CONTENTS - Practical Horseman

Practical Horseman’s 2012
Tack
Apparel
Guide
AND
By Kim F. Miller
T
his year’s mission to bring you the latest and greatest in equestrian fashion and gear
began at the American Equestrian Trade Association’s international trade show
in January. We braved hundreds of busy vendor booths to find out
what was on the way to your favorite tack shops, online retailers
and catalogs. Then we talked with retailers, manufacturers and distributors in
North America and beyond to lasso 79 of the most up-to-date styles, technology
and fabrics for you and your horse. Happy shopping, and happy riding!
Table of
contentS
76 ....................................... Bridles
80 .............. Protective Front Boots
82............................... Show Coats
86 ............................... Show Shirts
94 ....................................... Gloves
Download a PDF of this guide with direct links to manufacturer websites
and view online product comparison charts, children’s coats and shirts,
and more information on the categories covered here at www.Practical
HorsemanMag.com. Or snap a photo of the tag at left using your
­smartphone for a direct link to this material. Download the free app at ­
http://gettag.mobi or search “Microsoft tag” in Apple’s App Store.
Tack
Apparel
Guide: Bridles
AND
T
oday’s new bridles cover the gamut from modestly priced functional fun with
­colored nose- and browband padding to bridles with custom-fit components and
designs that reduce or completely alleviate pressure on the poll. (Be sure to pick up
next month’s issue to learn all about bridle leather, features and fit!)
Hunter/Jumper/Event
Henri De Rivel Pro Stress-Free
Raised Figure 8 Bridle
Material: Indian buffalo leather
Special features: Integrated padded crown (combines
crown and noseband hanger into a single unit); contoured
headstall; fleece nosepiece; side rings
Reins: Laced
Colors: Australian nut
Sizes: Cob, horse, oversize
Price: $89.95
Contact: www.hdrsaddlery.com
Perri’s Premium Padded Leather
Bridle with Removable Flash
Material: Premium Indian leather
Special features: Removable flash noseband; colored
noseband, crown and browband padding
Reins: Laced
Colors: Havana with hunter green, blue, pink or snakeskin-print padding; black with pink, red, turquoise or
snakeskin-print padding
Sizes: Cob, horse
Price: $89.95
Contact: www.perrisleather.com
Shires Equestrian
Washington Bridle
Material: Vegetable-tanned Shires leather
Special features: Comfort crown; fancy stitching;
­stainless steel square buckles and hook-and-stud fittings
Reins: Laced
Colors: Dark Havana
Sizes: Cob, full, extra full
Price: $109; flash noseband loop ($5.99) and flash
noseband ($6.99) not included
Contact: www.shiresequestrian.com
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Practical Horseman • May 2012
Ovation Recessed
Crown System Bridles
Material: Italian leather
Special features: Recessed Crown
System allows
the cavesson
strap to pass over
the crown in a
recessed channel;
relieves pressure
and puts only soft
padding in contact
with the poll
Reins: Fancystitched raised
laced
Colors: Medium
brown
Sizes: Cob, horse,
oversize
Price: RCS Fancy
Stitched Padded bridle, RCS Ultra Raised Bridle
(shown) and RCS Wide Padded Nose
Bridle, all $199.95.
Contact: www.englishridingsupply.com
Circuit Grand Prix
Comfort Bridle
Material: Sedgwick leather
Special features: Popular model
newly available with fully
padded, integrated crown;
fancy-stitched
and padded
browband
and noseband; ½-inch
cheekpieces;
stainless steel
hook-andstud closures
and hardware
Reins: Flat laced
Colors: Brown
Sizes: Cob, horse, oversize
Price: $199.99
Contact: www.doversaddlery.com
Silverleaf Fancy
Square Raised Bridle
Material: Superior drum-dyed leather
using English tanning process
Special features:
Leaf-pattern stitching; noseband
with padded roller
buckles; reinforced
cheek studs
Reins: Fancystitched laced
Colors: Golden
oak, African
­walnut
Sizes: Pony, cob,
horse, oversize
Price: $200
Contact: www.
toklat.com
Bobby’s English Tack
Signature Series
Round Raised Snaffle
M. Toulouse Platinum Devon Bridle
Material: Sedgwick leather
Special features: Comfort crown and fancy stitching on
browband and extra-wide noseband
Reins: Fancy-stitched laced
Colors: Chocolate
Sizes: Cob, full, extra full
Price: $224
Contact: www.marceltoulouse.com
Collegiate Comfort Crown
with Removable Flash
Material: English leather
Special features: Cavesson strap lays flat in
a beveled slot in padded recessed comfort
crown; the converter for the completely
removable flash noseband slips through a
concealed slit in the padded noseband
Reins: 5⁄8-inch fancy-stitched laced
Color: Brown
Sizes: Pony, cob, full, warmblood
Price: $239
Contact: Various tack shops
Beval Conquer
Mono Crown Bridle
Material: Soft, hand-picked
English leather
Special features: Integrated padded
crownpiece; fancy-stitched browband
and noseband
Reins: Fancy-stitched laced
Colors: Light brown, dark Havana
Sizes: Shetland, pony, cob, full,
­warmblood
Price: $220
Contact: www.bobbystack.com
Material: English leather
Special features: 1¼-inch padded monocrown with
square-raised, fancy-stitched browband and cavesson;
soft, supple leather is finished with beveled, rubbed
edges; stainless-steel hardware with roller buckle on
cavesson; portion of sale proceeds donated to JustWorld International
Reins: 5⁄8-inch square-raised fancy-stitched laced
Color: Brown
Sizes: Pony, cob, horse, oversize
Price: $295
Contact: www.beval.com
May 2012 • Practical Horseman
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Tack
Apparel
Guide: Bridles
AND
Dressage
Plymouth Elite Dressage Bridle
Material: Imported leather
Special features: Fully padded monocrown; buckle closures;
1-inch-wide flash noseband or crank noseband without flash
Reins: 5⁄8-inch rubberized web with leather stops
Colors: Black
Sizes: Cob, full, oversize
Price: $99.95
Contact: www.smartpakequine.com
Smith-Worthington
Signature Clincher Bridle
Material: Buffalo leather finished with English
­tanning methods
Special features: Clinchers on the noseband; softly
padded browband and contoured crownpiece;
crank noseband; buckle closures
Reins: Gripper reins with stops
Colors: Black
Sizes: Cob, horse, large horse and draft
Price: $125
Contact: www.smithworthington.com
Five Star Tack
Wyndham Dressage Bridle
Material: Sedgwick leather
Special features: Patent leather on doubleround raised browband and noseband, which
are both padded with supple calfskin; padded, integrated crown; stainless-steel fittings;
buckle closures; pinch guard and roller buckle
on the flash noseband
Reins: Sold separately
Colors: Black
Sizes: Cob, full, oversize
Price: $280
Contact: www.fivestartack.com
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Practical Horseman • May 2012
Passier Apollo Snaffle
Material: Finest Passier regular and
patent leather
Special features: Patent cavesson
with flash and patent wave-shaped
browband with Strass® Swarovski
crystals; noseband hanger is firmly
a­ ttached to the softly lined headpiece
for poll comfort; stainless steel or brass
fittings with hook-stud closures
Reins: Choice of narrow web reins
with leather grips and stops, laced, rubber or Eventa® rubber
Colors: Black, Havana
Sizes: Pony, cob, full and oversize
Price: $294
Contact: www.passier.com
Vespucci Rolled
Dressage Bridle
Material: English bridle leather
Special features: Single crownpiece;
discrete rolled patent leather browband;
padded
1¼-inch noseband with
flash; buckle
closures
Reins: Rolled
leather reins
with grip
­backing
Colors: Black
Sizes: Cob,
horse, oversize
Prices: $370
snaffle; $475 Weymouth (double bridle)
Contact: www.worldequestrianbrands.com
PanaCavallo
Aristocrat
Material: Sedgwick leather
Special features: Trilogy Saddlery
fitters measure horse’s head to order
custom-sized
components;
headstall,
cheekpieces
and throatlatch
straps slide
freely over the
padded crown;
padded, wide,
square-raised
crank cavesson
with flash on
snaffle style
Reins: Leather
continental
reins with stops
Colors: Black
Sizes: Custom
Price: $449 snaffle; $549 double
bridle
Contact: www.panacavallo.com or
www.trilogysaddles.com
Windsor Equestrian
Pro Comfort
Double Bridle
Material: Superior quality English
leather
Special
­features:
Extra padding
at crown and
noseband and
underneath
the noseband
crank; rounded
buckles; twoyear warranty
Reins: Plain
leather reins
with stops
Colors: Black
Sizes: Cob, horse, oversize
Price: $550
Contact: www.windsorequestrian.com
Dipping is Dangerous!
Back in the day, in the United States anyway, it was standard to dip a new
bridle in oil, typically neat’s-foot, and let it sit there for some time. The leather
would darken and become suppler. Today, however, that can be dangerous.
There are many different types of leather used in bridle making, and common tanning techniques already use greases and fats to establish the desired
moisture content. Dipping or soaking a new bridle in oil can up the moisture
content to the point of weakening the leather fibers and increasing the odds
of overstretching or breaking. Disregard your friend’s advice on this one and
follow the recommendations from the manufacturer of your specific bridle on
how to best break it in.
Alternative
Nurtural Bitless
Elegant Leather Bridle
Material: English-tanned, drum-dyed, full-grain bridle leather
Special features: Circle X™ stabilizer holds bridle straps securely and comfortably under the horse’s chin for maximum
control; adjustable reinstraps for improved bending and
stopping; noseband gripping provides extra contact;
one-piece crown facilitates consistent poll contact
Reins: Sold separately
Colors: Black, brown, tan
Sizes: Arabian, horse, warmblood.
Price: $182 (based on press-time exchange rates for
Canadian dollar)
Contact: www.nurturalhorse.com
Dy’on Therapeutic
Difference Bridle
Material: English leather
Special features: Hand’s-width setback of
crownpiece completely alleviates pressure on
the poll and behind the ears; throatlatch strap
is ­adjusted tight and crossed with a special strap
under the jawbone, which prevents the headpiece from slipping forward; collection includes
a dressage bridle with flash noseband (brass
fittings, cream stitching) and a double bridle
(matching stitching, stainless buckles)
Reins: Sold separately
Colors: Australian nut, black
Sizes: Pony, cob, full
Price: $649
Contact: www.dyon.be
May 2012 • Practical Horseman
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Tack
Apparel
Guide: Protective Front Boots
AND
F
rom a throwback to flexible foam protection and support to high-tech material that
hardens into a protective shield on impact, the latest crop of front leg boots has
­something for everyone.
Centaur Super Suede
Splint Boots
Type: All-purpose
Material: Neoprene with full
­synthetic suede overlay
Special features: Padding along
­inside of leg
Fastener type: 3 wide hook-andloop fastener straps
Colors: Brown, black, dark green,
red, navy, burgundy, lime, pink
Sizes: M, L
Price: $24.95
Contact: www.englishridingsupply.com
Shires Equestrian
Lightweight Event Boot
Type: Cross country
Material: Neoprene
Special features: Reinforced inner strike pad
for extra impact protection; lightweight
Fastener type: 3 touch-and-close straps
Colors: Black
Sizes: Pony, cob, full
Price: $29.99
Contact: www.shiresequestrian.com
Flex Rider Comfort Flo
Open Front Jump Boots
Type: Jumping
Material: Flexible rubber/plastic on outside; Comfort Flo
and gel layers on inside
Special features: Comfort Flo lining for breathable comfort; outer material is flexible with plenty of cushion
Fastener type: 2 elastic peg-and-hole straps
Colors: Black
Sizes: Horse
Price: $49.95
Contact: www.intecperformancegear.com
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Practical Horseman • May 2012
Nunn Finer
Richland Boot
Type: Cross country
Material: Foam
Special features: Updated version of
the “Porter
boot”; foam
liners have
double density
along tendon
in front wrap
and along cannon bone in
back boots;
trimmable to
fit individual
horses; very
lightweight;
won’t absorb water
Fastener type: Held in place by selfadhesive or stretch bandage
Colors: Black
Sizes: Front, hind
Price: $53.95
Contact: www.nunnfiner.com
Roma Pro Tec
Type: All-purpose
Material: Neoprene
Special features: Contoured to
­provide maximum support and comfort
with 360-degree protection; ventilated
lining offers breathability and airflow
Fastener type: 4-strap TouchTape
­closure system
Colors: White, navy
Sizes: Pony, cob, full
Price: $59.95
Contact: Various tack stores
Woof Wear
Smart Tendon Boots
Type: Jumping
Material: Breathable neoprene with
­Lycra binding in
flexible polyurethane shell, with
Poron® XRD at
impact points
Special features:
Poron XRD is flexible in normal use
but hardens into
protective shield
on impact, then
­returns to flexibility; fetlock-locating technology for ­secure
fit and increased ventilation
Fastener type: 2 elastic touch-and-close
straps with overstrap for security
Colors: Black
Sizes: S, M/L, L/XL
Price: $101.95
Contact: www.toklat.com
Mattes Hi-Pro
Fleece Boots
Boot Up
Determine your priorities before shopping. Cross-country-bound eventers
typically want the most impact protection possible, while an open-front boot
will often help discourage a show jumper from rapping rails. And a bigmoving dressage horse will benefit from a boot or polo wrap that provides
all-around protection from interference.
Sizes vary by manufacturer, but, generally, an average-size Thoroughbred wears a large, and a big-boned warmblood needs a size bigger.
Most closure systems allow for some adjustment. Go for a fit that’s snug and
stays put but leaves enough room to get your index finger between the boot
or wrap and the horse’s leg so that it’s not impeding circulation.
Equilibrium AirLite
Cross Country Boot
Type: Cross country
Material: Outer layer is tough, flexible
mesh; middle is breathable membrane;
inner layer is shock-absorbing highdensity foam
Special features: Super lightweight
with mesh screens and square opening
for airflow; water-resistant material tested to withstand typical force of impact
on cross country
Fastener type: 3 straps with Velcro®
closures and overstrap for security
Colors: Black
Sizes: M, L
Price: $155
Contact: www.worldequestrianbrands.com
Kentucky Horsewear Dressage Boot
Type: Dressage
Material: High-quality EHQ-Fleece
Special features: This polo-wrap alternative has durable fleece with protective
leather patch along inside of leg; quick
on/off; won’t slip or loosen
Fastener type: Hidden zipper
Colors: Customize with 17 colors in
Mattes Couture range
Sizes: S–XL
Price: $130
Contact: www.worldequestrianbrands.com
Type: Dressage
Material: D3O™, neoprene, Solimbra®, suede binding
Special features: Cutting-edge D3O technology provides
lightweight, breathable and flexible shock absorption and
protection; laminated in breathable, weather- and UV-resistant Solimbra fabric; tendon guard and anatomical fetlock fit;
removable Velcro® country flag or logo patch
Fastener type: 3 Velcro® straps
Colors: White
Sizes: Full, extra full
Price: $175.50
Contact: www.kentucky-horsewear.com
May 2012 • Practical Horseman
81
Tack
Apparel
Guide: Show Coats
AND
W
ith today’s high-tech performance fabrics getting more amazing by the minute,
you can do a gymnastic routine in some of these show coats without a rip, let
alone a wrinkle. Light weights and breathability are hallmarks, but even if you do break
a sweat, no sweat! You can throw the majority of these in the washing machine.
Hunter, equitation and dressage coats remain fairly traditional in style, but the latest
trend for the jumper ring is short! Appropriated from Europe, these designs really stand
out in the slow-to-change world of competitive equestrian fashion.
Hunter/Jumper
Arista Modern Hunter Jacket
Material: 94% polyester/6% spandex
Special features: Four-way-stretch, water-resistant, breathable fabric; 3-button styling; “modern” finish option has a
microfiber SuperSuede lapel, two front pockets, a zip pocket
on the arm and silver snap buttons; “conservative” finish has
a plain collar, no arm pockets and navy buttons
Colors: Navy modern and conservative (shown) finishes
Sizes Ladies XS–XXL
Care: Machine wash
Price: $230
Contact: www.aristaequestrian.com
B Vertigo Marc
Softshell Competition
Jacket
Material: 90%
­polyester/10% spandex
Special features:
Stretchy, breathable,
water-repellent
material; sporty
4-button design
Colors: Fusion
gray
Care: Machine
wash cold
Sizes: Men’s
XXS–XXL
Price: $411
Contact:
www.horze.com
GPA Grand Prix Men’s
Grand Prix Techlite
Quinn & Rylie Coats
Material: Techlite
Special features: Lightweight, stretchy, cool and wrinkle-resistant fabric; hidden front zipper under 4-button
front prevents gapping; discrete inseam zip-front pocket;
Quinn has plain collar and tone-on-tone buttons; Rylie
(shown) has matching Ultrasuede collar and silver logo
buttons
Colors: Black, navy, gray
Sizes: Ladies 6–18, regular or long
Care: Machine wash
Price: Quinn $349; Rylie $359
Contact: www.frantisi.com
Material: 89% nylon/11% elastane
Special features: Stretch fabric with
no lining through the body to keep it
lightweight; taffeta lining in sleeves;
classic shape; 3 buttons
GPA Lady II Strass
Material: 89% nylon/11% elastane
Special features: Strass® Swarovski crystals on collar edge and
pockets; stretch fabric with no lining through the body to keep
it lightweight; taffeta lining in sleeves; classic shape; 3-button
styling
Colors: Black, navy, chocolate, anthracite, red
Sizes: Ladies European 34–46, regular and long
Care: Machine wash
Price: $410 (based on press-time exchange rates for the Euro)
Contact: www.gpa-nosewtechnology.com
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Practical Horseman • May 2012
Colors: black, navy, chocolate,
­anthracite, red
Care: Machine wash
Sizes: Men’s 34–46, regular and long
Price: $437.50 (based on press-time
exchange rates for the Euro)
Contact: www.gpa-nosewtechnology.
com
Gersemi Idun
Show Jacket
Material: Schoeller polyester/­
polyamide/elastin blend
Ariat Crowne Pro Show Coat
Material: Schoeller dynamic stretch twill
Special features: Short European jumper styling; coldblack®
finish reflects heat and provides UV protection; concealed zippered hand pockets; intricate seam detailing; stretch shoulder
panels; mesh upper lining; zip-front closure
Colors: Black, navy
Sizes: Ladies 8–20 regular; 10–18 long
Care: Machine wash
Price: $499.95
Contact: www.ariat.com
O’Shaughnessey Apparel
Malone Coat
Special features: Snug-fitting coat
made from four-way-stretch fabric;
water-repellent; unlined for maximum breathability; in-seam zippered
front pockets; 3 matte buttons in
silver, gold or black
Colors: Black, ink, navy, brown
Sizes: Ladies 4–14
Care: Machine wash
Price: $450
Contact: www.gersemi.se
Kingsland Sloan Coat
Material: 100%
polyester
Special
­features:
Breathable,
water-resistant
fabric with
mesh lining;
3 ­Kingsland
logo buttons and
color bands
Colors:
“Black navy”
Sizes: Ladies
European 32–44 (XXS–XXL)
Care: Machine wash
Price: $459
Contact: www.kingsland.no
Material: Tropical-weight wool from Italy and Portugal
Special features: Contrasting upper collar; lined in red and
piped in black; 3 pewter equestrian-motif buttons; made in
the Pacific Northwest
Colors: Small black-and-white houndstooth pattern; other
fabrics available in this style
Sizes: Ladies 2–14
Care: Dry clean
Price: $525
Contact: www.oshaughnesseyapparel.com
Kentucky Riding Wear
Helli Jumper Jacket
Material: Softshell fabric
Special features: Short European styling; lightweight,
breathable, water-resistant stretch fabric; piping; stitched
accents; 4 eye-catching buttons
Colors: Black with red accents, red with black accents,
anthracite with silver-gray accents
Sizes: Ladies 8–20, regular and long
Care: Machine wash
Price: $589
Contact: www.kentucky-reitmode.de
Animo Lovely Competition Coat
Material: 88% polypropylene/12% elastomer
Special features: Technical performance fabric with extreme
stretch and breathability; flattering paneled construction with
­hidden zippers on placket and pockets; Ultrasuede contrast trim
Colors: Navy
Sizes: Ladies European 38–48
Care: Machine wash
Price: $799
Contact: www.usaanimo.com
May 2012 • Practical Horseman
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Tack
Apparel
Guide: Show Coats
AND
Dressage
Eous Resis-Tech Dressage Coat
Material: 68% polyester/24% polyamide/
8% polyurethane softshell
Special features: Water-resistant, dirt-repelling fabric in
breathable softshell weight; classic single-vent styling with
two front pockets; stretch lining; 4 brushed-silver horsehead buttons; silver piped collar
Colors: Black
Sizes: Ladies 4–24
Care: Machine wash
Price: $130
Contact: www.equisupplies.com
Romfh Feather-Lite Dressage Coat
Material: Cotton/micropoly/viscose
Special features: Lightweight fabric is soft to the touch and
stretchy; mesh lining for breathability and cooling; 4-button
styling
Colors: Black
Sizes: Ladies 8–18 regular; 10–14 long
Care: Machine wash
Price: $189
Contact: www.romfh.com
Windsor Apparel ­
Cutaway Riding Jacket
Material: 100% woven polyester twill
Special features: Traditional European cutaway style;
double front pockets; fully lined; double back vents;
4 horse-head-embellished buttons; velvet collar with
gold braid trim
Colors: Navy
Sizes: Ladies US 4–14
Care: Dry clean
Price: $298 (based on press-time exchange rates for the Australian dollar)
Contact: www.windsorapparel.com.au
Goode Rider Regal Dressage Coat
Material: Four-way-stretch microfiber softshell
Special features: Stay Cool Stay Dry Wicking technology
in water-repellent fabric; inside chest pocket; silver lining;
4 antique silver buttons; satin collar with piping
Colors: Black
Sizes: Ladies 4–16
Care: Dry clean
Price: $299
Contact: www.gooderider.com
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Practical Horseman • May 2012
Asmar Equestrian
Dressage Tail Coat
Material: 63% polyester/ 35%
­rayon/2% spandex (slightly different
fabric mix in navy)
Special features:
Breathable, medium-weight, twoway-stretch suiting
fabric; European
tailoring; weighted
tails; smooth lining
that’s easy to wipe
down after a ride;
interchangeable
vest points in deep red, pewter, plum
and gold/yellow included
Colors: Black, navy pinstripe
Sizes: Ladies XS–2XL
Care: Dry clean
Price: $480
Contact: www.asmarequestrian.com
Kingsland
Dressage Coats
Material: One-way-stretch Italian wool
or Schoeller full stretch technical fabric
Special features: Wool coat features velvet on collar and
cuffs; 100% Italian satin lining;
Schoeller fabric
version features
leather patch
with gold logo
on waist pockets; air holes
under sleeves; silver rivet on sleeves; half
mesh lining; 4-button styling; Winston
Churchill’s quote, “Attitude is a little thing
that makes a big difference,” embroidered
inside; unique double waist seam
Colors: Wool: black and brown with
gold buttons, navy with silver and crystal
buttons; Schoeller: black, navy
Sizes: Ladies European 32–44
Care: Wool, spot clean or dry clean;
Schoeller, machine wash
Price: $529.95, wool;
$579.95, Schoeller
Contact: www.kingslanddressage.com
Crossover
Shires
Equestrian
VelvetTrimmed
Show
Jacket
Material:
­Polyester
Special features:
Fitted shape in
­fabric that a­ llows
full range of
­motion; 4 silver
buttons on front
and 2 at wrist; velvet and piping on collar
and pockets
Colors: Navy, black
Sizes: Ladies 2–14
Care: Machine wash
Price: $109.99
Contact: www.shiresequestrian.com
Horze Softshell
Competition Jacket
Material: 92% polyester/8% elastane
outer shell bonded with 100% cotton
Ovation Performance Coat
Material: Lightweight stretch gabardine
Special features: Devon back (flattering seams that arc from
mid-shoulder to hem) with center vent; breathable stretchmesh lining; 4-button front; available with or without contrasting ­Ultrasuede collar
Colors: Navy, black, navy with gray collar, navy with blue
­collar, black with gray collar
Sizes: Ladies 8–20 regular; 12–20 long
Care: Machine wash
Price: $225 self-collar; $250 Ultrasuede collar
Contact: www.englishridingsupply.com
RJ Classics Platinum Collection
Crossover Coat
Material: 80% nylon/20% elastane
Special features: Classic Cool® Competition fourway-stretch, high-tech softshell fabric is eco-friendly and
breathable; water-resistant; wrinkle free, UV protection
equivalent to SPF 50 sunscreen; moisture-management
system; mesh lining; belted back; French facing; two
interior pockets; 4 antique-silver logo buttons
Colors: Navy, black, gray, brown, tonal black pattern
Sizes: Ladies 0–16 regular, short and long
Care: Machine wash
Price: $424 ($474 with various collar color options)
Contact: www.rjclassics.com
Get A Move On
Special features: Elegant, tailored design
in stretch fabric; waterproof outer shell;
4-button styling
Colors: Black
Sizes: Ladies European 32/34, 36/38,
40/42, 44/46 (XS–XL)
Care: Machine wash
Price: $139
Contact: www.horze.com
Don’t be shy in the tack shop dressing room or at home after your online
order arrives. Ensure a comfortable and functional fit where it counts—in the
saddle—by making these moves:
Shoulders: Allow room through the shoulders and upper back. After buttoning or zipping the coat, cross your arms in front of your body. If there’s
no pull in the fabric across your back, that’s good.
Bust: Stand up straight and tall, as you would in the saddle, and make
sure there’s no gaping between the buttons of your coat (or consider a style
with a hidden zipper closure such as Animo’s Lovely, Grand Prix’s Quinn &
Rylie and Ariat’s Pro Crowne).
Sleeve length: Break at the waist as you would while jumping and simulate an automatic release with your arms and hands. A peek of your sleeve
or wrist is fine, but not several inches. The correct sleeve length typically hits
your thumb joint when you are standing up straight with your arms hanging
down at your sides.
May 2012 • Practical Horseman
85
Tack
Apparel
Guide: Show Shirts
AND
W
hatever your budget, this year’s collection has something for everybody’s needs
and preferences, from the practical to the luxurious. The only thing you won’t
find is a shirt you’d be embarrassed to be seen in outside the equestrian environment.
They’re all beauties!
All the shirts we’re showcasing are machine washable. Those made of the high-performance fabrics that dominate this year’s offerings will dry on a hanger in a heartbeat.
Pessoa Men’s
Nova Show Shirt
Material: 75% cotton/25% nylon/
3% spandex
Special features: Stretch cotton;
­button-down collar; woven strip to
hold tie in place
Multidiscipline
Equine Couture
Gabby Technical Show Shirt
Material: 96% polyester/4% spandex
Special features: Technical fabric keeps you cool and
dry; wrap collar and stock tie loop; contrast color blocking
allows for a traditional look under your show coat
Colors: White/Silverlake blue, white/navy, white/pink
Sizes: Ladies XS–3XL
Price: $44.95
Contact: www.equinecouture.com
Gersemi Competition Shirt
Material: Four-way-stretch performance fabric with
­Aerocool
Special features: Quick-drying, wicking fabric; feminine
gathers along the hidden-placket front and cuff; Europeanstyle detachable collar threads through loops on the shirt
­collar for choker or stock tie
Colors: White
Sizes: Ladies XS–XL
Price: $60, short sleeve; $70, long sleeve
Contact: www.gersemi.se
Colors: White
Sizes: Men’s S–XXL
Price: $75
Contact: www.pessoabyhorseware.com
Ariat Triumph
Show Shirt
Material: Woven front panel,
­technical knit side panels
Special features: Classic look
and fabric in shirt front; technical
side panels and back for comfort;
­Moisture Movement Technology
­finish ensures quick drying; snap
­collar and stock tie loop
Goode Rider
Pro Show Shirt
Material: Polyester/spandex
Special features: Stay Cool Stay Dry properties in
­tailored, stretch woven shirt with ribbed side panels and
flattering princess seams; wrap collar with loop for stock
tie; hidden placket
Colors: White
Sizes: Ladies XS–XL
Price: $69
Contact: www.gooderider.com
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Practical Horseman • May 2012
Colors: White
Sizes: Ladies 32–42
Price: $79, short sleeve;
$89.95, long sleeve
Contact: www.ariat.com
Hunter/Jumper
Pessoa Bahia
Classic Shirt
Romfh Competitor
Material: 75% cotton/25% nylon/
3% spandex
Special features: Fitted shape in
stretch cotton with contrasting color
on shoulder and inside collar; magnetic
collar closure
Material: Dri-Lex microfiber, with micro-sheer-mesh panels
along bottom side of long sleeves
Special features: Super-cool fabric with ventilation along
sleeve; contrast color on placket, inside collar and flat-seam
stitching; wrap collar
Colors: White/beach, white/cobalt (both short- and long
sleeve); beach/cobalt, white/white (long sleeve only)
Sizes: Ladies XS–XL
Price: $55, short sleeve; $69, long sleeve
Contact: www.romfh.com
NoZone Equestrian Shirt
Material: VersaTex
Special features: Four-way-stretch, moisture-wicking,
antimicrobial fabric; UPF 50+ sun protection that won’t
wash out; hidden zip neck
Colors: White, red, silver, kelly green (long sleeve only),
light blue (short sleeve only)
Sizes: Ladies XXS–XL
Price: $57, short sleeve; $59, long sleeve
Contact: www.nozoneus.com
Colors: White
Sizes: Ladies XS–XXL
Price: $75
Contact: www.pessoabyhorseware.com
Equine Athletics Cool Tech
Performance Shirt
Equi In Style’s
EIS Performance Shirt
Material: Cool Tech polyester
Special features: Wicking fabric; wrap collar; hidden sleeve
pocket for cash, key or credit card
Colors: Soft pink, soft blue
Sizes: Ladies XS–XL
Price: $59.95
Contact: www.thornhillusa.com
Material: Proprietary fabric with IceFil
Special features: IceFil, a cooling factor embedded in the fabric, reduces
body temperature by 5 degrees, aided
by movement-­
generated airflow
and a mesh strip
on the sleeve’s
underside; equivalent to SPF 50;
moisture wicking
and odor control; easy wash;
quick dry; standup zip collar; made in America
Colors: Aztec (turquoise), palooza
(purple), butter, white, seabreeze, capri,
pistachio, black, cardinal, navy
Sizes: Ladies XS–2X
Price: $82
Contact: www.equiinstyle.com
Sunshield Longsleeve Shirt
by SmartPak
Material: Australian Versatex, 100% polyester
Special features: Lightweight Versatex fabric protects
skin from 98% of harmful ultraviolet rays with a UPF
50+ rating; three-quarter zip neckline works for show
or schooling
Colors: White, silver, royal blue
Sizes: Ladies XS–XXL
Price: $59.95
Contact: www.smartpakequine.com
May 2012 • Practical Horseman
87
Tack
Apparel
Guide: Show Shirts
AND
RJ Classics Sterling Collection
Show Shirt
Material: 62% cotton/38% polyester
Special features: Classic Cool® wicking and stretch
fabric allows athletic performance while maintaining
crisp tailored silhouette; snap collar
Colors: White tonal twill pattern with pink horizontal
swirl inside collar and cuffs
Sizes: Ladies 30–44
Price: $92
Contact: www.rjclassics.com
Essex Performance
Turnback Cuff Shirt
Material: 58% cotton/42% Cool Max
Special features: Moisture-wicking Cool
Max fabric; tapered body; V
­ -stitched
Arista Equestrian Pinnacle Shirt
Material: 88% nylon/12% spandex
Special features: Moisture-wicking fabric; SPF
60+ ­rating; tailored fit; piping on shoulders; angled
­convertible collar
Colors: White with tan piping, white with pewter piping
Sizes: Ladies XS–XL
Price: $95
Contact: www.aristaequestrian.com
Kingsland Los Angeles
Ladies Show Shirt
Material: 95% polyester/5% spandex
Special features: Fitted style in technical, quick-dry
fabric; zipper on shoulder; placket features crystal
buttons
Colors: White
Sizes: Ladies XS–XL
Price: $97.95
Contact: www.kingsland.no
Tailored Sportsman
Convertible Show Shirt
Material: Coolmax® Everyday
Special features: Soft, lightweight, breathable
and quick-drying fabric that has a natural feel;
wrap collar with snap
Colors: Lilac/white stripe, white/blue, light
gray/white squares, blue arrow stripe, white
diamond
Sizes: Ladies 2–14
Price: $115
Contact: www.thetailoredsportsman.com
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Practical Horseman • May 2012
back yoke; accent fabric inside cuffs
can be turned back for a colorful
­three-quarter-length sleeve when not
showing; wrap collar with snaps; extralong shirt tails
Colors: White-on-white diamond
­pattern with blue or pink accenting on
­inside of collar and cuffs
Sizes: Ladies 30–44
Price: $124
Contact: www.essexclassic.com
FITS
Claire
Show
Shirt
Mate­rial:
FITS Silk
Touch™ or
Stretch Seersucker
Special
­features:
Featherweight,
four-way-stretch wicking fabric; powermesh underarm gussets for ventilation;
UV protection; flattering fit for zero bulk
under coat; wrap collar
Colors: Blue, pink, dove gray in stripes,
solid white.
Sizes: Ladies XS–XL
Price: $144
Contact: www.fitsriding.com
Tack
Apparel
Guide: Show Shirts
AND
O’Shaughnessey Apparel
O’Shea Shirt
Material: Silky 100% cotton
Special features: Attached collar, princess seams, white
polka dot contrast on inside collar, cuffs and placket; collar is
piped in lilac and fuchsia; made in the Pacific Northwest
Colors: Lilac tone-on-tone herringbone, pink
Sizes: Ladies 2–14
Price: $155
Contact: www.oshaughnesseyapparel.com
Dressage
Kerrits Ice Fil
Riding Shirt
Material: 94% polyester/6% spandex
with IceFil
Special features: Xylitol-infused fabric
produces cooling effect; UPF 40+ sun
protection; antimicrobial and antiodor;
stock tie loop; hidden side pocket
Animo Amburgo
Mens Show Shirt
Material: 100% polyester pique
Special features: Super lightweight; 4-button placket;
button-down collar; extra length for stay-tucked fit
Colors: White, khaki
Sizes: Men’s European 48–54 (S–XL)
Price: $199
Contact: www.usaanimo.com
LeFash Covered Placket
Show Shirt
Material: 100% Egyptian cotton on front and back panels
with bamboo/spandex knit on sides and sleeves
Special features: Crisp traditional look where shirt is exposed; stretchy bamboo for maximum movement where
shirt is covered by jacket; bamboo wicks moisture, regulates
temperature and is antibacterial and antistatic; trochus shell
buttons; hidden magnetic closures on wrap collar; cotton
trim on extra-wide cuffs and cuff closure
Colors: Lilac with white twill trim, navy with vintage plaid,
white with pink multicolor stripe, gray with gray/ivory stripe
Sizes: Ladies XS–XL
Price: $215
Contact: www.lefashny.com
Colors: White, French blue, plum,
­charcoal
Sizes: Ladies XS–2XL
Price: $59 short sleeve; $69 long sleeve
Contact: www.kerrits.com
Pikeur Sleeveless
Material: Polyamide/Lycra
Special features: Fabric feels like soft
cotton, yet is waterproof and breathable
with plenty of give; also available in
short sleeve
Cheval Fashions Tux Shirt
Material: 100% cotton
Special features: Dressy, silky feel due to fabric’s high
thread count; fitted, extra-long body; wrap collar; roll-up
sleeve tabs; pearly cuff snaps; handmade in Canada
Colors: White-on-white polka dots, with black, hot pink
or silver piping (custom team colors upon request)
Sizes: Ladies 4–18
Price: $219
Contact: www.chevalfashions.com
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Practical Horseman • May 2012
Colors: White, cream, pink, light blue,
mocha, chocolate
Sizes: Ladies 6–20, regular and tall
Price: $110
Contact: www.pikeur.de
Tack
Apparel
Guide: GLOVES
AND
P
rotect your palms and fingers while riding and look great at the same time with ­today’s
newest synthetic and leather gloves. Pick a pair with finger and thumb tip ­reactors so
you can use your smartphone from the saddle, choose crazy colors for schooling or select
the latest in fit and function for the high-stakes jumper ring. It’s all here this year.
SSG Schooler L/R
Material: Synthetic suede back, grippy palm fabric.
Special features: “L” and “R” on base of thumb for easy identification; durable and comfortable; great for kids
Colors: Black/white houndstooth pattern
Sizes: Unisex 4/5–8; Care: Machine wash
Price: $16.95; Contact: www.ssgridinggloves.com
Thornhill Sport
Four-Way-Stretch Glove
Material: Seronino Grip palms and four-way-stretch uppers
Special features: Hook-and-loop closure at wrist for snug fit
Colors: Black; Sizes: Ladies S–L; men’s M–XL
Care: Machine wash; Price: $17.95
Contact: www.thornhillusa.com
HKM Gloves
Material: Polyurethane/polyester
Special features: Breathable fabric; reinforced fingers;
­antislip fingers and palm
Colors: Black; Sizes: Unisex XS–XXL
Care: Machine wash; Price: $19.95
Contact: www.hkm-sportsequipment.eu
Fuller Fillies Neon Summer Brights
Material: Faux-suede through the palm, mesh on the back.
Special features: Super cool for summer; fun colors match
FF’s half-chaps and Chevron jodhpurs
Colors: Black and purple, navy and fuschia
Sizes: Ladies S–L; Care: Hand wash cold, line dry
Price: $24.95; Contact: www.fuller-fillies.com
Fit Like A Glove
Measure your hand for glove sizing by wrapping a flexible tape measure
around the knuckle line of your four fingers (don’t include your thumb). Round
up to the nearest half-inch, and that’s your numeric glove size. For gloves that
use universal sizing, i.e., S–L, the unisex sizing should correspond as follows:
6½–7 inches=small, 7½–8=medium; 8½–9=large. Your gloves should feel
snug but not restrictive.
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Practical Horseman • May 2012
Heritage Elite
Show Gloves
Material: Micro-Tec
­synthetic leather palm
Special features: “Second skin” feel for flexibility with grip and breathability; “Rein Cut” between
ring and pinky fingers eliminates bulk
Colors: Black; Sizes: Unisex 6–12
Care: Machine wash; Price: $34.95
Contact: www.heritagegloves.com
SSG Cell Mate™
Material: Aquasuede® palm
Special features: Finger and thumb tip
reactors enable use of touch-sensitive
smartphones in SSG’s “skin-thin” Grand
Prix glove
Colors: Black
Sizes: Unisex 6–9
Care: Machine wash
Price: $39.95
Contact:
www.
ssgriding
gloves.com
Tredstep Jumper Pro
Material: Punched lambskin leather
Special
features:
FlexiGrip
palm; anatomical fit
at cuff; Air
Fibre synthetic suede
ensures a
flexible,
comfortable
and secure grip
Colors: Black; Sizes: Unisex 6–10,
­including 6½, 7½, 8½
Care: Clean and condition by hand
Price: $47.95
Contact: www.tredstep.com