Hunter show attire has a reputation for being expensive. Traditional. A little stuffy, even.
And while the hunter ring definitely has a more specific aesthetic than jumpers, you don’t actually need to spend $800+ to look the part. I’ve put together plenty of show-ready outfits without breaking the bank - and right now, some brands are running sales that make it even easier.
Here’s how to dress for a hunter or jumper show for under $300, with actual products and links.
Quick Breakdown: Hunter Show Outfit Under $300
| Item | My Pick | Price | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breeches | Free Ride Tweed Bondie (Grey) | $30 | Free Ride |
| Show Shirt | Free Ride Cassidy | $65 | Free Ride |
| Hunt Coat | Free Ride Tweed Hunt Coat (Grey) | $45 | Free Ride |
| Belt | Classic leather | ~$30 | Amazon |
| Gloves | Roeckl or SSG | ~$35-50 | Local tack shop |
| Hairnet/Stock | Basics | ~$15 | Dover |
| Total | ~$220-235 |
That leaves room in your budget for hairnets, number holders, or even upgrading the gloves.
What the Hunter Ring Actually Requires
Let’s be clear about what you actually need vs. what’s tradition:
Required:
- ASTM/SEI certified helmet with harness
- Hunt coat or show coat
- Tall boots (or paddock boots with half chaps at lower levels)
- Breeches in a conservative color (typically beige/tan for hunters)
- Collared shirt
Traditional but not required:
- Ratcatcher collar
- Shadbelly (only for some upper-level classes)
- Monogrammed anything
The hunter ring values a polished, classic look - but “classic” doesn’t mean “expensive.”
The Breeches: $30 Tweed Bondies (Yes, Really)
Here’s the thing - Free Ride is running a sale right now and their Tweed Bondie breeches in grey are 70% off.
$30 for hunt-style breeches. They were $99.
These have that traditional tweed look that works perfectly for the hunter ring. The grey color is conservative enough for any class, and the full seat grip keeps you secure without looking like you’re wearing dressage breeches in the hunter ring.
This is the kind of deal that makes me tell everyone I know. Use code ELEVATED10 for an extra discount at checkout.
If you miss the grey sale, their standard Lux breeches in sand or beige ($95) are another excellent option. I wear mine literally every day - they’re legging-comfortable but look put-together enough for a show.
The Coat: $45 Tweed Hunt Coat
Same deal - Free Ride’s Tweed Hunt Coat in grey is currently 70% off. It was $150, now $45.
This is an Ashlee Bond collaboration piece, so the fit and quality are there. The tweed gives you that classic hunter look without feeling costumey.
I know $45 sounds too good to be true for a hunt coat, but this is just smart shopping. Brands run sales. Stock up when they do.
If you prefer black or navy, their standard Competition Jacket ($150) is also solid - but you’re paying full price for it.
The Show Shirt: Free Ride Cassidy ($65)
For your show shirt, I’d go with the Free Ride Cassidy in white or navy. It’s $65 and has that ratcatcher collar look the hunter ring likes, while actually breathing well in the warm-up ring.
Other options:
- Free Ride Amelia ($65) - slightly more traditional collar
- Free Ride Kate ($75) - champagne color for something a little different
- Free Ride Devon ($80) - light grey or olive
All of these have the collared, polished look the hunter ring expects.
Jumper Ring: Slightly Different Rules
If you’re showing jumpers rather than hunters, you have more flexibility:
- Colors can be bolder (navy, hunter green, even burgundy coats are fine)
- Breeches can be white, tan, or navy
- The overall look can be more modern/athletic
For jumpers, I’d still use the same budget approach, but you might swap:
- Breeches: Free Ride Lux in white or navy ($95) instead of the tweed
- Coat: Free Ride Competition Jacket in your preferred color ($150)
That does push you slightly over the $300 mark, but not by much.
The Rest of the Outfit
Belt (~$30)
A simple leather belt works. Nothing fancy needed - brown or black leather, silver buckle, done.
Gloves (~$35-50)
Roeckl or SSG are the standards. For the hunter ring, stick to tan, black, or white. I’d recommend trying on before buying since fit matters.
Hair & Accessories (~$15)
- Hairnet (match your hair color)
- Number holder or armband
- Stock pin (optional but adds a polished touch)
Boots (Budget Variable)
Boots are the wildcard in any budget outfit. A good pair of tall boots runs $200-500+, which would blow our budget alone.
Budget options:
- Paddock boots + half chaps: Totally acceptable at local shows and many A-rated classes. ~$100-150 total.
- Tredstep or Dublin tall boots: Entry-level tall boots run $150-200
- Used boots: Check consignment groups - lightly used show boots are everywhere
If you already own show-appropriate boots, that makes hitting $300 easy.
Sample Budget Breakdown
Here’s what I’d actually buy if I were putting this together from scratch:
| Item | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Breeches | Free Ride Tweed Bondie (Grey, 70% off) | $30 |
| Show Shirt | Free Ride Cassidy (White) | $65 |
| Hunt Coat | Free Ride Tweed Hunt Coat (Grey, 70% off) | $45 |
| Belt | Basic leather | $30 |
| Gloves | SSG All Weather | $35 |
| Hair accessories | Hairnet, pins | $15 |
| Total | $220 |
That’s $80 under budget, which could go toward boots, an extra shirt, or just stay in your pocket.
Asmar Alternative (Higher Budget)
If you have closer to $400-500 and want a more luxury feel, Asmar Equestrian is running a 30% off spring sale right now.
Their pieces are beautiful, sustainably made, and have that elevated look. The fit is excellent and the materials feel premium. It’s a bigger investment, but you get what you pay for.
For the hunter ring, I’d look at:
- Asmar Technical Show Shirt (~$85-120 before sale)
- Asmar All Weather Rider Jacket (their best-seller)
- Asmar Full Seat Grip Silicone Leggings - work as breeches
Their sale brings things closer to the Free Ride price point while giving you that luxury quality.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to spend a fortune to look the part in the hunter or jumper ring. Right now, with Free Ride’s current sales:
- $30 breeches (Tweed Bondie grey)
- $45 hunt coat (Tweed Hunt Coat grey)
- $65 show shirt (Cassidy)
That’s $140 for the big three pieces. Add basics and you’re well under $300.
This is smart shopping, not cutting corners. The quality is there - you’re just catching good timing.
Use code ELEVATED10 at Free Ride for an extra discount on top of the sale.
Looking for dressage show attire? Check out my guide to dressing for a dressage show under $300.
Need show shirts that won’t leave you drenched? Here are my picks for show shirts that stay cool.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. I only recommend products I actually use or would use myself. Your support helps keep this site running.
