2011 Fashion Forecast

Denim Rules!

The equestrian apparel scene for 2011 is exploding with hot new trends and looks! Designers are showing riding wear that goes from "in the saddle" to "on the street".

Denim is a strong leader in this new wave where fashion meets function. Women's full seat, euro seat and knee patch breeches are now available in stretch denim in conventional navy as well as black. Styles can be low rise with wide waist bands or traditional 5-pocket with belt loops, front zip and back yoke. Details such as contrast stitching on pockets and seams add authenticity. For the younger set, kid's stretch denim breeches offer features such as cute pony embroidery or contrast stitching on front and back pockets.

Tall boots are styled to be suitable for casual or riding wear. Features such as side zips, contrast stitching, tassled zipper pulls, accent buckles and waterproof materials combine to give you boots that go from the stall to the mall in a hoofbeat!

Horse Clothing continues to keep up with all the trends as well. Turn Out Blankets and Sheets provide ultimate freedom and high tech protection for your equine partner by offering breathability and waterproofing in fashionably friendly fabrics and materials with designs from conservative solids, traditional plaids and sleak stripes to the latest retro and psychodelic looks! Nylon "Designer" Halters and English Saddle Pads are available in every color of the rainbow and patterns that range from snappy plaids to hot rod flames. Western Saddle Pads are available in every color and pattern from basic to bling and offer features such as non slip, breathable and machine washable. Protective legwear for horses keeps up with on going fashion trends in all the current colors to co-ordinate with the in vogue horse clothing!

Riding Helmets now meet the SEI/ASTM safety standards, with the exception of Hunt Caps, Top Hats and Derbys. Easy-to-clean materials, lower profiles, dial fit systems and more ventilation integrate innovation with safety and style. The Charles Owen GR8 and Ayr8 are popular models in the show ring with the GPA Speed Air Evolution a strong favorite with the serious Jumpers.

Schooling Helmets continue to be available in a wide range of colors. Purples and pinks still hold their appeal for the younger riders while the new sophisticated shades of brown will certainly catch the eye of adults. Troxel and Ussepa have introduced fashionable graphics to some of their products to add more interest. Troxel's Helmet designs for Western riders includes the Cheyenne Rowdy with its premium leather finish and standard hat sizing.

With the new ruling by the USDF, Dressage riders must wear protective headgear while mounted on a horse with the exception of those riders age 18 and over while on horses competing only in FEI levels and tests at the Prix St Georges level and above. IRH has added Navy to it's line of Show Helmets to accommodate Dressage riders so that they may comply.Other companies offer this color as well, including Charles Owen and GPA.

English Show Clothing remains predictably conservative. Three button, double vented Hunt coats are navy, dark gray or black and the four button, single vented Dressage coats are black or sometimes navy. However, show shirts will always see new colors each season. Muted shades of pink, blue and lavender are options but traditional white is still the most popular color choice for shirts. Coolmax continues be a favorite fabric for riders in our region. Childrens show shirts start as low as $24.95 and adults at $39.95.

Riders still love the wonderful high tech fabrics offered in many styles of Breeches. The recent introduction of leg bottoms that fit any length or shape of calf or lower leg have been received very well by riders in all disciplines. Hunter/Jumper riders still prefer the low rise knee patch style in shades of light beige and are still showing more interest in side zips rather than front zip. Dressage riders will always opt for the full seat in assorted colors for schooling and always white for showing.

Brown or black zip or lace Paddock Boots combined with Half Chaps provide comfort and function for schooling or recreational riding. Ariat's new Volant collection features a zip paddock and a tall boot that has the technology to ensure peak performance with the comfort of athletic footwear. The tall boot comes with either a back or front zip! In the show ring, Hunter/Jumpers are turned out in Field Boots while the Dressage riders complete their look with a Dress Boot. Tall show boots are always black and are available with back zips for ease of getting in or out of the boot. In keeping with the latest trends, Tuffrider offers a Field Boot and a Paddock Boot that features contrast stitching, giving a more custom look for the fashion forward crowd.

Designers and Engineers in the 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, without compromising our excellent customer service and value for money.

Courtesy of Charlotte's Saddlery sales associate: Deborah Mckenzie
Charlotte's Saddlery
11623A Katy Freeway
Houston, Tx 77079
1.281.596.8225