One of the most rewarding aspects of my job as a designer is working with a young rider purchasing her first sophisticated show outfit; the genuine excitement they exude is contagious. The rider’s commitment to becoming more competitive in the sport usually motivates the outfitting upgrade.  This decision usually takes place when a young lady moves up to the fourteen-through-eighteen age bracket.  In this category, riders are more mature, experienced and prepared.  Nevertheless, the new competitive environment can be intimidating.  A more adult show outfit can be quite helpful in promoting all-important self-confidence.

Age-Appropriate Color

When selecting a finer show garment for a young girl, it is important not to overwhelm her with a look or color she is not ready for.  Rather than inspiring confidence, such a garment can make her feel self-conscious.  Keeping the color of the new show outfit age-appropriate, preferably in her favorite color, is a good way to ease a young lady into a stepped-up look. The most popular colors at this age are pink, purple and blue.   Dressing the young lady in colors she is familiar with will smooth the transition into her new look, and allow her to feel more comfortable with all the additional attention she will get.  If you decide on a more mature color, such as brown, burgundy navy, or aubergine, keep the design youthful.  Geometric patterns are usually ideal for this group of riders, as these girls radiate a fun, energetic vibe.

As riders, selecting an outfit that compliments the color of our horses is a major concern.  In doing so, however, we sometimes forget to consider the most appropriate color for our skin tone.  Of course there might be occasions where Mother Nature makes color-coordinating impossible:  a strawberry-haired rider astride a gray horse, for example, or a golden-eyed “autumn” brunette paired with a Palomino.   In most cases, though, finding a color that both compliments horse and rider and makes a statement in the arena is possible.