Equestrian Style Profile: Claire Arnold

Meet Claire Arnold, an avid equestrian from Orlando, Florida who started out riding horses at the age of 10 by having her first lesson paid for by her grandmother. After immediately getting hooked, her parents made sure she was dedicated to the sport by having her clean stalls in exchange for riding lessons. Sure enough, her dedication has paid off, and now she competes in the High Adult Jumper classes on the “A” Circuit with her 15.3H mare, Zamba. Her style has transitioned through the years and currently, she’s craving a “comfy-chic” look. We’re loving this fall look she pulled together with an Anthropologie Tweed Jacket, Schockemoelhe Breeches, classic Hérmes belt and La Mundial Boots. Read our Q&A below to learn more about Claire!

All images by: Nicole Schultz Photography

 Q: Where is your hometown and where are you currently living? 

A: Orlando, FL 

Q: Give us a little background on you and how you got into horses, and specifically hunter/jumpers… 

A: When I was 10 yrs old I was visiting my grandmother and she took me to the barn where she kept her horse and paid for me to have my first riding lesson. I’ve been hooked ever since. My parents made absolutely sure I was dedicated by having me clean stalls for a year at a local barn in exchange for riding lessons. I kept at it and have been very fortunate to have many incredible riding opportunities. 

Q: What do you love most about being an equestrian? 

A: The horses. It started out as the love for the animal, and it always will be for me. 

Q: Tell us about your horse(s) … (show name / barn name, size, the division you compete in, any “cute quirks” etc) 

A: My most recent horse was Zamba, which was both her show and barn name. She is a 15.3hh Hanoverian spitfire, which is kinda funny due to the fact I’m 5’10” but we made it work. We were competing in the high Adult Jumpers. A little quirk about her is that she refused to eat any treats unless they were the stereotypical carrot, apple, or peppermint. She would get offended if you offered her anything else. She was definitely opinionated haha, but she was awesome in the show ring, always understood she had to be her best.

Q: Do you have a favorite horse show or place you’ve traveled to? 

A: I LOVE Tryon. It is very well run and the facilities are amazing. 

Q: How do you describe your style? 

A: My style has changed multiple times within the past few years. I think I would have to say I have a few different styles. I love comfy-chic clothes on days I’m just hanging out. I also like artistic styles as well. One of my favorite things about style is you get to define yours yourself, and it gives you the opportunity to express or present yourself how you want

Q: Do you have any “go-to” favorite pieces that you wear in the horse show ring? What about after the horse show? 

A: my go-to faves are definitely my Schockemoehle breeches, I love them. Also my Alessandro Albanese MotionLite show coat. It keeps me cool and stylish in the ring.

Q: Are you loving any trends right now? 

A: Equestrian-wise, I really like how we are able to express ourselves a little more in the show ring. I’m not one to go all out, but a little color, bling, or whatever is cool. At least in the jumper world (sorry hunter peeps). 

Q: What are some of your favorite brands? 

A: Equestrian-wise I really like Samshield, Kastel, Schokemoehle, and Cavalleria Toscana. In my closet I’d say the brands you will find most often are Anthropologie, Madewell, Lulus, MinkPink, and Rails. I also love Hérmes.

Q: Anything fun (or unique about you) you’d like to share with our readers? A: If I’m not working or riding, you can either find me curled up with my fur babies (2 dogs and 2 cats!) reading a book and drinking a glass of red wine, spending time with my fiancé and/or friends, or at my favorite local brewery!