Correct Attire for the Jumper Ring

Jumper show attire encompasses the most variety of acceptable colors in coats, shirts and breeches. Your goal should be a neat, tidy and pleasing appearance in front of the judge, no matter in what class you are participating. Here we quote the 2017 USEF Rule Book for jumper attire and follow the rules with suggestions from Dover Saddlery's product advisors to help you make the right choices in assembling your show jumper attire.

Note: Always check the USEF web site for rule changes prior to your competition.

USEF Rule JP111.9.a. Formal Jumper Attire:
"Dark, muted or similar colored, or red (scarlet) coats are required; team or sponsored coats of different colors are also permitted; white or fawn breeches; a white tie, choker (unless the shirt, by design, has the chocker built in for its intended use) or hunting stock, and a white or lightly colored shirt must be worn. Shirts must have a white collar and white cuffs. Shirts must be fastened at the neck and tucked into breeches. Boots are required. Half chaps are permitted as long as the color matches the paddock boots being worn. Members of the Armed Services or the police may wear the service dress uniform with protective headgear [in accordance with GR801.2]."

Dover Tip: Jackets
You have a wide range of coat color choices that are acceptable to wear in a Jumper Classic or Grand Prix. Choose a jacket color that flatters you and complements your horse, and remember that conservative hues remain the most popular. Many show coats are made of washable, breathable technical fabric that provides incredible stretch. Consider the Ovation Performance Competition Coat and the Grand Prix Special Edition TechLite Classic Sport Coat as examples of coats that are perfect for the jumper ring.

Scarlet coats are reserved for members of a recognized hunt who have earned their colors and for riders who are representing the United States in international competition.

Dover Tip: Breeches
For formal classes, you should choose breeches in white or tan, which is a color that can be considered to be fawn. Pair your breeches with a belt.

Dover Tip: Shirts and Ties
Choose a white or light-colored shirt that has a white collar and white cuffs. Men typically pair a button down shirt with a tie. Ladies may choose a button-down shirt with a choker (that can be removed if a stock tie is worn) or wrapneck.
USEF Rule JP1113.9.b. Proper Jumping Attire
"Coats of any color are required. Breeches must be light color (white, fawn or canary). Pastel and dark colored breeches are not allowed. Shirts, light in color, must be tucked into breeches and fastened at the top of the neck. Ties or chokers of any color must be worn (unless the shirt, by design, has the choker built in for its intended use). Boots are required. Half chaps are permitted as long as the color matches the paddock boots being worn."

Dover Tip
Choose a show coat in black, blue, green or other conservative hue. Coordinate the traditional breech colors. Competitions can make jumper show attire rules specific to their competition, so if you plan to wear non-traditional colors, check for such restrictions first.

Coordinate your jacket and breeches with a matching show shirt with collar. The shirt can be a button down with standup collar and choker, or a polo shirt, such as the Ariat Prix Polo Shirt. Always fill your breech's belt loops with a belt for a finished look.

Your field boots should be clean and shiny, as should your spurs if you choose to wear them. Again, complete your finished appearance with a pair of black gloves.

Dover Tip: Helmets
Wear an ASTM/SEI certified helmet.

If you have long hair, it should be neatly contained in a hairnet and tucked under the helmet.

Dover Tip: Boots, Spurs and Gloves
Choose black field boots and shine them to a high gloss. Spurs are optional, and if you wear them they should be clean and shiny.

Gloves are commonly worn and most riders select black, although there is no rule regarding glove color or type. Consider the many styles and options you have in gloves to achieve the best fit and functionality for you. Some styles offer flexible gussets to enhance your finger mobility, some feature ventilated panels to help keep your hands cool and still others have extra texture for added grip on the reins. You'll find gloves in various types of leathers as well as synthetic fabrics.

Note: Members of the Armed Services or the Police may wear their Service Dress Uniform with protective headgear.

USEF Rule JP111.9.b. Standard Jumper Attire
"Coats are not required. Breeches of any color are permitted. Shirts (polo shirts are permitted) must have collars and sleeves (sleeves may be either long or short), and must be tucked into breeches. Sleeveless shirts and shirts with exposed hoods are prohibited. Boots are required. Half chaps are permitted as long as the color matches the paddock boots being worn"

Dover Tip
If a riding coat is not worn, such as when jackets are waived, then you must wear a shirt with a collar. The collar can be a wrapneck or a choker, and the shirt should be tucked into breeches that are paired with a belt. Plain, solid-colored polo shirts are also a popular choice for classes in which you can ride without a coat. However, you should check with your trainer for geographical preferences in your area. Similarly, some breech colors such as rust, are rarely seen in many areas; consult with your trainer.

Show Tip
Any rider can wear a protective vest designed for equestrian use without penalty from the judge.

For more assistance or to request a catalog, call 1-800-989-1500 to speak with a Dover Saddlery product advisor, or stop by any of our retail stores. Visit DoverSaddlery.com for a complete store listing and the full product offering. Related Topic:
Hairstyles for Competition