Now when it comes to competing I only compete in dressage that is my preferred equestrian discipline and I tend not to do anything else. However, having had a new livery (that is a new owner and horse at my yard) late last year who was heavily into her showing (that's in hand showing and ridden where they wear a lot of tweed) approach me and ask whether I would ride her new horse in a few of the ridden classes as she was wanting to do in hand classes with her new horse I couldn't really say no considering I'd be being paid for it as well as getting to ride a wonderful horse.

However, the downside was that my show gear mainly consisting of white breeches, white shirt, stock and navy show jacket are not really showing gear. Instead I needed a tweed jacket, canary coloured shirt, a pair of canary or beige coloured breeches and a tie were all now on the wanted list. Knowing I wasn't going to devote my life to showing like I do dressage I didn't want to pay full price for anything and if I could get it heavily reduced I would do which leads me to my review of the Shires Ladies Huntingdon Show Jacket.

I simply wanted a tweet show jacket in my size whether new or hardly worn I wasn't fussy. Browsing on Preloved came up with my bargain of the year! A lady was selling her brand new with tags Shires Ladies Huntingdon Show Jacket in my size, it was simply too small for her and she had run out of time to return it. The deal was done at a very reasonable £35.00 and I had my show jacket which RRP is around £100.00 or more! Shires are a well known brand in the equestrian world whether wanting items for you or your horse. They are also a brand which fit well into a budget without scrimping on the quality.

The Shires Ladies Huntingdon Show Jacket comes in a range of different tweeds namely; Green Check, Green Herringbone, Pink Check, Purple Check, Brown Herringbone, Beige/Green Tweed, Green/Pink Check, Green/Navy Check. I ended up with the Green Herringbone which as I wasn't being overly fussy is absolutely fine and would actually be one of the tweeds I would have gone for had I of been purchasing it elsewhere simply because it is smart and simple and the colour looks great with a canary yellow shirt - as pictured on Dooyoo! Regardless of which version you buy the jacket is suitable for hunting, showing as well as dressage should you want to wear it for a dressage test as many people do.

The Shires Ladies Huntingdon Show Jacket is a classic show jacket and has a very straight forward design, there is no bling, no colour contrasting lining it is just a very elegant jacket ideal for showing. It is made from 100% pure wool which does make it quite a heavy, thick jacket but don't get me wrong it won't feel like your carrying tonnes of weight it's just heavier than say a polyester mix jacket but that is expected when you buy a pure wool jacket. Depending on which tweed you buy will depend on the colour of the soft satin lining. My jacket has a very fitting dark green satin lining which really does suit the jacket perfectly.

Not all of the show jackets have a velvet collar and a velvet pocket trim but the green herringbone version which I have does have the velvet inset collar which is a very dark green together with the velvet pocket lining again in the same dark green colour which again is suited to the green of the jacket. The only issue that I do find is that should the velvet get wet especially if riding in the rain is that it can leave a mark giving the velvet a mottled effect so this should be something that is considered if wanting to buy the jacket. For me though I wasn't able to pick and choose like I would if paying full price in a store but I do like the contrast with the velvet against the tweed check. The jacket is done up at the front with colour matching buttons - it does come with a spare should one come off.

I do find this jacket extremely comfortable to wear but compared to my normal show jackets it is heavier but that is simply to do with it being made out of wool but I do like the type of check my jacket has as I do think the green herringbone version is incredibly smart and stands out nicely when worn. To help keep comfortable the jacket does feature double vents which do try to keep you cool when riding but on really hot sweltering days these don't do anything but they also give shape to the jacket too. The jacket is a tailored jacket and gives quite a slim fitting so be sure when buying to get your correct size as you may find that they can come up a little tight. But with your correct size the jacket will give a lovely shape especially when buttoned up.

Now I don't wear my jacket as often as I do my others simply because I don't show a lot but when I have ridden in this jacket it isn't restrictive, I don't feel that it is too tight especially around my shoulders it manages to be flexible enough to move with the horse rather than hold me back which is what I/ you need in a show jacket. The jacket fits nicely and comes just down over my hips which is a nice fitting as it isn't too long same goes for the sleeves I am quite tall and sometimes the sleeve length on garments can come up a little short but this fits just right as the sleeves are not too long and don't get caught on my gloves thereby keeping quite a smart look.

I've had my jacket around 8 or 9 months now and it has been worn more frequently since the showing season started although it was worn a few times during the winter at some winter showing events so in terms of how well it does quality wise my jacket still looks as good as new. I do try though to keep all my jackets in pristine condition and I'm careful when I wear it as I want it to look as perfect as possible. Because it is 100% wool unless you are incredibly careful it is best to have it cleaned at a dry cleaners which I will be doing at the end of the season when I know I'm not going to need it anymore. However, the quality of the jacket is wonderful, it is well made and still looks lovely.

I really don't have any complaints about this jacket it is incredibly versatile for various events and it is very comfortable which makes riding in it easy. If I was heavily into showing I wouldn't hesitate in paying the RRP as it is a great show jacket which looks just as good as far more expensive show jackets. If wanting a jacket for showing or hunting then this should definitely be considered especially if you don't want to pay an absolute fortune with others on the market. 5 stars from me.

~ Useful Information ~

Brand: Shires
Sizes: 30" - 46"
Availability: Shires stockists online or in store
Price: RRP around £100.00 but can be bought from £70.00 plus