The Great Back Number Debate

By: Brittany Bevis

Everyone has a different method for pinning on back numbers. Some use traditional safety pins for security, while others prefer magnets for the “no hole” approach. Some like to secure the number on the top and bottom, while others attach on the sides. The placement of the number on an exhibitor’s back is another topic entirely. But one thing is for certain, there are a lot of differing opinions when it comes to this horse show staple.

We asked our The Equine Chronicle readers the following questions: Do you pin on the sides or the top and bottom of the number? Do you use safety pins or magnets? What about placement- the shoulders or small of the back? How do you prevent the number from bunching? Any back number pet peeves?

We received so many responses! Scroll below to see preferences, advice, and tips.

Top Tips

Britney Kitchel Brandt– “I always trim numbers. Then, I use Duct tape on the back where I’m going to pin, so the number doesn’t rip. I prefer magnets for Showmanship, or a tagging gun.”

Brenda Weyers- “When possible, pin to the jacket before it’s on the person! When the jacket is laying flat, it’s much easier to position and get it perfectly centered. If pins must be used, a large, curved quilting pin works great.”

Carla Whaley– “I pin from underneath the garment.”

Kelly Lazo- “We put Duct tape on the sides before we pin them. It helps keep your number from tearing.”

KristiPaul Castelo– “Use Duct tape and pin on the sides so it lays flat. We show outside in NM, so if it’s windy, pin on all four sides.”

Jill Anderson Steffens– “I really wish the small frys could have single digit numbers. Double if needed when there are more than nine in the events. Those triple digits are tough to get positioned on a little one’s back! But definitely Duct tape, and I go vertical with the pins on the left and right.”

Cindi Madej- “Safety pin on the sides from underneath so the pins do not show. Placement is in the middle of the shoulder blades. Use Duct tape on the back of the number where the pins will go to prevent tearing when showing all-around events as numbers have to be moved to pads as well.”

Linda Weber– “Safety pin then use a binder clip. It’s easy to change numbers.”

DN Goguencollar– “Use a clip or tag gun.”

Trista North– “Do NOT have face grease or baby oil on your hands! It becomes very hard not to stab yourself or them in the back.”

 

Number and Pin Placement

Lori Arthur– “Between the shoulder blades. It’s a back number, not a license plate!”

Amy Munz Barco- “I use the holes, if there for placement, otherwise on the sides. Where the number goes is dependent on how long my hair is at the time and if it’s in a ponytail or bun.”

Vickie Sedberry Clarkson– “I like just above the small of the back. Use safety pins, one on each side. I put them on while my jacket or shirt is hanging on a hanger. It helps get the number straight.”

Kaleena Katz Weakly– “Top to bottom for Halter and side to side in Showmanship. I feel like the numbers are more likely to tear when showing in Halter, specifically with babies if you’re bending down a lot to place feet, so it’s safer to do top and bottom.”

Natasha Bothwell- “Top to bottom. I’m always in charge of the numbers. We Duct tape across where the pins go. Never get the under shirt and jacket caught in the pen. For Halter exhibitors, we have multiple horses for one or two open exhibitors, so my very last thing is to DOUBLE CHECK and make sure the number is right, the person is right, and the horse is right. Messing up numbers is never accepted.”

Julie Cole Smith– “Top to bottom!”

Katie Mitchell– “Sides, NEVER top and bottom. Left then right, bottom hole first, out the top, lay the pin flat. Get it centered and straight. The pattern on the jacket will help you! Lightly pinch the sides and the top and bottom to prevent curling. If I had a nickel for every number I’ve pinned and feet I’ve blacked…”

 

Magnet Fans

Alicia Rife– “Always use magnets from Hold It Equestrian LLC on each of the four corners.”

Kelli Meyer Cobler- “Hold It Magnets are essential! One in each corner starting on the top.”

Hold It Equestrian LLC– “Magnets of course! Between the shoulders, start at top left, then right, then same at the bottom. My pet peeve is people ruining their beautiful clothing with holes.”

Trina Bassett Raley- “I would prefer if we did away with pins for both men and women for this very reason. Show clothes, even suits, are damaged with repeated holes from pins.”

Renae Wesenberg- “Magnets on the four corners and between the shoulder blades. If an exhibitor is showing multiple horses in Halter with classes close together, put magnets on the first number to their clothes on the corners, then put the other numbers on top of that number at the sides.”

Carianne Rawlings– “Magnets on all four corners, and we use the same numbers so they’re always on the jackets and pads and not scrambling before a class.”

Debbie Immel Loftus- “I don’t use pins. I make back number holders. It’s easy and fast to change, especially when showing more than one horse.”

Cheyenne Engelman– “HoldIt Magnetic Numbers. NO MORE HOLES! I try to have my number in place the day before the show. It’s one less thing to worry about!”

Amy Engelskirger– “As a designer of suits, and I personally wear one for Showmanship, I advise my customers to use plain white square magnets from Hold It Equestrian LLC. Safety pins are not advised to used on suiting material as they will snag the fabric.”

Chesna Wertz– HoldIt Magnetic Number Holders all the way. It makes it super easy and quick to switch numbers, if showing multiple horses as well. You can also color coordinate the stones to match your outfit. Use HoldIts on all for corners and in between the shoulder blades. Having a number too low is one of my major pet peeves.”

Susan Dowdle– “Magnets or the clip that goes over the collar.”

 

Just For Fun

Keith Carter- “Certain folks, who will remain unnamed, pinned with different methods, but one thing remained. My shirt and jacket were always pinned together!”

Kendra Schultz-“However it works, as long as you don’t literally stab your trainer in the back.”

Ashley Peterson– “Mainly just try not to stab the person I’m pinning it on…”

Be sure to stay tuned to The Equine Chronicle on Facebook for our next Question of the Week for the opportunity to be featured in an upcoming article.