The elegant sight of a horse and rider cantering around with shadbelly tails flying is one that captivates many equestrians, resulting in the shadbelly coat being a highly desirable item in the competing hunter wardrobe.
Originally, this special coat was worn exclusively for Dressage and formal occasions on the Hunt Field. However now, many competitions like Hunter Classics, Derby Classes and Pony Finals include the shadbelly in their attire guidelines.
The classic Hunter shadbelly is a black coat cut short on the front midsection with long tails at the back. Riders typically sport a stock tie or pin, as well as taddersall points on the bottom of the coat. With its roots dating back to early European settlers colonizing Latin America, its popularity has grown exponentially over the years, and there are now more options available than ever before when it comes to designing your own style.
The origins of the name shadbelly can be traced to centuries ago when gentlemen would wear scarlet coats known as "pink" coats to formal foxhunts such as opening day or joint hunts - whilst ladies were expected to wear what was known as "swallowtail," which later on evolved into today's shadbellies. The traditional stock tie with either a gold or silver safety-pin-type stock pin was both handsome and practical. On the hunt field, the stock tie doubles as a bandage for an injured horse, or perhaps a bandage or sling for an injured rider. A simple pin is more customary for hunting occasions as compared to show rings where heirloom brooches and fancier pins are often seen.
According to Lauren Mauldin who wrote for The Plaid Horse, shadbellies are a “bucket list apparel item for many equestrians.” She notes that “riders on all different levels dream of cantering around with their tails flying.” So, what kind of shadbelly should you get?
Maudlin explains that “black wool with a yellow vest or points is the traditional choice,” but fabrics and color choices have evolved just as they have in the show coat world. RJ Classics, for example, offers a mesh shadbelly with the fabric and comfort of their Harmony Classic show coat. The points are reversible so that a rider can choose either classic canary or a stunning black and gray design.
On Etsy, you can find handmade taddersall points to add more of your own style to the most classic of coats. Our trainers suggest classic, non-distracting point colors to honor the traditional style and keep the judge's eye on your riding rather than your bling.
Check out Maudlin’s article for some great pictures of top derby riders wearing various styles of the shadbelly coat.
USEF judge Fran Dotoli explains in an article for Practical Horseman that “shadbellies continue to symbolize the most traditional, formal occasions in foxhunting, which is why you see them only in hunter classes, not jumpers or equitation.” She notes that shadbellies are not required by U.S. Equestrian Federation rules, but they do fall under the category of “formal attire” and are thus acceptable whenever that is included in a class description.
We keep a small selection of shadbellies in stock at the Tack and Habit Shoppe. We even have one in a child's size 8 which would be perfect for a young rider's first derby. If you don't see what you want, chat, email, or give us a call at 757-566-3333 so we can help.
