Kids love to be comfortable when they ride.  Their shirts should be stretchy so they can move around, their riding safety vests need to be fit correctly so they do not impair their ability to ride and their jodhpurs and boots should be comfortable as well. Whether they are practicing in the ring at the barn, riding on the trails or showing at the national level, properly fitting riding clothes is the key.

Most horse show kids are in clothing that is too large.  As parents we are always hoping to have clothing last for more than one season.  You must abandon this practice when it comes to horse show clothes.  If their clothes are too big this show season, you will give up your chances now to be judged fairly.  Show coats that are baggy make kids look out of proportion.  The skirt of the coat hangs too far down their thigh and makes the rider appear short. Paddock boots that are too big cause your child to put too much foot in the irons in order for the ball of their foot to rest correctly.  Too big ratcatchers bunch up in their jodhpurs and feel yucky.  Especially if you still wear a diaper! Don’t forget the belt, garter straps and gloves. Little girls need their hair to be in pigtails or braids with coordinating ribbon tied in a bow. Shine those paddocks up after your rider mounts! The idea is to look cute and sweet.  So…bite the bullet and purchase or borrow correctly fitting show apparel.

With schooling and casual riding clothes you have so many choices. Your child’s schooling tights may be black, blue or even pink and purple.  Their riding shirts and tops can be fun and colorful too.  They can wear half chaps in colors over their tights. Kid’s casual riding gloves also come in a rainbow of colors. And don’t forget your pony.  Dress them in matching polo wraps and embroidered saddle pads!