What is the most versatile color for show coats?

Black.

Black coats for Hunter. Black coats for Jumper. Black coats for Dressage. Actually for Dressage, if you use anything but black you would stick out.

But keep in mind, there is a difference between Hunt coats and Dressage coats. A Dressage show coat will be longer and have four buttons... a H/J coat will be shorter and have three buttons. At lower levels this will probably not matter very much and I wouldn't stress about it.

At higher levels, especially in the Hunter or Dressage rings, it will matter. For Show Jumping and Eventing, I believe they are more lenient.

Who ever said back doesn't know what they are talking about. Black is reserved for dressage.. Use a navy blue if you want it to be versatile and if it's dark enough it can be worn with white breeches for dressage

Well don't get black. I was at a show 2 weeks ago and the black jackets all looked cheap compared to the mild muted colors of navy, plaids/tweeds, and grey.

Black would be best especially for dressage. An off black or deep charcoal would also work. Navy is my second choice - no pin stripes.

Navy blue is a tried and true classic.

Black is the most traditional.

If you don't want black, then either navy or dark green.

sort of fawn, like Prince Charles' coat that he is always wearing.

Black

Black.