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

Wishlist: Dubarry Edition

I had the pleasure of working at the Hampton Classic Horse Show for my friends at Dubarry of Ireland this past Labor Day weekend, and I was able to try out some of their newest designs. Here are some favorites/must-haves, including the tweed waistcoat that inspired this very blog:

"Daisy" in Connemara Smoke

"Iris" shirt in White

"Swift" Gore-tex lined jacket in Olive

The Daisy vest is cut exquisitely... really top notch tailoring. It's easy enough to dress up or down as well, so it's definitely a piece that could get a lot of mileage in the fall/winter seasons. The Iris shirt really caught my attention because of the subtle, tuxedo-like panels in the front. Unlike a lot of other shirts striving towards the same vibe, the Iris has the detail without adding any bulk. The comfortable,  two-way stretch cotton fabric is form-fitting without having any bunching, giving the shirt a stunning silhouette. In the outerwear department, I've been searching for a proper weatherproof jacket that still has some kind of tailored shape for a very long time, to no avail. Dubarry's older "Skerrit" and "Sutton" jackets have the same idea, but the "Swift" seals the deal with the belt and more prominent hourglass shape. 

The unquestionable practicality and quality of all these items make it really hard for me to not blow up my credit card. Regardless of what's on the runways this fall, I feel the most comfortable and stylish in classic and versatile pieces. Also, the fact that I currently own no waterproof outerwear aside from a hat and a couple pairs of boots leaves the other 90% of my body sorely neglected. Christmas is coming though, I guess I should probably start behaving... probably. WINTER IS COMING.

Dubarry.us

Better Bags

In truth, I have a really hard time getting excited about handbags. I don't carry that much stuff around with me either, so the only time a roomy bag ever comes in handy is when I'm with a few people and we need to smuggle snacks and drinks into the movie theater. It is due to my apathy and lack of enthusiasm about bags in general, however, that you should pay extra mind to this collection of bags that I am actually rather excited about.

To set the scene, let me introduce you to the bag I've used for the majority of the past 5 years: the Strand tote.

This bag has been through the wash. It's been re-sewn in a couple of spots. As you can see, it's had a couple of highlighters go capless inside of it (wild stuff). But the medium size, durable (recycled) material, and absence of excessive pockets and compartments have made this an ideal companion for my neurotically minimalistic mode of being. Also awesome: the bag is made in the USA, comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and is only $15 from Strand Books. Sadly I do realize that I can't drag around my war-torn Strand tote forever, and that is why for this post I've compiled an assortment of bags that would suit me just fine. 

I first saw the Pointer Brand Woodland Tote on Trove General Store's blog. Charlotte and Foster of Trove are good friends of mine and they always pick the best stuff to carry in the shop. Pointer is a classic American brand, and everything has been made right in Tennessee for almost a hundred years now.

At $60 it's significantly more expensive than the Strand bag, but it's roomier and probably quite a bit more well-made too. If I had the extra cash I'd probably order this bag right now, honestly. 

Fjallraven is another brand that I was initially introduced to by my friends at Trove General, but in the past few years I've seen them in different places and popping up in random urban "Street Style" blogs. They started off small 50 years ago in Sweden and have since expanded as a global brand, while still keeping true to their mission to make products that mindfully facilitate an outdoor lifestyle. 

In backpack form, the $55 Kånken Mini's dimensions and price are comparable to the Pointer tote. I think the black/red that I've shown might be my favorite color option, but the olive/red is a close second. This probably wouldn't be my choice for my everyday bag, but I can see it coming in handy for day trips and urban excursions.

If I wanted to placate my complete aversion towards carrying things around, I would absolutely go with the "So Clutch" collaboration between Topo Designs of Colorado and Mrs. P. Hicks. It's a cheeky nod to the envelope clutch trend that refuses to abandon some functional utilitarianism, (detachable strap included).

This bag fits the essentials, for me: phone, wallet, Field Notes, keys, chapstick. The $69 price tag is totally worth it for this bag, since they're only producing 50 of them (!!) and it's a collaboration of two very cool small brands, worth supporting. 

Something I've only just discovered are the bags of Wm. J. Mills & Co., of Greenport, NY. Greenport is a lovely little harbor town on the North Shore of Long Island, about a 30 minute drive from my house. The bags are made in the same sail loft in Greenport that they've been making marine products in since 1880. The materials are weather-resistant as well, and the stitching is all reinforced. 

At $150 the retro-inspired Flight Bag (top) is sadly out of my financial reach right now, but I plan on making a pilgrimage to their brick and mortar the next time I'm out in Greenport. I'm thrilled that something this cool is so close to home for me. 

Pointer Brand

Topo Designs

Mrs. P. Hicks

Fjallraven

Wm. J. Mills & Co.

In my eternal quest for tolerable baggage, I welcome any bag suggestions or feedback!