How to Dress for Dressage Competition

Jennifer Walker and One Hot Lady performing training level dressage

Dressage is a sport steeped in tradition, hearkening back to its military roots. Because of this, there are very specific rules as to how you can and cannot dress for dressage competition. Thanks to these rules, everyone at a dressage competition looks almost the same! The nice thing about this is, you don’t have to spend a lot of time trying to be creative to think of what to wear, because it is all laid out for you. However, there is a small amount of leeway.

Things You'll Need

• White or light-colored breeches
• White or light-colored shirt
• Stock tie (ratcatcher/choker also acceptable, but not preferred)
• Stock pin
• Short coat of conservative color (a dressage coat has four buttons)
• Tall boots (dressage, dress or field boots)
• Hunt cap, riding hat with a hard shell, top hat or derby
• Black or white gloves (optional but recommended)

Instructions

Dress for training level through fourth level dressage

1. Pull on white or light-colored breeches. These can be full seat or knee patch.

2. Pull on a white or light-colored shirt. This can be a ratcatcher-style shirt or a dressage show shirt.

3. Put on a stock tie. Some of these are pre-tied, but the non-pre-tied ones look better. If it isn't pre-tied, wrap it around your neck twice, then tie it in a square knot and fold the loose ends so they cover the front of your shirt. Secure with a stock pin.

4. Pull on your tall boots.

5. Put on your jacket and button it.

6. Put on your gloves.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not able to purchase an outfit designed specifically for dressage, you can wear hunt seat clothes. These instructions are for all tests through fourth level.

• If you are not properly dressed for your dressage test, you may not be allowed to ride your test.

Resources

• US Equestrian Federation Dress Rules