Guide to a Hunter/Jumper Show: What to Expect (and What to Pack)

What Your Rider Wears The "look" of a hunter/jumper rider is traditional and tidy on purpose — judges reward a neat, classic picture. The good news is that the outfit changes very little from show to show, so once you've bought it, you're set for the season. What your child wears mostly depends on their age. The Younger Riders (roughly through age 11 or 12) Younger riders have their own charming, time-honored look: Tan jodhpurs ("jods") — the short, ankle-length riding pants made for little legs. - jods Paddock boots — short, ankle-high leather boots — worn with garters. The garters are thin straps that buckle just below the knee on the outside of the leg and keep everything looking crisp. (They're the detail that trips up every new parent, so now you're ahead of the game!) paddock boots A show shirt with a white collar. show shirt A hunt coat in a conservative color (navy, dark green, gray, or black). showcoat Ribbons in the hair — bows tied at the ends of neat braids or pigtails, a classic finishing touch. Garter Straps garter straps A certified riding helmet (always required). helmet Black riding gloves The Older Riders (around age 12 and up) As riders grow, the outfit "graduates" to the adult look: Breeches (tan is the safe, traditional choice) instead of jodhpurs. breeches Tall boots that come up to just below the knee. These should be all leather, clean, and oiled so they shine. tall boots A white-collared show shirt. A hunt coat — black is the safest, most universally accepted color, though navy is also common. Hair in a hairnet, neatly tucked up and hidden under the helmet for a clean, polished look. hairnet A certified riding helmet (still required, always). Black riding gloves Tack and Horse Turnout Riders aren't the only ones who dress up. Presentation counts, and a clean, well-prepared horse makes a strong first impression on the judge. Clean, oiled tack. All the leather including the saddle, bridle, and straps, should be cleaned and oiled. A tidy, supple saddle that's clean and oiled signals care and respect for the sport. A freshly washed horse. The horse is bathed so its coat is clean and shining, mane and tail brushed out, hooves picked clean. Braiding (sometimes) Depending on the show, the horse's mane (and occasionally the tail) may be braided into neat button braids. This is standard at bigger, rated shows but often optional at smaller, local, or schooling shows. When in doubt, ask your trainer what's expected for that particular show. Choosing Classes A "class" is a single event your rider competes in, and most riders enter several at one show. Classes generally fall into two families: Flat classes (also called "under saddle" classes). Riders go into the ring together as a group and are asked to walk, trot, and canter in both directions. Depending on the class, the judge is looking at either the horse (its movement, manners, and way of going) or the rider (their position and control, called equitation). Jumping classes (also called "over fences"). Riders go one at a time and ride a set course of jumps. Again, the judge may be focused on the horse's form and smoothness over the fences, the rider's equitation, or in jumper classes, simply who goes clean and fastest. Most riders do a combination: a flat class plus one or two jumping classes within their division. Divisions are organized by experience and jump height, with names like lead line, walk-trot, short stirrup, and crossrails for newer riders, scaling up from there. Our advice for first-timers: start small. A flat class and a low crossrails or beginner jumping class is the perfect first show. It builds confidence, and there's always time to move up once your rider has a ribbon or two and some ring experience under their belt. A Simple Show-Day Packing List To make the morning smooth, have these ready the night before: Full show outfit (laid out and checked — including the garters or hairnet!) Helmet, gloves, and any spurs or crop your trainer recommends Clean, oiled tack and grooming kit Boot polish and a rag for last-minute touch-ups Hairnet, ribbons, bobby pins, and hairspray Water, snacks, and sunscreen for the long day A folding chair and a positive attitude! The Most Important Thing Ribbons are wonderful, but the real win is a rider who tries hard, takes care of their horse, and has fun. Every experienced competitor was once a nervous beginner clipping on their first set of garters. Cheer loudly, take lots of photos, and enjoy watching your child grow in a sport they love.