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The Legal Equestrian

April 14, 2017

10 unique ways to improve your equestrian wardrobe

By Jordan Nassif.

—

I figured that I would write my first piece for this blog in regards to something that I imagine everyone would like to know: In a sport where money gets you just about everywhere, and people can indicate their location on the equestrian totem pole via their wardrobe, how the hell does one save money trying to keep up? Is it even worth it?

There are certainly plenty of riders out there who couldn’t give a fig about what they wear and have probably saved themselves a world of trouble for it. Perhaps this is not the article for them. I admittedly can be spotted riding in garden shoes and a sports bra on our farm. In many cases fashion eludes me too.

As women, we deal with a lot of ‘first glance’ types of judgements. I am certainly guilty of this. This doesn’t mean that one needs to dress to the nines for schooling at home. Some days I go to the barn all dressed up because it makes me feel good. It’s the same logic I employ when I study in the library. There’s something about wearing an outfit that you feel good in and having your hair done nicely that makes you feel like a million bucks. Some of my most productive midnight study sessions have been accomplished in a full face of makeup. However, some days I could care less what I look like at the barn. I have made enough appearances at the barn in yesterday’s makeup and dirty breeches to probably make some people think that I live out of my car.

The point is, do whatever it is that you do looking however it is that makes you feel your best. Studies have shown that looking your ‘best self’ increases confidence and cognitive ability. It explains that extra ‘zing!’ you feel in your show clothes or even when your horse is looking particularly well-turned out one day. And quite frankly, if you feel your best in a chicken costume, well then I can’t tell you that it’s wrong for you to wear it. 

You probably already have an idea of what you feel your best in, or what you would like to see more of in your riding wardrobe. So it is now my job to help you put those items in your closet without leaving you broke (and some of these tips may apply to your horse’s closet as well).

1. eBay: It might as well be a crime to buy something online without checking eBay first. There is almost nothing for sale at Dover or SmartPak that you can’t find on eBay. I have purchased Back on Track, Le Fash, Tailored Sportsman, Edgewood, joint supplements, etc. from there. I’ve saved thousands of dollars doing this. Many people have raised concerns about buying faulty or fake products from eBay. This is not an issue at all. I’ve made some six hundred orders from the website in the last four years, and only one or two times have I had an issue. PayPal and eBay both have Money Back Guarantees, so if you are unhappy with your item, and you send it back you won’t be out any money. eBay also has an Authenticity Policy which keeps sellers from listing fake items. There are many tack shops that have opened eBay stores to list their items. Even if you cannot find a discounted version of the item you want, many stores don’t collect tax or they will ship for free, which still puts more money back in your wallet.

2. RetailmeNot. Most of you are probably familiar with coupon websites. This website searches thousands of brands to provide up-to-date discount codes for you.

Here are a couple I found when I typed ‘Dover’ into the search bar:

– $25 off of $150 with code CM17RIDE

– $10 off of $75 with code TENOFF

SmartPak also has at least ten codes listed under their search query. Sites like horse.com, horseloverz.com, and places like Hobby Horse Clothing, and Adams Horse and Pet Supplies are some of the names that appear when you type in “horse.”

3. Buy your summer gear in the winter. This applies to every clothing purchase, ever. Buy your bikinis in the fall when they are all on closeout. Buy your winter coats at a sports shop during the summer. There is no reason to buy something as soon as it comes out, unless you just have to have it. Almost every item you want will go on sale after everyone has had their go at it and moved on to the next thing.

Clarino padded TS belt paired with ten TS breeches.

Clarino padded TS belt paired with ten TS breeches.

4. When building your wardrobe, don’t focus too much on the trends. There is a time and a place to buy a Le Fash bomber jacket or a pair of denim breeches. If you are satisfied with your horsey closet then, by all means, purchase away. However, if you are just starting to build your wardrobe, it is better to start small. When I first started taking an interest in my riding clothes, I spent the first year and a half just replacing my old clothes with new staple pieces that would never go out of style AND would last. This meant a couple of nice pairs of tan breeches, a couple of sun shirts (necessary in this Texas sun), a nice black belt, and maybe one or two ‘fun’ purchases. I don’t think any trend will ever outlast the timelessness of a pair of clean tan breeches and a black pebbled leather Tailored Sportsman belt (or an equivalent).


5. Tee shirts!
 Polo shirts are so 2012, if you will. Some of you may still like them, but I often find them   unbearably hot and tight. No one should ever underestimate the power of a couple of graphic tees in your graphictee2closet. Not only can you wear them just about anywhere, but they can create many different riding outfits with just one pair of breeches. And they’re cheap! I’m not talking about the thick tee shirts that yougraphictee lay around the house in. The perfect graphic tee should be a ‘tissue’ tee with thinner and nicer material to keep you cool in the saddle while still ‘dressing up’ the tee shirt look. You can find these types of shirts at Target, J. Crew, Ann Taylor LOFT, etc. My favorite graphic tee brands are Wildfox, MinkPink, and Junk Food.

 

6. Belts. Okay, lets abandon the black or brown belt with tan breeches imagery for a second. You can

Colored belts add some flair to any equestrian outfit. Pictured here is one from Shop Hunt Club paired with TS Breeches & Hunt Club graphic tee.

Colored belts add some flair to any equestrian outfit. Pictured here is one from Shop Hunt Club paired with TS Breeches & Hunt Club graphic tee.

breathe new life into a riding outfit with a new belt. Adding just two or three different colored belts to your wardrobe makes for several new riding outfits. Plain white shirts and tan breeches aren’t so boring with a patterned belt. You can get a wide belt at Target for $15. If you have the money to splurge, I also suggest Gucci. I bought my first Gucci belt two years ago, and I wear it almost every week. It looks timeless with a pair of breeches or edgy with a pair of leather pants.

This TS quilted Clarino belt adds some color to tan breeches.

This TS quilted Clarino belt adds some color to tan breeches.

The best riding clothes are the ones you can wear everywhere. And if you decide to go this route, don’t you dare buy one without checking eBay first.

7. Goodwill. I would not be making my mother proud if I did not include thrift shopping in this list. I just want to start out by saying shoutout to the Bellaire Goodwill for selling me a $200 Ralph Lauren crystal pony polo shirt for $10. You can find SO much at Goodwill. Belts, shirts, you name it. I would also suggest donating your old riding gear to Goodwill if you can’t find anywhere to send it. There are many Christian Charity shops in my city that sell all sorts of items, typically donated by their wealthy church-goers. I would advise making the trip to the nicer part of town in your area to go thrifting. These areas typically have a few high-dollar items that have been carelessly tossed into bins.

8. Sell your old stuff. Yes, predictable advice. But here’s a perk to slowly adding nice, albeit expensive items to your wardrobe— they have a high resale value. If I was to list a pair of my Le Fash breeches on eBay I could easily make $200. That’s over 50% of the original cost. This is because they are a trending item. People are willing to spend $300 on them and they’re more than happy to snag them at less than retail. Another example, I sold a pair of Equifit boots that I purchased for $100, for $45. That money goes into my next pair of boots. There is truly something to be said about buying ‘brands.’ What will the resale value be? I advise heavily considering this when buying an item. I have made over $3,000 in the last two years selling my old stuff at leisure. And yes, the money went towards replacing it. (Editor’s Note: Poshmark is another great way to sell used or new clothing items. If you want to give it a try, use my code GRGUR when you sign up for an account. You’ll get $5 to use towards your first purchase!)

9. Make lists. I understand that “setting goals” for your wardrobe may make some of you laugh at the frivolity of my suggestion. But if it’s something you want to improve, then set goals for yourself. Make a realistic list of some items that you would like to buy in 2017. Having it written out makes it easier to track sales for the item. Websites such as Polyvore are designed to help you keep track of what you want and when it goes on sale. You can easily add an item to your Polyvore list by clipping it with their browser tool.

10. Do your own thing. I wouldn’t feel right compiling this whole equestrian fashion list without dropping in a note about how you’re dressing to impress yourself. Seriously. Don’t buy the item because someone else told you to. Don’t go broke trying to impress other people who will judge you regardless. At the end of the day, if you think about it, it’s kind of stupid how horses have blown up into this huge classist society. Do I love Gucci belts? Yes. Do YOU need to wear one because I (or anyone else) am wearing one? No.

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Budget Friendly Equestrian Items, Equestrian Fashion, Fashion, Guest Posts, Horses, Lifestyle, ROOTDs, Tips

September 29, 2016

2016 Fall Must Haves

Every year we like to put a list together of fall’s equestrian must haves. With fall officially upon us, we didn’t want to let our readers down. Below are some items we believe are trending (or will be)!

EquiFit EqTeq Boots: If you are an equitation rider, EquiFit’s new line of boots designed specifically for the equitation ring are exactly what you need. These boots are sophisticated, yet simple, while still offering all of the protection EquiFit users have come to know and love. Most unique is the ImpacTeq Peel Away Liners can be completely customized to your horse’s legs, compensating for uniquely shaped legs, an injury or wound, or other issues that may make your horse’s legs hard to fit. And, as always, the boots are extremely easy to care for with a washable shell and liners. They retail for $249.95.

EcoLicious Waterless Squeaky Green & Clean Shampoo: This item ($29.95 at SmartPak) is not new, per se, but it is certainly an essential for the cooler months when you might not be able to give your horse a bath. Not every barn is equipped with an indoor wash stall, warm water, or heat lamps to quicken the drying process and make a bath during cold temperatures more bearable. I am a huge fan of EcoLicious Equestrian’s Waterless Shampoo, and I have tested it on my own horses, including my pony’s infamous poopy butt. It truly works, and it makes keeping your horse clean during the cold weather much easier. (Note: To read my full review of this product, click here.)

SmartPak Blanket App: This is another item that is not necessarily new, but definitely something you should have to ensure your horse is warm and toasty during those cool, cold, and downright frigid nights. Though it is not foolproof, and ultimately you know what’s best for your horse, it can give you a ballpark idea of what type of blanket your horse should have on during the day and night based on the weather and other questions it asks about your horse such as its age, weight, where it lives most of the time, etc. To download the app, you can go here. To read a full review, go here.

Back On Track Baby Pads: I LOVE baby pads. In fact, they’re really almost all I use. I just discovered recently that Back On Track came out with their own line of baby pads. The pads provide the same technology as the regular BOT pads except they’re in baby pad form. I do not own these yet, but I will definitely be adding one or two to my stash. They retail for $49 on the Back On Track website and come in white and black.

Subscription to Heels Down Magazine: Full Disclosure: I am a regular writer for the magazine. When the weather is cold and you just can’t go outside, it’s always nice to snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa or tea and read something. If you haven’t read Heels Down Magazine, you are missing out on a wealth of knowledge. Heels Down Magazine features articles by a bunch of Amateur equestrians on a breadth of topics including training for both horse and rider, balancing relationships and riding, mental preparation for shows, interviews with big name and up and coming riders, legal topics (by yours truly), and more. You can access the app here. You can purchase an individual issue for $4.99, and a subscription is $3.99 a month. The magazine is also full interactive and digital which makes it above other equestrian magazines out there. There are interactive ads, videos, and much more, making it one-of-a-kind amongst equestrian publications out there.

Kastel Denmark Sun shirts: These shirts have become extremely popular as of late. They have UV protection, inner sleeve cooling mesh, are breathable, have antibacterial odor reduction, and come in a variety of color combinations. They also come in long-sleeve, short-sleeve, and a variety of other options to suit any equestrian’s needs. If you love sun shirts, these are a must have, especially for the cool, crisp fall weather coming up. While at various price points, the long-sleeve model retails for $75.00. Kastel Denmark also has a variety of other fall friendly items to look at!

14517660_10207312196386586_532540686601853636_nThe Legal Equestrian Sun shirts: Sun shirts are hugely popular, and we couldn’t go through a whole list of fall must haves without mentioning our very own sun shirt products! Our sun shirts come complete with our logo, and they are completely customizable. You can place an order by emailing thelegalequestrian@gmail.com with your color choices, which can be found here (Price: $50.00). You can also get sun shirts that have Gingham accented cuffs and collars, found here (Price: $55.00). They are super breathable, lightweight, and stylish. I wore my new sun shirt on one of the hottest days of the year while schooling at a horse show, and I was completely comfortable!

13716002_10206803360306002_6245591194320184808_n
Mane Jane Spur Straps & Reversible Belts
: 
I have been promoting these for a while (Disclosure: I am an East Coast Representative for the company), but I 100% stand behind the product). The leather is super high quality, and the products are fully customizable. For belts, you choose two colors of leather, thread color, buckle color, and give your custom measurements so the belt is cut fit your body type. For the spur straps, you pick a leather color, thread color, buckle color, and charms. The best part? They are acceptable in all three rings. I know hunter riders that use13700178_10206803340705512_1150931826835109755_n-2 these spur straps in the hunter ring. I know equitation riders that use these spur straps in the eq ring. There’s just enoughh bling to make them custom and unique, but not enough for a judge to notice. Of course – charms and bling are different riders’ cup of tea, but I adore the product. Furthermore, if you order through me, you get a 10% discount on your order – how great is that?! I adore these products, and the reversible belts are a great, more affordable, yet high quality, alternative to the ever popular, coveted Hermes belts which are huge bank breakers. Without the discount, belts are $120 and spur straps are $40.

Ecogold Jumper Flip Half Pad and Heels Down Jumper Pad.

Ecogold Jumper Flip Half Pad and Heels Down Jumper Pad.

Ecogold: As many of you know, I officially switched to Ecogold not long ago. Their products are better quality, have better science behind them, and are simply a better value. If you haven’t tried these pads, I highly recommend them. They have a variety of half pads and regular pads to suit your needs. Plus, their products are backed by some of the greatest in the business like McLain Ward, Scott Stewart, William Fox-Pitt, John French, Hope Glynn, Boyd Martin, Brittni Reflowitz, and most recently, Juan Matute Guimon. For a full review on Ecogold products, click here or here. Plus, they have amazing customer service and superb shipping time. If you’re on the fence about half pads, Ecogold is quickly rising above the rest as the go-to pad to support horses’ backs and riders.

 

What is on your fall must haves list? Leave us a comment below!

 

1 Comment · Filed Under: Budget Friendly Equestrian Items, Equestrian Fashion, Equestrian Health, Equine Health, Fashion, Horse Advice, Horses, Riding Tips, ROOTDs, Tips, TOOTDs, Training Tips

July 18, 2016

Build-A-Bear now offers Build-A-Horse: Check out their Horses & Hearts Collection

 

Written by Olivia Godfrey.

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Hi everyone! It’s been so long since I’ve done a post, but I’m excited that it’s summer and I’ll have  more time on my hands to devote to writing!

Photo Credit: Build-A-Bear.

So, after a horrible and stressful morning of being involved in a trailer accident (everyone was okay) my best friend and driver of the truck during the accident and I went to the Providence Place Mall in Providence, RI. While we were in there, we visited Build-A-Bear.  They recently launched a new Horses & Hearts Collection. We had the options of a Palomino Quarter Horse or a Bay Thoroughbred. Of course, I chose the Thoroughbred. Aurora chose a different but just as majestic unicorn.

Photo Credit: Build-A-Bear.

First we went through the heart-warming process where we promised to love our ponies forever, and she made us jump and spin around. We were laughing the entire time… I’m sure two young adults in Build-A-Bear was a sight. Then we stuffed our ponies with their huge stuffer machine and hugged them to make sure they were soft enough, which they both were. Last we “washed” them in the bath part and named our animals/printed out a certificate.

Mine was named (unsurprisingly enough) Lulu, and Aurora’s was Buttercup. Overall it was a really fun experience, and they also had some adorable other options. It’s a great gift for barn children, and you could even make one for your horse if you have a playful pony that loves toys. The experience was about $25. The stuffed animals are really great quality, and we had a lot of fun. I definitely recommend it!

 

1 Comment · Filed Under: Budget Friendly Equestrian Items, Guest Posts, Horses, Lifestyle, Product Review

March 29, 2016

These are a few of my favorite tees! (By Erin Post)

Written by Erin Post.

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I’m a huge believer in: Of you look great, you’ll feel great. So take that feeling into the ring! If you have a great #ROOTD, then you’ll [most likely] have a great ride too! Check out some of my favorite riding shirts.

Photo: Kerrits.com

Photo: Kerrits.com

Kerrits Ice Fil Flex Short Sleeve, $49: If you’re looking for a decent sun shirt, look no further! This quarter zip flex shirt is breathable, lightweight, and comfortable.

SmartPakEquine.com

SmartPakEquine.com

Piper V-Neck T-Shirt: $10.95These tees + the price = PERFECTION! These are super comfortable, lightweight, and go up to size 2x for all sizes of riders! [Editor’s Note: These t-shirts really are worth it, and they come in colors to match the SmartPak breech line!]

tuffrider

Photo: StateLineTack.com

Photo Courtesy of Erin Post.

Photo Courtesy of Erin Post.

TuffRider Long-Sleeved Tech Polo Shirt, $26.95: This tech shirt is lightweight and breathable for warm but breezy days [or those spring days where the temperature can’t make up its mind]. It’s the look and feel of a long sleeved shirt, minus the thickness.

Photo: StateLineTack.com

Photo: StateLineTack.com

Photo Courtesy of Erin Post.

Photo Courtesy of Erin Post.

TuffRider Short Sleeve Neon Ventilated Zip, $31.95: These ventilated 1/4 zips are perfect for warm weather! They come in a variety of colors and also have matching riding tights available here.

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Budget Friendly Equestrian Items, Equestrian Fashion, Fashion, Guest Posts, Horses, Riding Tips, ROOTDs, Tips

March 28, 2016

Finding the perfect riding gloves: Equestrian gloves on a budget

Written by Erin Post.

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There’s nothing worse than getting calluses [or blisters] from reins rubbing between your fingers. Luckily, there are a bunch of affordable schooling gloves to choose from! Here are some of my favorites:

ariantekgrip

Ariat Tek Grip Riding Gloves, $29.95 on tackroominc.com: These have a snug fit, and are wonderful for those with shorter fingers like me! These are also super breathable for hot summer days.

kerritsflex

Kerrits Flex Sport Riding Gloves, $19 on Kerrits.com: These are super comfortable but are better suited for those with longer fingers. They also hold up really well!

ssgtech

SSG Technical Riding Gloves, $26.99 on DoverSaddlery.com: I’ve had these gloves for going on 4 years now, and they still fit and feel like day one. They have no rips in them either! I highly recommend these. They have a skin-tight feel but don’t make your hands sweat. They also have a good grip.

ssgleatherpro

SSG Leather Pro Show Gloves, $17.62 on StateLineTack.com: These are the newest addition to my glove arsenal, and so far I love them! For the price, they look and feel more than just $20. They have nice breathable leather on the outside and palm of the glove and are touchscreen friendly. They’re professional enough for clinics and show, yet casual enough (subtly so) for just schooling purposes too.

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Budget Friendly Equestrian Items, Equestrian Fashion, Fashion, Guest Posts, Horses

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amateur hunter/eq rider. lawyer. entrepreneur.
two horses, one pony.
zone two.
perfectionist.
loves the expensive & innovative.

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