Western Apparel for Horse Riding Shows and Contests: Tips and Tricks

With so many products available today, putting together western apparel outfits for horse riding shows and contests has never been easier. After all, you can quickly browse through many western apparel items on the Internet or visit a local specialty store if you live near one. The key is to know what you're looking for and how to create the look and feel you want. Here are some must-haves when selecting your western apparel.

Cowboy Hat

Choose a show cowboy hat that blends well with your outfit while adding flair. Make sure it fits comfortably and won't fly off from the slightest breeze. The hat should allow some air to flow to keep your head cool, and should cling without causing discomfort. You can choose from a felt hat or a straw (paper fiber) hat. Judge a hat by its design, quality and smoothness. More expensive hats will usually hold their shape longer and repel moisture and dirt to keep the hat in top shape. Straw hats tend to be popular in spring and summer, or where the climate is always humid.

Hat colors can make a difference in your overall appearance while riding. A dark western hat can make you look shorter. A pale-colored hat may appear to add a few inches to your stature. Choose colors and styles wisely before making a purchase so you'll look your best when in the spotlight. Also, look for quality brand names such as Stetson hats for long-lasting wear.

Shirts, Vests and Jackets

Shirts should be the button-up style in a color that compliments your hat and show pants. If you plan to wear the shirt without a vest or jacket, choose one with fancy designs such as rhinestones, embroidery or tassels. With a vest, wear a plain colored or black shirt and choose a vest with fancy embellishments (front and back) to help you shine during the show. Also, be sure to choose a shirt and vest that fit snugly for ultimate comfort while riding. Find a vest designed to fit neatly while buttoned, but make sure it allows plenty of breathing room and space around the armpits for free movement. Decorated jackets work well when riding in cold temperatures, but may not allow as much movement as a vest. Find a short jacket that fits well with chaps and show pants without bunching at the hips. Avoid blazers for most horse shows unless you are attending Quarter horse shows or stock breed events. Consider this choice carefully to ensure you can maneuver at your very best.

Western Jeans and Riding Pants

For men, opt for the standard, starched classic blue jeans when participating in smaller horse shows. Make sure they fit snugly so the jeans won't gather under the chaps. When riding in serious competitions, consider buying pleated denim or khakis along with a basic shirt and sport coat to dress up your attire a bit for the show. Nothing real fancy, just a step up from the traditional show wardrobe. Women should really consider show pants made of polyester (just slightly stretchy) that are plain fitted with no pockets instead of jeans for shows. Many women's jeans that are fashion-style tend to ride up when in the saddle. Depending on body shape, fashion jeans may also become bulky and uncomfortable at the belly or under the chaps when riding. Consider pants that zip on the side and remain flat on the stomach, or have some tailor-made if you can't find them in stores. Also, notice if there are belt loops large enough to fit your western style belt.

Western Apparel Colors

Choose your colors based on the color of your horse and its mane. This is important because you don't want to clash with your horse, but blend to create a winning image. Folks in the audience will see your horse more than your outfit from far away. So show clothing, saddle, blanket, etc. should coordinate to create a look of "oneness" with your horse.

Choosing Chaps

Chaps are meant to build a country/western image as well as provide protection for the legs and knees. When shopping for chaps, look for thigh reinforcements to minimize stretching of the material and quality zippers, D rings, buckles, etc. for longer wear. Choose brass over aluminum. Also, choose chaps with heavy shaped cuffs and yokes as well as quality workmanship in genuine leather or synthetic suede. Expect to fork out a few hundred bucks for a reliable, fashionable pair of chaps!

Boots for You

Cowboy or show boots should be chosen carefully according to your foot shape, width and boot size. Some boots are narrow while others are wider. Some have leather, technical or crepe soles. Opt for leather if possible because leather allows for breathing, it stretches, and it dries easily to provide a cooler, more comfortable wear. A good alternative to leather soles is synthetic crepe, which is softer and thicker than leather, and offers great padding and insulation when standing for long periods of time. Thick boots with crepe soles may not work well when riding, however, so test out your boots with your own stirrups if possible to be sure they will be compatible and provide a safe fit. The boots should slip from the stirrup easily in case of an emergency. A highly recommended boot for show riding is the basic, Roper style boot with a slightly rounded toe and low top.

Keep in mind that your boots will not show that much as will the rest of your western apparel, so it's better to choose boots for practicality, comfort and safety. Some quality brands to look for include Dan Post Boots, Tony Lama, Justin, Lucchese and Laredo.

Look for great brands such as Stetson, Bailey and Tony Lama when shopping for western apparel. Find a specialty western store online to enjoy a vast selection of products at affordable prices. Many online stores offer everything from horse tack, bridles and saddles to western apparel for shows and leisure riding. Use these ideas to create a winning western look everywhere you go!

To learn more about subjects like western apparel please visit the web site at: http://www.cowboykingdom.com

For more information and informative related articles and links about this subject matter and content, please visit Majon's Clothing Accessories directory: http://www.majon.com/directory/clothing-accessories. Also visit our Shopping Directory Marketplace for more related sites.

About the Author

+Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2011 (Thu Dec 10 2009) Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource internet marketing web site at: http://www.majon.com