2017 Fashion Forecast Contributed by Suzanne Vlietstra


Show season is here! Horses are slick, rid- ers have perused show bills and entered classes, the trailer is packed in readiness to go, show, and win… but what about your show wardrobe this year? Are you ready to create a winning impres- sion the moment your horse sets hoof into the are- na?


Western show fashions for women this year cover a wider spectrum of styles than perhaps ever before. On the flashy western pleasure side, custom-made show tops are absolutely encrusted with hand-sewn jewels, fringe, airbrushed paint- ing, crystals and other blingy baubles. Way over on the practical side, ranch riding aficionados are wearing a basic cotton shirt, a straw hat, and jeans. What’s new is that these extremes in costuming might be worn by the same rider at different times of the day in different classes at the same horse show.


Because there is such variety in what is being worn in the western show pen, riders are embrac- ing small details like hat brim trims, custom boots, and unusual jewelry to personalize their presenta- tions and bring a sense of fashionable fun to the arena. This wide spectrum of acceptable fashion also means that more fabrics, more colors, and more trims are being seen on all components of a western show outfit. Savvy showgirls know to use color and silhouette to create a winning impres- sion in the show ring, so let’s get to the details! Taking it from the top, we’ll start with hats. While a traditional felt with a cattlemen’s crease and 4” brim is always acceptable, expect to see personalization on hats as a big element in fash- ion this year. Bound-edges on bigger brims, whip-stitching, and distinctive bands will be seen, as well as painting, jeweled accents, and embossed designs on hats. Not every exhibitor is going to have a hand-made topper, but more and more rid- ers are appreciating the comfort and originality of the iconic western hat, and spending accordingly. And they’re doing it in color: brights and pastels are joining the parade of black and pale neutral hats for a blast of quirky color… even straws are appearing in high-contrast colors and fancy weaves. Hats are fun!


For show tops, the look is again across the board. For ranch classes, or for riders who choose a classic quiet look, there’s nothing better than a starched, pressed cotton shirt, beautifully tailored, and accented with a pretty scarf that picks up col- ors from a bold saddle blanket. Look for classic


Fashion Forecast


Show blouses bring all-day comfort to the show ring, with designs like Hobby Horse's "Stephanie" horsemanship top combining stretch and shine to


create a winning impression


shirts with amusing contrast details inside plackets and collars, and in some traditional western prints as well: gingham, calico, etc. Expect to see more vests in the show pen in both traditional and em- bellished styles.


In the pleasure pen, the same cotton shirt


from ranch classes may be seen with a smaller scarf or subtle jewelry… or the rider may don a multi-thousand-dollar embellished show jacket that would be at home on any stage in Nashville! Again, styles run the gamut from plain to extreme- ly embellished. As in recent years, fancy fabrics with tons of texture including lace, metallic ele- ments, and sequined accents carry the look across the arena and add dazzle to any arena presenta- tion. Add more jewels and crystals if you wish, but make sure that the garment fits trim and is in taste- ful colors that coordinate with your horse’s color before you bring on the bling. Chaps should fit like that proverbial glove, helping the rider’s frame to look long and lean. While you’ll find some custom touches sneaking onto chaps like double rows of fringe, contrast yokes, and custom conchos, chaps are always in style with fringe and a great fit that hangs snugly from the riders waist and ends in a length that cov- ers the boot heels when mounted. For ranch riders, chinks (knee-length chaps) paired with tall boots are a popular look and a place to show your indi- viduality with fancy fringe treatments and touches of contrasting color.


Continued on page 15 April 2017 SouthWest Horse Trader 13


Super Bands Innovative New Packaging


If you have ever wished you could stop dealing with sloppy plas- tic bags that rip and never stay closed. Now you can. Horse Grooming Solu- tions™ a leader in equine bathing and grooming products announced today their popular banding and braiding bands; “Super Bands” are now avail- able in a convenient jar, which in- cludes an enclosed band/braid ripper. “Super Bands™” from Horse Groom- ing Solutions’™ Healthy HairCare™ Product line, prides itself in leading the industry with innovative prod- ucts enabling horse owners to more effectively and efficiently store rub- ber bands. Previously all other bands were supplied in zip-top-style bag- gies, which had a tendency to rip, spill and would never stay closed. Healthy Hair Care’s™ Super Bands™ are tougher, stronger, better, and made in the U.S.A. from 100% all natural rubber. Each jar contains over 1000 bands, plus includes a FREE Band & Braid Ripper! Healthy Hair Care’s™ Super Bands™ are available in Five Colors to match most manes; Black, Brown/Chestnut, Grey, Red/ Sorrel, White. To learn more about the Healthy Hair Care™ line or “Super Bands™” please visit: www.healthyhaircare. com. w


©2017, Hobby Horse Clothing Co., Inc.


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