Ask an Expert    Showing Dressing for Success       Clinical Approach Q. I'm gearing up for some serious campaigning in the show ring this season and I'd like to present as polished and professional an appearance as possible. What should I be considering when I go shopping for new outfits? A. Kay Mortensen of Showtime Show Clothing of Bozeman, Montana has some tips on getting your horse show apparel ready for the 2001 show season: Fit, fit, fit is the key to looking like a winner. When you pick out your next horse show outfit, check the armholes and the back of your vest to make sure you do not have gaps and wrinkles. Are the armholes in the vest so large that you see gaping at your shoulder blades? Remember, in rail classes you are being judged from the side. Is the vest correct for your length of back? A vest that is too long will buckle in the back and cause an unsightly bulge in the middle when you're seated in the saddle. A vest that is too short will ride up show your shirt sticking out above your chaps. A good-fitting vest should reach the bottom of your belt loops on pants that button at your natural waist. Many fashion jeans are lower, hip hugging styles; these are not appropriate for show pants. Following the importance of fit are colour and contrast. Use colour to your advantage. Take into account what colours you feel most comfortable in and use them. Bright colours contrasted with black are effective. Finally, combine contrasting colours with shapes that flatter rather than flop. A garment that gives a nice square shoulder effect and slims in an hourglass or V shape to the waist is a good bet for all figure types. The level of competition in horse shows is intense; anything your can do to stand out is of benefit. If you look and feel your best you will project this attitude to the judge and find yourself in the ribbons. Back to Top Q. I'd like to attend at least one clinic this year but I'm having a hard time deciding which one to pick. There are more than half a dozen scheduled in my area that look interesting. My financial resources are limited and I'd like to get the most out of my dollar. How do I choose? A. Thoughts on finding the right clinic are shared by riding instructor Chrys Craig who lives in the Slocan Valley of BC: I, too am facing this dilemma at the moment - so many clinicians, so little time (and money)!. Some of the most popular clinicians already have waiting lists at all of their venues, so it's good to sort out what you need for help well before the season begins; that way you'll have a better chance of getting a deposit in to save a spot in your clinic of choice. Here's are some of the points I'd suggest you consider before you make a financial commitment: Why do you need to attend a clinic? Do you have a problem with a particular horse? Are you ready to move on in your training or sport but don't quite know where to go next? Or is it you that needs work? Do you need to improve your ground-handling techniques? Does your riding form leave a lot to be desired or even hinder your horse? Know first what it is you want to achieve and don't expect to do it all at once. Focus on yourself or on your horse. It may be, if you're the one that needs improving, that you should take a seasoned mount to learn with, rather than struggling to learn while struggling with a non-cooperative horse. If you donšt have a quiet or well-trained enough animal, consider borrowing one. Do you even need to take a horse? Depending on what you want to learn and on your learning style, it's sometimes more useful to "audit" a clinic. Attending as a spectator leaves you free to observe many problems being solved, to take notes or even video tape the proceedings (with permission), to visit with other participants and learn from them. Also, if you're not familiar with a particular clinician's style or approach, you can sit back, take it all in and decide if this is someone who you'd like to bring a horse to - maybe during next year's clinic. Finally, as a paying spectator, you do still have a role to play. Most clinicians are more than happy to answer questions from the gallery and welcome the input from the crowd. What do you know about the clinician? Is he or she highly skilled or just well-known? Will she be instructing at your level of expertise or able to deal with your needs? What is her teaching style? What is her philosophy or approach to training? If you're going to a top cutting clinician, don't expect her to spend a lot of time on developing a better relationship with your horse! Of course, this is an exaggerated example, and good clinicians are able to deal successfully with the different needs of students at different levels, but it can still be disconcerting to be out of your depth or way ahead of the pack and a little homework before hand should clarify this. If you aren't familiar with a clinician, talk to organizers and/or to former participants before signing up so you know you'll be in the right place. Finally, do the clinic conditions justify the expense? Is the student-teacher ratio reasonable for the type of clinic being offered? Is the facility adequate in terms of size, shelter, stabling and safety? Sometimes you end up paying for more than you get - if you're one of 70 students with no chance to ask questions, if you're wet, cold and too miserable to focus on what's being taught, if you and your colt kept getting run over by careless or clueless participants. Make sure by talking to organizers that you know what to expect and that you'll be okay with what's offered. Back to Top IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: At westernhorsereview.com our 'Ask an Expert' page is not intended to replace diagnosis or treatment of your horse by your veterinarian or other professionals; westernhorsereview.com does not assume any legal responsibilty.