The Youth “Look”
August 24, 2011
Put the right outfit together for the youth arena.
Teal and silver have become very popular colors. Journal photo
From The American Quarter Horse Journal
Youth riders can be a tough. They are constantly growing, and the styles and designs older riders wear can sometimes be too much for young competitors. Keep in mind these few tips when dressing for youth classes:
- Youth can get away with brighter and bolder colors than adults. Popular colors for youth are teal and metallic leathers.
- Custom-dyed boots for showmanship, as well as riding classes, have made their way to the small-fry scene. These are must-haves at AQHA shows.
- Jackets and rail shirts are being worn longer for slimmer silhouettes. Youth should wear a more delicate and proportioned design that fits them while still offering the appropriate “pop” for the arena. Good tailoring and fit are a must.
You don’t want to miss the second DVD in the Showing to Win series. “Showing to Win: Trail” is an in-depth look at one of the most popular western show classes. The DVD is geared for all trail exhibitors, trainers and judges.
Shirts
Smaller boys and girls can usually wear a shirt from a western store. Just remember to buy one that fits or be sure to taper it to fit appropriately. Boys should wear shirts that coordinate with their saddle blanket. Girls should wear an age-appropriate version of what older girls wear.
Vest and Jackets
Vest and jackets tend to bunch up on smaller-framed children. They can look misshapen, so start with a basic shirt, blouse or slinky top. If you choose a rail shirt alone, be sure any contrasting pieces match to pull the outfit together. Boys should wear a small scarf to finish the collar, and make sure it coordinates to match.
“Showing to Win: Trail” illustrates the standards and provides information exhibitors need to successfully navigate a trail pattern and the judge’s score card. Using unique graphics and video technology, “Showing to Win: Trail” defines the trail scoring system and what the judges are looking for in a trail pattern.
Chaps
Don’t make the mistake of buying a pair of chaps too big thinking your child will grow into them. Chaps are one of the most important pieces of a show outfit. They should fit snugly off the waist, and cover some or all of belt when you are mounted. They should fit smoothly through the thigh and hip. Chaps should be fitted to the knee but not so much that they prevent movement. They should be long enough to cover your boot heel when you are seated in the saddle.
Chaps are sometimes not needed at local shows for youth. Nicely fitted jeans will work, but you can make them lay smoother by sewing a short length of heavy elastic under the instep to keep the pants snug under the rider’s boot.
Details
Keep makeup clean, simple and fresh. Don’t overdo it to the point where it is a distraction. Get a hat that is proportional to the size of the youth rider and does not overpower the face or look too big for the body. Many hat-makers now offer youth sizes with shorter brims.
Comments
32 Comments on “The Youth “Look””
Add a Comment
August 24th, 2011 at 9:20 am
I think this is a sad article. It says that if you don’t have the money to buy the right outfit, it doesn’t matter what the horse under you is doing. I thought the whole idea was to bring more youth into showing? Most of the AQHA judges that I have talked to do not judge you on your outfit but on your performance. A starched shirt, scarf, nicely shaped hat, well-fitting chaps and boots should be all you need to go along with your equally well-turned-out horse.
August 24th, 2011 at 10:31 am
I agree with Christopher but it should be that way for any rider. The “bling” should not be a factor in how someone is placed in the class. Should be the performance only.
August 24th, 2011 at 11:36 am
I agree with Kim & Carol. I think it’s overkill…especially on the weekend shows… to have little girls parading around in $500 shirts with make-up on like a runway model. Horse showing is about presenting a nice picture, but does that mean night club glamour? Of course that is not to say that, like a high school Prom, The Congress/World Shows call for some “bling”. The exra steps in clothing, hair, show pad & tack go a long way when the event is BIG & special.
August 24th, 2011 at 11:37 am
I whole heartily agree with the others. You should be judged on your riding skills, not your outfit. I know our 4H group had those that could afford it and those that couldn’t and that played into their scores. But it’s up to the organizations to change the rules.
August 24th, 2011 at 11:56 am
I think this is a great article! I show on a budget, always have, always will. I have also coached youth exhibitors who have close to unlimited budgets. In either case, the points you make are valid.
1) Dyed boots really do look sharp, especially when you are wearing a color other than black, brown or tan (typical boot colors). When I was showing Youth, I chose an outfit that matched the one pair of dyed boots I had. I was able to wear several outfits with those same boots for many years and it was very good for my budget.
2) Well-fitted shirts ARE a must! You do not have to be a millionaire to afford a beautiful outfit. Regardless of how judging “should be” we all know it does come down to politics more often than we might like. But hey, that is horse showing! There are the judges out there who are hat snobs. They don’t like placing someone high in a class if they have a hat that looks like it cost less than $500. Ok, so that’s not right, but accept it if you can’t change it, and look your best anyway
Bottom line: it doesn’t take $20,000 to make a professional outfit, although it is often done. You can create a beautiful outfit for less and look just as good, if done right.
Be frugal: Allow yourself to spend your top budgeted-dollar on one complete outfit for each event. You will not show in this every weekend, but rather reserve it for the big events. Yes, it will be expensive, but it is a one-time expense! Your weekend show attire can be much more conservative and budget-friendly.
This author makes some good points for any level of competition.
August 24th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
This article is helpful to those new to the showpen. It highlights several times that fit is key. Focus on fit. Bling is nice, but an inexpensive necklace and earring set can add bling to a simple outfit. dyed boots are also important because contrasting colors create and highlight movement. People who are getting outraged about people wearing expensive outfits should check out what last year’s horsemanship champion wore. Plain black, very fitted. as for the flashy shirts in pleasure, if you can afford a horse that competes at world show level in pleasure, you can probably swing the shirt too..
August 24th, 2011 at 8:34 pm
Hat?!? A hat?!? These are kids we’re talking about. I’m an adult and I won’t get on the calmest horse without a helmet. Why does it matter what the kids are wearing if the parents aren’t taking the precautions to keep their kids safe?
August 24th, 2011 at 8:37 pm
This right here is part of why I don’t show. 1) I can’t afford it, and 2) these are -horse- sports. Livestock animals. Yeah, presenting a neat appearance should be important, but I’m not going to get all sparkly and made up to ride. I’ll stick to Gymkhanas and barrel racing. At least there I’m not judged on how much my outfit costs.
August 24th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
Another good option is to learn to sew or find a friend who can sew. I make most of my girls outfits and it has been a HUGE money saver. Ebay and friends with kids who are a little older than my kids have also been a great source for show clothes at a cheaper price.
August 24th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
I agree, showing is about your horse, not what you are wearing. In our 4H rulebook it says a ” good working outfit” for horse and rider. You shouldn’t have to have “bling” and silver as long as your outfit fits you and your horse. Just cause you look pretty doesn’t mean you can ride. And who can see your boots when you are wearing your chaps? Kids need to learn that you can look good without going overboard and having alot of money.
August 24th, 2011 at 8:48 pm
Yes, God forbid someone should wear something plain and well-fitting and only be judged on their or their horse’s ability. Someone won either the Congress or Amateur World horsemanship wearing a plain black shirt, black chaps, black hat, and a saddle with only silver conchos, and she looked AWESOME. Sadly most people do not have an unlimited budget, and this is why AQHA shows are getting smaller every year.
August 24th, 2011 at 8:48 pm
I have a few suggestions. Since I show i thought id just say some tips when it comes to your outfit i show locally but i do get good comments on how I look. I cant wear chaps without them being custom made im a soccer player so i have big thighs and small calf’s so i can never fi d any that fit right. As for jeans i went to my local tractor supply store and bought a pair of nice looking jeans that where on sale I bought them long since i have the problem with the legs riding up when I ride this way if they ride up it doesnt look silly. As for my show shirt i went to my local tack shop and got a very nice looking show shirt for $25 with there second hand stuff. My boots I got online for sale and since the shirt didnt match the saddle pad i had i found a saddle pad cheap for sale online to. And for a vest im sure you can go to any clothing store and find a nice vest without havin to slend a fortune. So dont be afraid to get something just because its on sale or second hand u can look nice without even shopping at a tack shop the western looks are coming back!!!
August 24th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
I must say that the article was great, and you can have winning outfits on a tight budget. I know that not everyone is as fortunate as my daughter who shows in one of a kind originals, but without the price tag normally seen one these items…you see we go as many shows that have trade shows as we can, then she takes pictures of the styles she likes. I then take her fabric shopping and make her outfits…they have the same lines as the high dollar ones, but for me less is more so we get fabrics that have sequins or metallic threads already incorporated…in fact we are working on one right now that is made from a $5.00 party dress, so after I add crystals to the collar and cuff we will have less than $25 invested. So until the time comes when it’s just the horse being judged, we’ll keep on figuring out ways to make her like we spent a fortune, while pinching our pennies.
August 24th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
As a youth rider myself, I hate showing for this reason. Lots of riders are in it to win it. They get THE best outfit. THE best tack. THE best horse. No one realizes that showing should be fun for not only you but the horse. Some of us cannot afford trainers and expensive tail extensions. Some of us also do ALL of the work while the other kids with high class show horses sit around and watch their parents do everything for them. Some of us dont have a trainer to jump on our horse when we have a problem. We also dont have trainers on the sidelines telling use what we are doing wrong or what we could be doing better. But we have one thing over everyone else. We have a strong bond because we go through all of the tears, blood, and bruises to work with our horse. So dont ever underestimate our $1 horses.
August 24th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
It’s become a beauty pageant on horseback. The focus should be on skill.
August 24th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
Good article! What happened to the days when all you needed was a really good pair of chaps, matching shirt and pants, with a matching hat. It has gotten way over the top with all the “bling” that is being added to the shirts which takes away what is the real importance of riding, talent of the rider and the horse!!
August 24th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
Honestly, I cannot believe that one must be a fashion plate to place in AQHA events. The outfit should just be the icing on the cake. No wonder the open shows like cutting and reining are picking up so many of the youth competitors. And youth rodeo is growing, not shrinking like AQYHA. Why can’t a youth win wearing a classic outfit like a good fitting, well pressed white shirt, natural colored leather chaps and a hat that fits right. AQHA, wake up and see the future. Without youth competitors there is no future for the AQHA.
August 24th, 2011 at 10:50 pm
Its time for the Association to demonstrate some leadership and bring the quarter horse shows back to the basics where attire is concerned. The association is concerned about growth…well, several of the comments posted here indicate people dont SHOW because of the expense involved with the OUTFIT. Thats telling and justification in my mind to place limits in the attire department and bring the focus back to the HORSE and PERFORMANCE.
August 25th, 2011 at 1:23 am
I was also disappointed in this article. While I agree that fit and tailoring are the most important aspects of an outfit, to say that custom-dyed boots are a “must have” for small fry classes is ridiculous. I agree with the poster who said statements like this alienate newcomers to AQHA shows. The only “must haves” are the things listed in the rule book (if I recall correctly, all that is required is a long-sleeved collared shirt, long pants, and boots). The rest of the article offering suggestions on style is fine as a statement on current trends, but some of the statements made do a disservice to the AQHA, its members, and its judges (who should ALL be able to look past clothing and focus on the true quality of horse and rider).
August 25th, 2011 at 4:59 am
I disagree with all the hub-bub about the show clothes. (Matching dyed boot??!!) Just like with any sport, you can go WAY over the top. I think any rider can compete WITHOUT buying all the fancy show clothes. My daughter just got into showing and we went with NICE black skinny jeans, matching boots, and an inexpensive cotton show shirt…that’s it. I would like to think that she did very well because of her riding skills, not her clothing. Any reputable judge will look at your horse and your riding skills. Hard work pays off in the saddle, NOT IN YOUR POCKET BOOK! Have fun and ride….we need to support our youth and make it affordable to create another generation that wants to ride!
August 25th, 2011 at 7:37 am
This article has some valid points however in some regards it’s way off the mark. I just participated in my first AQHA show, an all novice show and was surprised to see such small children in such lavish outfits at what was probably one of their first QH shows as well. I watched children standing like soldiers for fear their snow white dripping in crystal outfit get dirty. Their parent or coach warmed there horse up for them, and after their class they were plucked off their horses so their outfits could be safely bagged before an ounce of dirt could get on them. I wonder what children are learning from this experience? Healthy competition is good for kids, but it shouldn’t be the whose outfit cost the most or who has the most swarovski crystals on their collar. The amount of catty-ness and dirty looks stemming from outfits is rediculous,and there not even teenagers yet. If it weren’t for the 1000 pound animals I wouldn’t know an AQHA show from an episode of Toddlers and Tiaras.
August 25th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Yes, Emily, a hat. And during hunter under saddle and equ, we wear hunt caps. I think that in order to keep up with aqha’s rules, you have to follow the trends. At the quarter horse shows, black, well fitted jeans, and a nice oxford shirt wouldn’t work. Judges do judge on the overall apperance, including the outfits. That is the way it always will be. Personally, i prefer the nice fitted button up shirt for western classes, if it compliments your body type.
And Kathy, yes, you are correct, it should be based off of time in the saddle. Sadly its not. It judged on who has the tallest, skinnest body, and the nicest moving horse, or horse that was sent to the best trainer. Personally, i ride my horse 5 times a week, compared to the other youth kids that win world, who ride their horses five times a year. Its not fair, but money is how you are going to win. And you have to have money to play this game. And thats the bottom line.
August 25th, 2011 at 1:47 pm
Personally I thought this article was well done… Focus on attire should be on fit and appearance as it applies to overall image of the rider. “Custom dyed” boots are meant to match the color of the chaps/pants, which is important so as not to attract attention to the movement of the legs. This doesn’t have to be a huge investment, in fact it can be done yourself with some white boots and polish. Some people need to not get hung up on small things and recognize that the author placed an emphasis on fit and neatness, which is exactly what it should be. Don’t take the politics of the AQHA shows out on her, she didn’t make it that way. People showing outside of the Association could learn from this article as well in order to improve their performance at any level show…
August 25th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
I show hunter/jumper but I have many friends who show AQHA, Paint, Pinto and other big circuits where dressing in this fashion is a very normal thing. A hint about the boots: you can spray paint/ or use model paint to make them match almost exactly to your outfit. This way when your boots get dirty wipe them down and repaint them. I do have one major issue with this article though. I think as adults all those involved in rule making should be advocates for the use of helmets especially in youth riders. If we truly want to advance the equestrian sport then our younger riders must actually make it to the top. Head injuries are the most commonly obtained injury to equestrians. I’ve seen people fall off horses claimed to be unspookable or trained by the best. I have a huge issue with the suggestion that youth riders should wear hats or hunt caps. Safety should be the first concern…not fashion.
August 31st, 2011 at 5:55 am
Youth Kid, please don’t delude yourself in thinking that the youths how have their horse at the trainers don’t work hard to get the wins they get. “i ride my horse 5 times a week, compared to the other youth kids that win world, who ride their horses five times a year” is a pretty naive statement!!! You obviously do not understand the hard work and determination needed to be a world level competitor!
August 31st, 2011 at 9:29 am
I totally discourage my 13-yr-old daughter from wanting to show her quarter horse. I find it ridiculous that any sort of bling is necessary to participate in a horse show. A nice western shirt, good fitting jeans, hat and boots is all that’s needed. The rest is just wasted money. We ride for our and our horses’ enjoyment. Period. That could include shows if someone with any brains at all would establish sensible guidelines. Unfortunately, my daughter and her horse will have to remain happy with trail riding.
September 13th, 2011 at 10:14 am
I truly hope someone from AQHA reads and gets the ‘jist’ of these commets. My duaghter activley shows and works hard on her ’show horse’ that lives with the trainer and works hard on her ranch horse that lives at home. The big circuit shows exclude most of her friends that she shows with in 4H because they simply can’t afford to turn out the way she needs to be comptetive.
I am disappointed that she has shown in a class most of the year with a very limited number of girls whose parents can afford to turn them out similarly. I know of one girl who quit half way through the year and worry that a few of the others won’t be back. The cost is very prohibitive and it does matter.
The well bred bred, well trained, best turned out, horse should be, and usually is, the one that wins the class and that is the way it should be. The problem is that anyone who shows up at an AQHA breed show to ‘check it out’ will come away overwhemled with the ‘accerories’ required to compete let alone the horseflesh needed.
AQHA needs to solve this problem for the future of the association. Perhaps ‘no bling’ shows are the answer, perhaps AQHA needs to participate at the state level to help the struggling state organizations more with the shows financially. There are many issues that should be addressed for the future of the association. My wife had the best comment about this- “This needs to be a lot less expensive or a lot more fun.”
September 13th, 2011 at 11:49 am
I just have to add my two cents worth after reading all the comments. I showed quarter horses for many years and am a chap maker. A trip to the Congress each year to check out the new styles helps me in keeping my product up to date. there has been very little change in the chap styles, and I agree with the article that well tailored and fitted chaps will complete an outfit with maybe a concho on the back and a little silver buckle on the front, or no silver at all. I have found over the years that most of the youth have wanted black, brown or rust chaps as they wanted to look more ‘professional’ like their trainers. this matches your basic colours in boots and no need to custom colour. I have made chaps for Congress Queen and provincial AQHA queens and they all wanted basic colours. I do try to carry the baby blues, pinks etc. for the little kids, but they mostly want something neutral. I always believe that “simplicity is the essence” and the rider is there to complement the horse not compete with it. the guys seem to be able to show in denim jeans, a nice plain or coloured shirt, neat chaps and a well shaped hat so why not the girls/ladies as well. if they want to wear bling, maybe they should be showing arabians or saddlebreds etc. the quarter horse is an elegant and athletic animal and a well groomed, turned out horse with a neat and conservatively dressed rider should be enough to attract anyones attention in the show ring.
September 17th, 2011 at 3:39 am
Youth showing is dying in Australia too! Too expensive & is totally tailored to the “elite” families. There is zero interest in making it a fun & fair playing field. So pony club/sporting events (gymkhanas) will continue to grow & Youth Western Performance will continue to die a slow death! Wake Up the powers that be,or you will be running “ghost” shows soon!
September 21st, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Okay, WE GET THE POINT. MY is however, if you show at the big times (AQHA,APHA,NSBA…) you need to look like you are there to compete. Look, 4H clothes are fine for a local level but, seriously? At the big times, youth girls aren’t willing to sarcrifice their “bling” if it means a chance at winning the Congress. Showing doesn’t mean 5,000 dollar shirts and 500 dollar hats…but it does mean getting dressed up and looking like you WANT to win, not like you are going on a trail ride. There are cheaper hats that give you that winning look…for example, my Bailey’s hat was 70 dollars and it looks like a hobby horse hat which is…almost 400 dollars. I have won championships in that-hat. I think it IS coinciedence that kids who “have the model run-way look..” win. It has nothing to do with their outfits. They had a color that complemented them and their horse. “Bling” does not always catch the judge’s attention. Being an observer and a competitor of the youth divison, I know for a FACT that the judge gives everyone at least a glance over. The judge is looking for a western pleasure/horsemanship/western riding/trail’s movement and how well they do their job. Your “bling” does not make them remember you. It is how well your colors complement you and the horse. And also, I have nothing against local showing/4H. These are the facts to showing, you need to look like you are there to WIN compete, NOT trail ride.
November 15th, 2011 at 12:30 am
I think the English riders have it right: a standard uniform of breeches, tall boots, shirt, jacket, helmet, though some bling it up with a pin on the tie, but everyone looks exactly the same. This forces judges to look strictly at the riding skills and cues, and the horse form–otherwise, everyone looks the same, down to the pulled back hair. It forces the judges to look where it counts. If clothing gives Western riders an edge, it can only be because the judges–however unconsciously–are looking at clothing designs more than what they need to view. Let’s go to a standard Western wear so there is no option but to look at how the rider rides and how the horse performs. Blinged up clothing belongs in beauty contests. And the clothing IS expensive. One little girl riding in a show we were at years ago had spent $1,000+ on her outfit–it’s obscene. Such clothing is fine for, say, photos with your horse after winning a ribbon, but let’s get back to basics in the contests.
November 25th, 2011 at 8:25 pm
I LOVE the bling! i think its pretty awesome and very creaive. i have shown horses my entire life! i have a very small budget and big imagination so they go a long way! one of my favorit thing to do to get a new outfit is going to a secondhand shop, old ladies LOVE their colored pants! i have made several show outfits just going to the thrift shop spending $5. i know that when showing it should be judged on the kid and their ability to connect and work with the horse to make a ride look fun and smooth, and i totally belive that. but also i know the confidnece i have when i walk into the show ring with a nice looking outfit on. i also like to brag about my latests creations. i belive that if a kid works hard, are dedicated and really have the desire to win, they will find a way to fit in the show ring. i know i have for 18 years, and if anything all the extras that i know the judges can judge me on makes me work harder with my horse, so that i know that i am doing everything i can, to make that very important good impression.