In a sport for which the last significant fashion event was in the 1920s, when women stopped riding sidesaddle, it will come as no surprise that Show Season 2015 includes no fashion updates. In fact, our experience has shown that there is no bunch of people who are more resistant to current fashion than show judges.

    The first show is nearly upon us, which means a new hunt coat for most of us. Buy the same one your grandmother wears. In the most boring color you can find. In my search, I came upon a Swarovsky-embellished, silver metallic fabric hunt coat. Do whatever you must to resist buying one of these--- The judges will actually shoot you. Just kidding, but what you want is to be remembered for your riding, not for your glow-in-the-dark hunt coat. Dover's got one in grey, black, or grey-black on sale right now for $89.99. It's probably even waterproof.

    The same advice can be taken for one's personal appearance, also. Wear the same make-up as your grandmother. At a show last summer, I remember seeing an otherwise very talented rider having a hard time being taken seriously because her face was done up like a Las Vegas showgirl. Judges are the most conservative people on earth, especially in Hunters where appearance is very important. Express yourself in any way that tells the world who you are, every single day of your life, but try to tone it down on show day. Guys, if you wear make-up to express your inner you, go for it, but  the Judges might not understand your fabulousness.

    These are nit-picky things, I know, but you're all such good riders and I want to make sure that you're recognized for your talent and not for your sparkles!