Q. What about show clothes?
A. Proper show clothes are required. If you're wearing jodhpurs, as children under 13 usually do, then you may wear paddock (short) boots. Older children wear breeches and tall boots.  You also need a show shirt, a show jacket and a helmet. We've had plenty of kids win ribbons wearing boys' navy blue blazers bought second-hand at consignment stores and thrift shops.  They look enough like riding jackets to pass. Jackets are usually black, navy or green.  Red is only for fox-hunting or Olympians. Gloves are not required, but they look sharp.  Black batting gloves or golf gloves will work if you see them on sale (just take a permanent marker and color any Nike swooshes or Reebok stripes.)  Some tack stores have used riding clothes on consignment, as well as used boots.  Also, ask around the farm - kids outgrow clothes quickly and parents are often selling last year's show clothes.  There are a number of catalog companies, such as Dover Saddlery and State Line Tack, that offer show clothes in a variety of price ranges.