Looking neat and tidy at a show isn’t about being vain; it shows respect for the judge and other competitors, demonstrates that you care about your pony, and proves your attention to detail. Even if you don’t win, being well turned out makes a genuinely good impression.
What you need to wear
Different classes have different dress codes, so check your show schedule carefully. Your riding helmet is the most important item and absolutely must be safety-approved and properly fitted. This isn’t negotiable. Make sure it’s clean, correctly fitted to current standards, and that you fasten the straps properly every single time.
For most classes, you’ll need a light-coloured shirt or polo – white, cream, or pale yellow work well. It should be long or short-sleeved, depending on the weather, tucked in neatly, and properly cleaned and pressed. Jodhpurs are usually beige, cream, or white for showing classes, though you’d wear darker colours like black or navy for jumping. They need to be clean, free of stains, and properly fitted – not baggy or uncomfortably tight.
You’ll wear either short jodhpur boots with chaps or long riding boots, and they should be black or brown, clean and polished, and properly fitted. Gloves are usually required and should match your outfit and be clean and in good condition. Depending on your class, you might need a tweed or dark jacket for showing classes or a body protector for jumping – check the rules. Long hair goes in a neat bun or plait with a hair net to keep everything tidy and secured under your helmet.
Keeping costs down
Show clothes can be expensive, but there are ways to manage. Second-hand clothes are brilliant – check tack shops’ second-hand sections, online selling groups, or ask other riders at your yard. Many people are happy to lend items too, though never borrow a helmet as it must fit you perfectly. You don’t need everything immediately. Start with the essentials: a safety helmet (never compromise on this), a clean shirt, jodhpurs, and boots. You can add fancier items as you can afford them.
Look after your show clothes properly, and they’ll last ages. Hang things up after use, clean them promptly, store them properly, and repair small damage immediately before it gets worse. A little care goes a long way.
Preparing your pony
Your pony needs to look their best, too. About a week before the show, give them a bath if the weather allows, trim any scruffy hair, and check that their mane and tail are tidy. The day before, they might need another bath if required, and you’ll plait their mane and tail if your classes need it. On show morning, a quick groom, checking the plaits are still neat, applying hoof oil, and a final polish gets them looking smart.
The plaiting challenge
Many classes require plaited manes, and learning to plait takes practice. You’ll usually plait the evening before or very early on the morning of the show. The number of plaits depends on your pony’s neck length and mane thickness, but usually you’ll do seven to eleven plaits plus the forelock.
Ask an experienced person to teach you and practice on your pony’s mane well before the show. Don’t attempt plaiting for the first time the night before! If you’re not comfortable plaiting yet, you can ask someone experienced to help or join classes that don’t require plaiting.
Tails can be plaited, pulled to look neat, bandaged to keep plaits tidy overnight, or left natural – perfectly acceptable for many classes as long as they’re clean and brushed. Your tack must be spotlessly clean with all stitching intact. The saddle needs a clean numah or pad and a safe girth. The bridle should have clean leather, a shining bit, sound stitching, correct fitting, and a tidy browband. Check whether additional tack, like martingales or breastplates, is allowed in your classes, and make sure everything is clean and safe.
Final touches
Hoof oil makes hooves look shiny and healthy, but apply just a light coat before your class rather than thick, drippy layers. Make sure hooves are clean first – oil won’t stick to dirt. Some people put quarter markings on their pony’s hindquarters using special combs, stencils, or careful brushing. It looks impressive but isn’t essential, so only try this if you’ve practised.
[Subhead] Avoiding common mistakes
Watch out for dirty boots or scruffy clothes, hair falling down, muddy ponies, dirty tack, ill-fitting clothes, unsafe equipment, and plaits falling out. Before you enter the ring, double-check everything. Make sure you’re wearing your helmet securely, your hair’s tidy, your shirt tucked in, your boots clean, your gloves on, and your number clearly visible. Check your pony has no mud or stains, their mane is neat, tail is brushed, hooves are oiled, tack is clean and safe, and all buckles are done up.
Pack some emergency supplies for show day: safety pins for clothing emergencies, extra plaiting bands, a spare hoof pick, a brush for last-minute touch-ups, baby wipes for cleaning boots, hairnets and clips, and spare gloves.
[Subhead] Keeping perspective
Whilst looking smart matters, it’s not everything. Judges care more about your riding, your pony’s way of going, how well you perform your test or course, and the partnership between you and your pony. Good turnout gets you noticed, but good riding wins classes.
Not everyone has the most expensive clothes, professional plaiting, or the shiniest tack. Do your best with what you have. A clean, tidy turnout in basic clothes beats a scruffy turnout in expensive gear every time. At the show, watch how others present themselves and see what works well, but remember that copying someone else’s style isn’t always right for you and your pony. Find what works for your combination, and don’t stress about perfection. The judges are looking for effort and care, not just money spent.
Next: The final week before the show!
