When searching for the perfect outfit to have your child wear in the Western Show Circuit, a few key rules will ensure a shining performance everytime.

First thing to consider is what looks good on the horse, of course. But then to also make sure the colors are what the competitor feels outgoing in. I use outgoing, because if she/he doesn't feel WOW LOOK AT ME! then no amount spent on the clothing or training is going to help the judge notice her/him. Think about making the cuffs in the color that compliments the horse and the base of the outfits in what makes her feel good. She'll shine and the horse will stand out with the colors that look good on them. Both will have what they want, and both will have the winning LOOK AT ME stand and smile.

When buying tops and jackets, look at maybe getting a top that is slightly larger and taking it to your local seamstress to have it fitted for the TOP DOLLAR custom look. Then same with the jacket, even if the jacket has beautiful applique work, a professional seamstress will know where to take in so that the beautiful applique work is not distorted and stays centered. Tah dah Custom Tops and Jackets for a Fraction of what is would cost from scratch and not looking like it came off the rack.

When coming to pants and chaps. I know alot of people always say to me are you nuts, but I find this rule hard and fast. I am a firm believer in 2 pairs of pants. The pants for Halter and Showmanship are sharp and hemmed at the boot heel line. But, the pants that are in the rail classes, I also have an extra inch sometimes two on them. Why? I get this question often, because as she/he rides the pants will come up off the boot, up the leg taking the chaps with them.  It may only be an inch or two, but the little bit of natural creeping to accomidate the leg for straddling a horse and saddle will result in extra folds in the knee and hip flex. Very unflattering and not as polished as the should be. But with that extra length the natural creep happens and stops when the chaps are put on AFTER getting on the horse. Sound crazy, but try it, it works everytime. Chaps, I have to say are the onething that should have the bucks behind them. They are the most apparent thing that the judge sees and creates that long line. If the chaps are to big they flop and too small they look confining. Chaps should be smoth and have no more than six folds at the knee, three are ideal, no more than two folds at the hip flex, no folds are ideal, and no folds at the boot. The heel drop should be at least 1/2 inch below the bottom of the boot heel and if her/his legs are short consider a 1 1/2 -2 inch heel drop. The line is so much longer and doesn't look obvious and awkward.

I hope you found this information helpful, these are always the key points when I'm making outfits for my daughter, and I must say that she looks fabulous! Please let me know by voting if you also found this helpful, and don't forget to visit my store, elainegracewesterncouture.com!