2010 Fashion Forecast

The most noticeable change...has been the reduction in prices

The selection of English riding apparel is probably bigger than ever this year, with fashions for both the rider and the horse coming in a vast range of colors and styles. The most noticeable change, with the current economic climate, has been the reduction in prices on some items. Many of the larger companies are doing their utmost to offer the best quality product, but at the lowest possible price.

Your equine partner need not be left out when it comes to being stylish. He or she also has a large selection of trendy horsewear to choose from. Your horse can be the talk of the barn or pasture, wearing a Weatherbeeta "Joules Benjamin Stripe" turnout sheet, available February 2010. If he prefers low-key, choose the more subtle "Orican black/chili" turnout sheet or the classic "Landa navy/hunter green", for those cool Spring/Fall evenings. Also, Red Haute Horsewear has recently introduced a line of "designer" halters' with a wide variety of patterns, something to suit everyone's' taste, including Stars and Stripes and Holiday designs.

You can also be fashion conscious while riding by choosing a saddle pad and either polo wraps or jumping boots in coordinating colors. Saddle pads start as low as $17.95, so you can afford to match your horse's attire to yours without blowing your budget. Western riders can also be stylish with the popular Professional's Choice SMB II boots, which now come in many different colors along with a wide choice of new Western saddle pads. The Toklat Coolback pad is one new pad that is fast becoming a bestseller. Made from a new fabric, it offers maximum comfort for the horse, with little or no slippage. It is machine washable and comes in a range of colors.

All riding helmets meet the ASTM/SEI national safety standards certification, with the exception of the hunt cap, top hat and derbys. Most show helmets for Hunters and Jumpers are moving away from the traditional velvet style to helmets made from easy-to-clean materials, which are much better suited to our busy lifestyles. International Riding Helmets have a large selection of new "low profile geometry" helmets, like the "Elite", which gives a modern, streamlined look while providing ultimate ventilation. Charles Owen is a brand to watch out for. Their line of show helmets is becoming more popular every day, particularly the "GR8". This is the cutting edge of Equestrian fashion, with a low profile style, and manufactured in a microfiber suede material for a very simple but classy look in the show ring. The new AYR 8 model, another low profile micro fiber helmet, has a mesh center to maximize air flow through 12 vents. The perfect combination of cool equestrian chic. Also, GPA has added a new helmet to their line - the "GPA Evolution". This helmet incorporates maximum comfort, ventilation and rigidity, but is extremely lightweight - a must for all the serious Jumpers out there. Schooling helmets continue to be available in a wide range of colors so, whatever your personality or style dictates, you will find one to suit you. Troxel has recently introduced a couple of new colors to their "Spirit" line. "Dreamscape" and "Starlight" are both being released at the end of February 2010. Let's not forget our Western riders. Safety being equally important for them, Troxel has also added new styles and colors to their Western trail helmet selection. The Troxel "Sierra" is now available in brown/pink. The Troxel "Dakota" has a new design: "Traildust", available from the end of February. The latest addition to the Troxel line is the "Cheyenne Rowdy" with a premium leather finish. Color choices are "Rowdy Black" and "Rowdy Brown". These unique Western helmets compliment the most stylish outfits. If you've never considered wearing a helmet before - think again.

English show clothing remains predictably conservative. Hunt coats are navy, dark gray and black, with subtle patterns to compliment the traditional tailored construction of the three button, double vented jacket.

Show shirts will always have new colors every season, but white is by far the most popular, Muted shades of pink, blue and lavender are right behind the white in the contest for best-selling color. Coolmax is still, and always will be, the favorite fabric for those of us here in Southeast Texas who show in extremely warm temperatures for much of the season. Show shirts come with price tags to suit everybody's pocket book, starting at $19.95 for the Tuffrider kid's "Starter" shirt. The latest design in the Equestrian show shirt is the Essex "Performance wrap collar" shirt. This is a unique design with a collar that snaps on - no more awkward buttons to mess with. This and many others, are available with contrasting trim inside the collar and cuffs, for additional fashion flair when worn casually outside the show ring.

Riders still love the wonderful high-tech fabrics offered in many styles of breeches. Competitors in the Hunter/Jumper world prefer light beige. The Tuffrider "Ribb Low Rise" breeches continue to be very popular as well as Ariat breeches with their flattering fit and comfort.

In the Dressage arena, white breeches shown with black coats continue to dominate. The jacket features details such as piping on the collar and silver or gold buttons, to provide crisp accents on this classic four button, single vented coat. Dressage riders still prefer to both practice and show in full seat breeches. "Fits" offer a breech called the "Performax". These are particularly popular with Eventers and Dressage riders, but can be used in any discipline. They have a perforated deerskin full seat, and are made from a revolutionary new fabric that wicks and breathes while supporting all the major muscle groups. Riders who have used them will not ride in anything else.

Paddock boots in either lace up or zip up styles are combined with half chaps for comfort and function, especially for lessons and recreational riding. Classic color choices of black or brown coordinate with any shade of breeches or tights. At horse shows, a riders' look is completed with either a pair of field boots for the Hunter/Jumpers or dress boots for the Dressage set. Both styles are available with zippers for ease of getting in and out of the boot.

Designers and engineers in the English Riding apparel industry continue to commit to providing the equestrian community with innovative and high quality products without compromising safety or style.

Here at Charlotte's Saddlery we will always try to offer our customers as wide a variety of those products as possible, while never compromising our excellent customer service and value for money.

Courtesy of Charlotte's Saddlery sales associates: Rosemary Watson and Deborah Mckenzie
Charlotte's Saddlery
11623A Katy Freeway
Houston, Tx 77079
1.281.596.8225