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 youre really doing is exposing your arms. If its too warm for a jacket, why not just wear a smart short-sleeved shirt and stock?I must admit, Im 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 isnt 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!Ive 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, Id 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 couldnt 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.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 didnt 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 youre wearing and your horse or pony is smartly turned out, your whole attitude and mindset improve too.And lets not forget the photographer We all want that stunning photo where not only does the horse look its absolute best, but we do too!Theres also the fact that, unless you live on celery 24/7, no matter your shape or size, its sometimes nice to have that little bit of extra coverage and confidence. First impressionsWhen 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 Mums 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/styleIt 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 Id 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 Im being picky, Id 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 its 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 Id had about waistcoats. Caballo Elite waistcoat 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 Id 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 youre 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. Caballo Elite waistcoatStar rating4/5 starsThe only thing preventing a full five stars would be a slightly more tailored fit through the waist for me.ProsSmart, professional appearanceLightweight and comfortableExcellent quality materials and constructionTravels well with minimal creasingSecure fit thanks to the zip and button combinationConsCould be slightly more fittedPremium price pointI was asked for five pros and five cons. Im struggling to give any more cons!Key informationFull name: Caballo Elite single breasted waistcoatRRP 229Buy NowView the full range of products from Caballo EliteAbout Sam Turner Hi, Im Sam Turner, a Ride With Your Mind biomechanics dressage coach. Im probably best known for achieving my slightly mad goal of training and competing the first traditional Gypsy Cob, Cuffstown Rumble (or Billy Whizz, as he was known to his friends) to grand prix level dressage.In these photos, Im riding Audance Encore, better known as Sammy, a Crabbet Arabian stallion bred and owned by Rowena Bertram. Sammy is enormous fun and, as one judge recently described him, a real pocket rocket, which sums him up perfectly!Sammy and I have been partners in crime for several years now, gradually working our way up through the levels. Along the journey, weve been lucky enough to win novice, elementary and medium associated championship titles, and were now focusing on developing the strength, balance and carrying power needed for the more advanced work.Weve also done a huge amount of in-hand training. This has helped build Sammys strength and understanding, while keeping his work varied and enjoyable. Weve even thrown in the occasional jump for fun and reward.One of the things I love most about Sammy is his attitude. Hes always up for learning something new, throws himself into his work with enthusiasm and never fails to put a smile on my face. The post I was a sceptic about waistcoats, but this one has completely changed my mind! appeared first on Your Horse.