You

Makeup
Every female showing (even our 10 and under rider), needs a little color to accentuate cheeks, eyes, and lips. Don't overdo it! It's not a beauty pageant. You should go with what is comfortable, but also makes you feel a little special, a little dressed. That extra touch will show through not only on your face, but in the attitude you bring into the show ring.

Jewelry
Men: One word: NO. Don't do it. No earrings. No piercings. I don't care how much your girlfriend likes it. Take them out.
Ladies: Bling is in from jewelry to belts to great spurs. Have a little fun, but don't overdo it. Remember, anything bouncing or moving is a distraction from you and your horse. A necklace should lay flat; your earrings should not dangle.

Clean, Pressed &Tucked
Even the nicest outfit can look bad if it's not clean and pressed. Make sure your outfit could pass a military inspection. Your hat, chaps, gloves, and boots should be clean, shaped, and spotless. Your shirt and jeans clean, pressed and tucked. Add don't be afraid to show your sense of style. Men – add a little flare with a great tie to bring out a sharp saddle pad. Ladies – We have so many great jewelry options today that are affordable. Add some bling with your belt, necklace, a scarf with rhinestones. Have fun and develop that signature look.

What Color Should I Wear for My Horse?
I don't follow tradition with this question. I always tell people to go with a color you like, not just the color people say works best. You are only going to ride as good as you feel. When I was a kid I had to wear things I hated – and it would show in my riding. Mothers – don't do that to your children. I say that even on a gray horse you can wear beiges and browns if you do it right and tie it everything together with the right pad.

What to Wear -- Or Better Yet, What Not to Wear
Men: I like to see men in solid shirts whenever possible. Prints are fine if they are introduced in a great tie and saddle pad. You need to make sure the tie pulls in colors from the pad. For youth riders, it is best if the jeans match the chaps. For men, I don't mind blue jeans under black or tan chaps as long as the jeans aren't baggy. In general, men need to be sure their chaps are properly fitted and the correct length.

Women: Have fun but stay classy. The outfit should flatter your figure and complexion. Make the same kinds of choices when it comes to color and style that you would in everyday life. Your show clothes should fit properly and allow you the movement you need. For women of all ages, I like to see the pants match the color of the chaps. It's also important to pay attention to what goes on underneath your show attire; i.e. everything must be under control! Then you are ready for the final touches including jewelry, hair and makeup.

Presence
Guess what? Everybody pays the same amount of money to be at the horse show. I don't care what “they” drive, or what “they” have – in the show pen it's about how you show it. Ride like you own the pen because you do. That said, always be courteous to the other competitors. And whether you win or loose, hold your head high and give a big genuine smile because your face and posture often give away what's going on inside your head. Always be conscious of how you are presenting yourself. Think about it. If you come into the ring hunched over, staring at your horse's head, the judge will expect your horse to do something ugly. Riding in a class is just like a job interview and first impressions count—BIG TIME. Jog into that ring and own it. Show your confidence in that first class, every class – it will carry you through the show and pay off in the end.