BSPS Dress Code Recommendations
Read through our recommendations on what to wear depending on the class.
For Show Pony Lead Rein & First Ridden Classes
In show pony lead rein and first ridden class the rider wears a navy jacket of correct length (just touching the saddle) with the sleeve showing a small amount of cuff of the shirt. Jodhpurs are usually canary coloured (or lighter for boys) and it is traditional to wear brown leather jodhpur boots with a navy jacket although black jodhpur boots are acceptable. Brown leather gloves are preferable to pale coloured gloves. Collars of shirts are best small and neat with a small knot in the tie. Tie pins keep the tie in place. Hair is best neat and tidy in a pony tail, if collar length, or plaited and maybe turned up and looped if plaits are long. A competitor’s number should be visible at all times. Hair ribbons are best neat and tidy and not flowing or long. Buttonholes are worn on the competitor’s right lapel (only the Queen wears brooches on the left hand side!) and not be too large. Ribbons on the back of the jockey’s caps should be stitched up, as only Hunt servants wear these down.
Lead rein attendants should be tidily dressed in a smart yet practical fashion. Both sensible shoes and hats are recommended. Ladies are encouraged not to wear larger Ascot style hats which may blow away, practicality is important as the judge is judging the pony and not the attendant! Gentlemen are encouraged to wear a dark suit and bowler which always looks very smart.
Lead Rein & First Ridden Show Hunter Pony & Mountain & Moorland
Nothing beats a smart (not too loud!) tweed for these classes. The colour can be chosen to work with the colour of the pony! Generally velvet collars and buttonholes are only correct with navy jackets, however, discreet velvet collars are acceptable, navy with blue and green tweeds or brown with brown toned tweeds.
Jodhpur boots are traditionally brown. Hair ribbons should be “quiet” in colour and again rider’s hair neat and tidy allowing competitor’s numbers to be seen at all times. Buff or paler jodhpurs are acceptable in these classes.
Attendants in LR classes may wish to co-ordinate themselves with similar tweed jackets, shirts and ties. The overall look is more “country” trilbies being smart enough for both the ladies and gentlemen. Gentlemen may wish to wear a flat cap.
Show Ponies & Intermediate Show Riding Type
The same as LR/FR except when progressing into Intermediate classes where top boots are worn and are preferable to gaiters or half chaps. Intermediate riders should have their hair in a bun. Scrunchies may be worn but again discreet ! “Bling” is not encouraged!
Show Hunter Ponies & Intermediate Show Hunters
The same as LR and First ridden jockeys except as the children progress through the ranks from approximately 13yrs of age it is always nice to see the young ladies wearing a neat and tidy bun in the hair. This always looks both neat and professional! 15h SHP and Intermediate riders wear top boots with a strap which are preferred to dressage top boots.
Etiquette
It is always important to be polite to your fellow competitors whilst in the ring. No rushing into line or barging to get a higher place in line when being asked to line up please! All competitors will be seen! Try not to cover a fellow competitor from the view of a judge and riding in small circles around the judge only blocks her view of both you and your fellow competitors and is not to be encouraged.
Remember a polite smile and a word of encouragement to another competitor is all in the spirit of the competition. Courteousness in the ring is paramount…….even if you don’t agree with the result. Congratulate the winner as it may be you next week! Always send your apology if you are not turning up for a championship and remember that second placed ponies are often placed in a Championship….after all it is another class!
Remember….be alert at all times as you never know when the judge is looking at you!
