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Perfecting your centre line...

Have you got a dressage test coming up?  Ever received lower marks than you had hoped for?  Over rode or under shot the centre line?  Wobbled your way up to the C marker?   We have been talking with our sponsored dressage rider Rachael Lane, to share her top TEN tips on how to ride the perfect centre line! First and foremost, give yourself time! You have forty-five seconds after the bell has rung to enter the arena, so don't panic; take a deep breath, you've got plenty of time to get round the arena before heading in to ride the test. The next tip has likely been told to you before, so remember to LOOK AT THE JUDGE.  As you enter the arena, fixate on the end of the arena, and ride straight...

The History of the Riding Stock 

The first cravat style stock tie, was originally called the ‘steinkirk’. It was a cravat with long hanging ends loosely twisted together in the late 17th century, worn by men and women. This was a kind of uniform, allowing the upper-class gentlemen to express their wealth in detail. At the same time, another stock tie was also worn, originally by French and German foot soldiers at the end of the seventeenth century.  By the early eighteenth century, this military stock tie had been adopted by civilians and replaced the Steinkirk style cravat.  This military stock, consisted of a piece of white muslin folded into a narrow band, wound once or twice around the neck and fastened at the neck with tap...

Unravelling the Mystery of Tweed

History of tweed Tweed was originally developed in the Outer Hebrides, it was created by crofters that used the wool from their sheep, to shield them from the brutal Scottish winters.  Tweed was exceptionally popular with farmers and land owners when they were over seeing their lands as it was warmer, comfortable and to an extent waterproof.  They would use their ‘Hack’ to ride and check over the estate, hence the hacking jacket. Tweed is in fact a typo made by a Merchant in London, the Scottish actually referred to it as ‘tweel’, which stems from the Scottish word for twill due to the structure and manner in which it was made. But the Londoner had no clue about this and thought the nam...

Staying Warm and Dry in Winter with Equetech 

Fundamentally staying comfortable, warm and dry, whilst riding and doing yard duties in our British climate, is at the top of our list of priorities for most horse riders heading into Autumn and winter! We discuss top tips with British Equestrian Brand designer, Liz Hayman.  "It is simple, but many of us get it wrong!  If you’re heading to the yard, waterproof gear is essential, especially in the UK. Whether you are training or competing, outdoor weather can be unpredictable! Waterproof and breathable fabrics will keep you dry and comfortable, which we can all agree is pretty important in horse riding. With this in mind, we have created a comprehensive guide on waterproof versus water-resistant, as well on tips...

Championship Styling!

In this blog, we glean some tips from Liz Hayman, MD of British equestrian clothing brand Equetech for her top tips on making the right impression when it comes to your outfit, regardless of the equestrian discipline. "Dressage Queen If you're looking to impress the judges as you head down the centre line, then make sure you create a fantastic first impression by having a neat and tidy appearance. A well-fitted jacket not only looks aesthetically pleasing, but it will make you feel more confident and allow you to focus on your riding if it's comfortable and non-restrictive. I spend a considerable amount of time researching technical fabrics for our clothing and competition wear is no exception. I look for fabric p...

Made for Men – Men's Breeches & Jodhpurs Guide

So we asked our Designer Liz Hayman for her tips on finding the best breeches for guys... "Men look great in a competition jacket, shirt or blouson. But all of the above are nothing if your bottom half looks a bit neglected. They are the connection to the saddle, the supportive and protective layer. The most important part of your riding attire… Men’s Breeches." "Essentially, you need great breeches to perform your best in the saddle, and it’s trickier than you might think. To help you get your men’s breeches spot on, we’ve given you our buyers guide on all things breeches, to give you the final word on fabric, colour, quality, fit and discipline. You should never settle for po...

Riding the perfect centre line!

Have you got a dressage test coming up?  Ever received lower marks than you had hoped for your centre lines?  Over rode or under shot the centre line.  Wobbled your way up to C?  This blog is for you.   We wil share with you our ten top tips to ride the perfect centre line! First up, give yourself time. You have forty five seconds after the bell has rung to enter the arena, so don't panic, take a deep breath, you have got plenty of time to get round the arena before heading in to ride the test. You know this next one, you will have likely bee told this before, but remember to LOOK AT THE JUDGE.  As you enter the arena, fixate on the end of the arena, and ride straight towards the judges car or...

❤️ Reasons to love horses this Valentines ❤️

Horses are so much more than just an animal, or even a pet. They can become your best friend, your shoulder to cry on and your teacher.  They greet you each day with a whicker, will keep all of your secrets and when you feel like ranting about your day at work will offer a pair of ears and no judgement.   Here’s some reasons we think everyone should be a horse lover.   They keep you humble. Let’s face it, your horse will tell you when you are doing something wrong, every single time, and you don’t take offence, the same can’t be said when a friend or relative points out your short comings!   They help you make friends Horse riding is a sociable past time, and for some...

Making the most out of your hacking this winter!

It’s cold, it's wet and it's windy, and for lots of us, keeping motivated though the winter can be tough.  We’ve got some tips to help you make the most of your hacking this winter and finish your ride with a smile on your face. Over the hills and far away Hills are a great way to get your horse to work and increase both strength and conditioning, walking and trotting up hill are the best paces to improve their strength and allow them to really push from behind. A little bit left and a little bit right Leg yielding whilst out on a hack will not only occupy the brain (yours and theirs) but help to build suppleness through the body. Water Training No need to spend £ on hiring a XC course come spring...

The Ashridge Jacket - the real all rounder!

Want a jacket that is a true all rounder? A jacket you can dress up with a gorgeous scarf for a day out with the family.  Or simply wear as it is, and stay warm and comfortable for a day of yard activities. The colour palette of purple has a variety of effects on the mind and body, including uplifting spirits, calming the mind and nerves and encouraging imagination and creativity - and it looks good too.  Our Ashridge Jacket is available in a gorgeous Mulberry colour in sizes XS through to 3XL. The Ashridge Jacket  is super lightweight.  A padded country sports jacket with bio-down insulation, enabling you to pack it into the smallest space! Perfect for the school run on a cold morning, or everyday at...

Stylish and practical - the Padbury Quilted Jacket

Stylish and practical shouldn't be a comprimise you need to make and with our stunning Padbury Quilted Jacket you don't need to - you can have the best of both. The Padbury Quilted Jacket is the perfect choice for both on and off the yard.  Guaranteed to keep you super snug with it's bio-down ethical insulation. For those warmer days, make use of the detachable hood, or if you are feeling chilly pop the plush faux fur hood up to keep you nice and warm. The gorgeous grey colour of the jacket is right on trend for this winter, and whilst not designed for full on downpours, you will stay dry if you get caught out down the yard or walking the dogs in the odd rain shower as the jacket is certainly shower proof.  The j...

Sparkle and Shine with our Stock Pin Collection

How are you doing with your New Years Resolutions?  One resolution you don't need to break is to look good this year!  Our Stock Pin Collection has something for all tastes. A stock pin can create a new look, if you don't have the budget upgrade your whole outfit and all of our pins are designed to compliment all disciplines. With our stock pins ranging from £1.95-£11.95 you can choose more than one, as it's always good to have a spare kept in your hat box/ bag! Both elegant and with added sparkle the Bijoux Pearl Stock Pin is a guranteed head turner with it's crystal and pearl design. For pure bling in the ring the stunning Infinity Stock Pin will be sure to appeal. Off Hunting this...