EquestrianStylist.com would like to welcome Sarah Ryan to the team! We are thrilled to have her on board for collaboration on fun and exciting equestrian style inspired articles.
In order to introduce her properly, we took the time to interview her for you. *Enjoy*
E.S: What are your favorite brands? (both riding and fashion)
When it comes to my choice of apparel, both riding and personal, I believe that clothing should be both fashionable and functional. Showing in the sun for the majority of the year, I love riding apparel that is prevents both sun damage and overheating. Some great brands include EIS, Equiline, GPA (particularly the first lady helmet) and Ariat.
In many ways I am very similar in my personal taste in clothing. I am a firm believer that you don’t have to pay a lot to look good, but every once in a while it doesn’t hurt to buy an investment piece. Some of my favorite brands at the moment are Maje, KEMPNER, Theory and J. Crew. I love companies that create classic pieces that maintain their appeal regardless of what is trendy at the time.
E.S: Do you have a style icon? If so, who?
Perhaps it is a little cliché, being a horseback rider, but I have always admired the style of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. I think it is a very powerful thing for a woman to have her own unique sense of fashion that allows her to be simultaneously feminine and individualistic. Although she always looked extremely polished and put together, there was a certain air of effortlessness, which I deeply respect and hope to emulate.
E.S: Where are you horse showing this year?
Since my trainer, Cody Auer, is based out of Connecticut, much of my showing will be spent in the Northeastern part of the country. This will include such shows as Old Salem, Princeton, Hits, Gold Cup, Ox Ridge, Lake Placid, Michigan, and the Hamptons.
E.S: What horses/divisions?
I currently have three horses that I own and am riding. I have had my oldest horse Orleen for almost a decade and we compete in the High Amateur Owners, Carisco, my 12 year old, shows in the Medium Amateurs, and Imerald competes in the 6 year old classes.
E.S: What are your goals for 2014?
Having done this sport for a large portion of my life I really try and focus on what is the most important part of my riding; my horses. Consequently, my goals are to show my horses and have them be sound and happy in their jobs. Generally with that solid foundation, good results will follow.
E.S: Do you have a favorite horse show?
My favorite horse show I have competed at would have to be Spruce Meadows. The facilities are unparalleled, with every class being held in a grass ring. Additionally, each competitor and sponsor is made to feel valued; whether they are an amateur rider or a three time Olympic medalist. Additionally, they stick to a strict time schedule, as any competitor would agree, is a major bonus.
E.S: What are your favorite accessories?
I love any accessories that add a subtle personal touch to someone’s outfit. Currently I am obsessed with helmet monograms made by Personally Preppy. They custom printed our barns logo and all of our riders wear them on the backs of their helmets. It is just a cute little touch that makes a normal piece of riding equipment feel unique and personal.
E.S: What are your favorite magazines? (or blogs)
For purely horse related news I love reading the Chronicle of the Horse because it allows me to keep up with what is going on in the show world even if I am not actively competing. I also really enjoy style related magazines/blogs like Equestrian Stylist and Horse and Style Magazine because they give riders a taste of what is going on with apparel in their own discipline, but in other disciplines as well. In a sense, I feel that fashion has begun to really unify the different areas of equestrian competition.
E.S: What do you like to do for fun (other than riding)
Having been raised in a family with two older brothers, I have been brought up loving sports. In particular we are big football fans (Go Giants!) and followers of Formula 1. When I get breaks from riding I can frequently be found tailgating or traveling to Europe to watch car races.
