English
Question: "Bling" is popping up in English catalogs and tack shops. How do hunter/jumper and dressage judges feel about the rhinestones on spurs, chokers, gloves, etc.? And what about "bling" browbands?
Answer: It all depends on the discipline. For dressage competition, a tasteful, fancy browband that enhances your horse's head is completely acceptable and very commonplace. Also, a small amount of "bling" on a spur adds just a little touch of elegance. As with anything, moderation is the key. You want your riding and your horse to shine through, not your "bling." Don't overdo it!
For equitation, the United States Equestrian Federation has actually passed a ruling that forbids the use of "blingy" browbands, helmets, stirrups, etc., in competition. Judges found it very distracting, especially on a sunny day when many were literally blinded by a flash of crystal!
I'd avoid it in the hunter ring, as well. Hunter competition has its roots in tradition and the overall picture should be classic, quiet and understated. Let the horse's beautiful jump be the thing that shines!
As for show jumping, go for it, if you want to! Use a fancy browband or your "blingy" helmet. As with all equestrian sport, it's really about the horse and rider combination, not the fashion statement; so use common sense. Too much of anything is not a good thing.
For eventing, I'd follow the same guidelines as for the individual disciplines described above. Many people already use brass "clincher" browbands for eventing.
Of course, for everyday use, lessons, schooling or just enjoying a nice ride, have fun and use the fancy pad or a shiny browband! Especially for young riders--let them get creative and "decorate" their ponies at home.
Bottom line: Keep it simple for the horse show and let the discipline in which you compete dictate how much "bling" to use.
Patricia Nesto
Tack Buyer, Dover Saddlery
Question: Are lace-up field boots a "no-no" in the dressage arena? Are dress boots without laces only for dressage, or can they be worn in hunter/jumper/English pleasure classes, too? Which boots are correct for the cross-country phase in eventing?
Answer: In the lower levels/schooling shows, either type of boot is fine. You usually see field boots in the hunter and jumper rings and dress or dressage boots in the dressage ring.
Field boots were designed to help get into a tall boot if you have high insteps; however, zippers have done away with this issue. Dressage boots have a stiffener up the back, so it is not advisable to jump in them.
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- Sergio Grasso Bergamo Field Boot | Photo courtesy of Dover Saddlery
