Heather Flanagan, from Donaghadee, Co Down, rides in side-saddle events with her horse, Beamish
Describe what you're wearing
It's a navy blue riding habit for side-saddle riding, basically a jacket and a buttoned apron worn over navy jodhpurs and leather boots. With it, I'm wearing a white shirt and silk stock with a brass stock pin, a yellow waistcoat and a top hat and veil. The habit is basically Victorian hunting wear, but is now much lighter - the originals were in heavy serge. Some people put weights in the hems to keep the apron in place. Some wear red waistcoats.
What's the purpose of the veil?
To keep flies away.
Do you always wear a top hat riding side-saddle?
It's customary to wear a bowler before noon and a top hat at any royal show, or after noon. My top hat is from the well-known hat store Christys of London.
Where do you get these special clothes?
The jacket and apron cost about £500 (€630) from Caldene, a company in the UK. The boots are handmade by Davies in Wales - they are made specially to fit your legs, and come with wooden trees and cost £1,000 (€1,260). My side-saddle, which is made for horse and rider, took a year to make and cost £2,600 (€3,280), from Wessex Side-Saddle in the UK. My jodhpurs are by Tattini and I got them from Ayr Equestrian, in Scotland.
Is appearance very important when you are competing?
Yes, because in side-saddle you are judged on the overall picture of horse and rider as one, which should be one of elegance. The attire feels very nice and is a morale booster, though it can get very warm in hot weather. It's nice to dress up and it is a bit more challenging.
Does it affect the way you dress normally?
Not a bit. I love high heels, especially green or red ones with jeans, and I like to dress up. But I am not a natural show-off - you can hide behind your habit when you are riding side-saddle. I like fitted jackets, but I do like girlie skirts as well.
Any particular weakness?
Yes, shoes and handbags. I particularly love Mimco leather bags from Australia. I bought one on a holiday there, along with my Versace sunglasses.
Favourite shops?
I like House of Fraser. Mrs Candy, based in England, sells great riding jackets. She goes to shows and championships and I buy shirts and ties from her as well. I get bridles, saddles and general horsey gear from Townfields, in Coventry.
Describe your horse
He's called Beamish and is a 16-year-old, half-Irish Draught and half-thoroughbred. It takes a special, well-mannered horse to take a side-saddle and he is very special. We won the Riding Horse Side-Saddle showing class at the RDS for three consecutive years and the Ladies' Hunter in Balmoral three times. He's a relaxed horse who loves showing - you can tell because he pricks up his ears.