No one ever beat me at a horse show because they wore an expensive show coat…. . And I wish I’d had that voice of reason when at 28 I paid expedited shipping for my $900+ Samshield Shadbelly the week before my first 3* Long (on my credit card of course..) . I’ve since packed a few pounds and in the market again. I found a great used coat from the triedequestrian last week for $120, and I find it so interesting how the concerns I had in my 20s, are pretty nonexistent now. . I no longer feel this “need” to wear something above functionality or safety. In my 20s I had this belief that if I presented myself in some way, with higher end clothes, boots, helmets.. it would somehow lift my status or gain respect (to what I don’t know) . I don’t think that was ever a healthy belief system. I don’t think the apparel and in most cases tack, if chosen at the lower or mid price point, are going to limit competitiveness or safety. . Now, I can spend my money. I have a helmet with crystals to order...