Question: What can my kids wear in the show ring? I have a daughter age 10 and a son, age 12, who are both going to be showing in local western shows this summer. What can they wear? I’ve been pricing show clothes, and they are EXTREMELY expensive. I can’t afford over $100 just for a shirt! What’s the best way to go? I don’t want them to look silly, but where can I find reasonably priced clothing for kids? Thanks.

 Answer: Show clothes are often expensive, but I have a few tips on making the search for suitable attire easier and more budget friendly. Check with your association or club’s rules on show dress, or talk to your 4-H or Pony Club group leader to find out exactly what the rules are for the classes in which your children will be competing. Because children grow so quickly, it is often possible to buy nice show clothes second hand from a local tack and outfitter shop or from someone else in your children’s show group. Some individuals I know also buy show clothes online from retailers or from individuals through services such as EBay.

Keep in mind that many classes, particularly local shows or 4-H shows have a simple dress code to provide safety and a simple, affordable means for all exhibitors to dress neatly in good working attire. For example, most 4-H shows have a dress policy of long-sleeved shirts, full length pants, and riding boots with heels. The shirt must have the sleeves rolled down and fastened and the shirt tails tucked in. Since you mentioned your children will be showing western, the boots should be western boots with heels (no riding shoes or sneakers or English riding boots), a standard western hat, and a long sleeved shirt. Chaps, gloves, chinks, and belts are usually all optional. The same types of simple dress rules are usually followed for most local open shows, especially for children. The priority is for your child and your child’s horse to look neat and polished, not that they are outfitted in the most expensive equipment and clothing available. You can achieve a neat polished look by making sure all articles of clothing are properly fitted and pressed, and that your child’s outfit doesn’t clash with tack and saddle blankets.

Check out an article by Hobby Horse Clothing Co. about the western fashion trend for 2007: Western Fashion Forecast: Shade, Shade, and Shine. A solid pant (such as black dress jeans), black boots, black hat, and a top that color coordinates with your child’s saddle pad is an often seen favorite, as is a pair of tan dress jeans, tan or brown boots, tan or light colored hat, and a coordinating shirt. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to look well put together.