HIP TO TOE

Find out what type of belt, jeans and boots best match your western discipline.

-  HEIDI NYLAND MELOCCO

You want to look your best when it's time to show and compete for western events. Find out what's on-trend from hip to toe at the top level for barrels, cutting, and reining with us as we catch up with teen competitors.

BARREL RACING

Seventeen-year-old Kinzey Newton from Arlington, Tenn., competes with her horses Hez Got Fame N Fire and MSU Aces Lucky Girl. In 2022, she won the Junior World Qualifier and earned her ticket to compete in barrel racing and pole bending in Las Vegas, Nev. She also qualified for the World High School Rodeo, held in Wyoming.

Trouser Jeans 

Kinzey loves 7 for all Mankind trouser jeans with a dark wash and only a little distressing. Look for styles from Kimes Ranch, too, she says. No matter the brand, choose mid- to high-waisted cuts with the trouser leg. Length matters.

"When you're sitting on your horse, your jeans should still cover all of the top portion of your boot," Kinzey says.

What to avoid: Skinny jeans, neon, and tie-dye looks are fads of the past.

Belt & Chaps

Bling belts are gone with the wind. Kinzey prefers plain leather belts or tasteful floral tooling.

Championship belt buckles are the top look for belts, as well as any oval-shaped, silver design that you love.

Barrel racers opt to ride without chaps or chinks.

Boots

Kinzey says she prefers square-toed boots with a thin leather sole. She likes Macie Bean boot designs, but sees many friends ride in Durango and Ariat styles, too. And don't tuck your jeans into your boot tops.