Shadbelly coat...?

Wearing a shad at lower levels of competition (even A shows) is a BIG faux pas. A young lady wore one to a non-rated local schooling show a couple of years ago, and it was big talk - nothing good. You really have to earn your shad. Just like you earn your pinks.

If you want to look sharp, you can shell out for a higher quality coat with piping, or a coloured collar. I've got a lovely Ariat with piping that gets a lot of compliments. Pikeur, Animo, and Alessandro Albanese all make beautiful coats.

But really, you can make a nice picture without spending a ton of money. Finding a coat that flatters your body type is half the battle. Then pull it together with flattering breeches (for example, Ariat looks awful on me, but Pikeur and Grand Prix really look amazing).

Just saying I see the temptation here. The style is awesome! What a shame that the h/j world is so pigheaded conservative that omg, it would be a travesty for you to wear this at a show. Joking! That's kind of the way it is. Its why everybody looks almost, just almost alike.

I guess it would be like watching a training level dressage rider wearing what the Grand Prix riders wear. Yes, that would be odd because it breaks tradition. Certain coats are reserved for certain levels. But, omg would it look good! :-) Who doesn't love the look!

You could get away with it if you perform a truly near perfect ride. Then, everyone would try to emulate you. The trend would be changed like that. :-)

So many rules.

Yes it would be weird. Wearing a shadbelly is only appropriate for certain levels. It is very formal attire. If you were to show in one at the lower levels it would be like showing up to a business casual event in a ball gown, and the you may get marked down for wearing it. Some other riders might consider it rude for you to wear a shadbelly without higher level achievements as some riders feel that you need to earn the right to wear one. It is also inappropriate for junior riders to wear them, despite the fact that junior shadbellies have been popping up for sale.

Yes, Shedbellys in the hunter ring are only use for a higher level stake class or classic. they are not use for anything else. not over fence or flat class.

I don't think it's weird. It will make you look clean cut and we'll put together. As long as you don't mind paying the price.