IT. IS. OFFICIAL.
The gods have spoken! Summer is over! Starbucks is advertising their Fall drink lineup (hello, pumpkin spice!) and Target’s $1 dollar bin contains Halloween items. Okay, so it still feels like Summer…especially with the 85℉ weather we have been having here in Charlotte, NC. That does not mean, however, that now isn’t a fabulous time to update your Fall equestrian wardrobe. For me, Fall is all about layers. When you first get to the barn, you may be chilly, but after grooming or hacking around, those top layers start to shed. Here are a few pieces to get you started!
Top Layer
Konia Equestrian is my newest horse outerwear OBSESSION. Konia Equestrian is based in Canada, so you know they totally get outwear. The outerwear line comes in 3 weights, similar to horse blankets: Lightweights (good down to 14℉); Midweights (good down to -4℉) and Heavyweights (good down til -40℉). Seriously though, if it is -40℉ and you are not home in bed with a coffee thermos and re-watching all the seasons of GIRLS on Netflix, I don’t even know what to say. Since I live in the Southeastern United States, I find myself gravitating towards the Mika Lightweight vest and the Lenox Lightweight jacket because my Winters are pretty mild. Both the vest and jacket are made of a premium blend of goose and duck down that has gone through a sanitization process 16 times. I love how tailored the fit looks. Both options are very form fitting and ooze equestrian chic vibes. The material is soft, breathable and easy to pack or fold up, which, means it fits easily into your show weekend bag, your tack trunk or the back seat of your car. There are zippered side pockets and zippered interior pockets, with suede accents giving the jacket a super sophisticated look. At the barn, extra pockets are so handy for your keys, cell phone, treats, etc! I cannot ever have enough. I do not have an equestrian vest so I think the Mika might be my best option, but I am having a hard time selecting a color! The color choices are all gorgeous: onyx, nautical blue, plum, hunter green, jaguar green, and charcoal. I am between the plum and onyx, but leaning towards the onyx because I think it will match more outfits!
Middle Layer
Another Canadian brand, TKEQ has a great performance long sleeve shirt at a very reasonable price point ($30 USD). I personally have the grey and love its relaxed comfort fit. I have been using it solo, but can totally see myself wearing it under a vest/jacket or under a sweater/sweatshirt. It easily tucks in but is not skin tight. It is made of jersey knit, contains UVPF50 protection, is moisture wicking and has anti-odor properties. Comes in a variety of conservative colors. I have size S; the company runs small.
Bottom Layer
Breeches are a way to be adventurous in the color department. Fall always makes me think of jewel tones and my first thought was these beautiful emerald colored Struck Apparelschooling breeches. These breeches have knee patches that are made of GripTech, inspired by the gripping ability of geckos. Whhhattt? The tighter you grip the saddle, the stronger the knee patches hold. Hmm, sounds like something I need as we go into the colder months. Winter Chloe is a handful!!! The fabric is lightweight and breathable but promises to keep its shape after each ride. There are many Fall inspired colors to chose from, but the emerald would look great with the Konia onyx colored vest I mentioned above. The breeches are made of Colourfast fabric, which ensures that the rich color will not fade with sun exposure or washes. I can’t wait to put these on my wishlist!
I love hearing about YOUR Fall equestrian fashion finds! Comment below and let me know what is on your wish list! You can also email me directly on my blog, www.horseglam.com.
**Andrea Wise graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2007, where afterwards she spent 7 years as a commercial real-estate attorney. In 2012, she launched the equestrian company, Pony Glam, which makes and sells the only colored hoof dressing for horses. She is also the voice behind the new equestrian lifestyle blog, Horse Glam. Andrea lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, Zach, two young children, cat and horse, Chloe.
