Tips for Buying Horse Show Clothes

If there's one thing I know, it's that horse show clothes only last about a season if I am lucky. Between the hoof black and the baby oil, most horse show jackets and shirts will be ruined by the end of show season. This is why I refuse to spend hundreds of dollars on horse show jackets and shirts.

Off Season Clearance Racks

My number one tip is to be thinking about show jackets in the off season. Many of the best deals on jackets can be had in January and February. Go to department stores such as J.C. Penny and Elder Beerman and shop the clearance racks. You will be amazed at what you find! Last January I bought the most beautiful black & white zebra striped jacket for showing my black and white pinto horses. The original price was 110.00, but I got it on clearance for 19.99. I got many compliments on this jacket and didn't have to break the bank to get it.

Ebay

Ebay is a great source of show clothes. However, you must know your measurements and correct sizes to avoid buying something, only to find it doesn't fit. Be creative with your key words to search on Ebay. One of my top keywords is "ladies jackets." You can also find used showmanship jackets for pennies on the dollar. Be sure though that you can see a good clear picture so that you don't get stuck buying something that is too damaged to wear in the show ring. I bought a showmanship jacket off Ebay that retails for $249. new, for only $30.

Goodwill

Many of my best show jackets have been found at Goodwill. You can easily buy women's jackets and shirts at Goodwill for $5. or less. Many times I buy a jacket at Goodwill and then add some of my own horse show bling to it by gluing on crystals or using acrylic fabric paint. But again, shop in the off season to get the best deal. Goodwill will mark jackets up during fall and lower them in spring. I find the biggest variety of sizes and colors are found at Goodwill.

The only drawback to shopping in the off season is you may find jackets that are too hot to wear during the summer months of horse show season. I have been known to cut the lining out of heavier jackets that I find on clearance. Just by cutting the lining out, you can decrease the weight and heat of a jacket. This will only work though if you are going to keep the jacket buttoned while you show.