Submitted by Sara Justice: As a plus sized professional, showing the smallest horse I've shown since I was 12 years old, I'm in constant fear that someone is going to tell me I'm too big for my horse, because I had so many judges and trainers tell me I was too big for the warmbloods I showed. Other than the constant fear of being told I'm too big for my horse, finding flattering show jackets has been the biggest challenge for my show apparel. Kerrits is one of the only manufacturers that makes plus sized coats, but I just feel so frumpy in what I have. Even before I was really big, I still could only buy men's jackets because my shoulders were too big for women's coats. I plan on having a custom jacket made at some point when I'm showing higher levels, which is how I was able to have a shadbelly, but it's just so frustrating to have nothing to try on that fits
July is Plus Size Rider Month on YourDressage and we recently asked our social media followers to share stories, photos, memories, goals, and accomplishments of dressage riders who consider themselves “plus size” or who have once been “plus size.” And boy, did they deliver!
Follow along all month as we share and showcase their favorite riding partner, go-to brands for the best breeches and boots, and training routines to get that last medal score! We have also teamed up with SmartPak to offer three awesome prizes for readers and writers of our celebration of Plus Size Riders month! Check out how to enter here!
Beautiful! Love everyone’s courage and support. I try hard to be a sympathetic rider because I’m plus sized. I’m appreciative of all the brands offering more inclusive sizing. – Ami A.Just here for the inclusion and positivity! The scale says a bigger number for me than it used to, but that justify losing quality of life and engaging in a beloved life-long hobby. Love seeing all the beautiful pairs in this post 💪 – Rachel L.So glad to see this. – Anneke C.The Wide Boot Company saved my riding life ! After playing soccer for 25 years including collegiately I could never buy boots of the shelf until now. I will never own another boot! As an eventer and dressage riding aiming for my bronze medal, inclusive businesses like TWBC are essential to my success! Thank you for highlighting these companies and celebrating riders of every shape! – Coree R.-M.I love this! Been plus size on and off my whole life and always felt out of place. Now I do driven dressage, combined driving and pleasure shows. Driving is way more inclusive to larger horsemen and women… I’m so happy the other disciplines are on their way as well. – Krista Z.My former gelding and I schooling at home. – Krista Z.As a plus size rider in working equitation, I really appreciate the article. It’s such a sensitive topic and makes even posting pictures or seeing pictures of yourself posted mentally challenging.
– Brittney F.All throughout college I struggled with being a “plus size rider” on the equestrian team. They would height/weight you off of certain horses, and I always felt like I stood out. I’m very thankful to now have my own horse and not worry about that, but it’s still hard to feel like you “fit in” sometimes. So kudos to you to recognizing us! – Cassie H.I have been riding on and off since I was 14 years old. I feel there is no size, or age limit of riding ability . I have been Thankful to have the horses I have had in the past and my Little Champion (Twister) who I currently own for the past 11 years has taught me so much from Western to English. Yes I have had challenges about my weight over the years but I can still do a lot at my age of 65 years. – Denise K.🖤🤍 – Rachael E.Happy to see some other plus size riders getting visibility! And grateful that more and more brands are including a larger variety of offerings for us. Now, if Mountain Horse would just bring back their old style boots that actually fit my 18 inch calves, life would be perfect. 😂 – Jyl H.So glad this is being highlighted… I really appreciate SmartPak and Kerrits and other companies for expanding their sizes… However I get so frustrated when a company touts up to a 3 or 4x, but when you look at the actual measurements, it really only fits up to a size 14 or 16, maybe. I get so frustrated at the inconsistency in sizing! My go to items are the Kerrits tops, Hadley Curvy Breeches from SP, SPs Ada paddock boots, and Fuller Fillies tall boots. Ive pretty much given up on trying other brands just to be disappointed and have to jump through hoops to make a return. I do like the Kastel tops too, although they do run a bit smaller. – Gina H.
Christina Harmon shares a few of the things she's learned along her journey to becoming a USEF 'r' Technical Delegate to help you have a better show experience.
[…] is Plus Size Rider Month on YourDressage and we recently asked our social media followers to share stories, photos, […]