My Secret Sloppy Self & Other Fashion Faux Pas

I was always told you might be poor but you can be clean. This was translated to taking what I had and being as presentable as possible (in regards to riding). I poured over George Morris’s jumping clinic taking his criticism as gospel. When riding in public I was never without shiny tack, my stirrup leathers tucked in, outfitted in a collared shirt, belt and hairnet.

Speaking of hairnets. Buy one. Please. The last few years at competitions and clinics, I have been horrified by the lack of hairnets. It makes me twitch.

Hairnets. Just do it.

I still believe this should be the standard outfit anytime riding “in public” (i.e. lessons –yes even with your local-yocal trainer, xc schools, clinics and schooling shows).

George is excused from the hairnet rule. But Gloves? Where are the Gloves?

• Clean, well-fitted tack
• Clean horse
• White pad
• Helmet
• Hairnet (for the love of god remember the hairnet!)        
• Belt
• Collared shirt tucked-in
• Breeches
• Shined tall boots –maybe if uber casual half chaps
• Gloves

I have this Outfit!

As I started keeping my horse at home my dress code of sorts has been relaxed.Very relaxed.

My husband accuses me of dressing like Napoleon Dynamite.

My revelation that I will soon be riding with Peter Atkins at his farm in Florida also brought out  turnout worries –what does one wear when training with a member of the Australian Eventing Team, World Games competitor and all around awesome coach? I mean I had the riding outfit down but what about chore clothes? Certainly Peter would not want a Napoleon Dynamite doppelganger representing his farm!?

So I sent him an email to ease my mind –would a polo tucked into jeans be OK for chores?

And his response was to shoot back a picture as he was setting out to ride.

Peter -please don't kill me for sharing this

I think I am going to fit in just fine.

Riding at home....green, pink and red match. Right?

As I pack for next week, I am leaving the breeches, tall boots and new polos at home. In go  t-shirts, jeans and half chaps.

I have not decided about the hairnet yet.