Style Reins Blog

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…

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…

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…

“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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

  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…