Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Dec 19, 2023 8:40 am -

Okay, okay, I know I’ve given you two days in a row of London International Horse Show chat now — but for us UK-based horsey folk, the show is the one true herald of the holiday season. Now that it’s wrapped, as of yesterday evening, I feel like we’re zooming at full speed into Christmas, with all its joys and stresses. It’s only the 19th and I’ve effectively been tied to the oven for two days straight, so my top priority today is buying my horse a Christmas present and getting some quality barn time in — make sure you find a moment to do the same (the barn, not necessarily the present) in all the madness. You deserve a fighting chance at keeping your sanity over the next week. If you can’t actually get out of the house? Take some time to watch 68-year-old John Whitaker jumping nearly two metres to win the Six Bar competition. What. A. Legend.

Events Opening Today: Sporting Days Farm February Trials H.T. II, Three Lakes Winter I H.T. at Caudle Ranch

Events Closing Today: Sporting Days Farm January Horse Trials I

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

Grubby eventing types (it’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me) in both Ireland and the UK have something to celebrate this week. Both countries’ governing bodies of eventing have confirmed that dark breeches will be allowed in all three phases of competition next year, which means no more hoof polish marks and, way, way more blissfully, considerably less fear about wearing white breeches while on your period. Hallelujah.

If you teach kiddo lessons, my heart goes out to you at this time of year. It’s cold, it’s wet, and those adorable little stinkers have lost their damn minds with excitement over the festivities. After Sarah Susa of Black Dog Stables realised that her charges weren’t even capable of remembering to put girths on their saddles as holiday season approached, she rejigged how she framed her lesson programme between Thanksgiving and Christmas — and tbh, I’m desperate to be one of her barn rats now.

PPEs — totally essential, right? Well, maybe — but for one writer and horse owner, they’ve become a thing of the past. I’m still all for a comprehensive vetting myself, but with a crucial caveat: I’m not looking for perfection, but I do want to be able to manage the horse I buy within the requirements of the role I’m buying it for, illness, injury, or unforeseen circumstances notwithstanding. Check out the argument against them here.

I think that for all of us, 2023 has been one heck of a year: whether because of extraordinary highs or crushing lows or, as seems to be the norm among most of my social circle, a weird and exhausting mix of the two. The start of this year’s season feels like it was both five minutes and five years ago, and so today, I’m sticking on the latest episode of the US Eventing podcast to recap what actually went down while I’m frantically attempting to get through the Christmas baking. Maybe it’ll soothe me — but really, when has eventing ever?

Sponsor Corner: Does your horse have EPM? Or do they have another disease that just masks as EPM? Getting a definitive diagnosis for this life-changing disease can be harder than it looks. Read more from Kentucky Performance Products.

Watch This: 

Live vicariously through a lesson with the legend that is Lucinda Green as she teaches 4* rider Ashley Harrison:

 

Monday Video: Piggy on a Pony

By on Dec 18, 2023 4:30 pm -

Well, not technically a pony, but a good bit shorter than her mount we saw at Maryland, the 16.3-hand Brookfield Cavalier Cruise.

Meet Jam, Megan Elphick‘s 15-hand Connemara mare. Megan has brought Jam over to Piggy March‘s yard for a little tune-up ride and jump ahead of participating in the Grassroots to Glory Masterclass with Dickie Waygood at the London International Horse Show.

Pour yourself a tasty beverage and get comfy while you enjoy this excellent vlog episode — you can think of it as a little mini clinic to audit! As Piggy feels out a new horse for the first time she drops boatloads of knowledge that we can all take away and use to improve our own rides.

Bonus: Here’s a little peak at Megan and Jam in the Masterclass this past weekend!

From the Ground Up: Keeping the “U” in Business

By on Dec 18, 2023 2:00 pm -

We’re coming up on the two year anniversary of the launch of my business, Warner Equine. I started this column, From the Ground Up, roughly around the same time as an opportunity to follow along in the process of becoming a business owner, and living life as a young professional.

Running a business working with horses is an incredibly fun adventure. Photo by Julia Dillavou Photography.

Most of my content over the past two years have been specifically focused on the reflections I’ve had in my work… covering topics such as social media, networking, focusing your purpose, and light-bulb moments in training. The topics have covered themes and material that are on my mind and a priority in my day to day.

So it’s maybe no surprise that the topics haven’t focused much on maintaining a personal life outside of work, attempting to strike that elusive work-life balance that people always discuss… because I haven’t done a great job in doing so.

The day to day schedule can feel too structured for much flexibility – between working horses, scheduling lessons, and managing the admin work of the business, it’s easy just to keep going, and hard to get off of the farm. I’m lucky in that I love my work, and will happily fit in an extra ride or lesson where I can, but that often means being late to social engagements, foregoing that extra hour of sleep, or skipping the self-care routine I attempted to commit to because I was just too tired.

Recently though, as the cold weather has been setting in, I’ve felt the lack of time I’ve maintained for myself creep up in achey joints and a stiff body. A bit concerning for only being 24, so I finally made (and kept!) an appointment with my doctor, got a referral for some physical therapy, and start regular appointments this week.

Blocking out some extra time to care for myself physically has made me realize it’s possible to do so, and important to also find time to recharge mentally. When I take time for myself, I feel better, and can therefore put more focus and energy into my work… a shocker, I know. With that, I’ve made a bigger effort to connect with friends near and far, scheduling time for late night ice cream runs, a phone call over lunch, or spending the afternoon in non-horsey clothes wandering around town. I’m looking at getting back into kickboxing, or picking up some (much needed) cooking or art classes to try something new.

I always love a trip to NYC to visit the coolest sister!

Holding the time for myself now has made it so obvious how little emphasis I put on it the last two years. I love my work, but I am more than my work. In order to continue doing what I love for a long time, I need to make time for myself to be physically and mentally capable for what lies ahead, and create a life that’s balanced and diverse to have the energy to stay engaged, passionate, and curious.

As we continue pushing on through the winter, getting ready for the New Year and all that lies ahead, here’s a reminder to find time to give to yourself so you can continue giving to your communities. Cheers to another year of good horses, great people, and fun adventures!

Top Grooming Tips From This Year’s #SuperGrooms

By on Dec 18, 2023 11:30 am -

Here at EN we have been highlighting some amazing grooms that truly make this sport go round. All season long we’ve worked together with Achieve Equine to highlight these hard-working grooms both at events and at home. Now, as we wrap up the year, we’re looking for one more nomination for The One #Supergroom to Rule Them All.

Nominating a groom is easy. Head over to the nomination page here before December 27th. The winner will be announced on December 29th! You can also click here to fill out the form in your browser.

Make sure to get those nominations in by December 27th! In the meantime, here are some of the best grooming tips from the best in the business to keep your horses happy and healthy!

Debbie Carpenter

Last time we caught up with Debbie, she told us all about her life as a freelance groom. You can learn more about her life as a #supergroom here.

“Buy a decent quarter mark brush for making your marks pop at a show. I use the Hass Mustang and a good show sparkle!”

Meredith Ferraris

When we caught up with Meredith earlier this year, she said Ariel Grald’s Leamore Master Plan always needs his favorite treat– Mrs. Pastures cookies– wherever he goes! Learn more about her story here.

“Make sure to wash and disinfect your brushes regularly to keep your horse’s skin and coat healthy.”

Alyssa Dobrotin

Alyssa was Tamie Smith’s right hand gal for the FEI World Championships last year. Read about her story here.

“Rinse your horse’s mouth out with water before bridling so you don’t have green saliva and foam. Use a big syringe and make sure to have one for each horse.”

Sophie Hulme

We caught up with Sophie earlier this year and she made a jump over the pond to study equine science at Hartpury University. You can learn more about her story here!

“We wash the horses tails with shampoo and conditioner and then immediately with detangler and mane and tail spray. We don’t brush it until we do that so you don’t break or damage the tail! We also use equi shave, razors to help trim and shape them and make them nice and pretty. We also use baby powder to help whiten socks for shows and we always do that first then apply hoof oil so it looks nice and sharp.”

Sam Cuomo

Sam grooms for Doug Payne and won “Fastest Braider” for EN’s Maryland Groom Superlatives.

“For competition, my best friend is baby oil! Baby oil really helps to enhance the horse’s shine and it’s super easy which is a plus. I take a clean towel and put a few drops of baby oil on it, then use it on all the areas of the horse that I want to accentuate: hip, shoulder, hock, nose, down the front legs, etc. I also love to use it on the tail– a quick and easy way to make it glisten in the sun!”

Sarah Tompkins

Booli Selmayr and Millfield Lancando. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Sarah groomed for Booli Selmayr at the Maryland Five Star and won “Most Likely to Have Purple-Stained Hands” for EN’s Maryland Groom Superlatives.

“When bathing your horse, scrape them off after scrubbing them, before rinsing them. I like the old cheap aluminum scrapers because of the blunt edge they have. I find that scraping them while they’re still soapy helps pull up the dirt from underneath so it can be rinsed away, leaving a cleaner horse for clipping or showing.”

Go #supergrooms and Go Eventing.

The EN #Supergroom series is brought to you thanks to support from Achieve Equine, providers of FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips, VIP Equestrian, and Iconic Equestrian.

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Dec 18, 2023 7:28 am -

 

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Just in case you’ve ever fancied seeing Tom McEwen with tatas, the London International Horse Show is here to sort you out. Last night saw the return of the fancy dress relay, which featured stars including Gemma Stevens, Laura Collett, Austin O’Connor, our Tommy boy, plus a whole load of show jumpers, all gathered to tackle a highly competitive jumping class in the most ridiculous outfits possible. Find out how it went down here, and please do join us in petitioning Land Rover Kentucky to add a similar class next year.

National Holiday: It’s International Migrants Day, which began two decades ago as a way to raise awareness of, and solidarity with, the extraordinary number of displaced people forced to leave their homelands due to persecution, war, famine, or poverty. This year’s theme is ‘Act Today’, and the UN has some bold, bright ideas on how embracing mobilisation can actually help us in the ongoing battle against climate change. Read more about it here. (And an honourable mention to tomorrow’s national holiday, National Emo Day. That’s every day for me, frankly.)

Notable Global Weekend Action:

London International Horse Show: (Wednesday December 13th – Monday December 18th) [Website] [Tickets] [Program] [Scoring]
How to Watch: [UK] [FEI Classes: FEI TV (via ClipMyHorse.TV)] [Non-FEI Classes: H&C+]

Your Monday Reading List:

Have you ever utilised visualisation to help improve your rides? It’s a big part of my own riding; the last thing I do before I mount up to head to the cross-country warm-up is visualise riding the whole course perfectly, without any misses, and it really does put me in the right headspace to go out there and find forward, positive distances into fences. But it can be used for so much more than that, too – right down to nailing your transitions.

There’s no one who can maximise the power of a set of cavaletti quite like Ingrid Klimke. Heck, the woman’s so keen on the benefits of raised poles that she even sells her own branded set! Now that I’m deep in equine rehab life, I’m definitely taking all her tips to heart, though, because pole work and cavaletti work is incredible for building strength and has a serious list of knock-on benefits, whatever your discipline or competitive aims or if, like me, you just want to bring your horse back from time off in a sensible, sustainable way. Check out this debrief from her recent California clinic to get some inspiration for your own schooling sessions this week.

How far would you go for your horses? Would you, for example, lie to your husband to the point of divorce? Take a wild ride through one woman’s questionable decision making and then, like me, show the story to your partner so they think you’re really sane and sensible and a great partner.

Looking for an exciting new role in 2024? Want to learn more than you ever thought possible and take your riding to the next level with your horse? Good news: Mr Stickability himself, Andrew Nicholson, is looking for a working pupil. Find out more about the opening here.

Morning Viewing:

There is nothing – NOTHING – that thrills me more than watching non-horsey men attempt to ride horses. Dressage ride Anna Buffini has really given us the goods here.

 

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Sunday Links from Etalon Equine Genetics

By on Dec 17, 2023 12:01 am -


#SaltyStrong: Colorado Blue is your 2023 EquiRatings Horse of the Year! Salty’s performances at Badminton and Maryland this year (to say nothing of Tokyo 2021) have cemented him as one of the top-rated cross country horses in the top 0.1% — and one of the fastest horses in the top 0.05% — in the sport. His 32-place leaderboard climb at Badminton was unprecedented, and watching this incredible pair at the Maryland 5 Star was nothing short of epic; an emotional win for all as the first Irish 5* win in 58 years.

There are definitely none more deserving of this award than Austin O’Connor’s incredible partner. Go Ireland, Go Team O’Connor, and Go Salty!

U.S. Weekend Action

London International Horse Show (Wednesday December 13th – Monday December 18th) [Website] [Tickets] [Program] [Scoring]
How to Watch: [UK] [FEI Classes: FEI TV (via ClipMyHorse.TV)] [Non-FEI Classes: H&C+]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Cooley Farm horses celebrate 100 international wins and counting

British Eventing announce Abandonment Support Fund

Giraffes and Elephants and Daschshunds, Oh My! Check out CrossCountry App’s Most Imaginative Cross Country Jumps of 2023

Horse Girl White Elephant Gifts, Ranked

Don’t Forget to Make Your Nominations by Dec. 27th: The One #Supergroom to Rule Them All

Sponsor Corner: Is your horse at risk for uveitis? Esther found out her Thoroughbred is at moderate risk for Equine Recurrent Uveitis thanks to a test from Etalon Equine Genetics. Discover more about your horse’s genetics with Etalon.

Morning Viewing: The best of the best: watch Charlotte Dujardin and Imhotep shine as the winning pair at the FEI Dressage World Cup at The London International Horse Show. Just absolute perfection, every time!

Conversations with Canada: Sign Up for a Pre-Christmas Webinar

By on Dec 16, 2023 2:25 pm -

The Canadian team is launching a very fun new concept: beginning on December 20th, they’ll be diving into a webinar series with all the horsey heroes who make up the Canadian high performance machine that’s working towards the Paris Olympics.

First up to bat? The team that earned that Paris ticket at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile in October. Gain an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the team’s journey and discover the stories that led them to victory. Highlights of the webinar are set to include:
• Personal anecdotes from the gold medalists
• Insights into their training and preparation
• Q&A session for you to engage directly with the athletes

This webinar is just the beginning of a series in support of the team’s “Pathway to Paris” campaign, where we delve into the world of Canadian Eventing High Performance. Be part of this exciting journey and witness the dedication, skill, and camaraderie that define Team Canada.

Save your spot now by registering and secure your front-row seat to this incredible conversation with the champions.

 

 

Our Top Picks from the SmartPak Holiday Gift Guide

By on Dec 16, 2023 10:00 am -

Do you remember the days when your mom would ask you to make your Christmas list and you would grab the SmartPak catalog and a red pen to circle everything you wanted? Those were the days. Now, the SmartPak Holiday Gift Guide is online instead of on our kitchen counter. No red pen needed, we picked out our favorite presents from the SmartPak Gift Guide. With a wide range of budgets and styles, there’s something for everyone on this list!

Stocking Stuffers
Is it your first holiday season with a Horse Girl™? Let me give you a pro tip. If you want to impress the equestrian you’re shopping for, don’t just get them a present– get a small present for the horse, too. Honestly, in my book the present for the horse is more important than the present for the human. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but a small bag of treats slipped into a stocking with a small tag and their horse’s name written on it will go a long way.

The Holiday Herballs are the perfect treat to gift your S.O.’s horse. Made with all natural ingredients, you can get a half pound of these treats for less than $10 dollars. Made from Alfalfa, Wheat Flour & Linseed, mixed with generous quantities of Garlic, Mint, Oregano, and Rosemary, these treats are perfect for the equestrian who is all about all-natural horse care.

If you want something a little more festive, a package of Gingerbread Celebration SmartCookies is another great choice for a stocking. A limited edition, these treats have all the good flavors of your grandma’s gingerbread men, without any additives. With no added sugar, these treats are designed to be safe for horses on low sugar diets, but, as always, make sure you ask your vet before you take advice off the internet. However, I can vouch for their palatability firsthand, as my super picky Thoroughbred has decided that the Vanilla Celebration SmartCookies are her new favorite thing in the entire world.

Every equestrian struggles with cold hands in the winter. Solve that problem with a pair of SSG Fleece Lined Winter Gripper Gloves in their stocking. These gloves are a great pair of basic barn gloves that can take a beating. With a fleece lining for warmth and a textured palm for grip, these gloves are great both in the saddle and around the barn.

 

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Presents Under $50
If you know an equestrian who loves all things matchy-matchy, look no further than SmartPak Polo Wraps. Available in classic colors like white, black, and navy, as well as crazier colors like Turquoise and Merlot, there’s a color for everyone. If you really want to earn some brownie points, you’ll get a pair that matches their favorite saddle pad.

It’s a good day when you get a present that costs less than $50 that not only looks good, but could lower your chances of getting a vet bill, too. The SmartPak Sport Boots are an economical option for leg protection. The polyurethane shell provides flexible support and protection for your horse’s legs, while the soft fleece lining prevents rubs. Pro tip: your dog’s brush, the type with the little metal bristles, does a great job of combing out the fleece in your boots.

I love a good quarter sheet on a cold winter morning. Keeping my horse cozy and warm instantly makes me feel warmer, too. The SmartPak Classic Fleece Quarter Sheet is available in five different colors and ranges from 72 to 84 in size. If you want to take this gift up a notch, have it monogrammed with your loved one’s initials or the horse’s name.

From subtle to bold, it seems like there’s a C4 belt out there for every style. SmartPak has four exclusive C4 Classic Belts on their holiday guide that would make a great holiday present. Thanks to their customizable length, C4 belts are designed to fit pretty much anyone. Plus, the durable material and fun patterns make them an instant favorite with equestrians.

Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Presents Under $100
Are you shopping for a dressage queen? If you know someone who loves to tread the boards– er, sand?– you can’t go wrong with the SmartPak Luxe Collection Dressage Saddle Pad. Available in the traditional dressage colors of white, black, and navy, this saddle pad features a satin finish, metallic rope trim, and double diamond quilting. But the best part of this pad is hidden underneath. A bamboo poly mesh lining wicks moisture away from your horse’s back and has natural anti-bacterial and deodorizing properties to help the pad stay fresh.

There are two people who will really appreciate getting the Effax Total Leather Care Bundle: those who clean their tack after every single ride and those who really should be cleaning their tack more often. Effax offers really high-quality tack cleaner and conditioner, but my favorite is their Leather Balsam. In my experience, it conditions and protects the tack really nicely.

Looking for a gift for your trainer? The SmartTherapy ThermoBalance Ceramic Quarter Zip is it. This quarter zip is designed from fabric that contains ceramic particles that absorb and reflect your body’s natural heat for gentle yet deep muscular healing. These far infrared rays penetrate beneath the skin to activate blood flow, which may help to decrease inflammation for improved performance and recovery. Did your horse buck off your trainer this year? Then you definitely owe them this top.

<Presents Over $100
Next up, we have a great present for your barn manager. Your barn manager doesn’t have the option of hiding under a blanket on a cold winter day, but this Redingote Jumpsuit is the next best thing. With 60 grams of fill and a waterproof outer shell, this jumpsuit will keep them warm no matter the weather. Plus, they can easily hop on their horse in between mucking stalls thanks to the jumpsuit’s helmet-sized hood, leg zippers to allow easy off and on while wearing boots, and stirrup elastics that keep your pant leg in place while riding.

This next present is perfect for the equestrian who actually is hiding under a blanket when it’s too gross out to ride. The FieldSheer Mobile Warming Heated Glove Liner may just get them out of the house and back at the barn, even in the cold. Despite an ultra-thin fitted profile, these heated glove liners pack a punch. Able to heat up to 135 degrees, they’re better than any disposable hand warmer. Select up to four different temperature ranges to ensure you can find the perfect temperature for you.

I loved my pair of Dublin River Boots and was so sad the day I had to retire them. Dublin Boots are the perfect boots for all things horse. You can ride in them, work in them, muck stalls in them, and cross muddy pastures in them. SmartPak has them available in five different colors and a wide range of sizes.

We’ve made your list, have you checked it twice? Spend more time with your family this holiday season and get your shopping done online at SmartPak instead of running from store to store.

This article was sponsored by SmartPak, but all opinions are the writer’s own. If you’d like to read through the Holiday Gift Guide, find it here. If you haven’t finished your shopping yet, hurry! The cutoff for orders to arrive by Christmas is right around the corner.

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Dec 16, 2023 12:01 am -

I’m delighted to share the news this morning that EN’s very own Tilly Berendt was recently awarded the inaugural Kit Houghton Photo of the Year Award from the British Equestrian Media Association (BEMA) for her incredible snap of Harriet Biddick and Silver Lift while working for the Hickstead press office earlier this year. Here’s how the moment played out.

Tilly is pretty modest in suggesting she was lucky to get this shot, but I think what the general public might not realize about photography is actually how easy it is to miss or botch a shot like this even if you are in the right place at the right time. Our gal’s got skills. Congrats, Tilly!

Major International Events

London International Horse Show (Wednesday December 13th – Monday December 18th) [Website] [Tickets] [Program] [Scoring]
How to Watch: [UK] [FEI Classes: FEI TV (via ClipMyHorse.TV)] [Non-FEI Classes: H&C+]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

8 Top Tips for Equestrians from Dr. Temple Grandin

Emotions Run High as Emma Webb Completes Her Journey

Merit seen in off-horse assessments of rider posture and balance

University of Kentucky Horse-Related Rider Injury and Pain Survey

New Details Emerge In Eric Lamaze Case As Appeal Filed

Can A Human Run As Fast As a Horse?

Sponsor Corner: Lea Adams-Blackmore has had a busy season. From the Canada to Maryland, Lea flew to one other major event to round out her season– but this time, her title was groom, not rider. Hear about what it was like to groom for Sharon White at the Pan-American Games in this article sponsored by World Equestrian Brands.

Lea Adams-Blackmore and Sharon White at the Pan American Games. Photo courtesy of Sharon White / US Equestrian.

Morning Viewing: Start your day off with one cute and keen (and speedy!) little pair!

Equestly: The Gift Every Equestrian Loves

By on Dec 15, 2023 3:01 pm -

Holiday shopping is so much easier online, isn’t it? If you have an equestrian on your list, stop desperately trying to find a tack store near you. Instead, nip over to Equestly.com to get all your shopping done in one place.

If you’ve seen the Eventing Nation team out and about at events this season, then you’re familiar with Equestly. We were lucky enough to be decked out with Equestly gear from head to toe last Spring. Based on our first hand experience, we can’t recommend the brand enough. Run by two lovely people, Carlos Hernandez and Sam Potter, you’re not supporting a big department store when you shop at Equestly. You’re supporting a family! Plus, with the Equestly Horses program, you’re also supporting the careers of up-and-coming riders like Diego Farje and EQ Scorpio.

 

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Stocking Stuffers
Equestly doesn’t just sell apparel – they also have accessories that would make great stocking stuffers. (Speaking of which, we have a quick reminder to all the husbands and boyfriends out there: Don’t forget to fill your partner’s stocking!)

No equestrian outfit is complete without a belt. These beautiful braided belts fold up and will slide easily into a standard sized stocking, but they also have a lot of stretch and fit the majority of people. I currently have the Sorbet and Navy colors, but Mambo and Sage are next up on my wish list.

This next one is perfect for all the equestrian Apple watch owners out there. Sick of your boring old watch band? Ask for an Equestly Watch Band this holiday season! Made from genuine leather, these bands feature equestrian motifs and the Equestly logo scattered across the band. It’s a subtle way to represent your equestrian hobby without being too in-your-face.

 

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Under $100
Equestly somehow manages to create high-quality clothing at affordable prices. The fact that I’m able to have a $100 or less section in this gift guide is one of my favorite things about this brand. My other favorite thing is their Seamless Long Sleeve Shirt. These shirts are form fitting, which at first made me think, “Oh no, this may not work out well.” But when I tell you these shirts are a big confidence boost, I mean it. Yes, they are snug. But the elegant lines and seamless construction highlights all the good curves and minimizes the ones you don’t necessarily want to draw attention to. My only complaint is that there isn’t a bigger range of sizes.

The Equestly Quarter Zips are a relatively new offering this season. With color-blocking on the arms and sides, the two-toned look is really flattering. Plus, the shirts are made from an ultra-soft and breathable fabric that provides UPF 50+ protection. If you have Northern European roots like me, then you know that sun protection isn’t just for the summer months… Finish off the look with that classic equestrian high mock neck, and you’ve got a shirt that’s perfect for everything from clinics to horse shows.

Goodbye LeMieux. Hello Equestly. The new EQ Pads are perfect for anyone who loves a classy saddle pad with that satin sheen but who also lives on a strict budget. Coming in at under $100 dollars, these pads are a real steal. With substantial plush padding, these pads offer wither clearance and back protection. You’ll especially appreciate that the satin fabric is dirt resistant.

 

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The Mane Event
(See what I did there?) When it comes to the big ticket item under your Christmas tree, Equestly Breeches and Lux 2-in-1 Jackets fit the bill.

I can personally attest to the fact that the Lux 2-in-1 Jacket is waterproof, as I spent the entirety of the last season wearing the outer shell in all sorts of weather and stayed dry, including one particularly rainy cross country day at Morven Park. While I’m obsessed with my rubber-duck-yellow jacket, Equestly has other colors like rose, lavender, black, and sky if you’re not feeling the Paddington Bear look.

Next up is every equestrian’s winter must-have: fleece-lined breeches. The Equestly Lux WeatherTEQ Riding Pants are lined with a micro-fleece that’s ultralightweight and keeps you warm without restricting your movement. Including a cell phone pocket, these breeches are both stylish and practical. Plus, the silicone full seat is extra, extra grippy and perfect for sitting on a frisky horse on a cold winter morning.

Last but not least, we have the perfect present for the ambitious competitor. The Elite Breeches are Equestly’s top-of-the-line competition breeches that are perfect for the show ring. Available in white and beige, these pants have the look of traditional breeches, with belt loops and buttons, but the comfort of your favorite pair of leggings. Designed with four-way stretch compression fabric, you’ll never want to take these breeches off, even after a long show day.

There’s less than 12 days left until Christmas. If you want to fill the space under your tree with presents from Equestly, you need to act fast! Finish up your holiday shopping on their website.

This article was sponsored by Equestly, your source for high-quality equestrian apparel. Shopping on a budget? Here’s a holiday tip: download the new Equestly.Ride app to earn points towards discounts and coupons. Users should stay tuned for the release of Equestly Ride Courses, a marketplace of courses created by top equestrian professionals in a variety of disciplines. New updates release on 12/18/23!