A show coat is the single most important item of your competition apparel.
Children’s show jackets are a traditionally cut men’s suit coats used in judged equestrian competitions.  Based on old European jacket designs, the horse show coat had 3 front buttons a double vented back.  It is tailored with a narrow waist and a bit broader in the shoulders for ease of movement. Made mostly from wools, kid’s horse show coats are available in a range of colors.  Most junior equitation riders show in a dark navy jacket. The idea is that all competitors will look the same.  They are then judged on how well they ride

Children’s show jackets can easily improve their equitation.  Square fitting shoulders and a narrow waist is the key. Show Coats are available in short, regular, tall and even slim, husky, and plus sizes. We fit a coat from the shoulders down.  When you put on their jacket and button it, you should be able to pinch fabric at each shoulder.  The outside each shoulder of the coat should be about ½” wider than the rider.  Make sure the waist of the coat hits at their waist. The waist of the jacket from behind needs to be fitted but not pulling, so that when you tie on their horse show number their jacket does not bunch up.  Have the back seam taken in if the coat is baggy.  The length of the jacket is extremely important.  It should just pass the bottom of their bottom.  When seated in a saddle there should be 1” of extra fabric lying on the saddle.  Another way to check length is to stand sideways at a mirror and bend at the hip and go into jumping position.  Their coat needs to cover their bottom, but not flop over it.

Sleeve length is measured at 1” below the wrist bone. After they put on their show jacket, about 1/4” to 1/2” of shirt cuff should show when your hands are in the rein holding position.  Shorten or lengthen sleeves accordingly. Be sure to match your child’s ratcatcher with the color of the show jacket. Their monogram on their show shirt should compliment their coat or their ratcatcher.