Made in USA Riding Gear and Innovative Equestrian Style

Whether you're a rider or not, equestrian inspired designs are eternally relevant. So as not to alienate non-horsey folks, I'm offering a mixture of technical riding gear made in the USA or by family owned brands alongside some traditional, undeniably good looking pieces of outerwear. Like everything else, a lot of riding gear from respected brands is made in China. Sure, the leather is "English cowhide" or whatever and the materials are their own, but it's confusing to me why their manufacturing has to take place in China, especially given what their retail prices are. I find this problematic, but I'm sure there are   financial/economic reasons for it beyond my understanding. For my part, I try to buy locally made products whenever I can.

Kerri Kent founded the Kerrits brand in 1986, and started making riding apparel in 1991. All of their breeches are manufactured in the USA, and this year they made a commitment to partner with domestic fabric mills and production facilities. In the current global economy it is financially challenging for businesses to manufacture goods in this country. With that in mind, I give a huge "E for Effort" to any brand who acknowledges the need to move production back to our shores while still keeping costs down. What I like best about Kerrits, though, is that their breeches are awesome. I have two pairs of the Flow Rise Performance Tights, (one black, one charcoal), and I don't like riding in anything else. The materials they use are reminiscent of running/biking gear -- very 'outside of the box' for a horsey brand. It really works for them though, and they've been innovative enough to create a line that addresses performance needs unique to the sport while utilizing some unorthodox fabrics/cuts.

Kerrits Flow Rise Performance Tight

Kerrits Power Stretch Full Seat Tight

On my wish list for this winter are their Power Stretch Full Seat Tights. They feature a four-way stretch Polartec fabric that ensures your legs will stay toasty without feeling too hot or bulky. The "GripStretch" full seat is a great and increasingly more popular feature in breeches these days. I haven't tried a full seat out yet but if it helps keep my rear in the saddle I'll definitely be a fan. Reasonably priced, made in the USA, Kerrits breeches get a huge stamp of approval from me. 

Swedish, family owned brand Mountain Horse was founded by Lars Sjosward with the intention of creating a winter riding boot that would keep his daughter's feet warm. From that, an entire line of riding footwear, apparel, and accessories have been created with warmth and utility in mind. His daughter and two sons are now a part of the company, and each contributes something different from their individual areas of expertise. I purchased a pair of their Ice Rider Paddock Boots around 2004 to wear when I worked at the barn in the winter mucking out stalls all day and riding. I still have them, and they still look great. My feet never got wet or cold. I even took them hiking in upstate NY and they performed beautifully. The style has changed quite a bit since then but I'm sure the current version are just as awesome as my "old reliables." 

Mountain Horse Ice Rider Paddock Boots

Mountain Horse Regal Down Jacket

My relationship with winter outerwear is paradoxical: I hate being cold, but I also hate being so bundled up that I feel bulky and restricted. It is truly a struggle to find outerwear that is both warm and relatively low-profile. Mountain Horse's Regal Down jacket uses real duck down, the warmest stuff around, and the outer lining is treated to be water repellent. Huge plus: the coat has two outside pockets AND an inside pocket for your phone. I have on more than one occasion launched my phone into the snow from romping around with it in my pocket, (don't ask...), so that's a huge selling point for me. The high collar/hood combo is perfect for claustrophobic maniacs like myself because it eliminates the need for a bulky scarf. At $210, I'd say the price is pretty on point for a jacket of this caliber made with real down feathers. Remember, "expensive" and "over-priced" are two very different things.

The Ariat brand started out small around 20 years ago and has done a lot to support the sports of both English and Western riding in the US. From humble riding boot roots, they've steadily expanded to making all sorts of other riding and lifestyle gear. I've been getting some heavy use out of my aforementioned Ariat paddock boots, and a perusal of their site today exposed me to the current object of my desire: the Barnsley Fleece Boot.

Ariat Barnsley Fleece Boot

They are fleece lined and waterproof, with spur rests, stirrup-friendly outsoles and stabilizing footbeds for riding. Personally, I wouldn't use these for riding, just because of how handsome they are. I've always craved the warmth and comfort of a quilted, fleece-lined boot, but could never get on board with the sloppy look that most of them have. These are sleek and streamlined, the wintry love child of the classic L.L. Bean boot and my favorite paddocks.

They will be mine. Oh yes, they will be mine. 

AS USUAL anything you see here can likely be found at your friendly local tack shop rather than online from a big retailer. Plus, November 24 is Small Business Saturday, so shop then and show your support!

Kerrits

Mountain Horse

Ariat