Special Edition: The Stylish Equestrian for Hellen Pollock

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

HP 1.pngHelen 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.

hp 2Eventually 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.

hp 3Through 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!
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Pantone 2019: Living Coral

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!

Winter love story

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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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

SET 2

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  1. Full seat denim breeches “TEXAS”
  2. Polo long sleeve technical training shirt
  3. Zip Sweater in Ecru
  4. Hooded zip vest black
  5. Rose Gold “Elegance” helmet
  6. Logo gloves “Cutting” in black
  7. 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!

One stop shop

Ariat one stop shop winter 1819

One of my favorite brands Ariat, is one of my favorite brands because whenever they launch a new collection, there is always something there that I love for any and every aspect of the equestrian life: Street, Stable, and Show. Some items work wonderfully in any situation: show shirts and jackets are great classy and comfortable business attire and a cotton V neck can work for any occasion.

So, if you’re looking to do a one-stop-shop for your winter must-haves, look no further! Here’s an overview of some of my favorites, but there are many many more love items that did not quite fit with these looks, but are absolutely wonderful too (check out the new Ariat Fuse plus sneakers or the Tassel cruiser range or the many cute prints in the sun shirts or the Lowell 1/4 zip tops or…. well everything…).

Ariat street aw1819

 

Ariat Navy Artico show coat

Ariat Blue cloud strip Marquis show shirt

Ariat Heather grey cotton Ramiro sweater

Ariat Coastal Fjord heritage elite full seat breech

Ariat Chocolate Sutton waterproof boot

Ariat Navy Core large totebag

 

 

Ariat stable aw1819

 

 

Ariat Navy Epic jacket

Ariat Flow print Lowell 2.0 1/4 zip base layer

Ariat Heather grey cotton Ramiro sweater

Ariat Coastal Fjord heritage elite full seat breech

Ariat Bromont H20 zip insulated paddock boot

Ariat Close contour show chap

 

 

Ariat show aw1819

 

Ariat Navy Artico show coat

Ariat Blue cloud strip Marquis show shirt

Ariat Heather grey cotton Ramiro sweater

Ariat White Tri-Factor full seat breeches

Ariat black stirrup belt

Ariat black Air grip gloves

Ariat team carry all tote bag

Ariat FEI Monaco LX dressage boots zip

 

 

Have a stylish ride!

What would you​ hope for?

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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} )

Screen Shot 2018-10-17 at 09.01.07Look 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

Screen Shot 2018-10-17 at 09.01.35Look 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…

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.

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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

 

 

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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’

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:

Screen Shot 2018-09-15 at 10.54.30Uhip 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

 

Screen Shot 2018-09-15 at 16.52.08Ronner 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

 

 

Screen Shot 2018-09-15 at 11.10.00Georgia 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

 

Screen Shot 2018-09-15 at 11.17.37House 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

 

 

Screen Shot 2018-09-15 at 11.26.41Kingsland 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

 

Screen Shot 2018-09-16 at 09.44.23Imperial 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!

Around the world equestrian style

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?).

 

81W666-65009-79-5-600x600Italy: 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

 

 

Screen Shot 2018-07-14 at 08.49.45.pngEngland: 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

Screen Shot 2018-07-14 at 10.44.21South 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

 

Screen Shot 2018-07-14 at 11.04.01France: 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

 

 

Screen Shot 2018-07-14 at 08.56.17.pngSweden: 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

 

Screen Shot 2018-07-14 at 10.38.15Brasil: 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

 

 

Screen Shot 2018-07-14 at 10.53.51Colombia: 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

 

Screen Shot 2018-07-14 at 11.20.17Ireland: 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!

 

 

 

All about that base

Yeah, it’s summer, but you might still want to be layering some fashionable riding essentials for those cool mornings or wonderful sunset rides. It all starts with a good technical baselayer. Once upon a time baselayers were ‘just’ technical tops, but now, the prints, fabrics and styles on offer are amazing! I’ve provided you with a round-up of some of the best base layers in the business in the best colors for summer.

Screen Shot 2018-07-06 at 18.54.51Asmar Equestrian Logo Shirt

Great for layering or sporting solo year round. You’ll love the bold branding and timeless style of this everyday fitness essential. Signature AE branding on left sleeve.

68.00 USD

 

Screen Shot 2018-07-06 at 18.58.12Anique signature UV protection shirt

The signature, ultra-light quarter zip shirt with cooling smart yarn technology helps you maintain a comfortable body temperature during and after performance. Perfect Equestrians or for any outdoor athletic activity in the sun.

199.95 USD

 

Screen Shot 2018-07-06 at 19.06.14Aztec Diamond Equestrian Technical Stretch Base layer

Designed with style and practicality in mind, the technical stretch base layer from Aztec Diamond has been crafted from supreme lightweight, four way stretch breathable fabric. Perfect for keeping cool during the summer months or using as an under layer during the winter.

40.00 GBP

 

Screen Shot 2018-07-06 at 19.09.14Kerrits Hoof print Long Sleeve T

A double shot of feel-good: yummy cotton next to your skin and a horsey print to announce your passion (and maybe bring a little luck!). Fun worn on its own or as a base layer that peeks out and pulls together an outfit, these tees come in colors that happily harmonize your summer look.

39.00 USD

 

Screen Shot 2018-07-06 at 19.12.43Ariat Sunstopper 1/4 zip

A light, reliable layer. The durable Sunstopper top comes with built-in sunscreen, mesh ventilation panels and moisture-wicking properties for a dry feel. It includes Heat Series technology keeps you cool in the heat of a tournament, Sun Protection Fabric ™ providing protection from UV rays. But best of all, have you seen the cute pony print?

54.90 EUR

 

Screen Shot 2018-07-06 at 19.31.59.pngRönner design sunny long sleeve training top

The perfect training top in true Rönner design style. Permanently fresh during
sporting activities, quick dry, breathable technology, odor
protect, color, sun and sweat.

199.00 USD

 

Have a stylish ride!!

 

Boots on a Budget

Horses are expensive. There are no two ways about it… And if you then have the fashion addiction I suffer from, then riding in style just adds a whole new level of expensive to doing what we love.

Recently I felt like it was time for new boots, and I set myself the challenge to find a pair that doesn’t break the bank, look great and are made of good quality material to boot (pardon the pun ;)).

Here’s my ultimate “Boots on a Budget” roundup:

1.Imperial Riding lace up SPECIAL

Screen Shot 2018-07-01 at 09.30.34Super stylish leather riding boots with hook and laces at front, a long zipper at the back and closure flap at top and bottom. The elastic insert at the inside calf along the zipper should make them very comfortable. And, best of all, you can decide for a set of fancy colored laces or you keep them classic and put the tone to tone laces in it.

I will be testing these beauties soon, so watch this space!

199,99 EURO

2.BR Equestrian Venetia

Screen Shot 2018-07-01 at 09.38.16Very chic riding boot made of water repellent leather with a supple lining made of soft pigskin. The boot is fitted with a strong full-length at the back, which makes it easy to take the boots on and off. Both top and bottom feature a patent leather zipper keeper with press stud on the outside. The leather flap on the inside of the boot protects both the zipper and the leg. The boots promise a close fit that is provided by the narrow insert made of Italian quality durable elastic. The boot features elastic laces and a round topline (7 cm), which has been decorated with patent leather and imitation diamonds for a glamorous effect. A very special feature of this boot is its innovative outsole, which is made of injected rubber combined with leather.

259,95 EURO

3.Horka TIffany Croco boots

Screen Shot 2018-07-01 at 10.00.49Lacquer leather riding boots with Croco print and Cambrill lining. The riding boots are equipped with a zipper at the back in combination with elastic and have a rubber sole with wooden heel. Super cute, super stylish and almost out of stock everywhere, but I found them with the link above for an amazing price!

219,95 EURO

 

4.Petrie Sydney dressage boots

Screen Shot 2018-07-01 at 10.04.21Own a pair of iconic Petre boots for an amazing price! The Sydney by Petrie is a riding boot made of soft Veneto leather, with soft leather lining and a bow of 5 cm. Furthermore it has a full-length zipper along the back, and elastic along the zipper for extra comfort and perfect fit. The material has a stretch of 1cm so will always fit, has a comfortable footbed and rubber sole.

209,95 EURO

 

 

5.QHP Norah Polo boot

Screen Shot 2018-07-01 at 10.15.01Very stylish multi-color Polo Boot with a sporty look thanks to the buckle closure made of cowhide leather and white stitching. The heel, nose and buckle closure are made of patent leather contrasting with the rest of the quality leather boot. The boots are easy to put on and take off thanks to the zipper on the front. Super style for a very little price!

199,95 EURO

 

6.Felix Buehler Bergamo classic field boots

Screen Shot 2018-07-01 at 10.19.36Stylish leather riding boot, which leaves nothing to be desired with its high-quality genuine leather, slim design and elegant body shape. While the outside of the shaft and the foot area are made of full-grain Brazilian leather and give the boot a classic sheen, the inside of the boot is made of oiled buffalo leather, which ensures optimal grip on the saddle blade due to its rough texture. The inside of the boot is lined with breathable mesh fabric. The continuous OPTI zipper at the back is equipped with a spur protection. The integrated elastic insert on the outside of the shaft perfectly reflects the individual calf shape. The exclusive design is complemented by the high dressage bow and elastic lacing. The boot was made in Europe. Due to the slim fit the boots are small: please order one size bigger!

199,00 EURO

 

Have a stylish ride on a budget!!