Product Review: Boy O Boy Bridleworks Custom Ribbon Belt and Grosgrain Browband

Welcome to EN's Product Review Just for Men's Series! There has been a gap in the world of equine fashion, and that gap is great apparel products for the guys. As an equestrian myself, I love giving new gear a try, especially when its just for men. Follow along as I search for and try out the featured products in a personal quest for great apparel. In this series I will make no recommendations, but I do hope you will enjoy reading about my journey and personal experiences as I try new products that can only be found in the men's section.

The Boy O Boy line of custom products allows you to incorporate your personality into your riding in a very tasteful way. Photo by Dave Taylor . The Boy O Boy line of custom products allows you to incorporate your personality into your riding in a very tasteful way. Photo by Dave Taylor .

I am constantly trying to find unique items for me and my horse — something that will set us apart from the crowd but tie the two of us together as a team. The members of sports teams all wear the same uniform so you can tell they are all part of that team, so why not have something that says you and your horse are members of a team?

The issue I find in my quest for the “team” apparel is as a guy most things tend to be very girly. And yes, on occasion I have acquired things that are considered girly and justify it because my horse is a mare. But I must say the struggle is real in finding that special something that sets us apart.

That was until I stumbled across the Boy O Boy Bridleworks line of amazing custom ribbon products. It was the first time I found I could take my cross country colors (red, white and black) and have myself and my horse tastefully and in a masculine way show we were part of an amazing team.

The Custom Grosgrain Brow Band holds up against horses that tend to be rough on their tack.

The Custom Grosgrain Browband holds up against horses that tend to be rough on their tack. Photo by Dave Taylor.

The first thing I noticed on the Grosgrain Browband was the quality of the leather that supports the ribbon. The browband is made from a high quality American bridle leather that is extremely supple and durable. My thought is the browband will stand the test of time in a barn without trouble.

There are five patterns that the ribbon can be arranged in, including the “Dealbreaker,” which is shown in this review. Each pattern uses between two and four ribbon colors, giving you literally thousands of custom options that will make your browband extremely unique.

The weave of the ribbon is very tight; even though it is not permanently affixed to the leather it does not budge. Even after many rides, the ribbon is still in place (naughty pony head rubs put this to the test).

The Ribbon Belt is where as a man I am more than thrilled. First like the browband, the belt is fully customizable with the same thousands of options in ribbon arrangement and colors, giving me seemingly endless ways to express my unique individuality.

My issue I have come across is that normally belts like these are designed towards the taste of women over men. And I get it, as men we represent a smaller percentage of the equine clothing and fashion industry. But that doesn’t mean we want to be forgotten when it comes to amazing products that cross the gender gap.

This belt can easily be feminine or masculine, which is the most amazing thing about it. The quality, much like the browband, is top notch. The basis of the belt is a quality web material, which the ribbon is then woven around and stitched to.

The Custom Ribbon Belt can be manly enough for him, or pretty enough for her. Photo by Dave Taylor

The Custom Ribbon Belt can be manly enough for him, or pretty enough for her. Photo by Dave Taylor.

The leather that holds the buckle is the same high quality American bridle leather that makes up the browband. Knowing this, I am beyond positive this belt will also stand the test of time.

I have put this belt to the extreme test, as I have worn it not only for riding but also working around the farm. Even after the extreme punishment that I have put this belt though, it has come out unscathed and as amazing as ever.

Boy O Boy is located in Northern Virginia but ships nationwide. If you’re part of a barn, riding club or have way to many horses, Boy O Boy offers volume discounts as well.

The Custom Ribbon Belt retails for $110 and is available in endless color combination options. It is available in sizes child small to extra large as well as adult extra small to extra large.

The Custom Grosgrain Browband retails for $75 and is available in black or havana leather, as well as the endless ribbon color options. The sizes available are small pony, pony, cob, full and oversize.

If you’re looking for that little something extra that will identify you as part of a team with your horse, check out Boy O Boy.

Go Being a Team with Your Horse. Go Boy O Boy. Go Eventing