Competition equipment for children
The first riding lessons have been completed, the child enjoys handling the horse and gains more self-confidence with each time in the saddle. For many children, it is a big dream to take part in a competition for the first time as their riding skills improve. The feeling of mastering this challenge together with their (riding school) pony, the stage fright and the shining eyes when the first ribbon is pinned on characterise the child who is enthusiastic about riding and intensify the positive feelings that equestrian sport triggers.
When a child takes part in a horse show for the first time, many parents are faced with the question of what to look out for in a children’s show outfit. We provide you with the most important information about your child’s first competition experience and explain what really matters when it comes to competition outfits for children.
My child wants to take part in a competition – what do I need to know?
First of all, it’s a good sign that your child feels comfortable with their chosen sport and is actively involved in it. The idea of competition tends to take a back seat, especially for younger children. Sharing the special experience with the (riding school) pony and friends at the yard is more of a focus for most of them.
And if, after a fun day with lots of like-minded horse enthusiasts, the first competition ribbon hangs on the bridle, the child is sustainably motivated to build on the first success and stick with equestrian sport.
So if the child expresses the wish to take part in a competition: Go for it!
Support your child with the preparations and accompany them on this exciting day, which can bring a lot of emotions. Every child has different needs beforehand that should be catered for. Encourage them if they are still unsure, take their mind off things if stage fright gets too strong and remind them that the main thing is to enjoy riding if they put themselves under too much pressure by being overly ambitious.
Preparing for the first competition
Children usually gain their first competition experience in the form of a lead rein test, in which the pony is led by a person on a lead rope. In addition to preparing for the competition tasks, which are usually worked out during riding lessons, parents also have to take care of the registration for the competition.
You can find more information on entering competitions and helpful tips for preparation in our competition preparation guide.
Unaffiliated competitions with their laid back atmosphere are particularly suitable for beginners to get their first taste of competition. The entries are usually inexpensive and often there is a variety of classes from low level. Unaffiliated competitions are widespread and there are probably venues in your area that offer these competitions. In addition to the classic equestrian disciplines, there are also other competition programmes that make it easier for children to get into competition sport without losing sight of the fun factor. In unaffiliated dressage competitions it is generally expected that riders wear light breeches, a show jacket, a high collared shirt with a stock or tie, and proper riding boots, but some venues allow more casual wear.
Affiliated competitions are run in affiliation with an association like British Dressage, British Showjumping or British Eventing. Horse and rider combinations must be registered or have paid to compete the horse “on a ticket“. Affiliated Shows tend to be run more professionally and safely and give yourself and your horse an official record.
Important equipment:
- A riding hat with three or four-point fastening in accordance with the current standard is a must.
- A body protector or back protector. These are even mandatory in cross-country competitions.
- The requirements for footwear are: ankle-high and with a heel, so jodphur boots alone or with half chaps or long riding boots.
- Riding gloves are also recommended for safety reasons.
- Whips and spurs if permitted
In general, you should definitely take a look at the competition programme before the competition. There you will find the entry requirements and further information on prescribed clothing and/or permitted aids such as whips or spurs.
Competition wear for your child – it should be comfortable
At a show, children’s competition clothing befitting their age should not be missing! Even the little ones usually want to look like their big role models in top-class sport.
But what does a proper competition outfit for children actually look like? The following components make up a classic competition outfit:
- Children’s competition shirt
- Dark-coloured children’s competition jacket
- Light-coloured children’s competition breeches
- Dark-coloured riding boots for children
- Further show accessories optional: hair nets, stock ties
Children have special demands on their clothing. To feel completely comfortable, you should make sure that children’s competition clothing is first and foremost comfortable and safe.
Stretchy materials, soft fabrics and cuts that guarantee freedom of movement ensure that your child can concentrate fully on themselves and their special experience with their pony on show day.
Of course, playful details are a must for children. An extra portion of crystals or a chic bow on the competition jacket, a cool two-tone look on the competition shirt or a sparkling braid ring made of pearls will make children’s hearts beat faster.
To ensure safety at the show, your child will need a riding hat. Back or body protectors are a great addition and give your child and you as a parent an additional feeling of safety. Sturdy boots with heels and riding gloves are also part of the safety equipment. Also remember to pin up your child’s long hair and avoid wearing jewellery on the day. In the event of a fall, your child could get caught in it and injure themselves.
Sure you haven’t forgotten anything? The competition checklist for you and your child
You are one of the most important pillars of your child’s competition life! A good ?groomer? – as it is also called in professional circles – is not only characterised by optimal care of the horse on the day of the competition. You also act as a mental support for your child, keep an eye on the schedule and ensure that horse and rider can concentrate on the competition. You can find out more about this in our competition guide. If you don’t have any competition experience yourself, you can find useful information for your day at the competition in our competition day guide.
To make sure you don’t forget anything on the day of the competition, we’ve also put together a checklist of things that are important for you and your child at the competition so that you can look forward to a fun and relaxed day at the show!
Western riding – a discipline in itself
Has your child decided to take up western riding? We will introduce you to the most common options for young western riders and give you valuable tips for your western mini’s first show outfit in our excursus on children’s western competitions.
Click here for the western competition guide for children.