5 Styling Tips for Complimenting Your Horse's Coat Color

Matching your equestrian look - from tights and breeches to tops - to your horse’s coat color can create a polished, coordinated look. Here’s our guide to the best color combinations based on horse hair color:

Coat Color & Best Matching Top Shades

1. Bay (Brown Body with Black Points)

Best Colors: Deep greens, burgundy, navy, charcoal gray, mustard.
Why? Rich, earthy tones complement the warmth of a bay’s coat while navy and charcoal balance the darker points.
Avoid: Browns that closely match the coat to prevent blending in.

2. Chestnut (Reddish-Brown Coat)

Best Colors: Forest green, navy, royal blue, deep teal, cream, gray.
Why? Cool tones like blue and green contrast beautifully with warm chestnut tones.
Avoid: Reds and oranges, as they can clash with the coat’s natural warmth.

3. Black

Best Colors: Jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, deep purple), crisp white, silver, bright red.
Why? Black horses stand out with bold, vibrant shades or classic high-contrast neutrals.
Avoid: Dark grays or blacks that may lack contrast.

4. Gray (Light to Dark Shades, Dappled or Fleabitten)

Best Colors: Soft pastels (blush, baby blue, lavender), navy, deep greens, burgundy.
Why? Lighter grays pair well with pastels, while darker grays look stunning in rich jewel tones.
Avoid: Light grays that closely match the coat color.

5. Palomino (Golden Coat with Light Mane & Tail)

Best Colors: Earthy tones (olive, rust, mustard), royal blue, deep teal, black.
Why? Golden coats shine against deep blues and greens, while earth tones enhance their warmth.
Avoid: Yellows or beiges that blend too much with the coat.

6. Buckskin (Golden-Tan Body with Black Points)

Best Colors: Burgundy, navy, hunter green, dark brown, mustard.
Why? These colors bring out the richness in their golden hues while complementing black points.
Avoid: Light tans or yellows that closely match the coat.

7. Roan (Intermixed White & Dark Hairs – Blue, Red, or Strawberry Roan)

Best Colors: Jewel tones, deep blues, bold reds, rich greens.
Why? These coats pop with strong contrast, so deep, saturated colors work best.
Avoid: Muted or washed-out shades that don’t provide enough contrast.

5 Pro Styling Tips

✅ Use neutrals (navy, black, gray, and white) as staple colors for versatile matching.
✅ For a bold look, choose contrasting shades (e.g., deep blue on a chestnut horse).
✅ For a harmonious look, pick complementary tones (e.g., earthy greens for a bay).
✅ Don’t forget accessories—match saddle pads, gloves, and jackets for a complete ensemble!
✅ Choose performance fabrics that offer stretch, moisture-wicking, and breathability to stay comfortable in the saddle. A well-fitted top enhances both style and function, ensuring ease of movement while riding.