AE Article

Proper Attire: Dressage
by Jessica Fredyma with "r" judge, Janet Briggs

Dressage is a sport rich in tradition. If you are to successfully compete in this sport, it is essential that you understand that tradition and dress accordingly.

Dressage is a French word meaning "training". When you enter a dressage arena you are there to show off your horse’s training, not your fashion sense. Dressage is not a sport of equitation; the rider is only scored once through out the test. Therefore, the rider should dress neutrally, as not to take attention away from their horse. The ridershould dress in accordance to the rules set forth by USA Equestrian Inc. (formerly AHSA). Clothes should be clean, well fitting and present a workmanlike appearance to the judge. The following suggestions are in accordance to the USAE’s guidelines for Dressage attire.

Introductory through 4th Level
Hat: Hunt cap or riding hat with a hard shell covered in black velvet, derby or top hat (only appropriate with long tail coat).

Hair: If you have short hair it should be tucked up under your hat with a hair net. If you have longer hair tie your hair up in a tight bun under a hair net and finish with a white or black scrunchie or hair bag.

Neckwear: A chocker, tie or stock tie is appropriate for a woman. A tie is suitable for men and boys.

Jacket: "A short coat of conservative color" (i.e. Black, Navy Blue, Charcoal with subtle pinstripes or Dark Green). Coats should have a collar and lapel and 3-4 buttons. Buttons should be the same color as the coat, silver or gold.

Shirt: Shirt should be long sleeved or short sleeved. Sleeveless shirts and t-shirts are not permitted. White is the most traditional shirt color, but light colored shirts are permitted.

Prix St. George through Grand Prix
Hat: Top hat (with Tailcoat) or bowler hat or black velvet hunt cap (with short coat).

Hair: Same as for lower levels.

Neckwear: White stock tie with tiepin for ladies and simple tie (solid color or simple design) for men.

Jacket: Dark (black or midnight blue) Tailcoat (Shadbellie) with canary vest points, or Dark (black or midnight blue) short jacket.

Shirt: Same as for lower levels.

Breeches: White or light colored half or full seat breeches.

Boots: Black Dress boots required.

Spurs: Spurs are mandatory.

Gloves: White gloves are mandatory.

Additional Information:
Members of the Armed services and police units may ride in the uniform of their services at any level.

“Any exhibitor may wear protective headgear at any level of competition without penalty from the judge. Exhibitors choosing to wear protective headgear must wear a short, dark jack & dark hat cover (where applicable).” AHSA Art. 1920.3

“In extreme heat and/or humidity, management can allow competitors to show without jackets. However, competitors must wear regulation hat and solid white or very pale-colored long or short sleeved shirt, without neckwear” AHSA Art. 1920.5

“Competitions will be allowed to wear a hunt cover and transparent or conservative color rain coat in inclement weather.” AHSA Art. 1920.6

“Judge or Management may bar an entrant from competing if they are not suitably presented to appear before an audience.” AHSA Art. 1920.6

From the Judges Mouth: Janet Briggs “r”
As a dressage judge, I rarely see dress code violations in the dressage ring. The most common one I see is in Eventing dressage, where the rider carries a whip into the ring, which is not allowed, in this type of competition. In dressage, judging the riders appearance does not play a role in the decision making process, unless there is a rule violation. If the rider entered the ring with the wrong attire based on the rules, the rider most likely would be eliminated in dressage. For a competitor new to the sport [of dressage], I highly recommend that they read the appropriate rules.