Why Are Black Show Outfits So Popular?

Silvia Panza is a competitor from Italy who loves everything having to do with horse show fashion, which she writes about on her blog, Fancy In The Sand. If you’d like to have your blog post shared on EquineChronicle.com like Silvia, email B.Bevis@EquineChronicle.com. 

By: Silvia Panza – Fancy In The Sand

Black outfits are everywhere around us. No matter if it’s Showmanship, Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, or Trail, most of the riders wear black. Some of them choose totally black outfits, while others prefer to wear black chaps, a black hat, and a black base jacket/vest/bolero with some bright decorations.

In my opinion, there are four reasons why black is so popular.

Elegance

Nobody can deny that black is elegant. It’s appropriate for every event, from a local show to the World Show; for every rider, no matter if they’re a beginner or a Congress Champion; and for any age, from youth to select. Moreover, black helps to hide some imperfections of our bodies.

Versatility

Black pairs with every horse color. If you show multiple horses, or you’re a trainer, black is a smart choice. You can ask your designer to apply decorations in every color. You could choose white, gold, and silver, if you want to look like a princess; bright colors like fuchsia, orange, lime green, and yellow, if you want to have a fun and fresh look; or purple and grey, if you like a rock/punk style.

Fear

Black is a “safe” color. You can’t go wrong with it. I think this is the reason why a lot of girls wear it. Many riders could be afraid of other people opinion. “What if I’m too old or not good enough to wear bright colors?” As I’ve said many times, you should wear what you like. Wear black, only if you go crazy for it, not because of what others may think of you!

Timeless investment

A black outfit is an investment that will last many years. An adult rider can purchase a black hat or black chaps and use them for ten years. Black will never be out of fashion. If you decide to buy a black jacket, you can show in it for several show seasons. I bought my first pair of black chaps and my first high quality black show jacket in 2011, and I’m still wearing them at the shows! I take great care of them, and they still look brand new. When I want to wear something classy and not “out of the scheme,” I just pick up my “little black jacket,” and I feel really good in the pen.

These are the reasons why, in my opinion, black is such a hit in the show pen. What do you think about it?