English Riders need Lovin' Too!

Hunter events are based in tradition. Therefore, the clothing style rarely changes other than color. The "rules" concerning what to wear in a Hunter type class (be it on the flat or over fences) are absolute. In this episode, we'll tell you what's acceptable and what's in style. Short and sweet, baby.

Helmets:
Helmets are required for any hunter type class. For fence classes, a chin strap is required and they should be SEI certified. For rail/flat classes, riders use what is known as a Hunt Cap. These caps are generally not approved, and they do not have a chin strap. The hunt cap gives a cleaner and neater appearance. They are also fairly inexpensive. Helmets for flat classes should be velvet. The plastic troxels are not appreciated because they look tacky. If you can't get a velvet cap, get a velvet or black cover for your plastic cap. Don't ever ride out to show in a white plastic helmet. Hunt caps should be black, navy, or gray only. Typically they are black.

Ratcatchers:
Ratcatchers are the shirts used for hunters. Most have a detachable collar that is put on to have a stand up appearance. It should connect (usually velcro) at the back of your neck. The front part is "solid" and you should use a pin with it to complete the look. The color of your shirt is really up to you. Popular colors include pink, blue, yellow, and purple. These are usually pastel-y colors. Outrageous lime green is not acceptable. Some shirts have small patterns (like checks or pinstripes) and these are perfectly fine and currently in style. Ratcatchers come in all sleeve lengths from no sleeves to long. As long as you have a hunt coat on, you can wear a shirt without sleeves, especially during those hot summer shows. Keep your color simple and make sure it goes well with your hunt coat.

Hunt Coats:
Hunt coats and the blazer you bought at JC Penny's are two different things. They are cut differently and you shouldn't ever go out showing in a blazer. Hunt coats should be black, blue, brown, or gray. Red or Burgundy are never acceptable in AQHA/APHA/NSBA/ApHC shows. So, don't try. Also, those hideous velvet collars of the 80s are gone. They aren't coming back either. Your hunt coat should be fairly fitted. Make sure the sleeves are long enough so that when you bend your elbow, it doesn't look like you are wearing a 3/4 sleeve jacket.

Breeches:
Breeches come in a lot of crazy colors. Unfortunately for those of you who love the bright pink breeches, they aren't acceptable. Colors for hunter classes are tan, olive, grey. Some people still insist on wearing those ugly rust colored breeches, but those went out with the velvet collars. The only color I would ever recommend wearing in any AQHA/APHA/ApHC show is tan. Some people call tan different things like "buff" or whatever, but the idea is that it's a sandy tan color. Grey and Olive are fine for weekend shows, but I wouldn't advise wearing them any where else. Breeches should be fairly tight. I know, you want to hide the thighs and bum (I do too!) but if you're breeches are baggy and loose it looks messy, messy, messy!

Boots:
To compete at the higher level, boots need to be black, leather, field type boots. Rubber boots (not the kind you'd use during a rainstorm....they make rubber "lookalike" boots) are only okay at an open show. The trained eye can spot a pair of rubber boots across the pen with a glare from the sun. While you could use brown boots, I don't think I ever have seen anyone do it. Black is the rage! Make sure your boots are tall enough that the tops hit right below your knee. Also, ride in them when practicing and not just when showing because you'll ride differently in them than you would half chaps or cowboy boots. In regards to half chaps and boots: this is only acceptable at open shows. You should only wear your half chaps with paddock boots if you are showing in them because with cowboy boots it looks weird. You'll look like you have clown feet. Trust me.

Spurs:
You know that thing on the back of your boot? It's called a spur rest. Your spur sits on top of it. Spurs for english are not like spurs for western. they sit up high versus the western spur on the heel. Also, the end should be blunt and short. Long spurs are not acceptable and some judges will throw you out because of it.

Earrings:
Earrings for hunter riders need to be minimal. Small studs, no dangles. Much more than that and you are toeing the tradition line. Think about foxhunting...that big hoop that could double as a bracelet getting ripped out on a tree branch......YEEEEOOOOOW!

Hair:
Hair goes up! Either in a net or pinned under your cap. Your hair shouldn't ever be in a long ponytail and definitely should never be loose with the exception of it being short enough that it can be left down without falling past the nape of your neck. If you have super thick hair, put the top half in a ponytail on the top of your head so it will be underneath your cap and put the lower part in a net. You'll look crazy when you don't have your cap on, but it will look fine once you get that cap on.

That about covers the wardrobe for the english rider. Happy showing!