It’s mid December, and the season is here in Wellington, Florida. As the holidays approach and everyone scrambles to the closest stores to find the perfect gift whether it’s a new digital camera, the latest handbag, or sparkling jewelry, the riders in Wellington, Florida prepare for an exciting Winter Equestrian Festival ahead. My schedule starts at about 7:00 AM every day, and I spend about 3-4 hours of my day riding each morning with my trainer Jennifer Bieling, who I’ve been riding with since I was about nine years old. I’m thirty two, now…Yikes, I feel old. Over twenty years I have stuck with this incredible sport, and as many of you equestrians know, this is the one thing that truly makes my life whole.
Throughout my entire riding life, I have always been the tried and true hunter rider. Ever since I was a little girl showing in small pony hunters, I was all about riding the “fancy” ones. I wanted the hack and model winners… the jumps came pretty easy for me, so making the ponies look pretty around the course became my forte. I also took regular ballet classes growing up, so I account some of my finessing techniques to the graceful movements I learned in pointe and ballet after school. I think dance brings a softness to riding, and also helps with strengthening and stretching techniques as well. My riding career took me many places all over the united states to Pony Finals, the Devon Horse Show, The National Horse Show, and even the Colorado Summer Show Circuit, but showing in Wellington was home for me. We were lucky to be able to live close by and horse show at the winter horse capital of the world.
Fast forward – I went off to college, rode for the college club team at Florida State University for a couple of semesters, and realized I was not excited about equitation like I am with hunter horses. I still remember when I was young filling the equitation classes as my “warm up” for the hunter division, since back then warm up trips were hard to come by… Nowadays, everyone wants to be in an equitation class. Except me. I’m most happy in the hunter ring!
Let’s talk about the Horse Show Hunter Ring style. One of the most traditional styles of equestrian disciplines is the hunter style. White show shirts and navy or black riding coats are typical in the hunter ring. Black tall riding boots and black riding helmets are also the norm. Gloves are optional, and I used to never wear gloves growing up – but then, when I had to wear gloves during college, I became addicted to wearing gloves – so now there’s no going back. Plus, your hands don’t get as dirty when you’re riding at home with gloves 😉
When I was a young junior hunter rider, the hunter ring wardrobe was much different. Our show coats were 100% wool. Our breeches were a blend that didn’t stretch. Everything had to be dry cleaned, there was no way around it. Our helmets were unapproved, and our chokers on our show shirts velcro’d in the back! Wow, times have changed. For the best! We now have excellent choices of technical materials, coats we can put in the washing machine, and breeches that stretch! What a luxury!
In this post, I’m featuring the Hunter Horse Show Style for the elegant lady featuring Equiline America. These pieces are not only extremely comfortable to wear in the horse show ring, but also stylish to wear out after the show with friends. The Italian-made company specializes in proper fit, lightweight and breathable materials, anti-stain technology, and more.
Before I get into the apparel, I must mention that my saddle is something that I’ve had for 16 years. Some things never change, and it’s better that way! This saddle is still going strong with only one repair. It’s my beloved Butet Saddle that has gone from the pony ring to the Junior Hunter and then on to Amateur Owner ring all it’s life. Now, only if this saddle could talk…
Now, for what you’ve been waiting for…
The Horse Show Hunter Ring Style
The helmet: SamShield premium helmet in Alcantara – I’ve had this helmet for years (it’s lasted me the longest out of all of my horse show helmets).
The show shirt: Equiline Victoria competition shirt. I’m absolutely in love with the cotton stretch piquet breathable fabric. It’s functional, but also very fashionable. The triple horse head logo on the left chest is a unique detail which makes this shirt fun to wear around without your jacket. Scroll down below to see some other looks.
The jacket: Equiline Hayley Competition Jacket. This jacket is honestly the most comfortable show coat I’ve ever worn. The “X-Cool Evo” technical fabric keeps you so cool, even in the hottest times of year here in Florida.
The Breeches: Equiline X Shape Knee Grip in beige. This is a new fit design created to support the body and the balance while riding. The patented microfiber stretch textile is so comfortable that you never want to take them off!
The Boots: Parlanti Miami Field Boot – I’ve gone through so many boots, so these are my newest pair thanks to my sweet hubby for surprising me with them as a recent birthday gift.
The X-Shape breeches have zip up pockets which are large enough to fit your phone inside. The fit is super flattering, especially if you’re looking for a little “lift” in the rear end department.
The jacket is vented all the way through, and I can’t tell you how much these pieces STRETCH with your movement! It’s almost like I could wear these to Pure Barre class they move so well!
The show shirt has exposed buttons which gives a little more modern look. The horse I’ve been riding, “Iceland” loves getting involved with photoshoots, so we had to include him…
“Iceland” is a 16.3H dappled grey young hunter horse that I will be showing this Winter Equestrian Festival in the Adult Hunters. He’s full of personality and style, and has such a great jump.
The Horse Show Hunter Ring Equiline pieces transition so well from the horse show to heading out to dinner. Throw on a pair of dark jeans, some Stubbs & Wooten flats, equestrian style jewelry, a great handbag, and you’re good to go!
Necklace: Tocci Designs Snaffle Bit Necklace
Jeans: J. Crew
Handbag: Dressage Collection -The Trotter Tote Bridle Collection
Shoes: Vintage Bespoke Stubbs & Wooten
