horse riding – The Stylish Equestrian

Special Edition: The Stylish Equestrian for Hellen Pollock

January 17, 2019 by rachelreunis, posted in Special edition, SPRING

Meet Helen Pollock: businesswoman, social media entrepreneur and stylish equestrian.

Helen was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta – Canada and credits her mother Bonnie for her love of horses and the equestrian life. Bonnie started Helen riding at age 3 and she competed both domestically and internationally into her mid-teens, until injuries and a congenital back issue temporarily derailed her show jumping circuit ascent. Even though the mandated break from riding stretched from the remainder of her teens, throughout college and into the early working years, her love of horses and desire to get back in the saddle never dulled.

After working through her injuries and major elective back surgery, Helen graduated with honors from Montana State University with a degree in business. Microsoft was her first employer and the job took her overseas to their Germany office as a Project and Account Manager, and although she was living in the land of warmbloods and Hanoverians, her riding would still have to wait.

Eventually wanting to get back stateside, she moved back, and in 2013 landed her current job with News Corp. Housed on the FOX Studios lot on Pico, she is Director of Platforms for FXNOW, the digital distribution platform of the FX Network. As she settled in and found her stride at FX, the riding fire still burned brightly. Helen decided it was time. She promptly found and hired a show jumping trainer, got into riding shape, and began the strict, weekly, training regimen necessary to compete in today’s highly competitive show jumping equestrian landscape. She continues to train, ride and compete to this day. As the ultimate equestrian and fashion girl herself, coupled with her business school background, Helen decided to combine two of her loves, horses, and business, to found and create the social media content distribution platform Life Equestrian.

Through Life Equestrian, she loves to keep her audience up-to-date on the latest trends in “street to stable” fashion, design, health & skin care, tech, tack, equestrian and life hacks, home goods and diet & exercise by cultivating a collection of products, in and around all aspects of the equestrian world. Helen lives in Los Angeles, with her dog Kaiya, and is currently an active equestrian athlete.

Helen gets inspired by riders like McClain Ward who has been a favorite of Helen’s for a very long time. “He has such elegance with each horse he rides” she said. There are so many female riders that she loves, so we’re narrowing it down to just a few: Karen Polle, Hannah Selleck, Carly Anthony and Beezie Madden. “All of these riders have a beautiful riding style that they make it look effortless. I love the connection they have with each horse and course they ride.” said Helen … #goals

Helen’s style is simple, sleek and stylish and we put together her look taking the best of a few of her favorite brands to date. We started with her Go-To breeches: a pair of Black Struck Apparel 50 series. Then we layered on a few riding essentials like the Anique Sunshirt in white, a JOTT vest and an extra JOTT jacket for those chilly California mornings. She loves her Samshield helmet and Parlanti boots, so these had to be part of the look too. We finished it off with some no-miss accessories like a ManeJane belt, Roeckl gloves and a super stylish eco-friendly Stella McCartney Falabella bag for those daily barn essentials

Go follow Helen on Instagram and check out her website

Have a stylish ride!

Pantone 2019: Living Coral

January 9, 2019 by rachelreunis, posted in SPRING

It’s that time of the year again! Pantone has announced their color of the year, and for 2019 it’s Living Coral! A brilliantly vibrant color that makes for fabulous #rootd inspiration.

Here’s what PANTONE had to say about it:

Vibrant, yet mellow PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment.

In reaction to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life, we are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy. Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature of PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity. Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral embodies our desire for playful expression.

Representing the fusion of modern life, PANTONE Living Coral is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media.

PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral emits the desired, familiar, and energizing aspects of color found in nature. In its glorious, yet unfortunately more elusive, display beneath the sea, this vivifying and effervescent color mesmerizes the eye and mind. Lying at the center of our naturally vivid and chromatic ecosystem, PANTONE Living Coral is evocative of how coral reefs provide shelter to a diverse kaleidoscope of color.

For this #rootd we’ve tried to find subtle yet significant references to Living Coral, while maintaining a sophisticated and functional #rootd.

Dapple Equestrian has been forward looking in their designs and have recently launched a small scale Dressage collection which includes this gorgeous Pantone hue. Check out this saddle pad with matching Gilet: a dressage girl’s mathcy matchy dream! Wear it with a pair of Equithème Texas denim breeches, a Kingsland classic blue polo and a Coral KJUS technical outdoor light weight KiKi V neck sweater. Itls the accessories that give that final touch of sophistication to the look: a apir of dark blue Roeckl Chester gloves, a matching custom made KEP Italia helmet with denim and cognac leather details, a pair of stunning cognac Imperial Riding lace-up boots and a Hermès logo buckle belt.

Have a fabulous New Year and wishing you a stylish ride!

Special Edition: The stylish equestrian for Jennifer Schrader-Williams

November 23, 2018 by rachelreunis, posted in Special edition

Meet Jennifer Schrader-Williams, Grand Prix Dressage rider, businesswoman and stylish equestrian.

Jennifer’s love for horses started at a young age and she took up riding at the tender age of 5. She loved it with heart and soul and made riding her career at 17. She worked for a breeder, Charlene Summers beginning in 1997 and in 2012 was able to buy the farm when Charlene retired with her business partner, Paula Helm.

Charlene gave Jennifer many opportunities to ride quality horses including Phirst Solo whom she competed at the PSG to Qualify for NAYRC and then ultimately at the CDI GP level. Solo’s Grandson HS Wistar whom Jennifer rode from 4 years old also was carefully developed and brought along to the CDI GP level. Wistar and Jennifer were awarded the Anne Barlow Ramsay grant of $25k to train in Europe in 2010.

Next Jennifer was able to take Wistar’s son HS Wrevolution to the GP level in 2017 whom she owned since a 4 year old. Her current GP horse is Millione, a 15 year old Danish gelding bred by Jorgen Olsen and now owned by Bob and Tina Desroche of Thunder Ridge Sporthorses. Millione and Jennifer have been together since the end of 2016 and 2018 was his first season of GP.

Jennifer is passionate about taking young horses and developing them into the dressage start of the future, to be able to do this in the best possible way, she takes inspiration from some of the best riders and trainers in the world like Laura Graves, Charlotte Dujardin, Steffen Peters, and Carl Hester.

Jennifer has been quite successful throughout 2018 (2nd at Rancho Murrietta CDI GP Special 3*, 2nd at GP Calgary 3* , Winner GP Freestyle Calgary 3* and many more…) and will continue to show her superstars for many years to come.

Her main focus areas right now include training Millione and a few up and coming promising horses like Francis HW owned by Lisa Norling. He is a 6 yr old just about ready to compete in the Developing PSG for 2019. She’s also developing several top quality sales horses and spending time with her daughter Lexi and LJ (her pony) on the weekends.

Like Jennifer’s style? Here are all the details for her look:

Jennifer’s favorite styles are her Candela Pikeur breeches which we of course immediately included in her outfit. She LOVES her blackberry Königs boots, as they are unique, stylish, durable and comfortable. She also loves her Anique shirts especial in Desert Rose, and we also added in a belt by Unbelts: “they have cute colors and you can mix and match and there is no bulk under your show coat” said Jennifer. We topped off the look with a lightweight Ariat Windstopper for those blustery morning rides and a GPA classic helmet for style and safety.

We also added in a pair of her favorite Foot Huggies equestrian socks, Heritage Premier show gloves and an Equithème bag to carry all her daily equestrian and showtime essentials.

Want to know more about Jennifer? Check out her website, Instagram and Facebook

Have a stylish ride!

Winter love story

November 9, 2018 by rachelreunis, posted in AUTUMN, product review, WINTER

There is just something about winter fashion: the colors, the lovely layers… I love it! In the theme of the previous post, I’m sharing my latest winter fashion love story with you.

It started a few years ago when I ordered a pair of Equithème Verona breeches and literally never ever wanted to take them off: great quality, fit and an amazingly reasonable price.

This season a friend of mine brought the brand back to my attention and my love for Equithème was instantly reignited. Check out my absolute top favorites form this year’s Autumn / Winter collection and tell me which one is your favorite here on the blog, on Instagram or on Facebook.

SET 1

Full seat silicone breeches “Glam” in Bordeaux
Zip sweater in black
Reversible vest Prune / Ecru
Sequined “let’s go Riding” long sleeve shirt in Ecru
Rose Gold “Elegance” helmet
Logo gloves “Cutting” in black
Field boots “Competition” in black

SET 2

Full seat denim breeches “TEXAS”
Polo long sleeve technical training shirt
Zip Sweater in Ecru
Hooded zip vest black
Rose Gold “Elegance” helmet
Logo gloves “Cutting” in black
Field boots “Competition” in black

SHOP your favorite Equithème look at your local retailer (find yours HERE) or check out your online or local PADD shop (sponsor of our Swiss Equestrian blogger team)

Have a stylish ride!

What would you hope for?

October 18, 2018 by rachelreunis, posted in AUTUMN, product review

Seasons are changing, but we’re always as busy as ever rushing from business to barn. I have a question for you guys: which one of these two looks would you wear as a classic Autumn street to stable look?

Both of the looks are by Espoir Equestrian: a new and fresh South African brand that shares their vision of hope, style and grace with the equestrian world.

Espoir, what I hope for…

I am made with hope. I am woven with passion and styled to perfection.

I am the perfect stitch running through every garment. Every application following years of experience.

My core is quality. I am created with a purpose and come alive when you thrive.

I will lead, I will inspire, I will fulfill more than my purpose.

I am Espoir. I am hope.

Hope changes everything…

( Espoir : {French} | Hope : {English} )

Look 1

Peau Bamboo Navy Breeches With Side Pocket For Phone

Royale Show Jacket Light Beige

Signature Espoir Show Shirt

White Diamante Dressage Saddle Pad

Fancy Stitch Leather Belt

Look 2

Maquette Beige Bamboo Breeches

Royale Show Jacket Navy

Beige Horse & Flower Pattern – Everyday Shirt

White Diamante Dressage Saddle Pad

Fancy Stitch Leather Belt

Tell me on Facebook, Instagram or here in the comment which look you would hope for!

Never give up hope and have a stylish ride!

Sometimes you just want it all…

September 30, 2018September 30, 2018 by rachelreunis, posted in AUTUMN, product review

Every once in a while a brand brings out a collection and you simply want it all! This is most certainly the case with the autumn/ winter 18/19 collection from BR Equestrian Equipment: I want it all! Help me decide which set to splurge on this season?

Should I go for the Old Green with Blue Iris or more Drak Merlot? Tell me in the comments on the blog, on Facebook or on Instagram which one you prefer.

SET 1

Passion Hielke dressage saddle pad in Old Green

Hieke base layer in Blue Iris

Harmke jacket in Dark Merlot

Helen full seat breeches in Blue Iris

Helga bodywarmer in Old Green

SET 2

Passion Hielke dressage saddle pad in Blue Iris

Hieke base layer in Dark Merlot

Henriette jacket in Old Green

Helga bodywarmer in Blue Iris

Hannah full Seat breeches in Dark Merlot

THANK YOU!!

Have a stylish ride!

Taking the ‘rains’

September 16, 2018 by rachelreunis, posted in AUTUMN, product review

The days are getting shorter, the nights longer and the mornings colder… yep, Autumn’s is on its way! What I love about Autumn is the gorgeous coloring of the leaves and the great layering of early winter fashion, but, one thing I don’t particularly like though, is the relentless rain this season seems to bring with it. Nowadays though, rain really is not that big of a problem anymore around the barn and or on your horse. Gone are the yellow plastic raincoats, the heavy contraptions that shield you from the rain but make you sweat like a racehorse or the musty old wax coat that rears it’s ugly head every year.

Inspired by the rained out World Equestrian Games, I thought it would be time for a little raincoat round-up.

Here are a few of the best stylish and functional mid-season raincoats available out there right now:

Uhip Sport Duo in Navy

A lightweight jacket for spring, summer, and autumn made of material and functionalities perfect for any activity in any weather. The jacket is insulated with a thin layer Sorona See Pro from DuPont, an insulation that provides maximum warmth and low weight while produced of annually renewable plant-based ingredients. The jacket provides just the warmth you need a chilly spring day or evening and the outer layer prevents the water from coming through a rainy day. The collar is high and has a comfortable fleece on the inside.

The skirt is thin rain resistant functional with elastics on the inside and zippers at the front and back which enables you to perform your activity in rainy /and or windy weather without interfering with your mobility. The skirt is simple to carry with you and to take on and of.

I have this set of wonderful rain wear – read the review HERE

224.00 EUR

Ronner design Begonia jacket in Olive

Beautiful print as well as a super practical jacket: that’s the Rönner Begonia for you! Zipped and lined with soft stretchy cotton it’s comfortable and hooded, ideal for rainy riding days. Comes with a cute little pouch for easy and clean (barn) storage.

175.00 EUR

Georgia in Dublin Dublette

The Dublette, expandable rain jacket, is an elegant, lightweight and waterproof jacket. It can expand over a back protector, backpack and/or bulky layers. When one tightens the bungees on the back and down the sleeves, the Dublette takes on its most elegant form with a cinched waist and fishtail swing at the back. In addition, the Dublette has a detachable cape which adds extra waterproofing on the shoulders and takes the brunt of heavy rain. Ideal for riding thanks to the longer back that goes over the saddle, the high viz details offering a safe ride, and the noiseless, waterproof (10.000MM) fabric.

195.00 EUR

House of Horses Helsinki Rain coat

This raincoat really brightens up any rainy day! A lovely pink House of Horses raincoat, the hood has a light grey cotton blend lining. Reflective logo print on the chest and back, sides and back halters can be opened for better riding experience. Big pockets with button closure and ventilation holes in the armpits. Sizes XXS-XL. Material soft PU. Double zipper in the front.

119.00 EUR

Kingsland Rochelle rain coat

Rochelle Ladies Rain Coat

Rain coat with mechanical stretch and waterproof membrane and taped seams. Breathable with ventilation construction under sleeves and in back. Detachable hood with buttons. Quality 2-way zipper. Two pockets in front. Split in back. Print on chest.

119.00 EUR

Imperial Riding Anorka Panic at the Disco

Super practical jacket with special unique feature zips. These zips allow you to put your jacket on and to take it off even if you are wearing a helmet. This sporty anorak jacket keeps you warm and dry. Two large zipped front pockets with water-tight and breathable base material keep you warm and dry. The material of this jacket can absorb up to 1000 g of steam within 24 hours per square meter, and it has been tested for water-tightness at up to 3,000 mm.

89.95 EUR

Have a dry and stylish ride!

SPOGA FAVORITES Sept 12018 edition

September 9, 2018 by rachelreunis, posted in AUTUMN, product review, Special edition

Twice a year the Messe in Cologne, Germany, opens its doors to horse lovers business to business heaven during the SPOGA tradefair. Every single time I attend, I’m blown away by the fabulous new fashion, the technical innovations and the discovery of new brands that shake up the established industry offerings. This year it was all about reinventing classic styles, the occasional pop of color and adding technical touches to trusted items.

A few brands stood out for me this time and I’ve made a little round-up of some of this years must haves:

Ariat has me completely hooked on their collections and I can’t wait to show you what’s new this year. I love them because of their excellent quality products, impeccable classic style and super selection. There are some very exciting things on their way this winter in the boots department (lace-ups anyone?) and breeches (casual crossover leggings anyone?), but for now I’ve added two of my personal favorites: the navy blue Tri Factor full seat breeches (product review on these beauties is coming up soon!) and a pair of coutnry casual Alora Cordovan boots.

Add a sleek and subtle show shirt to the look, like the “sky” shortsleeve from Equithème: a brand that has been around since the 80’s but has recently upgraded their selection and quality of products: make sure to check out their collection!

One of my all time favorites, Rönner Design, really is one of the very few brands in the business that can pull off classy pony prints for adults. I love their technical range to ride in, but also can’t resist most of their casual wear items like this Marina beige and ivory sweater.

Accessorize your ‘SPOGA favorites’ look with some items from smaller newcomer brands like an Espoir equestrian fancy stitch belt (check out their immaculate collection and be ready to shop!), a pair of 18K gold plated U Black rider spurs, a Desori horse gold logo bracelet an a classic and timeless Dapple Equestrian navy, beige and brown saddle pad to tie the whole look together.

Finish off your look with some tried and trusted brands who continuously reinvent themselves to give us the best the equestrian world has to offer: a pair of Roeckl Milton gloves (loads of eco friendly news coming up from Roeckl soon) and a Galassia glitter dark blue KEP Italia helmet.

Scroll through some of the pics below to see more inspo from SPOGA and have a stylish ride!

Buckle up

July 28, 2018 by rachelreunis, posted in product review, SUMMER

Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

A good belt is the best accessory to complete any equestrian style or to add a little hint of what you love at the office. Whether you’d prefer to go for full-on horse or just a subtle hint, there’s a beautiful belt to suit any style.

Can’t seem to find the right one for you? Here’s a roundup of a few of the most stylish ones out there at the moment.

Mane Jane Champagne Rocks Reversible

This champagne croc leather looks so good with everything. The buckle is crafted of solid steel so it’s super strong and bonus – won’t scratch your saddle if you happen to dismount ungracefully 😉

120.00 USD

Sandy Duftler Spur Belt Black Floral with Antique Gold Spur Buckle

The Spur Belt by Sandy Duftler is a figure flattering design, contoured to fit your curves. Made for wide belt loops the belt measures 2″. Available in a wide range of colors, prints, and designs: there is one to fit every look for sure!!

160 USD

Get the Gallop Stirrup Style

Add some equestrian attitude to your outfit. Great quality leather and with the stylish bits they work just as well at work, in the stable or for a night out on the town. Environmentally friendly leather made in the good ‘ol US of A. Vegetable tanned. Oakbark coloured leather with a nickel buckle and numbered holes.

440 SEK

Pampeano Helado Polo belt

The Helado (ice-cream) has just made its debut in pampeano’s world-renowned polo belt collection. The belt is made of premium grade leather and features hand-embroidered pampa diamond pattern and buttery soft Havana brown leather.

65.00 GBP

Horsegloss Rose gold and white bit belt

A beautiful minimalistic addition to every equestrian enthusiasts wardrobe. Perfect for summer in whiter with a subtle bit closure. Wear it with a pair of jeans or your favorite pair of breeches.

25.75 EUR

Horses Reversible H belt

Spice up any look with one of these super cute ‘H’ horse belts. Available in a range of classy colors, super quality leather and a sophisticated ‘H’ buckle make these beauties a horse lovers’ must-have.

19.95 Eur

Espoir Equestrian Fancy Stitch leather belt

Add a little bridle stitch detail to your day with this beautiful leather belt.

599.00 ZAR

Rebecca Ray mini brass bit belt

Subtlety is key with this mini brass bit belt… just that little reminder of that sartorial equestrian style.

148.00 USD

Around the world equestrian style

July 14, 2018 by rachelreunis, posted in SUMMER

We all love a good print, especially if it’s equestrian-themed, classy and wearable for any occasion. Here’s a roundup of some of the best ‘pony-prints’ in the business from all around the world. They’re great as casual streetwear, as well as technically perfect and all of them are fashionable, wearable and washable (mud and dirt anyone?).

Italy: Vestrum T shirt Vila Real

Trust Vestum to come up with the classiest print for a practical and washable T shirt. Wear it with a pair of jeans and a bright blazer or to steal the show at the barn.

79.00 EUR

England: Toggi Baildon Shirt

Classic outdoor brand brings you this stunning shirt named Baildon. The Baildon is a fantastic printed shirt in a classic fit. Crafted from soft cotton fabric that has the added benefit of elastane. This design features a subtle horse print that is both eye-catching yet sophisticated.

60.00 GBP

South Africa: Espoir Equestrian Horse & Flower everyday riding shirt

An aptly named riding shirt (yes I would wear this every day). Made from a light UV Resistant fabric, the print has been hand illustrated and is a proudly South African designed and produced garment.

1099.00 ZAR

France: Chloé Horse shirt

If you’re up for a splurge, then this is the shirt for you! Check out this high fashion velvet shirt with horse embroidery and retro-inspired collar by French brand Chloé.

1195.00 EUR

Sweden: Get the Gallop Signature Sweatshirt

What!? An actual drawing by superstar showjumper Peder Fredricson? I need that in my life, especially if it’s embroidered on this incredibly cute sweater by Get the Gallop.

316 SEK

Brasil: Tig Giulia Blouse

I can see this beautiful printed silk equestrian themed blouse working perfectly with a pair of classic Burgundy breeches or as a part of a strong #bossbabe power suit worn to your next board meeting.

1590.00 BR Real

Colombia: Rönner Design Marina Sweater

Perfect for layering, this light knit sweater will be
a welcome addition to your equestrian wardrobe as the weather gets colder. In seasonal colors it will be
a sweater you reach for time after time as the seasons change.

159.00 USD

Ireland: Horseware Ashlinn Horse Print Polo

Cute, functional and fashionable: everyone needs a good horse print polo in their wardrobe. perfect on a pair of white polo jeans, or denim breeches.

35.00 EUR

Have a stylish ride!