Gloves, does it really matter?

[dalesponyrider]

Does it really matter what sort/colour gloves you wear when showing or doing dressage?

[mabel]

It depends on your outift I think. If you're doing M&M showing and are in tweed, then brown gloves. In dressage - not that I know much about this yet - it seems you wear black jackets with black or white gloves. Also found out that you get eliminated if you don't wear gloves in dressage, and horses aren't allowed to wear boots.

[dalesponyrider]

If I do dressage prelim tests then I'll have to do it in my tweeds! Can't splash out on another lot of gear!

[mabel]

I'm sure that'll be fine. I've just had a look at the pro photos of the dressage we were at on Saturday, and some of them were in tweed. Have a look at this link www.prosportphotos.com/equestrian/2006/elstead-dressage-may/index.htm

[SuzieP]

Linda - I'm sure you'll be fine in tweeds at prelim level. If the competition is run under BD rules you MUST wear gloves - I know someone who was eliminated for not wearing them!!

[dalesponyrider]

Are these any good for showing or dressage with tweeds?

[harveydales]

Yes, they'll be fine for dressage. You must wear gloves but no stipualtion as to colour or type. Also tweeds are fine, even under BD rules.

Have you got a competition in mind then? Can I come and cheer you on?

[dalesponyrider]

Thanks guys. I have always worn plain black leather for showing = didn't realise that was wrong. I've bought these as my leather ones have been too hot but didn't know if they would be suitable for showing and/or dressage.

Pam, I'm thinking about doing the Bakewell Show with her and there is a dressage class there. Also the dressage class at the Performance Show. Don't expect to do anything much - just get experience.

[mabel]

I've got a pair similar to that which I bought for driving in, they're really comfy.

BD dressage has quite strict rules, on Saturday when Sarah was waiting to go in with Jazz she'd forgotten to put her gloves on and someone luckily told her she had to have them on. When she was waiting with Willow, this lady came over and said 'you are going to take your boots off aren't you?' Sarah and I looked at each other wondering why on earth Sarah would take her boots off LOL, then realised she meant Willows brushing boots. I'm afraid we're complete numptys about dressage.

[sarahmc]

I think tweed looks better if you're riding a native or cob in whatever discipline. I've seen all sorts of gloves worn for showing and dressage, the main thing is that you're comfy wearing them, so I would go for similar ones to those you wear everyday. If you don't want to splash out on some new ones you might not wear very much I have various different ones I could bring to the performance show for you to borrow (I collect riding gloves the way some women collect shoes!). The only thing is, I have small hands. If any of mine would be of any use please let me know. Sorry, can't help with Bakewell show though, it's just a bit too far.

[Biggerside Benwell]

I wear tweed and do affiliated dressage so its definatly acceptable. I wear lether gloves with mine for dressage.

Those gloves will be fine Linda, are they mountain horse ones?

[dalesponyrider]

No, Loveson ones. I just thought they'd be a bit cooler than leather but wasn't sure about the fact they are two colours.

[Biggerside Benwell]

They are very similar to the mountain horse ones. Are you and the gorgeous D going to dressage then? I hope you are cos I think you will be great as you have come so far with her.

[greydales]

I've always worn dark brown leather gloves for showing and white for dressage, with a black or navy jacket. I've only done dressage with Dan at a local show and wore tweed, but it was prelim level and don't think they were too bothered about the attire! Not sure what jacket I'd wear if I were to do dressage with Saturn.

[The Moo]

I always thought you were supposed to wear pale gloves for dressage, the idea being the judge could see your hands easier.

Have to say it is a million years since I have done some and even then it was only at prelim.