Shadbellies

A shadbelly is a type of riding coat worn in certain equestrian situations by fox hunting members, dressage riders, eventers (in the dressage phase of the higher levels), and occasionally by other hunt seat riders. Shadbellies are also standard attire for the show hack classes at certain breed shows in the United States and Canada.

This coat is considered an element of very formal riding attire, and its use is therefore reserved for the most formal forms of equestrianism.

The shadbelly coat is part of a formal wear category known as the tailcoat. The male version of the shadbelly is sometimes called a “weaselbelly.”