Part 1 of 5

The nicest March weather I’ve experienced in the 15 years I’ve lived in Vermont has me looking forward to horse show season. Of course, our horse show season is still two months away, but hey, it’s never too early to start preparing. Plus, I’m guessing that the majority of the horse show moms out there start their show season much earlier.

Let’s talk about the kid. Whether he’s 8, preparing for his first season of short stirrup or she’s 16 and ready to move up from 3’ to 3’6”, they need to be outfitted for the season. Start the stuff search early, and you’ll not only be prepared for show season, you may even be able to save a little money.

Up here, we have a mobile tack shop called HorseWorks, which is owned and operated by Karen Clark. Every “spring,” Karen rents a local hotel suite and has a special sale she calls “Have a Fit.” It’s a chance to come with your trainer and try stuff on—britches, jackets, boots—whatever you need, it’s all in one spot. If you’re going to buy new, this is an easy way to do it.

Let’s break it down. Here’s what you need to do:

Try on everything from last year to see what fits.

I’m waiting as long as possible to do this, because my girl is growing faster than Jack’s beanstalk. Put it all on—from the helmet to the belt, and everything in between. Make a list of what fits, what doesn’t and what you may need to get to make a second set of show clothes.

See what you can borrow or buy second-hand.

Barns with lots of kids and junior riders should organize a swap. Set up a time where everyone brings in their outgrown show clothes and swaps or sells them to others in the barn. I’m a big fan of passing things on rather than selling them, as I believe this creates good hand-me-down karma. Give away outgrown show clothes and the hand-me-down Gods may smile upon you. A gently used pair of Tailored Sportsman jodhpurs may suddenly appear in your tack trunk. Don’t laugh, it’s happened!

I know there are moms out there that are able to make a second career out of selling horse stuff on eBay; I’m just not one of them. If this works for you, go for it.

Support your local tack shop when possible.

We all love SmartPak, but try to share some of your business with your local tack shop too. They’re the people who educate you when you have no idea what kind of half-chaps to buy or if this particular pair of tall boots actually does fit. Plus, who has your back on show day when you realize you’ve forgotten show gloves?

Make a list.

It should include the following items:

Helmet
Hairnets
Show shirt (2)
Jacket (2)
Belt
Britches (2)
Gloves
Sports bra or undershirt
Comfortable underwear
Tall boots
Tall boot socks (multiple pairs)

Or, if not wearing tall boots, then:

Paddock boots
Garters
Comfortable socks

Hair ribbons for younger riders

You’ll also need:

Boot pulls
Raincoat and pants
Warmer jacket for cool early mornings
Shoe polish kit
Hairbrush and hairspray
A comfortable pair of shoes to change into
Lint brush

Teach your kid to keep her show clothes organized and clean. Make it her responsibility to let you know when things need to be washed or dry cleaned, and her job to make sure that on show day, all of these items are packed and ready to go.

It’s a good idea to encourage your kid to get out of his show clothes as soon as he’s done riding. That way you’ve got a better chance of keeping the clothes clean and in good condition.

If you’re planning to attend many multiple-day shows, you’ll need to up your quantities.

Don’t forget the rest of the family.

Every member of your family that hangs out at horse shows all day needs to have the right gear. It’s a lot cheaper than buying five sweatshirts from the horse show vendor. Dad, mom and sibs need the following:

Raincoat and pants
Warm jacket for cool mornings
Baseball cap or something else that keeps the sun off
Rain or mud boots
A second outfit for opposite weather (morning is freezing, afternoon is sweltering)
Comfortable shoes
Sunscreen

Yikes. I’ve got a lot of shopping to do.

What are your strategies for keeping the kid, and the family, well dressed for show season? Do tell!

Next: Getting the pony ready for show season.

Elizabeth Howell grew up riding on the hunter/jumper circuit in Massachusetts. Now she is a horse show mom. She holds a day job at The Emily Post Institute and slings horse manure on the weekends.  Her web site is www.sheridesIpay.com.