definition not approved as these harness’ are not meant to retain your hat when you fall. Watch the experts on the Olympic and WEG tapes. They almost all wear certified helmets and they look great! We carry Troxel, Charles Owen, International, Del Mar, USSEPA, and GPA helmets. Finally, I know of no association that penalizes a competitor for safety equipment--even in western classes!
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