What to Wear in the Show Ring

6/25/2016

I vividly remember our son's first year showing in 4-H. We arrived at the county fair with no idea what we were doing and no idea what questions to even ask. We felt like we were the only ones that didn't have a clue. Everyone was busy getting ready for the show and we just stood there with that deer in the headlights look. We needed someone to hand us a manual of everything we were supposed to know and questions that we were supposed to ask. Guess what...there is no manual.

The best way to find out what you need to know is to ask a lot of questions (even if you don't have enough of clue to know what questions you should be asking), observe, observe, observe, and just resign yourself to having a baptism by fire.

There are a lot of unknowns and insecurities when you are new to the stock show life. One thing that you can easily master is what the showman is supposed to wear in the show ring. Sometimes it is as simple as shopping your closet and other times you just need a few specific items. Here are a few pointers and reminders.

General Guidelines

Your general appearance should be neat and clean.
Don't wear your show clothes all day. You are working in a barn and you will inevitably get wet and pooped on. Change into your show clothes right before the show to keep yourself clean and show ready.
Always tuck in your shirt.
While hats and jackets with your farm name are great advertisement, they are not appropriate for the show ring. You and your cattle should win on your own merit, not on who you are or what farm your cow came from.

Jeans

First and foremost, your jeans should be clean.
Jeans should be boot cut, but don't have to be Wranglers.
No holes!
Make sure that your jeans are pulled down over the outside of your boots

Belt Buckle

Always wear a belt
If you have a buckle, wear it.
Make sure that your buckle and shirt buttons are in a straight line with the zipper on your jeans.

Collared Shirt

Long-sleeved button-down shirts are the norm. In the heat of the summer, short-sleeved button-down shirts are acceptable.
Girls can get away with a polo shirt if needed.
Typically, shirts are brightly colored, solid or plaid.
Your shirt should be neat and pressed.
In the winter, it is completely acceptable to wear vests or sweaters over your collared shirt to keep warm. Just make sure that they are close fitting so that they are not a distraction and do not get caught on your animal.

Boots

Leather cowboy boots or ropers are the norm.
Lace up leather boots can be used.
Absolutely no muck boots or tennis shoes.
Never tuck your jeans into your boots.
Clean and polish your boots.

Hats

Ball caps are never acceptable.
Cowboy hats may be worn.
In this part of the country, the only cowboy hat you will see in the ring, belongs to the judge.
If in doubt, check the show rules and observe what others are wearing.

Hair

Hair should always be neat and tidy.
Girls, take this opportunity to do something fancy.
A judge once told us that he always makes his son get a haircut the week before a show. A good rule of thumb.
Don't forget to take a comb and hairspray along for those last minute fix-ups.

Bling

Girls, bling is a fun way to express yourself.
Boys...never!
Make sure that the bling does not overtake you and become a distraction.

There is so much to learn and remember for the show ring. Take some time to prepare your show ring wardrobe in advance to relieve some of that last minute stress. If you don't have all these items, don't get too uptight. Do the best you can, shop your closet, borrow from a friend, and never forget to have fun. I have never seen a judge kick someone out of the show ring for "not having the proper uniform". Remember that your appearance should complement you and your cow and not distract.

And moms...if your kids are anything like mine, they haven't worn a long pair of pants in weeks. Make sure that they haven't outgrown everything in their closet. Don't wait until the night before the show...unless your O.K. with a midnight Walmart run.

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