PSA: Be Bold, Pros. Don’t Be Boring
I spent an autumn weekend at the impressive and evolving TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City, Fla. This world-class venue has made some substantial changes since I was here for the same event last year. Two gorgeous barns, with 270 stalls between them, make up the new permanent stabling for competitors where last year, tent-based stalls sat. The expansive cross-country course felt larger and bolder this year, with an additional water element added and new mounds and hills to gallop over. TerraNova has secured multiple high-profile dates on the eventing, dressage and hunter/jumper show calendars this year and into next. On this weekend in October, they hosted FEI- and national-level dressage and eventing competitions.
It was exciting to be there to watch top riders from both disciplines. Both shows seemed to run smoothly and simultaneously, but it was the grand prix dressage on Saturday night that drew serious spectators. With so many rings set aside for the dressage competition, I was eager to see how riders would take part in the new USEF rules which allows dressage riders to show some flair – in an attempt to “modernize” the traditional dress code, U.S. Equestrian rules were updated to allow new coat and breech colors.
But so few, if any, riders at TerraNova really took advantage. I did not see one rider in pair of breeches in a shade other than white, nor a coat other than black or navy. Of course, the FEI has their own rules and regulations. And I understand it may take some time for riders to be bold and to test the limits of these new guidelines. But I was disappointed to see so many plain and boring turnout options when we finally have to go ahead to do something different and fun.
So this is a plea for help, professional riders. Don’t make this push for fun colors just an amateur trend – that cheapens it. It makes it feel dumbed down. Pros, please, embrace the freedom you have with these new rules and live on the edge (just a little). Help us push the sport forward by showing off a little with some green or beige or burgundy. Wild – I know. The farther we can get away from white breeches, the better for everybody, pro or ammie.
This hot take originally published in the Heels Down Spark in October 2022. Get more conversation starters in your inbox every weekday morning by subscribing to the Spark now.