If you’re ready to attend a few events, either as a participant or a spectator, check out this partial listing of upcoming Midwestern shows.

• All-American Horse Classic. Billed as Indiana’s “premiere show,” the AAHC will take place from September 6 to September 10 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. There are more than 158 classes and events scheduled for the five-day show, so be sure to bring enough equestrian riding apparel to last the whole time.
• St. Louis National Charity. The 33rd edition of this fabulous event in Lake St. Louis, MO, has something for everyone. The Hunter/Jumper Show, with a $25,000 Grand Prix, will be held from September 14 to September 18, so if you’ve got the right kind of horse equipment, such as a jumping saddle and ASTM/SEI approved helmet, you can enter for a chance to win. Meanwhile, the Saddlebred Show, which caters to a whole different group of riders, will take place from September 28 to October 1.
• Mid-America Mane Event. This show, which runs from October 20 to October 23 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Coliseum, offers a nice variety of classes for participants to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in saddlebred, hackney pony, or equitation events, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to strut your stuff in your Western or English equestrian riding apparel.
• National Academy Finals. The National Academy Finals is aimed at giving the youngsters out there a chance to compete in a fun environment. The event takes place in Murfreesboro, TN from November 4 to November 6 with all proceeds going to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, so dust off your horse equipment for a great time and an even better cause.

These are just a few of the more popular Midwestern shows that are scheduled to take place this fall. If you live within reasonable driving distance of any of these locations, we encourage you to pack your equestrian riding apparel, load up your horse equipment and horse, and head out for a memorable time with like-minded folks!

English Riding History

Although mankind has interacted with horses for thousands of years, English riding most likely dates from the 18th and 19th centuries. This was when riders stopped using the wide saddles with high pommels that were preferred by fully armored medieval knights and started using equestrian equipment that was more conducive to trotting, foxhunting, polo, and similar activities. Modern English riding as we know it developed from there, eventually spreading around the world.

English Saddles

To better accommodate this new riding style, different saddles had to be created. English saddles are instantly recognizable because of their minimalist look compared to Western saddles. They are lightweight, have a low cantle and pommel, and feature shorter stirrups to facilitate a forward riding position. There is also a noticeable lack of padding on English saddles, which is why some riders might prefer wearing padded jodhpurs instead of equestrian breeches.

There are many types of English saddles, including dressage, jumping, cross country, and all-purpose, each boasting advantageous properties suited to the intended use.

Other Modern English Equestrian Equipment

In addition to a saddle that matches a particular riding style or event, English riders also need the following equestrian equipment: a saddle pad, halter, lead, bridle, girth, stirrups, irons, and reins. Items such as Crops, whips, bats, martingales, and breastplates are wholly optional for pleasure riding and practice, but may be required for certain show events.

Fitted Shirts, Equestrian Breeches and Other Apparel

English riding habits are often formal and refined, reflecting the overall elegance of the sport. Each piece of apparel should be well fitted, giving the rider an almost tailored look. Riding shirts typically feature sleeves that are a bit longer than everyday shirts, which allows for the freedom of movement required for various jumps and other maneuvers. Equestrian breeches should fit snugly to enable the rider to grip the horse better than loose-fitting attire would, and to enable him or her to give necessary commands with the legs. Tall boots that fit over equestrian breeches and an approved riding helmet are other essential components of the English habit, but rat-catchers, jackets, and gloves are optional outside the show ring.

Now that you’ve learned something about the history of English riding and the purpose of English equestrian equipment, you might come to appreciate the sport a bit more. At the very least, you’ll no longer have to wonder about saddle shapes and riding habits as you prep your animal!

Unfortunately, stables aren’t immune to this trend, either. But the difference in this case is that opting for beach chic and flip-flops over proper equestrian apparel and equestrian boots could lead to serious injuries or other problems. Though we’ll stop short of recommending that the fashion police patrol the paddock from June to September and physically remove any offenders, we would like to offer the following tips about what NOT to wear while riding during this season.

Sports bras or bikini tops
Although you don’t have to be dressed to the nines in your best equestrian apparel and equestrian boots for every riding session, you should at least be … dressed. Sorry, ladies, but sports bras and bikini tops do not qualify as actual clothing at the barn! Riding shirts made of lightweight, breathable fabrics are a more sensible alternative, so please cover up.

Low-rise or saggy jeans
We understand that some people like to wear denim on dusty or muddy days to save their regular equestrian apparel from getting dirty. But if you’re going to ride in jeans, make sure they fit properly. In other words, low-rise jeans that expose your thong and delicate parts of your anatomy are better left at home. And for the men out there, complete strangers should not be able to answer the “boxers or briefs” question simply by looking at you. If you insist on saggy jeans while riding, the least you can do is wear a belt.

Shorts or cutoffs
There are many valid reasons for wearing shorts in the summer. They’re cool, they allow you to get a more even tan, and they let you show off your fabulous new strappy sandals. But shorts don’t look that great with equestrian boots, nor do they provide adequate protection while riding. So unless you don’t mind the chafing and blistering that will surely result from several hours of constant skin-on-saddle contact, then breeches would be your best bet.

Baseball caps or visors
Yes, riding helmets can be hot, and they’re not exactly known for preserving that fresh-from-the-salon hairstyle you spent an hour perfecting. But wearing a baseball cap or visor instead of proper safety equipment is just inviting trouble. There are plenty of lightweight, ventilated helmets designed specifically for summer riding that will both keep you cool and protect your head from impact in the event of a tumble.

While most fashion faux pas in the real world are relatively harmless, things are different as soon as half-ton animals enter the equation. When you fail to wear proper equestrian apparel, including equestrian boots and a certified helmet, you put yourself unnecessarily at risk of everything from blisters and sores to broken bones and concussions. Do yourself and those around you a favor by dressing right before you head out to the barn this summer.

Before departing on your unforgettable journey, it’s important to make sure you are well prepared for the adventures that lie ahead. This means bringing season-appropriate equestrian riding apparel for your scheduled activities, as well as any horse equipment that might be required. Let’s take a closer look at what is involved in packing right for your vacation.

Horse equipment
If your vacation involves any kind of training or instruction, then you will likely have to bring your own horse. This means you’ll have to pack basic horse equipment such as a halter, lead line, saddle, saddle pad, and bridle. Some horse equipment, such as stable blankets or turnout sheets, might be provided for you, so be sure to check with the barn prior to departure. When staying on a ranch or traveling overseas, you can obviously leave your horse equipment at home since you’ll be mounted on a loaner.

Equestrian riding apparel
The kind of equestrian riding apparel you should bring depends on the activities you’ll be participating in. For example, you’ll want to pack traditional English equestrian riding apparel—shirts, breeches, gloves, boots, and a helmet—for dressage instruction or similar types of lessons. Conversely, you can stick to casual equestrian riding apparel if a dude ranch is your destination, since jeans and flannel shirts are entirely acceptable in that setting.

Be sure to pack for the season and anticipated weather at your destination. Breathable fabrics with moisture wicking properties are great for keeping you cool in summer, while jackets, down vests, or parkas are preferred in colder climes. In addition, a waterproof jacket or raincoat will help ensure that a little rain doesn’t spoil your fun.

Everyday clothing, toiletries, and miscellaneous items
You won’t be on horseback 24/7 during your vacation, so you’ll also have to fit regular clothes into your suitcase as well as toiletries and miscellaneous items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, a digital camera, and a laptop or tablet if you need to stay connected while away.

One key to enjoying your vacation is to pack as lightly as possible so you won’t be overwhelmed with heavy luggage. This can be a bit difficult to accomplish when you have to include equestrian riding apparel and horse equipment in the mix, but it is certainly doable if you plan ahead.

Tip #1: Don’t overlook the right equipment. Riding equipment often overlooked are riding helmets and equestrian boots. As soon as serious training and show season begin, many riders don’t have time to check their gear.

Tip #2: SALES! Spring is a great time to take advantage of riding apparel sales, while making sure you have everything you and your horse need. Not only does this season mean sunnier days, warmer temperatures and beautiful flowers, it is also the time of year when many exciting new styles of riding apparel and horse riding equipment are introduced.

Tip #3: Keeping your horse comfortable. As temperatures begin to rise, your horse will probably need a lighter weight blanket. You may also want to protect them against after-training chills with an exercise sheet. Many of these items are damaged and worn out over time.

Tip #4: Check your horse tack. Horse tack, being made primarily of leather, is prone to drying, cracking and molding in the cold, damp winter months. As you examine your horse tack for damage and wear, you can use some elbow grease and a high quality leather treatment to regain the supple luster it had when you first bought it. You can also identify those articles of horse riding equipment that simply must be replaced. The leather treatment will protect your horse tack from the seasonal wet and mud of spring.

Tip #5: Your Horse’s health. This is the time of year when you need to review your horse’s medical records to determine if any vaccinations are needed. It’s important to know that horse diseases can mutate and spread into new regions, as we have seen with West Nile disease. As diseases mutate, new vaccines are developed to help keep your horse safe and healthy. It is up to you to stay informed and to get your horse vaccinated regularly.

Please Note: There are many vaccinations that are recommended for particular geographical regions. These include: tetanus, rabies, East, West, and Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis, Influenza and Rhinopneumonitis. Depending upon your geographical region and your horse’s contact with other equines, you may also want to consider additional Influenza, Encephalomyelitis and Rhino vaccines, as well as those for West Nile Virus, Potomac Horse Fever, Strangles and Botulism.

Spring is here and you can be ready for anything with a quick check of what you have and need to ensure that both you and your horse enjoy the warm sunny days and productive training sessions of spring!