Leah Kaufmann’s horse obsession developed at an early age. She grew up in Seattle, but her mother passed on a passion for horses, driving Kaufmann to her weekly Sunday riding lesson starting at age 6.

Kaufmann dabbled with dressage, but ultimately became hooked on eventing from her time spent in Pony Club. Those early experiences bonded Kaufmann to the equestrian lifestyle, carrying her admiration into adulthood.

The T-Shirt That Started Her Equestrian Brand

Like most new ideas, Dapplebay was launched when Kaufmann discovered a void in the market. She was on a quest to find cute horse shirts representing her favorite disciplines.

Creative by nature, she always loved to draw horses and make crafts, even before she received her degree in design at the University of Washington for visual communication design. She used her expert eye and whipped up a t-shirt that read “Live Free & Jump XC” with a horse jumping across the center.

Kaufmann casually posted the shirt on Facebook, which received an explosion of comments. The now-retired design was quickly featured online in Eventing Nation, giving Kaufmann exposure to like-minded customers. Based on the feedback, she began screen-printing more shirts, and Dapplebay was born in 2011.

A Hobby Turned Career

Professionally, Kaufmann had a successful career as a designer working with a marketing agency. She maintained her professional job in the beginning, while Dapplebay was on the side. She put energy into it as she felt like it over the years.

“It was a creative outlet that allowed me to have something that was my own outside of client work,” Kaufmann explains. Fast forward to the pandemic and the world changed, including Dapplebay. Kaufmann shifted her focus on becoming a profitable business instead of just a fun, creative venture.

With a change in mindset and sales, Dapplebay was thriving, allowing Kaufmann to leave her full-time job behind.

“2020 was a great year for e-commerce, and I grew a lot without intending to,” she says. “I took that momentum as an opportunity to decide that this could be my full-time thing.”

Community & Connection

While Kaufmann spends most of her time working solo, she enjoys having the opportunity to connect with customers whenever she sets up a booth at an event.

Having a booth at The Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover in 2021 was a career high and emotionally moving weekend for Kaufmann. She promotes retired racehorses with her apparel and owns two off-track Thoroughbreds, Pie and Ranger.

Dapplebay also made its first appearance at Land Rover Kentucky in 2022, which was another special moment of growth for the brand.

“I’ve met so many amazing women from having this little pop-up tent with cute shirts,” she says. “I quickly realized this wasn’t just about the t-shirts, it was about meeting people.”

In 2022 Kaufmann also launched The Barn Aisle, a Facebook group, with the intention of being a supportive online space for customers and fellow equestrians. The group celebrates a love for horses and creates a dialog online.

“People post when they have a great ride, when they have a question, when they’re struggling—the way the group responds is incredible,” she says.

The Brand’s Popular Equestrian Products

Dapplebay offers a unique selection of apparel, accessories and lifestyle products from stickers to journals. As a designer, coming up with ideas for new products is the exciting part of the job.

Kaufmann focuses on creating unique prints, patterns her customers can’t find anywhere else, and sizes for all equestrians. Recently, matching sets, including saddle pads and bonnets, have become popular.

“My goal is to create things that people love that they can take into their own lives and wear with their own style,” she explains.

When Kaufmann isn’t busy working, she spends time with the horses she keeps at home in a beautiful barn her husband built. Her dedication to the brand, her horses and a positive mindset has allowed her business to thrive.

“I think the hardest thing is remembering to enjoy it and enjoy the process,” she says. “I’ve been so caught up in working hard, I think it’s easy to miss the journey. Sometimes I wake up and I look around and realize we live on the property I dreamed of 10 years ago.”

Shop Dapplebay here.

This article about equestrian brand Dapplebay appeared in the January/February 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post The Rise of Equestrian Brand Dapplebay appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Inspiration & Action

Growing up, Barratt moved several times. Each new home offered her mother an opportunity to redecorate. Barratt always recalls being captivated by the prints and fabrics selected for curtains and trimmings. Fast forward to adulthood, when Barratt married and settled down in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, with her husband, Tom.

Whenever she browsed through equestrian clothing and apparel at a tack store, she felt like something was missing. She’d envision bold printed collars and vivid colors. Barratt didn’t have a background working with fashion or fabric, but one day she expressed her ideas to her husband.

“My husband gave me $500 and bought me a new computer to give it a shot,” she says. “I set off to do what was in my head and try to make it come to fruition, which was a total trip because I didn’t know anything about clothing fabric.”

Initially, finding the right clothing manufacturer for her equestrian-inspired vision wasn’t easy. Many companies wouldn’t talk to or help Barratt since she didn’t understand the manufacturing language or have a design background. There were a lot of clicks and hang ups as the search persisted.

“Once you think about something like starting a business, it takes on a life of its own and becomes an obsession,” says Barratt. “You eat, sleep and breathe bringing something out of thin air and actually making it happen.”

One day, she began looking into companies making men’s form-fitting shirts for executives. She finally found a company online that agreed to make her samples, only to realize they were based out of Thailand. Determined to create the clothing she had envisioned, she jumped through frustrations of language barriers and communication to bring her shirts to life.

“I ended up having 18 samples made because I didn’t know anything about manufacturing clothes,” says Barratt.

Armed with her gorgeous new sample shirts, Middy N’ Me’s first debut into the world was at the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic. Her friends excitedly invited Barratt to be a vendor when a booth turned up empty.

“I got a mannequin, I ironed my shirts, and I went,” she says. “I didn’t even bring anything to write with. It never dawned on me that anyone would actually buy my shirts. We had a very successful show, and that’s how it all started.”

Meet Middy

Middy N’ Me is appropriately named after Middy, Barratt’s beloved Belgian/Quarter Horse mare. Middy is boarded close to home at a large estate in Hunting Valley. It’s the perfect property for the fox hunting duo to spend their days riding through the expansive acreage.

“I bought her sight unseen, and she didn’t even have a name,” she says. “I named her Middleburg because I’m a fox hunter and I love Middleburg, Va. My husband started calling her Middy.”

Middy is a beautiful buckskin who happens to be a PMU rescue and an unexpected heart horse; Barratt describes her as an angel.

“She had never been handled and was very aloof and distant—emotionally wounded,” she says. “But she and I became very good friends, and she’s the horse of a lifetime. She’s taken care of me. There are no words to describe how much joy she has given me.”

Building a Brand

Middy N’ Me celebrated 10 years of business last summer. The brand has evolved and grown over the years. Initially, Barratt thought she would be designing shirts for women to ride in, but it turned out, women want to wear the shirts in everyday life, too.

“Equestrian style is a universal desire—people like it—it’s very pretty,” she says. “We don’t position ourselves as an equestrian company, but a lot of equestrians wear our shirts.”

Barratt’s true passion shines when she’s designing behind a computer screen. She loves fuchsia, kiwi green, turquoise, yellow and bright colors paired with ginghams and solids.

Every shirt, skirt or dress is made to order. The fit is an important part of the style and overall look. Every shirt is cut, sewn and made in the United States. After Kimberly’s wild ride making samples, she was able to find the factory in America she had searched for to produce her clothing.

Kimberly’s days are spent designing, keeping in contact with her factory, working with customers, and tackling her never-ending to-do list.

“It’s not for the faint hearted, but I love every minute of it.”

◆ Middy N’ Me website
◆ Middy N’ Me Instagram (@middynme)
◆ Middy N’ Me Facebook

This article about Middy N’ Me’s success in creating equestrian clothing and beyond appeared in the September 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Middy N’ Me: Equestrian Clothing and Beyond appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Tip: If you’re sending in hair from your own horse, make sure it’s clean and you send a little more than the minimum amount. Most makers will work with mane or tail, but the tail is generally preferred, since it is longer.

Turquoise Stone and Horsehair Bracelet

If you’re searching for a fun western accessory that doesn’t require you to send in hair, these bracelets from Cattle Kate are stunning. They are available in cream, brown or black horsehair in a basket weave design, accented with turquoise stones. Available at cattlekate.com for $58.95.

Open Loop Bracelet

The open loop bracelet is made from two round braids looped through a center bead and two side beads, finished with sterling silver bell end caps. This bracelet comes with a variety of charms and engraving options to choose from. Available at detailshorsehairjewelry.com for $90.00.

Horsehair Heart Jewelry Pendant

Searching for a piece of jewelry without typical weaving or braids of horsehair? A glass heart with intricately placed horsehair is a beautiful option. Available in 12 shimmering colors, this pendant is flashy. Available at etsy.com/shop/knotmytail for $39.99.

Leather & Horsehair Jewelry Bracelets

Timeless and chic, these woven horsehair and leather bracelets by Black Dragon Custom Horsehair Bracelets can be worn daily. Each bracelet takes between eight and 12 hours to make. Custom options include brown or black leather along with a single or double braid on the bracelet. Starting at $95.00 at blackdragonbracelets.com.

Maille Horsehair Earrings

Spirit Horse Designs offers simple yet stunning earrings made from your horse’s mane (with the option to request stock hair). They are accented with turquoise howlite and sterling silver accents, which complement any horsehair color. Available at spirithorsedesigns.com for $118.00.

14K Gold Jewelry Horsehair Pendant

Splurge on this delicate pendant necklace with a chain. A small amount of horsehair is braided and placed inside a gold setting. Personalize it with a name or inscription on one or all three sides. It’s available in 14K or 18K gold with a variety of chain lengths. Available at thetreasuredhorse.com for $1,255.00.

Snaffle Bit Ring

A stunning snaffle bit ring has numerous options for personalization. It’s available in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or sterling silver on the band or bit. Select a two-tone contrasting ring color for a striking look. Free inscribing is available on the inside as well. This is a minimalist and chic option to keep your horse with you. Available at verstara.com for $758.00.

This article about horsehair jewelry appeared in the April 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Fallon Taylor is no stranger to success. She has multiple World Championships in barrel racing, and her horse, Flos Heiress (aka “BabyFlo”), was named WPRA/AQHA Barrel Racing Horse of the Year in 2013. Fallon’s name is well known across the horse world, due to her success and colorful personality. Additionally, she is a huge advocate for safety and wearing a helmet while riding. 

In addition to Fallon’s riding career, she also owns Ranch Dress’n—a full line of western apparel that fits with her style. While she began her apparel business 10 years ago, she has shied away from telling the story of how Ranch Dress’n came to be. However, Fallon realized she enjoys watching and hearing about other people’s backstories, and she decided it was time to share her company’s history, too.

“I kind of dodged business things because I didn’t think people could relate,” she says. “As I’ve gotten older and more mature, I’ve realized everyone is trying to pay their bills. I realized that all those little vulnerabilities are the fabric of our relationship.”

Shirt off My Back

In addition to her equine career, Fallon spent some time in New York working as a model. However, the horses called her home, and she began seeking a way to combine her affinity for fashion with her riding career—while also helping her pay her entry fees. 

To start, she bought men’s shirts and left her back number attached to sell after competitions. 

“The Shirt off My Back” was successful, and people gravitated toward Fallon because they saw her drive to succeed and wanted to support her ventures. Soon, she wanted to expand her fashion ideas further.

The Start of Ranch Dress’n

When she was younger, Fallon’s mother told her, “You don’t need to be wealthy to clean your boots.” That idea has stuck with her. Putting together a good outfit, and in Fallon’s case, a good business, doesn’t necessarily require a huge start-up.

“I’d love to look back and say that I’m a genius who has made a bunch of really calculated moves that over time have been the right moves, but I think when you move from a place that is genuine, and you really want to add value, and you genuinely care, it shows and comes through.”

Fallon rented a garage and got a handful of blank t-shirts and a vinyl cutter. The small team started dyeing pants and creating shirts, and eventually expanded into working out of a trailer. Fallon wore her own clothes to competitions, and soon people started to catch on to her unique style and wanted to follow in her footsteps, which led to the need to expand the company further. 

Of course, both with the horses and Ranch Dress’n, the road wasn’t always easy. Fallon says she tries to live by the idea of “keep failing forward,” meaning that when things are rough, and when a run on your horse doesn’t go as planned, all you can do is have the most positive attitude possible and move toward the next goal. This energy has kept Ranch Dress’n moving forward, as well.

A Team Effort

A trip to the National Finals Rodeo in 2014 was a large step toward success for Ranch Dress’n. The team managed to bring hundreds of pairs of jeans and shirts to a booth where attendees could shop and see Fallon’s line. 

Of course, she also wore Ranch Dress’n while competing, which also sparked more interest. When she and her horses won money competing, the money went back into Ranch Dress’n to continue growing the business without loans or additional funding. 

The business began taking over space in the barn and employees’ homes, and Fallon knew that they needed a larger warehouse—which eventually turned into an even larger warehouse. While their physical space grew, the team has remained small. Everyone involved is hands-on, including Fallon, making the products and packaging and everything that goes out to buyers.

Ranch Dress’n Continues to Grow

Even with the business taking on a life of its own and becoming increasingly successful, Fallon says that “every single milestone of this business has felt very ‘imposter syndrome’: Do we deserve this, are we supposed to have all this? Are we doing good enough? Is it ever going to feel easy?” 

Sometimes she will take a moment to pause and realize that Ranch Dress’n is on a continued upswing.

“I’ve never reached a part where it has felt easy,” says Fallon. “In the grand scheme of things, big goals are really tough.” 

Through the struggles and growing pains, the late nights and the never-ending projects, she says that creating and continuing to run Ranch Dress’n is “absolutely worth it.” 

This web exclusive article about Ranch Dress’n is sponsored content for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Horsewoman Shelly Watts noticed this gap in the equestrian clothing market and decided to do something about it. That’s how rider clothing line Muirneen was launched.

Horsey Background

Watts has been riding since she was a preteen, but didn’t truly connect with horses deeply until her daughter JoJo turned 8 and started asking to ride. The two now ride together, and Watts says the time spent caring for the horses before and after lessons is what drew her to love them.

“I felt it was a much better way of learning and connecting with the horse,” she says. “[Together] my daughter and I fell head over heels for the sport.”

Business Inspiration

Watts is the development director for Detroit Horse Power, a non-profit that teaches Detroit, Mich., students how to ride horses.

As she became more involved in the horse world, Watts, who is Taiwanese, noticed a lack of diversity, particularly when it came to models and apparel shown in equestrian magazine and advertisement images.

“I didn’t feel like there was anything that represented us,” says Watts.

That was the spark she needed to create Muirneen Equestrian, named after her off-track Thoroughbred with the same name.

“I started Muirneen Equestrian to really showcase more of that diversity, whether it’s the everyday rider, the hobbyist, or even your more experienced Olympic-level equestrian,” says Watts. “I created a line that really spoke to me about diversity, as well as making sure that the clothing was ethical and created in the United States, creating living-wage jobs—which isn’t easy. What I really wanted to do is create something that reflected my values.”

Watts launched her diverse equestrian clothing line in October 2021. Although she doesn’t have a fashion background, she has a keen sense of what works for her preferences and the market. Her experience owning a small business for many years helped Watts launch this new venture.

Challenge Accepted

Creating clothing in the United States has proven to be much more difficult than Watts had ever imagined.

“Many companies employ labor from overseas, and it’s a lot cheaper,” she says. “It’s a lot more accessible, whereas here, that’s just not the case, so it increases the cost quite a bit. But I thought it was worth it to make them handmade in the USA, and make sure I was contributing to living-wage shops. For me, that was a non-negotiable.”

Watts wanted to have the photos associated with her products representative of a greater population.

“I knew that if I had control over what types of images I put out into the equestrian world, that I could make it more diverse and reflective of the beautiful diversity that exists within the equestrian community, but maybe it’s not highlighted as often,” says Watts.

She says Muirneen is often approached by customers wanting custom clothing for schooling programs that reflects their students, or by clients who appreciate the company’s ethics and values.

“I think one of the best ways we live out our values is by showing young equestrians that are coming to our site that there are companies that care about diversity—not just race and background, but also plus sizes, too,” says Watts. “We’re working to create clothing that makes everyone feel comfortable, not just a certain subset of the population.”

The response to Muirneen Equestrian has been incredibly positive, from schooling programs to high-level athletes. The company has been named the official apparel sponsor for the USA Pentathlon team through the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Looking Ahead

Watts wanted to start her business small and sustainably, creating the best footprint possible and with a solid foundation before expanding to new lines. With some initial success under her belt, she is looking forward to expanding her product offerings.

“When people come to me for custom apparel, it’s kind of my testing ground,” says Watts. “Do I want to mass produce this? Or is this more suited for custom apparel?”

When asked what advice she’d give to someone wanting to launch a company in the horse world, she emphasizes the need for living out your values as the key to achieving your goals.

“It’s not glamorous,” says Watts. “It’s a lot of hard work, a lot of sleepless nights, and it must be driven by your passion. You need consistency in your drive. You do this day in and day out. Success doesn’t happen overnight, it’s something you have to work at. The more your values and passions show through your company, the more it will resonate with people. People are seeking authenticity and genuineness, and you need that for your company to be successful.”

This article about equestrian apparel and clothing originally appeared in the July 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Welcome to Los Angeles

Born and raised in Leipzig, Germany, Gellersen landed in Los Angeles for the first time in 2000 to study English. She returned to the Golden State for a second time later in the year to attend fashion school at the California College of the Arts. Afterward, she moved to Paris to pursue an internship with Dior. After Paris, she once again found herself back in Los Angeles in 2005.

A horse lover since she was a little girl, Gellersen had once stayed with a friend living in Riverside Rancho, a magical and historic equestrian community just 20 minutes from Hollywood. She still recalls that first drive when she discovered wide-open spaces and horses casually being ridden through the city. It suddenly became her dream to live there.

The Accident

AtelierCG was born in 2012 after Gellersen had a horrible riding accident. She was helping exercise a friend’s horse at Sunset Ranch in Hollywood one evening, and while riding back from Mount Hollywood, a set of brightly flashing lights from a mountain bike spooked her friend’s horse, causing Gellersen’s horse to panic.

In a moment of fear, her mount spun off the edge of a steep hillside. The pair flipped over backward, and the mare landed on top of Gellersen, breaking her ribs and fracturing her pelvis, causing internal bleeding and other injuries. Lucky to be alive, the doctors gave Gellersen a bleak future outcome.

“They told me I couldn’t ride again, and I decided no, no, no I am going to ride again,” she says.

While Gellersen was recovering in the hospital, she made her first-ever Ride Holster Bag, a leather waist pouch that is now the most popular bag she sells today.

“My sewing is terrible, but somebody at the ranch asked me where they could buy it,” says Gellersen. “I found a leather factory, and they started making the first pieces. That’s how I started doing equestrian handbags.”

Prior to the accident, Gellersen had a company with her ex-husband creating canvas bags. Nothing serious happened with the brand, and she didn’t feel passionate about it.

Gellersen started writing down words of affirmation, including “stay strong” and “don’t let them tame you.” She was determined not to let anyone break her spirit.
“‘Don’t let them tame you’ is now the slogan of my company,” she adds.

Khumba

When Gellersen decided to really focus on growing AtelierCG, she gave up her leased horse in Hollywood to save time and money. She then realized she wasn’t happy without a horse in her life. Gellersen’s friends connected her with a racehorse trainer who offered to help find her a horse.

At the time, Gellersen was straining to make ends meet and pay the rent. She was a single mom struggling to balance it all with two young kids, Kaelen and Jade. But she found herself adding a horse to the chaos.

“I knew I needed a horse,” says Gellersen. “I needed a horse that had a big heart and that was good around kids. Riding is therapy for me. Being around horses keeps me grounded.”

When she first saw photos of Khumba, she thought he was absolutely gorgeous. He came straight from the racetrack without any formal training. The pair has come a long way since she purchased the horse with a heart on his head, and now Gellersen regularly rides her gentle Thoroughbred throughout Griffith Park.

Inspired by Tack

Inspiration for her chain jewelry came to Gellersen in the tack room. She loves mixing and matching chains and colors.

“It all started when I was cleaning my bridle, and I had a curb chain in my hand,” she says. “I loved the feel of the curb chain, so I had this idea that my jewelry should be stainless steel. I love the heavy metal. Gold and silver can break or bend, but stainless steel doesn’t.”

One of her most popular jewelry designs is the dreamer necklace. The mixed metal bracelets are also very popular. Gellersen is self-taught as a jewelry maker, and pieces everything together herself.

“It is challenging, but I don’t see it as work, because I really enjoy what I’m doing.”

This article about fashion and horses originally appeared in the August 2021 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Fashion and Horses: Bringing Beauty from Pain appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

When you step into the arena with your horse, you want to exude confidence and focus on your ride. This is your moment to shine, so it’s important to feel good about what you’re wearing. Horse show trends and fashion vary between disciplines and show circuits, but the following tips will help you when shopping for new pieces.

Horse Show Trends for Hunter/Jumpers

Taylor Hall owns The Tried Equestrian, a premier consignment shop in Santa Clarita, Calif. Hall is in tune with the hunter/jumper world, where there has been a shift in focus to athletic materials that offer more comfort. From shirts and breeches to show jackets, gloves and boots, the items must be comfortable, easy to wash and have a lot of stretch.

“In the hunter/jumpers we’ve seen coats trending shorter,” says Hall. “Traditionally, coat tails tended to fall at the bottom of your hips, especially in the hunter ring. Now most coats, even made for the hunters and equitation, hit mid-hip. Jumper coats are even shorter, and many times hit in the top quarter of your hips.”

Hunt coats and shirts are solid. There are now six accepted show coat colors: navy, black, brown, gray, green, and the newest color addition, burgundy. The jumper ring is a place for experimenting with bolder attire, but keep in mind the rules for attire depend on the class entered.

“One of the coolest trends we’ve seen is wearing a colored competition shirt (burgundy or even black) underneath a black coat,” says Hall. “A competition shirt can be worn in the jumper ring and can be any color, as long as it has a stand-up white collar that closes. We are even seeing bling here! Albeit very subtly, but it is being added to some show coats, tops and even breeches along pockets.”

Horse Show Trends for Dressage

Dressage riders have room to push the boundaries further with Swarovski crystals and pops of color. Accomplished dressage rider and eventer Britt Sabbah of Agoura Hills, Calif., recently attended her first dressage show after taking a year off due to the pandemic. She wears a shadbelly with a faux leather lining on the tails and Swarovski accents on the collar and points.

Riders are wearing helmets accented with glossy finishes, glitter, or Swarovski crystals. Colorfully piped tails and bolder colors can make their appearance on a shadbelly.

Black leather tack continues to dominate, but sparkly browbands and saddles and riding boots with patent or stamped leather accents and piping are seen throughout the ring.

Horse Show Trends for Western Riders

Amber Harmon of Bakersfield, Calif., competes at Paint Horse shows in the all-around classes. One of her favorite items is a button-front fitted day shirt; these offer versatility to riders showing in multiple classes.

Generally, state or zoned show riders can be seen wearing more interesting patterns and retro designs. The western world is embracing retro colors in saddle pads, outfits and tack design.

Black saddles are now a beautiful option for riders from pleasure to barrel racing. It all started with a two-toned trend, which has turned into solid black.

In the all-around classes, a show saddle can be loaded with silver or simple. Barrel racers continue to look for rough-out saddles (a saddle with the flesh or rough side facing out) and simpler designs. Solid pads are out, and modern, retro-themed designs are in for saddle blankets and pads.

For high-end breed circuit apparel, Harmon says to look to Showtime Show Clothing and Showgirls Apparel brands for a selection of new and pre-owned options. There are a lot more accessible smaller brands making trendy tack and apparel.

Hunter under saddle breed show riders embrace contrasting collars, velvet collars and lots of tan and brown jackets. Velvet hunt caps are out and actual protective, lower-profile helmets are in.

At the end of the day, all of the hours put into the saddle and lessons come down to one ride or a series of classes. It’s important to feel powerful and confident in your attire.

This article about horse show trends appeared in the June 2021 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Horse Show Trends to Try in 2022 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

What’s Hot in Riding Helmets

Newer trends include rose gold or chrome trim, wider sun brims, fresh colors like chocolate brown, dusky gray and royal blue, and glossy finishes.

New riding helmets comfort features that are also elegant include faux leather harnesses for a sophisticated look that provides soft padding around the face. Many brands offer ventilation without compromising safety; these strategically-placed vents channel air flow beneath the helmet while also creating visually appealing lines. Look for anti-microbial, moisture-wicking, and Coolmax liners to help keep things fresh.

For western riders, Resistol riding helmets have a cowboy hat look, while Troxel has created a traditional helmet styled with western designs.

Certification Standards

Be sure when shopping for a new helmet to look for one designed for equestrian use and not for other sports. Riding helmets are tested to withstand perils specific to equestrian activities, such as impacts from kicks and crushes, falls from horse height, and falls onto objects.

Guidelines for equestrian helmets published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend certification by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI), Snell Standards (Snell Foundation), and/or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Helmets certified by the Snell Foundation have undergone the most rigorous level of testing.

MIPS Technology

More recently, you may have noticed riding helmets featuring a prominent yellow tag emblazoned with “Multi-Directional Impact Protection System” (MIPS). MIPS is an additional safety component integrated into the helmet; this layer redirects rotational force when there is side impact to the head. This technology originated with the cycling helmet industry.

Equestrian brands with current MIPS helmet technology include Armis, Back on Track, Champion, Charles Owen, Hööks, One K, Tipperary Equestrian and Trauma Void.

“The addition of MIPS to equestrian helmets has become more top of mind for riders in recent years,” says Kara Williams, merchandising buyer at Massachusetts-based SmartPak.
How exactly does MIPS work?

“In short, MIPS is a thin inner liner inside the helmet that allows the helmet to shift up to 5 millimeters in the event of a fall, thus enabling the helmet to move slightly to absorb more of the impact when you make contact with the ground,” explains Michelle Drum, e-commerce, social media, and marketing manager for Farm House Tack in Landrum, S.C.

Size Your Riding Helmet Right

Ready to get started finding your optimal riding helmet?

“The best advice I can offer to riders shopping for a riding helmet is to take the time to go to a tack shop and get fitted by a trusted professional,” says Drum. “If you don’t have access to a tack shop you trust to fit you for a helmet, find a shop that is up to date with the technology that can do a real-time head measure via Facetime or Zoom. Shopping for a new helmet can be time consuming, but consider we are talking about your head here. You only get one, so this is an important investment. Take into consideration the safety levels offered by all of the helmet manufacturers and choose the one that offers the most protection and comfort for your budget.”

To select the right size, measure the widest part of your head (about a finger’s width above your ears and eyebrows) with a soft tape measure, keeping it level around the circumference of your head. Some helmet brands are sized in centimeters and others are in inches, so take note of both measurements.

Next, consult the corresponding size chart for the brands you’re interested in. Some use universal sizing (S, M, L), while others go by traditional hat sizes (7, 7 ¼, 7 ½, et cetera).

A dial feature on many helmets allows small adjustments to customize the fit, and new on the scene is One K’s adjustable air bladder within the helmet liner, which can be inflated and deflated for discreet changes in fit.

Riding Helmet Fit

A knowledgeable sales representative can advise you in finding the best brand for your needs, as well as finding the optimal fit. Try on different lines and styles. Williams notes that different brands vary slightly in their sizing and shape, so it’s not uncommon to be different sizes in different helmet brands.

Your helmet should sit just above your eyebrows. When trying on, gently shake your head: the helmet should stay snug and not slide; it should move up and down with your skin if you lift your eyebrows, but not slip if you tip your head forward and backwards.

If the helmet is too small, it won’t fit down flush on your head and may leave you with a headache. If it’s too large, it will slide around, compromising safety.

Keep in mind that the materials around your head may loosen a bit with wear in some brands, so if you are between sizes, consider going down to the smaller size so your helmet isn’t too loose later.

You know you’ve got the right fit if it’s snug but comfortable. If it’s too tight against the front and back of your head, you may need an oval shape. If it’s too tight against the sides of your head, then you may need a round shape.

Adjust the chin strap so that one finger fits between the strap and your chin. The straps on the sides should sit just below your ear lobes.

Try on the helmet with the hairstyle you wear to ride; for riders with long hair, this means either secured in a ponytail, braid, or bun at the nape of the neck. If you wear your hair tucked up under your helmet in a hair net, try on all helmets this way.

If you sometimes wear long hair outside of your helmet, like in a ponytail, and other times tucked into your helmet, you may consider buying two different helmets. Another option is a helmet with an adjustable dial or air-fit to accommodate the slightly different sizes. Alternatively, there are brands that offer a thicker liner and thinner liner so you can wear your hair both ways, and also wash one while using the other.

Taking Care of your Riding Helmet

To clean your riding helmet, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. Linings can be removed and washed in some cases; otherwise, they may be treated with a deodorizing spray. Extreme temperatures may weaken your helmet’s materials, so don’t store it in your car or direct sunlight.

All helmets should be replaced at least every five years or after any fall or drop. Even if you see no damage after an accident, the interior structure may be compromised from absorbing the blow. Many manufacturers offer a discount on replacement helmets after an accident within the warranty period, so be sure to save the documents related to your helmet purchase.

A Helmet for Any Rider

Drum shares a new feature she finds especially appealing.

“My favorite of the newest trends now has to be the extended brim to shield the sun from your face,” she says. “These helmets are a great option for helping to protect your skin from the sun, as well as offer protection from glare in bright climates.”

Brighter colors are hot in the jumper ring right now, while hunters can find classically styled helmets that offer the latest technology and cooling air vents.

In the rodeo sector, world champion barrel racer Fallon Taylor has made a splash with helmets featuring colorful patterns that match her tack and outfits. In an effort to entice even more riders to make helmets part of their regular routine, many retailers nationwide offer promotions on International Helmet Awareness Day.

With correct fit and a little care, today’s helmets offer unprecedented levels of protection while looking snazzy at the same time.

The post A Riding Helmet for Every Equestrian appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Matchy-matchy equestrian style is all about coordinating colors with your horse. Picture a dapple gray wearing a periwinkle saddle pad, fly bonnet and protective boots with his rider sporting a periwinkle shirt. That’s the matchy-matchy fashion trend.

Jessica Alvarado, creator of the Facebook group Matchy Matchy Equestrians USA, defines matchy-matchy as “the addicting obsession to dress your horse and/or yourself in matching attire.”

Why Matchy-Matchy Equestrian Style?

Part of the appeal of dressing matchy-matchy is that anyone can do it, regardless of discipline, body type or age.

“Price doesn’t matter either,” says Alvarado. “Matchy-matchy fits any color, shape, size, budget or skill set.”

Alvarado, a dressage rider from Washington, dove into matchy-matchy with a yearling named Moose.

“With my horse being as young as he was at the time, I didn’t have much to do with him other than basic groundwork, so I started to play dress up,” she says. “From there, my obsession—and my collections—grew.”

Alvarado formed her U.S.-based matchy-matchy group on Facebook in May of 2020 as a forum where people can buy and sell, ask questions or simply share pictures of themselves and their horses decked out in their color-coordinated best.

“At the time, there weren’t any groups dedicated to those who live only in the United States,” she explains. “This was a way to keep purchasing simple by not having to deal with currency conversion, overly delayed shipping times, and to promote smaller, local shops.”

Although the term “matchy-matchy” isn’t typically used in the western world, the concept is alive and well. Western lifestyle blogger and Horse Illustrated contributor Raquel Lynn of Los Angeles explains what motivates riders to coordinate with their horses.

“You work really hard taking care of your horse and you want them to look good,” she says. “Putting nice tack on a horse is a finishing touch.”

How to Get Started

For western riders, the sky’s the limit with matchy-matchy. “There are a ton of options in colors and print,” says Raquel. “For example, a barrel racer could put turquoise boots on their horse and have saddle pad wear-leathers in turquoise. More options are light oil tack, dark oil tack, or black tack, which is trending now.”

She cites cowhide print, serape and sunflowers as popular at the moment.

Some equestrian brands are known for creating sets that are perfect for matchy-matchy aficionados. These include matching saddle pads, fly bonnets and brushing boots or polos. Alvarado names a few of the major brands in the English realm as PS of Sweden, Equestrian Stockholm, Eskadron, and Equito. For western lovers, Raquel says Desert Rose Equine is known for coordinating stirrups, breast collars and headstalls, and Harris Leather and Silverworks have all the varying shades of tack.

Alvarado identifies the two biggest struggles of being matchy-matchy are limited supply and price gouging.

“With matchy-matchy becoming more popular, finding certain items can be difficult,” she says. “There are several sets that have been declared ‘unicorns,’ because they are very rare and hard to come by.”

For example, PS of Sweden is known to have two ‘unicorns’ with the highly sought-after colors Couture Red and Pacific Ocean.

“Usually if you are patient, in time you will find what you consider a unicorn,” says Alvarado. Like wine, certain saddle pad sets become more valuable with age, becoming collectors’ items due to the rarity. And that is where price gouging can occur.

Matchy-Matchy Fun for All

For most riders swept up in matchy-matchy, the quest to find tack and accessories in perfect hues and the ability to add a splash of color and designs to your equestrian pursuits are just plain fun.

“What drives me to be matchy-matchy is the happy feeling it gives me,” says Alvarado. “I love dressing my horse up to look his best, and he quite enjoys being told how handsome he is on a regular basis, too. The best part of having my matchy-matchy Facebook group has been creating a space for people to share what makes them happy. Times are hard for everyone right now. If sharing your photos or purchases makes you happy, by all means, share away.”

The post Matchy-Matchy Equestrian Style appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

C4 Horses & Hounds Belt

C4 belts are made from durable thermo polymer and come in one size (50”), giving you the opportunity to cut it to fit perfectly. Colorful belt buckles are sold separately, giving you the chance to personalize your belt. Those fox hunting themed belt is perfect for any equestrian. $26.99; c4belts.com

Ariat Studded Stirrup Belt

This black leather-studded stirrup belt is an excellent choice for the edgy equestrian. Smooth black leather is lined with silver studs and fastened by a stirrup buckle making this equestrian belt subtle and stylish. $84.95; ariat.com

Concho Dream Hip Belt

A fashion-forward accessory, this chunky hip belt features large distressed silver conchos. The belt comes with an interchangeable buckle so you can personalize your style. $79.95; rods.com

Ruespari Wild Thing Belt

Ruespari’s elastic material offers some stretch and ensures a perfect fit for every rider. From schooling at the barn to horse shows, this belt will add a little extra flash to any outfit. $90.00; ruespari.com

Double J Cactus Tooled Belt

Vibrantly painted cacti and flowers are perfect for expressing your Southwestern style. The natural leather belt is polished off with a row of bright white stitching. $225.00; doublejsaddlery.com

California Cowgirl Hip Belt

Large, floral-shaped conchos adorn dark brown leather. Wear this belt with your favorite riding jeans or cinch it around the waistline of your favorite dress. $55.95; rods.com

Adabelle Western Belt

Add a touch of sparkle and bold color to any outfit with this purple B.B. Simon belt. It’s made from Italian leather and adorned with Swarovski crystals. $320.00; bbsimononline.com

Ariat Stirrup Belt

Classic brown leather is paired with a beautiful brass-shaped stirrup buckle. This equestrian belt comes at an affordable price with timeless design. It’s trendy enough to wear at the office or barn. $69.95; ariat.com

The post Equestrian Belts appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.