Turnout
Hacks in the UK are shown in lightweight bridles with coloured browbands. Quarter marks may be applied to the haunches of the horse, often in a chequerboard or triangular pattern. Riders should wear buff or canary breeches, navy jackets, shirt and tie, long riding boots and a navy hat. Show canes may be carried.
In the USA, the attire and turnout for Show Hacks are modeled on dressage competition. While any type of correct hunt seat tack and attire is legal, the preferred style (even before 6:00 pm when formal attire is generally worn) is that of formal Grand Prix Dressage: Black or navy shadbelly, top hat, white breeches, black boots, white gloves, dressage saddle and double bridle. Whips are permitted, spurs are optional. Coloured browbands are not allowed, though dressage-style browbands with some ornamentation are acceptable. Kimblewick and Pelham bits are allowed in addition to traditional snaffle bits and double bridles. Horses are usually shown with a braided mane and the tail is left unbraided or lightly pulled on the upper portion of the dock in a manner similar to dressage competition.
Canadian turnout rules are somewhat in-between the US and UK rules. Riders are to wear a black or dark jacket, white or tan breeches, and may wear any type of English riding hat, including a top hat, derby. or hunt cap. Tweed jackets may be allowed at the option of show management. Whips are not allowed, spurs are optional. Bridles may be double, pelham, snaffle or Kimblewick. Browbands must be of leather and may have some ornamentation, but cannot be coloured, sequined, or solid white. The formal shadbelly is not seen in open competition as often as it is seen in the USA, other than in breed-specific competition. Horses may be braided.
Australian turnout rules are reasonably flexible, depending mainly on the location of the events with country shows being somewhat less formal. Hack turnout classes however have strict protocols regarding the complete turnout and appearance. The biggest equestrienne and hack competition of Australia is the Garryowen trophy which is held at the Royal Melbourne Show. The competition is judged on mount, costume, saddlery, riding ability and general appearance of horsewomen.
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