I am a pattern person and I love the tradition of hunters and hunt seat equ. Prior to AQHA shows, I rode hunters. I rode a perfect (and ornery) little white pony that packed me around decent size fences. As my jr/youth years progressed, I switched to quarter horses, but I continue to take many of the lessons I learned in these early years with me. These lessons not only revolve around horsemanship, but also style and grooming.
While Equitation on the hunter circuit is much different, this discipline's style is second to none. I try to keep current on the fashions of the "A" circuit, especially on the East Coast. Standards in Equitation never seem to change, only slightly evolve. Boots must fit meticulous and be polished to perfection. Breeches are of a neutral beige color and most importantly, classic navy coats with white shirts are essentials at this level of competition.
When I entered back into the world of AQHA shows, I recognized that the brown coat I previousely wore with my hunter under saddle horse 6 years ago would never do, especially for equ. I found 2 reliable sources to help outfit me. If you are at the Sun Circuit, Greenway saddlery in Scottsdale, near Westworld, has an excellent selection and a great staff. They fit me in Ariat "Monaco" Boots. I was shocked to find out that custom boots were no longer necessary, but the price tag remains about the same. They also helped me with the new breeches that fit much looser and are quite a bit more comfortable. As for hunt coats, I have found an excellent online source with wonderful customer service. The Lexington Horse (lexingtonhorse.com) helped me find the perfect "navy" hunt coat by The Tailored Sportsman that is absoloutely gorgeous and does not need alterations. Their website is easy to use, but I always have questions and my experience was like working with a personal shopper! Not to mention, the package arrived at my door in a matter of a couple of days. I also have found my perfect "white shirt" for equ. at The Lexington Horse. I know that ribbon collars are a big trend on the QH circuit, but I have to say that I am sticking to the timeless classics of the East Coast.
While Equitation on the hunter circuit is much different, this discipline's style is second to none. I try to keep current on the fashions of the "A" circuit, especially on the East Coast. Standards in Equitation never seem to change, only slightly evolve. Boots must fit meticulous and be polished to perfection. Breeches are of a neutral beige color and most importantly, classic navy coats with white shirts are essentials at this level of competition.
When I entered back into the world of AQHA shows, I recognized that the brown coat I previousely wore with my hunter under saddle horse 6 years ago would never do, especially for equ. I found 2 reliable sources to help outfit me. If you are at the Sun Circuit, Greenway saddlery in Scottsdale, near Westworld, has an excellent selection and a great staff. They fit me in Ariat "Monaco" Boots. I was shocked to find out that custom boots were no longer necessary, but the price tag remains about the same. They also helped me with the new breeches that fit much looser and are quite a bit more comfortable. As for hunt coats, I have found an excellent online source with wonderful customer service. The Lexington Horse (lexingtonhorse.com) helped me find the perfect "navy" hunt coat by The Tailored Sportsman that is absoloutely gorgeous and does not need alterations. Their website is easy to use, but I always have questions and my experience was like working with a personal shopper! Not to mention, the package arrived at my door in a matter of a couple of days. I also have found my perfect "white shirt" for equ. at The Lexington Horse. I know that ribbon collars are a big trend on the QH circuit, but I have to say that I am sticking to the timeless classics of the East Coast.
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