Tate Reynolds was an Advanced rider in the mid-1990s, making it to Rolex twice when it was an Advanced horse trials and CCI3*, as well as training with Kelli Temple and grooming for Carl Bouckaert. He has worked in the fashion industry for the past 15 years, including serving as a fashion designer for Ralph Lauren. We're delighted to have him guest blogging for EN this weekend at Fair Hill. Read on for Tate's Best Dressed picks and to vote for the winners!
Who will take the coveted Fair Hill Best Dressed title? Photos by Jenni Autry.
It was a beautiful day here in the Maryland countryside and the setting was perfect for the first horse inspection at Fair Hill. Overall I thought the guys really turned it out today. I actually thought they looked better than the ladies. I know people might say it’s easier for men, but it’s all about pulling everything together, getting the right fit and dressing appropriate for the occasion.
Let’s remember, this is an equestrian sporting event, in the countryside, in October. I am surprised at how many people do not dress for the occasion or the setting. But all in all, it was beautiful day and a great start to the country’s premier fall three-day event.
So without further ado, here are my top picks for the ladies and the men in today’s first horse inspection. Vote for your favorite in each poll. The winners will each receive a $100 gift card courtesy of SmartPak.
THE LADIES
Lauren Balcomb and Guido Hatzis. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Lauren Balcomb: Lauren was about as put together as can you get. She looked polished and tidy, well accessorized, and was really feeling good out there on the jog.
Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Jennie Brannigan: Jennie was giving it her sporty look today and it worked. Her scotty dog print appealed to all the dog lovers and her boots, hair and styling was all pulled together.
Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Jenny Caras: Jenny looked fit and ready to go this weekend sporting a great printed dress. It fit well and really made a statement on the jog strip.
Holly Payne Caravella and Bruisyard Hall. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Holly Payne Caravella: I loved the polka dot top. While it’s a little late in the season for white jeans, we’ll let you slide, Holly, because you pulled it all together and looked great.
Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Ariel Grald: Best print we saw all day. When a print is good, it’s good, and the autumnal colors were perfect today.
Lillian Heard and Arundel. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Lillian Heard: I loved Lillian’s whole look. The color-blocked dress and jacket looked great together, and her side braid was a fresh welcome. Katniss has nothing on you, Lillian.
Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Lauren Kieffer: Lauren was rocking her shades and looking as cool as she does cantering down the centerline. The teal jacket really popped against her grey horses and the boots were on point.
Erin Sylvester and Mettraise. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Erin Sylvester: Erin did a great job of sporting a black and white dress but paired it with brown tall boots. This really made it that much more appropriate for the day. Also her hair was styled and put up, which looked great. Take note of that, ladies.
THE MEN
Woods Baughman and Montesquieu. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Woods Baughman: Woods went with a well executed classic look today. His red gingham shirt was a great addition and Woods, I applaud you for wearing a pocket square! It really set you apart out there.
Will Coleman and Soupcon de Brunet. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Will Coleman: Will’s look was classic: navy blazer, khakis and a crisp white shirt. And I particularly liked that he added his sunglasses for the three-star jog.
Cary Chavis and Game On. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Cary Chavis: Cary looked great in his suit. The tonality of everything really worked in his favor. His suit even matched his hair!
Buck Davidson and Park Trader. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Buck Davidson: I think this was the best Buck has looked. Fatherhood is suiting you! Buck traded in his usual suit for a tweed jacket, and it was perfect for today. Thank you for wearing tweed, Buck!
Will Faudree and Hans Dampf. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Will Faudree: Will is one that always brings it for the first horse inspection and today was a really good look. Typically a khaki suit is worn more in the spring, but his brown vest and tie choice make this a perfect look for a beautiful fall day.
Dom Schramm and Bolytair B. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Dom Schramm: Dom looked very cool out there today. Again, the shades were a great addition to a very well put together outfit.
Randy Ward and Grando. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Randy Ward: Let’s just say Randy has this down. His suit is fitted to a T and he has the best accessory out there: a million dollar smile.
Ryan Wood and Powell. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Ryan Wood: Ryan dressed the part today, and I loved the driving cap.
I definitely saw some looks today that probably would have been better suited for another occasion, and some that could have used a little more polish. But I get it, most of you spend every waking second in the barn and are much more comfortable in muck boots and jeans.
However, its really not that hard to look pulled together out there, and it doesn’t take a lot of money either. I’ll be following up later with some dos and don’ts for the first horse horse inspection, and some tips of how you and your horse can wow the judges and more importantly the fashion critics out there.
You’ve worked this hard to get this point, so let the efforts and pride shine as you get ready to start your three-day.
Until next time …
