Equestrian Clothing
Equestrians also need their own set of gear for the competition. Each equestrian sport is unique which demand different skills from the rider. Their clothing is not just used for presentation but also to help them move freely during competitions. There are many types of clothing that equestrians need. There is corresponding clothing to protect the rider from head to foot.
The main clothing of an equestrian are composed of riding hats, jackets, boots, jodhpurs and breeches, body protector, chaps and gaiters. For a beginner it is essential to know each of this clothing. Each individual’s preference may be different but it important to know the basics before buying any clothing. Horse back riding can be expensive and its clothing is not exemption.
The most important clothing is the riding hat. Obviously it protects the riders from falls which can be experienced whether you are in or out of a competition. Although horses can be trained they can still be unpredictable.
The rider’s clothing
The riding hat
It is the most important piece of clothing which offers protection for your head. These hats are made of a hard shell which is lined with a material that absorbs shock. This is essential to provide protection for the rider in case he or she falls. It’s also important to wear them even though they are not riding because the horse may kick them instead. It’s advisable to wear them when handling horses on the ground.
If the rider suffers from a fall the hat should be replaced immediately. The fall can diminish the hat’s protection. The protection also decreases over time as the padding compresses from daily use. Riding has should be replaced ever three to four years.
Three basic hats are available for the riders:
The first one is the classic riding hat. It’s a traditional velvet hat available brown, black, or navy. It has a hard peak.
The second is the skull cap which is also referred to as the jockey cap. It has no peak and is usually worn by jockeys. It’s now popular with other riders for leisure and competition. Silks which are peak covers can be placed over the skull cap. This gives them the appearance of a riding hat. There are also novelty silks available for children such as eyes and ears sewn on them.
The third one is the skull protector. It’s a riding hat similar to a cycling helmet. It’s very lightweight and ventilated. The hat is usually worn during the warm weather or summer.
Riding hats have chin straps and should conform to the riding hat safety standards. The United Kingdom has 3 safety standards. Riding hats should follow one of these standards for optimum safety of the rider. The chin traps should be able to secure the hat safely and securely on the riders head.
Riders should always remember to secure their hats. Beginners should also buy which is comfortable for them. Riding hats is a piece of equestrian clothing that should be regarded with importance. Sever falls can be very fatal. Riding hats can decrease the severity of the injury of the rider.
Rides should not buy a second hand riding hat. Although the damages cannot be seen from the outside it is most likely that they have reduced protection. Buy new hats for guaranteed protection.
Earring sets
Horse lovers and riding enthusiasts show their love for horses in many ways. Some like to wear equestrian outfits. Others use equestrian home décor in their houses. Still others like to use equestrian jewelry.
The beauty of a horse’s form and elegance of its stand and gait make it the perfect addition to any jewelry. That is why more and more jewelry makers have horse design collections. From trinkets to large diamond-stud pendants, these pieces of jewelry can match any wardrobe and can be worn in any occasion.
This type of bling may be made of gold, white gold, sterling silver or platinum. While some are purely metallic pieces, others add some stones or gems like diamonds, pearls, turquoises, sapphires, rubies, and crystals. Of less costly materials include beads and semi-precious stones.
As for the jewelry types, the most common is the necklace. Horse designs are usually in the pendant. While you may see a horse in extended trot, there are more pendants that have a horse head or Equus design. The head is sometimes framed with a round or square frame, and may be plain or studded. Other pendant designs are horse shoe, bit, stirrup, hunting horn, crop and boot, dressage horse, saddle, hoof pick, golden boot, blue ribbon, and many others. Some charms can also be used as pendants, such as bell boot, breed and bucket charms. Heart-shaped diamond lockets with horse designs are also used as pendants sometimes. Chain can be cable or plain.
Another jewelry type is the bracelet. Charms are used to embellish the chain. With slide or clip-on charms, you are able to mix and match the charms and bracelets that you have. Some common charm designs include heart horse, horse shoe, boot jack, paddock boot, blue ribbon and dressage hat. For the chain, it can be plain, or with designs such as stirrup, toggle, bit or cable.
Earrings are also among the favorite jewelry for women. Designs are similar as the pendants, as necklace and earring sets are commonly sold. Some like smaller stud earrings, while others prefer longer, dangling ones. Common designs are horse shoe and stirrups.
There are also horse rings available. Some designs include double horse head and nail. The good thing about rings is that it can be worn by both men and women. His and hers horse rings would make a nice engagement or wedding present.
There are also watches with horse designs available.
Horse designs are also available for brooches, barrettes, pins and cufflinks. While they are generally not considered jewelry, they also fall in this category because of the material used and its cost. Examples are square horse cufflinks and gold equestrian brooches. For pins, you may find saddle, hunting whip, hunting horn or heart-shaped horse designs. You can also find diamond-studded silver barrettes for the hair.
You don’t need to love horses in order to wear equestrian jewelry. You may not even like to wear jewelry at all. But with the many designs available, there is one that you’ll surely grow to appreciate and love. So if you’re thinking of spicing up your wardrobe or if you’re running out of gift ideas for a friend or family member who loves horses, why not try horse jewelry. They’re elegant, classy and never go out of style.
Equestrian Home Decor
If you’re thinking of giving your home or room a lift, then equestrian home décor is the solution. Horse décor is one of the most popular animal décor to grace our homes. Its versatility and beauty, not to mention its availability, makes you like to have the horse form in your room. Here are some ideas on how to decorate your home with horse décor.
If you feel that bigger pieces are overbearing, you can start with small accent pieces. It can be a small horse statuette on your study table, a Texas star wall clock, bookends with horse figures, or wall art with horse design. Smaller pieces are great for small spaces. You can also put up a large welcome sign or doormat with horse and cowboy design to set the tone or mood of the home.
Other types of horse décor are furniture accents like a country-themed drawer chest or armoire in deep color with horse design. This piece can serve as centerpiece of the room, or it can be placed in a corner for accent. A base horse figure can also serve as coffee table or side table.
This horse figure as base can also be used for lamps. Or you can have a beautiful horse scene in the shade. When lit, the shade gives really beautiful western colors. If you love to decorate your room with tea light candles and oils, you can find a horse oil lamp made of ceramic where oil can be burned to provide the scent that you want, or candle holders which are of horse design made from wrought iron.
You can also hang some horse art in the wall. Big or small, the size would depend on your preference and on the size of the room. If you want bigger horse designs, you can paint a mural on one wall or use wallpaper with horse designs.
Other accent pieces are horse-designed throws, rugs or throw pillows. These pieces can make any cabin-styled home interesting. For the room, you can also have a comforter, beddings and pillow cases with horse design. This is perfect for a horse-loving kid’s room. Add a rocking horse, and your child may never want to go out of his room anymore.
Horse design pieces also blend well in country-style bathrooms. You can add a horse towel bar, tissue holder, shower curtain or rug with horse design to your bathroom. You can also place a few decorative tiles with horse design in your sink.
The kitchen can also be filled with horse décor. Horse figures in wrought iron may be used as plant or magazine holders. You can also have horse figures as cabinet door knobs or pulls.
One’s fascination with horse décor can be because of different reasons. Surprisingly, some who incorporate horse décor are not even horse riders nor are they of western or country origin. They simply love the horse form.
There are many sources of equestrian home décor. Visit a home furnishings store in your locality. Or you can surf the web for pieces that you can purchase. With the many designs available, there is one to accentuate your home. Let the beauty and grace of our equine friends shine on. Find a piece to suit your home.
Horse pendants
What’s the perfect gift for a horse lover? That would have to be a horse. But if you do not have the finances, or if they already has one, then you buy the next best thing. With the many options available, there is one gift that would best suit any horse lover. Here are some equestrian gifts that you can find for your loved one.
For a young horse lover, you can get him a toy pony. You can also find a bag, tote or purse with horse design, a boot box where pens, markers or brushes can be placed, a shirt or heart-shaped jewelry box, also with horse design. There are also other toys like cards and puzzles. If they like to watch movies, give him a DVD of a nice horse movie.
Another gift idea is equestrian jewelry. You can find horseshoe rings, horse pendants or bracelets with horse trinkets in gold, silver or platinum. Or you can give some horse art, like paintings and posters. If you can paint, you can make a mural on a wall of their home.
For someone who likes to read, you can give subscriptions to equine magazines. There are also horse lover notebooks, journals and address books, office stationery, paper weight and book ends that you can find. If your loved one is seriously considering a career in horse riding, you can give DVDs and books on horsemanship. Tickets to a horse show or rodeo would also make great gifts.
There are also house items that you can get for the adult horse lover. You can find many blankets and throws with horse prints, pillowcases and pillows with horse designs, equestrian trellis designs in placemats, tablecloths and napkins, floor mats and rugs, horse racing table tops, home accents and décor, clocks, etched glassware, horse loving mugs, statues. Other house décor like nightlights, lamps and candle holders would also look beautiful in a horse lover’s home.
For someone special, you can give a horse mailbox. Some manufacturers have different breeds, colors and poses available. So you can find a black palomino in a running pose, or a chestnut thoroughbred standing. These products even have some natural-looking mane and tail hair.
Another practical gift is a basket containing stuff for the horse like horse treats or toys that the horse can play with. Or you can give a bucket full of products for horse grooming like shampoo, hoof pick, body brush, shedder, saddle soap and others. This is ideal for a horse trainer or riding instructor. Ask help from a riding professional to know the best products to buy.
Of course, you can buy horse apparel and riding accessories like jackets, boots, hats and saddles.
If, despite all these gift ideas, you still can’t decide on what to give, why not give gift cards or certificates to a specialty store. That way, they are sure to get something they really want.
There are many sources of equestrian gifts. You can find them in stores, museum gift shops and the internet. Also, if you really know the person, then you will know what gift they will love. So, the next time you would want to give a horse lover friend or family member a gift, you know what to buy and where to find it.
Cutting edge design
Equestrian helmets may not be the biggest fashion sensation today, but there are some stories behind them. The distinctive style of the helmet, kept even in these days of modern materials and cutting-edge design, still reflects the tradition of conservatism proliferated by the early English riding headdress.
Unlike their predecessors, however, equestrian helmets of today serve a purpose beyond making people look good: safety. Not many people realize this, but competitive horse riding is a sport that can be fraught with danger. This is the reason why helmets of today are designed and standardized to make sure that a rider does not suffer serious cranial injuries when riding.
The helmet itself has an outer layer of plastic, which resists impact and prevents injuries in case of a fall. However, some helmets are designed with a cloth covering the shiny plastic in order to make the helmet look more attractive.
The brim of the helmet is designed to protect the eyes of the rider form the harsh glare of the sun. It also makes the helmet more attractive in terms of design. However, the brim is not made of the same materials as the “shell” of the helmet. Rather, it is designed to crumple during a fall. This makes the helmet safer in event a rider lands on the brim.
The inside of the helmet is designed with both comfort and safety in mind. Added padding makes sure that the helmet takes the brunt of the impact in case of a fall. The design is also very sport-specific: one of the reasons why an equestrian helmet is easily recognizable.
The design of the helmet makes sure that the whole head is protected. This is unlike bicycle or skating helmets, which focus the protection in the front and back of the head. It is also designed with the comfort of the rider in mind, with ventilation and positioning factored into the overall aesthetics.
There are many variations on the equestrian helmet based on the competition. Horseracing jockeys, for instance, wear helmets that are brimless and covered with a cloth matching the color scheme of their uniforms. Traditionalists frown upon the spreading use of brilliant colored helmets, but more and more people find the colors black, brown and gray boring.
There are also some varieties of equestrian helmets today that have been adapted to more “western” designs. These helmets, however, are yet to be embraced by riders in rodeos (where they are obviously more needed).
Standardization varies form country to country. However, a rider who joins a competition must have a standard helmet or that rider will not be allowed to compete. People who have performed a “conformity assessment” judge whether the helmet is up to standard
The conformity assessment is a series of tests that show how safe the helmet is. Some assessments involve various tests that simulate a rider falling from a horse and even getting kicked by a horse in the head.
Today, the equestrian helmet is not yet required for riders. However, they are becoming common practice. In fact, riding instructors today are required by insurance companies to make their students wear riding helmets in order to get an insurance policy. Some people may feel that equestrian helmets are uncomfortable and hot, but you should always remember that these helmets keep you safe.
Equestrian Interior Design Concepts
If you are a big fan of horses and the people who ride them, you might want to express it by buying different equestrian decors and clocks for your home. If you know of someone who is a big fan of the sport, you might also want to give such items to him or her. However, purchasing an item needs a lot of careful thought. How exactly does one choose a décor or clock?
1) Consider the recipient – If you plan to give the decors to a friend or even if you are just buying something for your own use, you might want to consider whoever is using it. Try to match it with his or her personality. This doesn’t mean the usual clichéd “yellow if she’s happy and red if he’s mad” type of personality matching.
You need to go deeper than the obvious. With a gift, you have an opportunity to capture a person’s essence.
2) Location, location, location – A décor or clock should always blend with the surroundings. If you are giving one as a gift, you might want to check out the recipient’s place first. If you are buying it for your house, you need a clear idea regarding where you will place the clock.
Sometimes, a small item like a clock or décor is able to bring about an organic unity. Of course, there are also times when a clock or décor ruins the entire look of a place. That statement was not meant to pressure you into picking the “perfect” décor. However, you should take it as an encouragement to at least try and make the décor work with other decorations. Try not to see it just as a separate piece but as part of the whole.
3) Budget – Money will always be a cause for concern among people. You do not have unlimited resources. You need to make use of those resources wisely. Before buying anything, you need to at least have an idea regarding just how much money you can spend on the item. However, you must also be very discerning regarding the true value of something.
You need to be a bit flexible regarding your budget. If something’s worth just a few more dollars, why shouldn’t you get it? You have to trust your instinct. However, you still have to remain in control. Make sure that your flexibility is within reason.
4) Functionality – If you are buying an equestrian clock, you might want to make sure of its functionality. Although such a clock is made to look good, the fact that it is a clock establishes certain expectations.
If its décor we are talking about, surely you might see some purpose behind the aesthetic value of a decoration. Some people may argue that the whole point of decoration is to look good. However, you should realize that life today calls for practicality. Function is sought after, even in décor.
5) Consider the materials – In decoration, the materials used determine a lot of factors. By checking out the materials of an equestrian décor or clock, you will be able to determine its overall aesthetics. You will also have an idea regarding just how strong the item can be. It is very important to consider the durability of an item, as you will be investing your cash in it.
Equestrian Clothing
The most important role of equestrian clothing is for protection. Although horses can be trained they can be unpredictable when provoked. Riders are vulnerable while riding and handling horses, especially for beginners. They may seem to be friendly but they can easily gallop or kick someone when not handled correctly. Apart from riding hats, a body protector is also important equestrian clothing.
Apart from protecting your head any rider should also protect their body. Against a powerful kick of horse, any human can get thrown away like a dummy. Falls can not just injure your head but also break your spine. Riders can also suffer from other internal injuries during a bad fall.
Equestrian protection
Horses are prized in equestrianism but riders are important too. The rider’s ability to handle the horse also has a big impact on their performance. Fortunately there is clothing that can protect them from injury.
Body or back protectors are garments that protect the rider’s chest and back. We all know that your spine is also as important as our skull. Our spine contains the spinal vertebrae which are composed of our body’s nerves from head to foot. Any injury to the spine can paralyze the rider. Our chest on the other hand contains vital organs.
It’s a vest type of clothing that is filled with foam. They are worn over the top of the rider’s clothes. They can also be worn under the jacket. Its good protection for the rider in case they fall during a ride or get kicked by the horse while handling them.
Injuries from a fall cannot be completely avoided but their impact can be reduced. Wearing body or back protectors will provide preventive measure against possible injuries while the rider is with the horse.
The protector is divided into two: the front and the back. They are held together by Velcro fittings on each side and over the shoulder. The protector should be fastened securely and should not move while riding. At first they may seem uncomfortable but the foam moulds to adapt to the rider’s body shape and contour.
All protectors should abide by safety standards. Riders should buy new and original ones for guaranteed protection.
There are three different types of protectors:
Level 1: The black label. It’s only appropriate for licensed jockeys. It has the lowest level of protection.
Level 2: The brown label. It provides medium protection. It’s appropriate for general riding with low risks. This does not include riding on hard surfaces such as roads. Jumping over obstacles and riding young excitable horses are excluded.
Level 3: The purple label. It offers the highest level of protection when riding horses. This includes normal and competitive horse riding. It’s also used when handling horses.
Like riding hats body protectors should be replaced after three to four years. Second hand body protectors are not advisable since their foam padding have already been used. Other body protectors have additional attachments such as shoulder pads.
Although body protectors come in different sizes many manufacturers offer custom fitted ones. This provides ample adjustment for maximum comfort for the rider. Some may like it snuggly fit while others prefer it loose.
No matter what your preferences are prevention is still better than cure. Coupled with riding hat body protectors are also important pieces of an equestrian’s clothing.
Gifts for Horse Lovers
Every year comes the holiday season. It is deemed to be the perfect time of giving and sharing. Gifts are not measured by the sizes of their boxes or by the lavishness of their wrappers. The thought that comes with the giving is what matters the most. Christmas cards bear the thoughts that you want to share to your loved ones. Of course, you want something unique this time, right? These Christmas cards are better appreciated if it comes as a fruit of your labor. Why should you purchase the traditional Christmas cards from the department stores and be like the rest of the individuals who seem not to pay attention to the authenticity of the message therein? With this, a homemade Christmas card would be far better off.
If you are an equestrian by heart, then perhaps you can make use of this concept to create a valuable Christmas card for the holiday season. As you are very much aware of, the Christmas cards have been a part of the human tradition. Every single folklore adopts the Christmas card giving up to this date. Put yourself into the shoes of the recipient of a homemade Christmas card. Isn’t it very pleasing to receive one unique card and yet a product of one’s hard labor? Now that you are not an alien to the feeling, you can be more inspired to come up with a magnificent creation with an equestrian theme for a Christmas card.
No matter how busy you may be, you can still produce a masterpiece out of your passion as an equestrian. It doesn’t matter whether being an equestrian is merely your fancy or your career path itself. What is necessary is that you have a profound idea on how to conceptualize and start off with your holiday freebie.
Follow the mentioned steps below and you are on your way to giving out the best equestrian Christmas cards ever.
Step One – Print
The personal touch to the Christmas card plays a major role. You have to write your personal message and greetings. To add more personalized adornments, include your equestrian photo or any graphics which are equestrian-related. You can just simply print out these photos and use them to produce as many cards as you wish to. You don’t have to book an appointment with a professional photographer for this. Any candid shot of yours would do.
Step Two – Do the collage.
Instead of the traditional positioning of the photos and other related stuffs, you can opt for a collage. It is a more artistic way of organizing the designs and materials that you are going to employ for your Christmas cards. You may likewise add some equestrian stuff such as boot leather material, horse hair, and the likes.
If you have plenty of time for your masterpiece creation, you can start with an organized draft of your materials, cut them out into several pieces, and then reassemble them in an artistic manner. You may add ribbons, sequins, glitters, and colored glues for the background or for insets. Just let go of your creative juices and have your imagination go really wild.
Step Three – Come up with Delicious Fillings
Of course, not only should the outside look enticing but the inside as well. Come up with a personal Christmas greeting. You may include humorous quotes and other attractive characters to make the inside page very interesting.
Now it’s time to send them out. The pleasure is all yours as you receive commendations for a job well done. Enjoy your equestrian Christmas card venture!
Equestrian Boots
Why do you think is it important to consider the proper tips in purchasing the equestrian boots to be used with or without any horseback riding competition? Do you think you can get on with a long ride without the proper equestrian boots? Read on and find out the necessity of choosing the appropriate equestrian apparel such as the boots for someone like you whose passion is all about horse-related stuff.
What are equestrian boots?
Equestrian boots are likewise termed as horseback riding boots. They are the footwear that you are required to use whenever you are going for a ride with your horse. The definition itself practically sounds too simple but of course there is a special reason as to why you must wear these. The general idea is that these boots are capable of keeping you safe and comfortable even as you take heavy and rugged terrains. You must understand that your horseback riding adventures are sure to engage several other difficulties and challenges, much more, accidents. If you are not wearing the proper footwear, then you just can’t imagine what may happen to you should untoward incidents arise.
What are the different types of equestrian boots?
Did you know that there are several types and styles of equestrian boots? Surely, there are. They are like clothes which have various categories depending on what trend is hot and in for everyone. The same goes with these boots. Historically speaking, the equestrian boots were supposedly made out of higher heels which were geared towards the prevention of foot slipping. Now, today’s versions of these boots come with low heels. But of course, some cowboy boots still have the same higher heels.
Now that you have known that there are different styles of the equestrian boots, how should you know which boots must you prefer for your rides? It is simple. Just take note of the following circumstances regarding the boots styles.
Some riding boots are for show riding while there are those which are meant for pleasure riding. Taller boots, those which are tailored just a little below the knees are mainly designated for the use in the field, for hunting, and for dressing.
For some dressing apparel instances, there is a standard set for that. The main point that you must look into is the capacity of your horse to handle its rider.
Some policemen likewise wear the same style of riding boots because these give them their desired comfort while mounting and getting off their motorcycles.
The field boots, or those riding boots which are characterized by ankle lacing design, are primarily effective to use for short length stirrups such as when doing show jumping, event jumping, and fox hunting. The usual colors are brown and black. The hunt boots, on the other hand, come with a top cuff. Male riders often use the hunt boot, which is very traditional in appearance. On the other hand, the dress boots bear no ankle lacing and they appear stiffer as compared with the regular riding boots. This kind of boots is designed to be knee-high in order to prevent any injury. Fox hunters and event riders typically wear this type.
Other types are the Paddock boots which may be used for daily rides and the cowboy or western boots which are both made of leather or synthetic materials and cost thousands of dollars or so.
Equestrian boots have been around for a long time and they continuously evolve in terms of style and design.
The Bond Between Horses and People
Horses have played a vital role in the history of mankind. They have served several purposes from transportation to heavy cavalry. Nowadays due to the development of technology horses are no longer used anymore. They can be mostly found working for humans in ranches, farms, circuses and driving carriages for amusement rides. Although horses are not as vital as they were back in the days the tradition of riding them did not falter. Equestrians were regarded as nobles in Rome who are members of the cavalry. Nowadays they are riders who participate in a number of equestrian sports.
Equestrians in this day and age are more known for equestrianism. It refers to the ability to ride and drive horses. This definition does not just include the use of horses for recreational activities and sports but also for working and practical uses. Contrary what most people would think the term refers to other skills not just riding them for equestrian sports.
Equestrians of the Past
Horses were used in variety of purposes. They were both used in war and peaceful pursuits. They were used from transportation, agriculture and warfare. In Rome Equestrians were regarded as elite. Horses were expensive at that time so owning one meant that you were rich and does not need to do manual labor. They were members of a social upper class in Rome. This class was most often referred to as knights. They were both a military and a political group because horsemen received financial compensation from the government.
As Rome expanded it relied on its allies for cavalry. There were no use from equestrians and they lost their military functions. They did not engage in war anymore but their titles still remain and indicate nobility. The equestrians were rich and governed the provinces. At that time senators were equal to equestrians.
The senators dominated the magistrate offices but were forbidden to operate business and gain commercial income. The equestrians on the other hand continued to invest in marketing and tax farming companies. Conflicts arose between the two of them. Equestrians made as much money as they can while senators notice rebellions due to overtaxing. During civil wars the two elite collaborated and their orders were defined as reforms were done.
Equestrians today
There are popularly known for participating in equestrian sports during Olympics. Like before horse back riding is reserved for the rich. Even today horses are still expensive and prized.
Equestrian events include dressage, show jumping and eventing. Equestrians should be able to make the horse carry out natural movements on request while running loose during competitive dressage. It is also referred to as “Horse Ballet”. Its goal is to develop a horses’ athletic ability and its initiative to perform to maximize its potential. Show jumping is a timed even where equestrians are required to jump over a series of obstacles with the fewest mistakes. Riders and their horses should be able to go through the obstacle with the least knocked over portions of obstacles.
Eventing is the combination of dressage and show jumping. The horse and the rider have to go through a series of fixed obstacles such as stone walls, water, logs banks, ditches with the fastest time possible.
Although the role of equestrians has changed through the centuries it still holds that aura of nobility that it once enjoyed in medieval times.