Western Horsemanship show clothing can get extremely expensive and not everyone can afford it. It often seems impractical to spend a few hundred dollars on an outfit that a child might grow out of in a few months, for someone just starting to show horses or for someone on a budget. There are alternative options to purchasing expensive show outfits that will leave you looking just as flashy in the show arena for less.

• Buy western showmanship jackets, horsemanship and equitation show vests or shirts from a thrift store. Often you can find clothes in various styles and colors and for only a few dollars. Once you find a blazer, vest or shirt that you like, you can easily add accents depending on the look you want. Note: Beware of clothing that is too big or too small for you. You want your clothes to fit properly so that you look professional in the show arena, not sloppy or so that you cannot move. Articles too big can always be taken in, but make sure you factor this into the cost of your outfit. A blazer that only cost you $5 could cost $20 or more in alterations. Be patient when looking for clothes, you might not find something right away, but guaranteed you will find something that will work for you eventually.

• Find someone in your area that can sew. You can find patterns for all types of show jackets, vests, shirts and even pants and many different fabrics at fabric stores. This can dramatically cut down on the price of your clothing.

• Look on the internet, in your local paper or attend tack & clothing swaps for second Hand boots and clothing. Often stuff is in good shape; the owner has just grown out of it or is looking for a new outfit themselves.

• Borrow or swap outfits with your family, friends and neighbors. What seems old and boring to you is new and exciting to someone else.

• If you are looking for a new pair of chaps, consider ultrasuede rather than suede. Ultrasuede is lightweight, washable, comes in a variety of colors and is considerably less expensive than suede.

Accenting Your Clothes

Once you have your article of clothing, it is relatively easy to accent it to make it look like professional show clothing. Even those of you who are not particularly “crafty” can find easy ways to accent your clothing. Look on the internet, in the show arena and in books for ideas on how to accent your outfit. Preplanning on paper or on your outfit without adhering anything is usually a good idea so that you get the look you want without making mistakes.

• Designs can be added using free hand, stencils or stamps. Simple quilting patterns are perfect to use. Stick to designs that are simple and large; you want to make sure that your design is going to show up all the way across the arena.

• Rhinestones can either be glued or sewn onto your outfit or set into the fabric (suggested) using Tiffany or Rim sets found at you local craft or fabric store. A fun and easy way to add rhinestones is with a Bedazzler rhinestone setter or a simple hand setter found at a local craft store.

• Ribbon, cord, or beads can be glued or sewn on your outfit. If you are going to glue accents onto your clothing, be sure to use an adhesive that is strong, and that will dry clear.

• Fabric Paint is another option for adding “glitter” to your show clothes. There are various colors and finishes of paint that can be found at your local fabric or craft store. Fabric markers can also be used.

• Add fabric or faux leather to your clothing. Yokes and cuffs can always be accented to draw attention to you in the show arena.

Kelly Bell's (nee: Ashbacher) knowledge of horses grew in local 4-H and open shows competing in Western pleasure, Western equitation, English Pleasure, English Equitation, Trail, Showmaship and Halter classes. Kelly competed with two horses over her showing career; a sorrel Quarter Horse Mare, Double D Fashion and a Sorrel Overo Paint mare, Little Partee Sis.