Aren't your last few sentences the absolute truth!! I cannot imagine the sticker shock parents -- or spouses -- have when they get a load of what it costs to go to a horse show. And don't even get me started on how all those fees charged by show managers add up long before you set hoof in the ring itself. I'm not sure about everywhere, but I've really seen a reduction in the number of kids and rerider adults getting into showing. It's just too dang expensive!
I've recently entered the world of breed shows in western events. Check out the prices for used rail jackets and you'll think English attire is the bargain of the century! A decent western felt hat is at least $200, probably a lot more, and the internet is full of used show jackets for thousands of dollars each. Definitely not for the faint of heart. There are bargains to be had, but you have to do your homework. If you can sew, or are crafty and can put on crystals yourself, you can save some money. But even then, it's very expensive. There's supposedly a trend toward plain cotton shirts, but it's not shown up in my neighborhood yet. And don't even talk about the price of a western show saddle and headstall! It's crazy out there.
I've found you can save money by using a multi-purpose black riding jacket. You know the kind you can use for jumping or dressage. and just buying a couple pair of differenrt colored breeches. Keep it basic. Especially if you show in more than one discipline and at the lower to mid levels, it can save a ton of money. But also try to buy quality, the longer it lasts the less you have to spend.
And all for a 50 cent ribbon. Phew. I've never seen why people go so nuts about showing, especially with all of the cheating/cruelty/etc. that sometimes happens.
Hmm...I agree. Showing is expensive. But only if you go for major shows. I went to a few local shows where the riders wore johdphurs, a T-Shirt, and plain riding boots...and my jodhphurs costed thirty bucks- new.
Do judges know the difference between a $400 jacket and a used $50 one, when they are standing in the middle of the ring or in a show booth? Does the person w/ the $400 helmet win the tiebreaker? I hope not.
GALE, YOU ASK A GOOD QUESTION: DO JUDGES KNOW THE DIFFERENCE IN BRAND NAMES, STYLE AND PRICE? AS A JUDGE, I HAVE A RATHER COMPLICATED ANSWER TO THAT, BUT MY BASIC ANSWER IS THAT AS LONG AS THE FIT IS CORRECT, EVERYTHING IS NEAT AND TIDY, AND THE OVERALL "LOOK" IS FUNCTIONAL AND PROPER, THEN NO, I CANNOT TELL THE DIFFERENCE. AND NO, I DON'T CARE. BUT YOU BRING UP A GOOD TOPIC THAT I'M GOING TO WRITE ABOUT SOON IN MY BLOG. THERE IS A GREAT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ATTIRE THAT'S NEEDED FOR "FUN" LOCAL SHOWS, LIKE THE ONES HELD AT A SMALL COMMUNITY ARENA, AND THE LARGER COUNTY AND REGIONAL CIRCUIT HUNTER/JUMPER SHOWS. WHAT WORKS--AND WHAT'S APPROPRIATE--AT A SMALL SHOW WILL LOOK OUT OF PLACE AT THE LARGER ONES. SO YES, YOU DEFINITELY HAVE TO SHOW WITHIN YOUR BUDGET. IT'S JUST SAD THAT A BIG PART OF THAT BUDGET IS CLOTHING!
Another way to save money, is if you can sew you can make your own. I always made my own hunt coat shirts and breeches. There is a wonderful site called Suuitablility.com they have everything for both english and western show clothes! All you have to to is but the pattern. Fantastic way to save money and be 100% sure your getting the correct fit and best of all its tailored to YOUR body not a manequinne(sp?)! Also the pattern tells what kind of fabric to use and how much you need for each size. LOOOOVE it!
THANKS FOR THE SUGGESTION, MELISSA! I ONCE INTERVIEWED THE GAL WHO STARTED/RUNS SUITABILITY FOR AN ARTICLE I WROTE FOR HORSE ILLUSTRATED. I TRULY ADMIRE HER AS A GREAT BUSINESSWOMAN WHO FOUND A NEED IN THE HORSE WORLD. I USED TO SEW AND ONCE UPON A TIME I WOULD'VE GLADLY SEWN MY OWN ENGLISH SHOW SHIRTS BECAUSE OF MY THIN BODY-- OKAY, MY FLAT CHEST-- AND MY LONG APE-LIKE ARMS. IF YOU CAN SEW PRETTY WELL AND HAVE AN EYE FOR GOOD FABRICS, I SAY GO FOR IT! WHAT'S IMPORTANT IS HAVING CLOTHES THAT LOOK APPROPRIATE AND FIT WELL.