Dressage Pad
Sunday, August 8th, 2010Dressage & Event riders.......?
It's been quite a few years since I've been able to show, for one reason or another, (lost a horse, building a house, finishing a Masters....etc) so anyway, I am riding in a fun little schooling event this Sat. And I can't find my white dressage pad! ANYWHERE! So my question is, I have a black square pad with white piping, would that be ok for the dressage test? What is the "correct" turnout these days? This is just a schooling show so I can probably get by with anything, but I don't want to look totally out of it. I do have a dressage saddle I will be using for the test, an all-purpose saddle for the jumping portion.
Any suggestions? Thanks!!!
Thank you all! I'll be getting another white pad, it just won't get here in time for this Sat.! Also, I should have mentioned, as a "mature" rider, (i.e. over 35) I don't want to look like a kid. I'm saving my purple pad for the cross country! lolol 
Thanks for the comments.
For schooling show, really all you need is to be clean, neat, and tidy with your clothing and tack well fitted. A black pad will be just fine for dressage. In fact, I think a black pad looks better than white on a light colored horse, although you don't say what color your horse is.
At a schooling show "correct" turnout for dressage is breeches, boots, helmet, gloves, and a polo shirt or nice jersey, (all in conservative colors) and dressage tack. There are some people who will dress up in a coat and stock tie, but its not necessary. For stadium, you can wear the same clothes and your jumping tack. And for cross country, just add your vest. You can also get more colorful on cross country, so bring on your purple pad!
As an FYI, there was a rule change this year and even at recognized shows you can now wear a polo shirt for all three phases if they are contested on the same day.
Good luck and welcome back!