To wear or not to wear waistcoats?
Okay, so yes, I was one of those competitors who sat firmly on the fence thinking, why bother with a waistcoat when you can either wear your jacket… or not?
They look smart, but surely all you’re really doing is exposing your arms. If it’s too warm for a jacket, why not just wear a smart short-sleeved shirt and stock?
I must admit, I’m not always a fan of some of the shirt-and-stock combinations you see, and definitely not just a shirt with no stock. Sometimes I feel it can look a little half-dressed. A smart short-sleeved shirt or top with a stock can look much neater. But then you have the issue of your stock blowing around in the wind if it isn’t held down by your jacket.
For years, I had a safety pin attached to the inside of my stock and pinned it to my top. More than once, I managed to pin myself in as well!
I’ve always been careful with my pennies. When I first started competing in British Dressage in 2007, I bought a second-hand tweed jacket and still had my long riding boots with the thin leather strap at the top (hunting style). They were extra special as my dad bought them for me as a gift for my 16th birthday. I looked after my boots religiously, cleaning them after every wear and putting them straight back into their boot bag.
My current jacket is now around 10 years old. Back then, I’d dreamed of owning one of those beautiful slim cut-away jackets. Friends were spending money on these fashionable new designs and I desperately wanted one, but I couldn’t justify the price when every spare penny was going on training and trying to get my little traditional-coloured Gypsy Cob through the levels and up to advanced.
A jacket with history
One afternoon, Mum and I were doing a bit of horsey shopping when we stumbled across a Cavallo cut-away jacket in the sale section. It was a size 14. I was a small size 10.
I looked at Mum, who happens to be an interior designer and can turn her hand to making clothes for fun, and asked, “Can you make this fit and still make it look good?”
With a bit of haggling, we got it for a steal at less than half price. I went home grinning from ear to ear. Mum worked her magic and, 10 years later, I still love wearing it and feel incredibly proud every time I put it on.
I promised myself that when I reached prix st george level (PSG), I would treat myself to a beautiful brand new tailcoat. I was extremely proud to wear it at grand prix. I was hopeful it would come back out on Bricklehampton Court Cedric, but sadly he suddenly passed away, so now Little Duke will have the big boots to fill, along with Sammy.
So perhaps you can now understand my dilemma.
- Why would I spend money on a waistcoat if I didn’t really need one?
- Are they actually worth it?
- Will I be too hot?
- Do they look smart enough for a championship?
- And does a local or non-championship show even warrant a waistcoat?
I am all about presentation. I believe making an effort is respectful to the judges, but not just that; if you feel good in what you’re wearing and your horse or pony is smartly turned out, your whole attitude and mindset improve too.
And let’s not forget the photographer… We all want that stunning photo where not only does the horse look its absolute best, but we do too!
There’s also the fact that, unless you live on celery 24/7, no matter your shape or size, it’s sometimes nice to have that little bit of extra coverage and confidence.
First impressions
When my Caballo Elite waistcoat arrived in a beautifully presented box, I was impressed straight away.
The quality of the material, the smart lining and the stitching really stood out. Time and thought had clearly gone into both the design and the making of this garment. It even received Mum’s approval, which is no small achievement.
To be honest, I was initially unsure about the combination of both a zip and buttons. Who wants to faff around with both?
But once I put it on, it all made sense.
Fit/style
It sat exactly where I wanted it to, with no gaping between the buttons and no chance of anything popping open during a particularly enthusiastic extended trot from Sammy. Suddenly, the extra thought behind the design became very clear.
The waistcoat was lovely and lightweight, yet still had enough structure to sit properly and look smart.
The material felt high quality and one thing that really stood out to me was how well it travelled. I neatly rolled it up and placed it into my clothes bag while travelling to a customer before heading on to a show in her lorry. When I pulled it back out, it still looked as good as when I’d packed it.
For me personally, I almost needed the next size down or a slightly more fitted cut through the waist. However, because of my broader shoulders, I needed the size 10. If I’m being picky, I’d love to see a little more shaping through the back and maybe even a touch of bling on the rear waistband!
As a biomechanics coach, I love seeing buttons on the back of jackets as they show up any asymmetry – no one is perfect, guys!
The top pocket features a little white pocket square, which looks very smart, but it’s not fixed in place. That means you can change the colour or remove it entirely if you prefer.
Most importantly, this waistcoat was extremely comfortable.
I felt smart wearing it, and I have to admit it completely challenged all those old negative thoughts I’d had about waistcoats.
Value for money
Is it worth £229?
Well, “Miss Tight Pants” here is probably a little out of touch with pricing these days!
After doing some research – and getting a bit of a shock at what things cost now – I’d say yes, it is worth the price. You pay for what you get!
The quality, comfort, presentation and practicality all justify the investment, particularly if you’re competing regularly and want a polished look without wearing a jacket in warmer weather.
The only thing preventing me giving this product a full five stars would be a slightly more tailored fit through the waist for me.
Key information
Full name: Caballo Elite single breasted waistcoat
RRP £229
