Kids A-Circuit Show Outfit - Short Stirrup and Pony Rider Attire

I need an outfit for walk-trot!

What does my kid need for short-stirrup, anyways?

Congratulations, and welcome to the world of hunter/jumper horse shows. If your child is going to show you'll need some apparel, some of which you likely already own (like paddock boots) and some of which you likely will need to purchase (like a show coat). A show outfit for a young rider consists of the following: an ASTM approved helmet, colorful hair bows affixed to two braids down their back, a high-collared "show shirt" (almost certainly white in color), a blazer-like "show coat" (almost certainly navy in color), black gloves, tan jodphurs, black or brown paddock boots with matching color garter straps at the knee and jodphur straps across your child's instep to hold the pant leg straight, and a belt (colorful or plain, the choice is yours). 

I will cover children's size breeches (vs jodphurs) and tall boots in another future post; in general, if your child is riding a small or medium pony or just starting to show (and is under age 12), they will likely wear jodphur pants and paddock boots; tall boots and breeches are usually reserved for older riders and are essentially never seen in the walk-trot or short-stirrup ring.  I am focusing on high-quality products that are a good value for the price, durable, flattering, can grow with your child (in many cases) and will consign well when your child outgrows them.  Don't hesitate to buy off-brands or used, but please note that cutting corners on the quality and fit of a jacket or jodphurs can lead to an unhappy trainer (if in doubt, send a photo to them before you make a purchase!).

Paddock Boots

Paddock boots for showing can be brown or black, although brown is perhaps more traditional for children. They should be real leather so that they can be polished, but beyond that, brand doesn't really matter. Many people like Ariat or Tredstep boots for children as they have a removable "booster" inside which helps to keep the boots fitting longer (when the child starts to outgrow the boot intially, you can simply remove the booster to buy 1/2-1 size of wiggle room!). Most people wear zip paddock boots, although lace-up are fine too; however, given how common they are, I prefer zip paddock boots simply because they have no shoe laces to break or come untied at a bad moment.

Ariat Devon III Kids' Paddock Boots, $99.95, Dover

This is a lovely high-quality paddock boot for a child. Luckily, these go on consignment regularly, as kids outgrow them. Buying high-quality used paddock boots (Ariat, Tredstep, and Dublin are all some good choices) means that your child won't have to break them in and you will have less of a bill for boots that will rapidly be outgrown.

Helmets

Under USEF rules, helmets for juniors must be ASTM approved, and it's important to get it fitted properly for it to protect your child's brain optimally in a fall. While schooling helmets come in all kinds of fun colors, for showing, they are traditionally black, and one model is currently the most common on A-circuit pony riders.

Charles Owen JR8, $188.95
This is the entry-level Charles Owen show helmet; you can find a better-ventilated AYR8 for a much higher price, and if your child shows a lot, or schools at home in the same helmet that they show in, it is well worth the investment (find it here).

One K Defender Matte Helmet, $229.95
This is a slightly pricier helmet, but it is extremely well ventilated. It has a more modern look than the JR8 but is also quite popular; however, ask your trainer if you are planning to buy a One K as some find them to be too modern for showing. It's quite similar in appearance to the much more expensive Samshield that I have also seen on some pony riders lately.

Show Shirts

Show shirts for kids showing ponies should be white, generally (occasionally pastel is acceptable, but it depends on the trainer and region - ask before you buy). Features to look for in show shirts are a stretch fabric and a wrap collar (no separate piece, called a ratcatcher, to lose!). Beyond that, I would go with the option that is affordable, comfortable and fits your child well; money is better spent upgrading jodphurs or a show jacket.

RJ Classics Prestige Kids Wrap Collar Show Shirt $29.99, Smartpak

This is a more classic style with a full placket rather than the 1/4 that is currently slightly more common, but it is perfectly appropriate, and with stretch fabric and a wrap collar, comfortable too. Plus, you can't beat this price!

Essex Classics Girls Talent Yarn Shirt - Longsleeve, $79.99, Smartpak

These show shirts are currently the gold standard, with their quarter-placket, wrap collar, stretchy and breathable fabric and mesh vents. Comfortable and easy to wear, they move with your kid, go through the wash (without ironing, thanks to the stretch) and easily unbutton during hot show days. You should look for these (or similarly styled) shirts used as they tend to get outgrown far before they wear out.

RJ Classics Kids Rebecca Show Shirt, $45.99, Smartpak

This lovely show shirt has the stretch, wrap collar, and look of the Talent Yarn show shirts at a fraction of the cost. Plus, I love the nautical print on the inside of these!

Jodphurs

Jodphurs for showing pony hunters and equitation (from leadline through division ponies) should be tan, with brown or self-colored knee patches. One brand (Tailored Sportsman) dominates this catagory, but I found an acceptable altnerative for a lower price. Features to look for include a stretch woven fabric, belt loops, and a side or front zip (no pull-ons or brushed fabrics at the rated levels beyond leadline, please!). A wider waistband and euroseat (with seams that run straight up the back of the leg making an upside-down 'U' shape on the tush) are currently in style and will help your rider blend in with the others; additionally, the euroseat is more comfortable for a lot of people as it eliminates a seam on the inside of the thigh that might rub against the saddle.

THE TAILORED SPORTSMAN™ Girls' TS Trophy Hunter Front-Zip Jod, $189.99

These jods are pricey, but are also standard attire on every pony rider in town. Luckily, I see these go by constantly in consignment shops and on Facebook, so it shouldn't be too terribly hard to find a pair used. If your kiddo is moving up to tall boots, they make Trophy Hunter Breeches in children's sizes (find them here).

Dover Saddlery Girls´ Front-Zip Jod, $79.99, Dover

These look like a fantastic alternative to the Trophy Hunter Jods you see on most A-circuit kids which are lovely but seriously pricey. If you can't find a pair of those used, these would be a perfectly acceptable alternative!

Show Coats

For pony hunters, show coats should be navy, with three buttons and a double vent in the back. Black is also sometimes acceptable (ask your trainer if you're curious). You want the jacket to hit the middle of the tush; ask for help from another pony mom or a store employee if you aren't sure about fit. Historically, show coats were non-stretch and made of wool or polyester, and thus hot and uncomfortable (and often dry-clean only!). Today, modern fabrics have brought the "softshell" show coat, which can have a a traditional look, but stretches, breathes, and goes through the washing machine. These coats are easier to wear and to care for and are hands-down the piece of attire I would suggest making an investment in because it will affect your child's comfort (and your dry cleaning bill!) so positively. Luckily, used show coats are relatively easy to find for children; if possible, buy a softshell coat used rather than a new non-softshell coat. Currently, RJ Classics dominates the children's softshell show coat market, and their products are good quality for the price! Tredstep is another option which I have been seeing more frequently. Overall, however, fit and appearance are what matter in show coats, not brand - buy what fits in a flattering and comfortable manner, preferably in a softshell fabric for your sanity!

RJ Classics Girl’s Hampton Blue Label Show Coat, $114.00, Smartpak
A navy show coat is the most traditional choice for hunters, and at $114, this is about as good a deal as you can hope to get if you're buying new. Because kids grow so fast, check your local consignment shop for other options. This coat is machine washable, but not stretchy or dirt/water repellant like some of the other higher end options on the market. If you're going to spend money on anything, I would make it be the jacket; the high-tech softshell coats (which are stretchy, machine washable, and dirt resistant, in addition to being cooler) are where you will appreciate the upgrade most compared to lower end options.

RJ Classics Xtreme Collection Grey Label Kids Soft Shell Hunt Coat, $119.48 (sale), Smartpak

R.J. Classics Girls' Ellie Show Coat, $210.00, Dover

These are both show coats that have the best of both worlds - they are made of a softshell fabric (so it's machine washable, stretchy, and breathable), but have the traditional huntcoat look that trainers are looking for. These are infinitely more comfortable than the hot, non-stretch woolen show coats that preceded them. As I said earlier, if you can only splurge on one item of apparel, upgrading your child's show coat is well worth it. 

Accessories

Jodhpur Pant Clips, $2.95, Smartpak

These are one of "those" things - you're in trouble if you don't have them, they're easy to lose, and they're cheap (so buy an extra pair). They run under your rider's boot to keep their jodphur's leg in place while they're riding. 

BMC Girls 4pc Assorted Color Adjustable Elastic Band With Leather Loop Belt Set, $14.99, Amazon

These fun and trendy belts are a deal at $15 for a pack of four! Any of them would be appropriate for the smaller shows, coordinated with show bows. The elastic means that your child will be able to move comfortably with their pony.

Peppercorn Kids Stretchy Cord Belt, $9.99, Amazon

The woven stretch belts are super popular right now, with companies like Hunt Club, USG, and Ariat making belts just like these in adult sizes for riders. Again, the stretch feature means that your kid will be able to move comfortably, and the super-cute colors are easy to coordinate with show bows.

Equestrian horse show bows in a rainbow of colors and fun modern prints, $17.00, Etsy

Show bows are so much fun! This is one of the places where your rider can show her style. Skip the Dover or Smartpak ones which are rather dull (and pricey too!) and pick out a pair from makers on Etsy (search 'equestrian show bows' or 'horse show bows' to find every style and color you can imagine), Just make sure that the ends of the bows don't cover your young rider's number; most bowmakers will offer measurements which can be used to determine where the bow will hit (if she has fairly long hair, try looking for a 'shortie' style bow to help with this).

EZ-On Garter Straps, $34.99, Dover

Garter straps should always coordinate with the boot color and are worn below the knee. Cheaper options are available (like these - $17.99) but this particular kind has velcro, making putting them on *much* easier than it otherwise would be. Overall, a pair of garter straps of the velcro/easy-on style is well worth the money for any child rider who competes regularly.

Noble Outfitters™ Kids' Perfect Fit Glove, $19.95, Dover

Lastly, black gloves are a neccessity in the show ring. Brand doesn't really matter, but the common one that I see in children's sizes currently for sale is the Noble Outfitters model. SSG gloves in a small women's size can be another good option especially if you can find them on sale!