Style Reins Blog
Read our digital and print archive offering equestrian lifestyle inspiration, fabulous fashion, home decor and equestrian culture.
HRH The Princess Royal visits Albion England in the ‘Home’ of British saddlery
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Albion England’s head office and factory in Walsall on Monday within her capacity as Perpetual Master of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers. Highlighting the growing innovation in the Design and Manufacture of Saddlery and Leather Goods, Her Royal Highness was given a guided tour of the Albion England…
Read MoreSave the Date: Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund Gala Dinner
Equestrian charity, The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund reach their 30th year anniversary this autumn. Dedicated to helping and supporting injured equestrians and their families, they provide a priceless lifeline to those in need. On 16th October 2018, they present an extraordinary celebrity event to help raise funds to help preserve their invaluable assistance. The…
Read MoreSix Summer Style Tips for you & your Horse
Former fashion and celebrity stylist and MD of Equestrian, Country and Lifestyle agency MirrorMePR, Ashley Rossiter shares their top tips for sizzling summer style in and out of the saddle. Keeping Your Cool If the thought of looking stylish in the saddle this summer is making you hot under the collar, then you’re wearing the…
Read MoreMax Stainton has Begun his Attempt to Reach Everest Base Camp on Horseback
As previously featured in Style Reins magazine, Max Stainton, is attempting to become the first disabled person in the world to reach Everest Base Camp on horseback. Max, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy, has set up the Riding Everest project to challenge perceptions of disabled people and to raise funds for the Riding for the…
Read MorePack up a Picnic
FINISHING POST Pack up a Picnic The competition season is right around the corner and whether you’re a dressage diva, superstar showjumper, or eventing hotshot the chances are you’ll be eating on the go a lot over the coming months. As tempting at the showground burger van can be, there’s nothing quite like a well-stocked…
Read MoreIsaac Raymond: The Young Fashion Designer with Horses on his Mind
Isaac Raymond is a young British fashion designer, diagnosed at the age of 7 with Asperger syndrome. He has achieved national acclaim for his couture shows, based on his response to mental illness. Isaac is also a keen rider. His recent work has included becoming an ambassador for the newly launched ‘Young Equestrians’, a youth…
Read MoreMax Stainton: My Para Challenge to Ride to Everest Base Camp
“I’ve always wanted to do something crazy like climb a mountain” Max Stainton is an inspiration. Born with Cerebral Palsy, he started riding at the age of 5 with the Riding for the Disabled Association. This year he takes on his biggest challenge yet, the aim to reach Everest Base Camp on horseback, a world…
Read MoreMeet the Editor: Style Reins talks to Black Reins
Black Reins is an online bi-annual publication marketed towards African-American Cowboy enthusiasts. Founded in 2013 by Stanford E. Moore and marketed as the ‘premier publication for black cowboys’. Black Reins has been celebrated in its role for chronicling the early days of the American cowboy but also celebrates Black culture through its sports, fashion, news…
Read MoreBeauty Buzz: Sun, Shows & Sunscreen
BEAUTY BITS Solar Flair: Sun Protection for Equestrians It goes without saying that as equestrians we spend a lot of time outside, especially during show season. Spring, summer, autumn, and winter you’ll find us embracing the great outdoors and with that comes the risk of sun damage. Long days outdoors mean you’ll need a proper…
Read MoreA Brush With Success
When brush manufacturers Renwick & Sons ventured into the equestrian market they put every ounce of craftsmanship, knowledge and passion into developing a stunning collection of grooming tools. Sarah Hyde spoke to MD Richard Renwick to discover how the move came about and why they’re on a mission to make grooming your horse a daily…
Read MoreThe Trot Up: Time for a Change
THE TROT UP Time for Change Watches can be far more than just a way to tell the time. They can reveal your personal style, whether that’s subtle and understated or something that really makes a statement. With many different designs on the market you could have a watch for every occasion. It doesn’t matter…
Read MoreTrend Alert: It’s all about Sport Style
TREND ALERT It’s all About Sport Style By Nikki Goldup Showing up in yoga pants, or training kit, anywhere outside of the gym was once seen as a step too far, yet athleisure and sportswear looks are now entrenched in the heart of fashion. With lifestyle changes, including a focus on health and wellbeing, working…
Read MoreThe Village Gymkhana: A Great British Tradition
The Village Gymkhana A GREAT BRITISH TRADITION For many years, the humble village gymkhana was a rider’s first taste of the competition world. Back then, they were a fairly common affair – you’d hack your pony to the field and local residents would come out to watch – but today, they’re few and far between.…
Read MoreGive ‘em the Old Razzle Dazzle!
International costume designer and showing enthusiast Rebecca Rawlinson speaks to Sarah Hyde about uniting her two passions in life and how a love for all things theatrical – plus a bit of Catherine Cookson with Grandma at the weekend – was just the beginning. “I’m always the one dressed in full sequins for an occasion…
Read MoreKeep Calm and Carry on Camping
KEEP CALM & CARRY ON CAMPING By Tara Punter Many equestrians have ventured into the world of camping in the name of their sport. Whether staying away to compete at a show or spending a long weekend watching your favourite event, it can feel like a mini holiday. Yet if you miss the mark, you’ll…
Read MoreThree Spring Events, Three Striking Outfits
Gone are the days when it was just the equestrian occasion itself which was seen as the most important part of any day out, in today’s equestrian world, and particularly at the most popular events, fashion and style is at large! With many of the main events on the equine calendar being held in spring,…
Read MoreHow to Choose Cross Country Colours
CHOOSING CROSS COUNTRY COLOURS By Alice Brown If you’re going eventing this season, or planning ahead for autumn hunter trials, then you’ll be getting your kit ready and one of the most enjoyable parts is choosing your cross country colours. The aim of the game is to choose colours that stand out, both to distinguish…
Read MoreTea in the Tack Room with Kath Smart
Tea in the Tack Room with KATH SMART of Mersley Stud William Whitaker & Mersley Chakotay jumping at CSI5* La Baule (© PSV) Nestled deep in the Isle of Wight, springtime means the start of the busy competition show jumping season for Mersley Stud. SAMANTHA HOBDEN caught up with Head Groom, KATH SMART, to find…
Read MoreCutting to the Heart of Bespoke Equestrian Clothing
Nikki Goldup speaks to Rosemary Mills the founder, chief designer and tailor behind equestrian clothing brand ‘Sporting Colours’. Founded in 1992, this British business produces tailor-made clothing for discerning riders. Sporting Colours has now traded for over 26 years, what inspired you to start your own business? In the early 90s the recession erupted and,…
Read MoreThe Power of Purple
The Power of Purple… The much anticipated Pantone Colour of the Year was announced in early 2018 as PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet – “a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade”. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute, says, “From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive…
Read MoreBert Sheffield: Anything is Possible
Bert Sheffield ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE BERT SHEFFIELD has an infectious ‘can do’ attitude and truly believes that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. At 37, and living with rheumatoid arthritis, this Canadian Paralympic Grade 4 Dressage Rider has numerous Championship titles under her belt in both para and able-bodied dressage. With…
Read MoreEquestrian Days out in London
EQUESTRIAN DAYS OUT IN LONDON With spring showing signs of life, summer holidays are being booked and days out with friends and family are being organised. London is a diverse city with easy travel links making it a great place to visit. If equestrianism runs through your veins, London has tucked away some interesting places…
Read MoreNOSE BAGS: Breakfast of Champions
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day they say, and when you’re up early preparing for a long day at the yard or show, breakfast is certainly something you should take time for. With so many mouth-watering recipes available, there’s no excuse for a bland piece of toast or boring bowl of…
Read MoreMum’s the Word: Treat her to some Opulent Osprey London in their Winter Sale
Mother’s Day will soon be here and it’s perfect timing as we have discovered the most amazing winter sale at Osprey London. With savings from hundreds of pounds on leather bags to more modest but still welcomed reductions on candles, knitwear and other items, this really is a great time to pick up a very…
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide to Valentines Day Gifts for Horse Lovers
From champion chocolates to the winners enclosure, we’ve found eight fabulous gifts for the pony loving person in your life… The House Live the romantic French dream with your loved one and their horses in this idyllic Normandy farmhouse complete with stables and 3 hectares of land. At just €215,000 it needs a little work but…
Read MorePolo Deluxe
POLO DELUXE US Polo Team Captain Nic Roldan, has played at every goal level on every continent. He gives Tara Punter an insight into the travelling life of a polo player and shares 10 of the most luxurious clubs he’s played at. Nic Roldan by Juan Lamarca Nic Roldan started playing polo aged 5 and…
Read MoreBack to Work! 8 Stylish Pieces to Perk Up your Office Wear Wardrobe
It’s back to the office for many of us after what was hopefully a fab festive break and a return to work is the perfect time to update your wardrobe. With many Boxing Day sales still continuing in the new year, there are many great buys to be found so drop these into your shopping…
Read MoreI’m Dreaming of a Pink Christmas
For as long as I can remember I have been a blue girl. That doesn’t mean that I don’t like other colours, just that blue has always been my favourite colour and regular readers will know that I’ve been obsessed with a particular pair of electric blue riding boots for a very long time! Some…
Read MoreA Christmas Day Outfit to take you from Horse to Hors d’Oeuvres
Christmas is a great time of year to spoil yourself and your loved ones but everyone knows that your horse must come first. Even if you have the luxury of full or part livery, or a pal helping out during the festive season, nothing beats nipping down to the yard to wish your best friend…
Read MoreLuxury Leather – Christmas Gifts for Elegant Equestrians
STYLE REINS PROMOTION One of the special joys of the festive period is the abundance of gorgeous aromas – from the heady scent of mulled wine and fabulous food to the waft of perfume given by a loved one. As horse lovers know, quality leather can also smell wonderful which makes it a perfect gift…
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