Sometimes getting dressed, whether it’s for a casual day at the yard, or for a day of competition at a show can feel like going into battle.

Walking into an equine clothing stockist, or doing a shop online now rivals New York Fashion week when it comes to choice, design, affordability and personal preferences.

How the equestrian clothing has evolved from 20 years ago when your biggest decision was to choose beige or white jodhs! Bling? That was someone’s engagement ring and the term matchy matchy didn’t even exist.. so how the hell did we progress from that – to what is now a mind blowing choice which can leave even the biggest fashionista floored! How did a sport that was once primarily about an animal’s ability to jump clear suddenly turn into a plethora of ten different shades of lilac, pink boots and Swarovski encrusted helmets where often, the rider is the sole focal point?

Equestrian fashion is a billion dollar industry – there is no doubt. Designers are seeing the demand for different and trends are changing every year to ensure that the fashion conscious equestrian is continually upgrading to the newest one. It’s an addictive and vicious circle and it leads me to this article – Just WHY are we paying huge money for ever changing trends when really – isn’t it about the horse?

In every aspect of life – there are dedicated followers of fashion and by hook or by crook, they WILL be up to date and rival any current catwalk model. Current bag by Marc Jacobs – an absolute must – but how did these addictions to relevance cross into the competition ring? Horses is a bloody expensive sport. They are animals that put a constant strain on our bank accounts, be it their upkeep, health and condition, trainers, to entry fees – there’s always a bill that needs paying – and 99% of equestrians will always ensure their horse won’t go without – even if it means they themselves will have to -so how did we become obsessed with spending more on our attire than the horse’s?

So many people have opinions on what people spend their money on. People who are always wearing current matchy matchy outfits can be deemed snobs – or bringing vulgarity to the show.

Likewise – the non-fashion obsessed -be It that they don’t actually care what they look like – or they are not in a position to buy Spring’s latest Spooks colour range – are also privy to opinion.

It seems you’re doomed if you do and you’re doomed if you don’t but really – why does anyone CARE?

With the evolution of equestrian fashion has come humongous pressure to conform. I don’t care what anyone says – you can’t help but feel inferior when you’re sat on a horse next to someone who looks like they’ve stepped out of a Horse and Hound photo shoot. Even as a grown adult, I have looked on in envy as a “Mini Le Mieux” head has trotted past me – pretty as a peach – but I also wonder – with fashion impacting on little ones so young – are we leading them to a life of pressure to maintain the matchy matchy persona?

What is the real cost of “keeping up”? Whether it is through choice or through a confidence or “fitting in” decision – how and where do we draw the line? Is it too late to realise that top threads don’t increase your ability to ride? Or likewise – that’s it’s perfectly fine to be an inexperienced rider – at your first few shows learning the ropes, but also enjoying getting rigged out for it? Can both be done without judgement? Why do people care if you’re a €700 hat and jumping 60cm? When did we as equestrians, get so consumed with others and what they look like or what price tag their jacket carries?

Another discussion I had with fellow writers – was the influence of influencers… I mean the name is kind of a giveaway… these are often people that we look up to – aspire to be like – that’s why they are what they are. It’s why companies use them to promote their products – because somehow, they have found a niche in peoples’ lives – where we look up to and become invested in them. Yes they have the new release equestrian outfits- but can they carry the blame for the pressure on riders to rush out and buy them? Not in my opinion – no. They are saying here – look at this great hat – just like the model on the runway is showing it off on her perfect body – or the actor on TV is promoting in an attractive way – so whilst they tempt us – tease us even – it’s a job – not a cult like demand whereby we HAVE to buy it.

Then moving aside from the luxury item side of things – we must consider the sustainability of products we buy – for those of us who are thinking more of an investment piece – that one item that will become a trusted wardrobe staple and we need to consider those companies that have recognised the niche in the market for longterm, but yet up to trend pieces that will go the distance.

Rolcall for Emma Keogh from EquiEire who is behind one of Ireland’s newest sustainable equestrian clothing lines – whom I caught up and asked a few questions on her opinion and expert input into where sustainable clothing slots into the market:

When you set out on the EquiEire venture – was it always an intention to go down the route of sustainability? Or was this something you decided the more you researched?

Yes, it was important from the outset.  Our goal was to design the best quality clothing from recycled and regenerated fabrics. Which avoids the use of harmful chemicals and dyes, and aims to reduce waste and energy consumption throughout the production process. It was also important to work towards creating a more responsible and ethical industry that respects the environment and the people involved in the production of clothing.

Sustainable clothing is often described as timeless and classic – which your line certainly Is – but in an equine world that is now dominated by bling and trends – how have you manged to slot into the market in  such a steady way?    Do you find that people are maybe tiring of ever changing trends and now want that classic look for longer?

We base all our designs on feedback we have received from the equestrian community. We have gotten great insights regarding what people like and dislike. I think trends are important to be aware of, but our main focus is on creating clothing that is comfortable, functional and elegant. 

What are the morals and values of Equieire?

1. Customer Focus: Putting the needs and satisfaction of customers first.
2. Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in everything the company does.
3. Sustainability: Operating in a way that is environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.
4. Product Innovation: Offering unique, high-quality products that meet the evolving needs of their customers.
5. Continuous Improvement: Seeking to constantly improve and evolve, both as individuals and as a company.

Sustainable products – from packaging – to clothing, is something I see becoming more prevalent in the Equine World  – do you think that in the future all companies will look to move to this way of production?  I know from my reviews – that companies who have made this switch are receiving great feedback from customers – so it’s not going unrecognised.

Yes, I think it will become more prevalent in the equestrian industry and many companies already taking action to improve their environmental footprint. Which is great to see! Overall, sustainability is important because it helps us create a better future for ourselves and future generations by promoting responsible and equitable resource use, protecting the environment, and ensuring economic stability.

Do you think you might broaden your range in the future?

Yes, we have spent the last 8 months expanding our collection. It takes a long time to design and test new products. We added lots of new styles and colours to our range, including a children’s collection. We aim to expand into men’s wear later in the year. We are currently exploring new customer segments and export markets.

One thing I always hear through my page is the lack of choice available – that is affordable in Ireland – particularly since Brexit – there are a lot of niche areas here now that are needing to be filled – you have certainly occupied one – but what advice could you give to anyone who might be thinking of setting up an equestrian business?

I think if you are truly passionate about starting up your own business you should. People in the equestrian industry are used to hard work, and long hours and they are very resistant. Which are great assets when it comes to being self-employed. 

Finally – the heading of this article is “Equine Fashion – is it a personal clothing choice or a confidence issue” based on the fact a lot of people ARE pressured to keep up with the trends and styles – what would your thoughts on this be?  

I think the equestrian world is very fashionable with lots of seasonal trends that come and go each year, and who doesn’t love shopping and treating themselves to new clothes! I think wearing clothes that make you feel good, are comfortable and that you look forward to putting on are more important than keeping up with trends. Our collection is designed to look elegant but is also very practical & functional for sport, we focus less on pressuring people to change their outfits each season and more on the quality and fit of our products. 

You can shop Emma’s collection online here:  Stylish & Sustainable Equestrian Clothing | Riding Leggings & Tights | – Equieire

So I guess really – having taken into consideration all the points made in this article – the title boils down to each individual and their reasons for wearing what they wear and buying what they buy.

Judgement and being passing comments and opinions – whether asked for not, is in every sphere of life – so I think that the best advice I can give is this – JUST DO YOU!  Whether that means living in your comfy 100 year old sweatpants, or straight off the hanger designer threads – so long as you’re happy and comfortable – then nothing else really matters. 

“Fashion is not necessarily about labels.  It’s not about brands.  It’s about something else – something that comes from within you” – Ralph Lauren