'Wardrobe' issues

[Kathryn]

I'm starting to think about my dressage wardrobe now we're getting closer to competing for the first time so I have a few questions-

Which are the 'go'-satin or cotton stocks?
Also, where can I get the straight cut white saddle blankets-all the ones I can find are curved at the front to suit an all purpose saddle and look awful with a dressage saddle. Should the saddle blanket have the numbers or not?
I notice from photo's that you guys don't use hoof black-is it considered tacky?
And lastly, my hair is short so is it OK to use a fake bun to balance the look of my hat?

Thanks for any feedback-showing used to be my thing so presentation is a big deal to me-God knows I'll be nervous enough at our first event, so I don't want look like a complete git as well!!

[Adele]

I perfer cotton stocks, but really it is just personal preferance!
"Dressage" Saddle blankets are found usually at any tack store, if they don't have one on display, ask.
If the saddle blanket doesn't have numbers already sticked on, you can always buy a set and sew them on or pin them on to one. Here a number is given to a horse when its registered, so it carry's that number right through-out its life. But over in Aus, a horse is given a different number at each show right?

Yea a fake bun is fine, but as long as your short hair is neatly pinned back there is no reason why you need a bun... Personal preferance again.

I always use hoof blackner. But I think that its rules in certain federations that you can't alter the horses natural colour, markings and also feet. So blackner alters the colour of the horses feet - hence isn't allowed (in some federations).

[SharynH]

Hi Kathryn, I am a cotton stocky too. As for the hoof black, I don't use it on my gelding as he is grey/white and only 15.3 therefore black hooves will actually visually shorten him. I like clear on a bay or chest that has white hooves, and generally keep the black for the black hooves. Personal preferance. definately.
I used to have long hair, and have had it short for some time - it is sooooo easy with short hair. I don't think you really need a fake bun, as long as your hair is tidy. I usually just put a few pins in the sides to keep the hair down the back.
On the saddle cloth you can just stitch velcro on and stick your bridle number on that.

[ann]

Can't advise you on the stock, but I always prefer cotton myself in clothing of any sort.

Black hooves are not usually a part of dressage, but if you feel your horse looks better with them, don't feel you can't blacken them.

If you are a Queensland member (I know you live in the 'grey' area) then you can wear your bridle numbers either on the bridle itself or on the saddle cloth. If you want to put them on the saddle cloth, then as others have said, Velcro is the way to go. Just put them the right way up. I have several photos of one of the luminaries of Queensland dressage with his bridle number on one side most definitely upside down. :D

Whatever you decide to do, best of luck for your first outing. Just remember to have fun. :)

[Madonna]

Just remember to have fun. :)

I think the having fun bit should definitely be in the rule book :) The rest is all a matter of personal taste but keep in mind that the less you have to fuss with on the day, the more time you can have to concentrate on the important things including having fun.

[Zephyr]

Black hooves are not usually a part of dressage, but if you feel your horse looks better with them, don't feel you can't blacken them.

:)

And blackened feet are prohibited in FEI horses at CDI competition, so why change for normal comp ;)

[carolyn hadjigeorgiou]

As for the numbers - I have mine sewn on the saddle cloth - no chance of losing the numbers at a comp and that saddle cloth is only used for Official and if necessary at Associate Levels. Cost me around $20 to have done. I have both sides done, at the correct height. No further dramas

[Kathryn]

Thanks everyone. Although I'm a bit confused-does my horse have the same bridle number for life? Is that her EFA number? Or do we get a entry number at each event? We're NSW EFA registered if that is of any assistance...

[Phoebe]

Kathryn, in QLD the horses have a bridle number assigned to them by the EFA which they keep for life, and they always use that same number at each competition. As far as I know, it's the same in NSW (maybe someone can confirm that).

[Zephyr]

What if you change horses? Then you'll need another saddlecloth ;) :p

[Zephyr]

NSW don't (or didn't used to) have bridle numbers, hence the reason you still have to present to cars at NSW comps (remember that, you people going to Bangalow this weekend - the judges get a little offended when you sail on past without presenting)

[ann]

Thanks everyone. Although I'm a bit confused-does my horse have the same bridle number for life? Is that her EFA number? Or do we get a entry number at each event? We're NSW EFA registered if that is of any assistance...As others have said, in Queensland, the EFA issues bridle numbers, although they will probably be universal some time soon when they work out how to allow duplicates. In Queensland, it is possible to transfer a bridle number from one horse to another, or to keep one when you sell a horse, to use with a new one. Bridle numbers certainly make life easier at events.

In NSW, members of the Dressage NSW (formerly the Dressage Council) also use bridle numbers for all events. I personally hate the NSW bridle numbers in their plastic holders, because they are shiny and reflect light. When I take photos at events, I depend on the bridle numbers for exact identification, and those shiny NSW ones make the bridle numbers invisible in many of the photos. Our classy Qld ones are very easy to read.

[Emma]

I love the Dressage Wear Australia saddlecloths with the bridle number pocket sewn on them. You just slip your bridle numbers in and out of the clear pocket.

[tilly]

So Ann, if you travel to another State to compete at an EFA event, do you use your EFAQ bridle number, or does the competition committee issue you with a new one?

[Naomi]

I love the Dressage Wear Australia saddlecloths with the bridle number pocket sewn on them. You just slip your bridle numbers in and out of the clear pocket.

I agree, these are great!

[Zephyr]

Usually its the same number, but at DWTS they issued the CDI horses with new numbers (as I found out 2 minutes before the trot up and had to get poor Tracy to race around the stands to buy me one of those plastic number thingies. Competing CDIs is a whole new set of rules - you should be supplied a mentor your first year!)

[rick]

As others have said, in Queensland, the EFA issues bridle numbers, although they will probably be universal some time soon when they work out how to allow duplicates. In Queensland, it is possible to transfer a bridle number from one horse to another, or to keep one when you sell a horse, to use with a new one. Bridle numbers certainly make life easier at events.

In NSW, members of the Dressage NSW (formerly the Dressage Council) also use bridle numbers for all events. I personally hate the NSW bridle numbers in their plastic holders, because they are shiny and reflect light. When I take photos at events, I depend on the bridle numbers for exact identification, and those shiny NSW ones make the bridle numbers invisible in many of the photos. Our classy Qld ones are very easy to read.

you can have the DC numbers on the saddle cloth, it's where we had them for years, and you don't have to use the DC supplied ones, (which IIRC are like a cow ear tag) the bridle ones we are currently using (in a shiny, plastic holder, Ann ;) ) came from a saddlery.