The Outer Limits
Equestrians demand outerwear that's warm, dry, and light and that moves with the body. Beyond that, the sky's the limit--and stylish options abound.
Mountain Horse's Supreme Jacket, a new addition to its 2004 line, was, like other MH products, designed and tested in Sweden. Following on the heels of its popular Classic Rider and Wind Rider jackets, the Supreme is the latest in European style (and rider-friendly to boot).
"In addition to a waterproof shell and waterproof zippers, three-layer breathable fabric, and removable hood, the elbows are shaped or pre-bent, the sleeves are slightly longer, and there's an adjustable draw cord on the bottom of the jacket so that you don't sit on the jacket while riding," says brand manager Sharon Gladksi.
JPC Equestrian prides itself on offering versatile and functional pieces at affordable prices. "The trend in apparel has been towards technical fabrics, and as JPC is known for its technological developments in breeches, expanding this knowledge into our Tuff Rider Outerwear line was a natural progression for us," says vice president Nina DePetris. "The Tuff Rider Duet has been a very popular piece so far, as it's a Quilted Jacket/Vest with an Aerocool lining and zip-off sleeves."
If you like the protection your WeatherBeeta blankets afford your horse, chances are you'll like the outerwear in its Dublin equestrian line. Of particular interest this season: The Dublin Penrith Three in One, which features a water-resistant outer jacket and an inner fleece jacket loaded with such details as a detachable hood, mesh lining in the upper body, elasticized Velcro cuffs, riding vents, pockets with zip closures, and contrasting piping. All for a suggested retail of $159.95.
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Similar features are available in the Dublin Albany jacket, a midweight, princess-seamed number that doubles as a vest or jacket and is available at a suggested retail of less than $90.
Fleece is bigger than ever, and has become a sellout feature at Kerrits Equestrian Activewear. Choose from barn jackets, riding vests, hats, and headbands in the company's exclusive horseprint designs. "This year's Flyinghorse Fleece is available in a range of colors coordinated with our entire line of breeches and tights, as well as to match our ultimate-defense foul weather gear, the Storm Jacket and Storm pants, built from Hydrotek," says Kerrits' Mel Sherman.
New for this winter is Kerrits' Ride Outside pant and the limited edition Durastretch Jacket, both featuring cutting-edge, soft-shell technology. "The Ride Outside pant is an extremely rugged and durable all-weather breech," Sherman continues. "Soft-shell technology could've been engineered with horses in mind. [They] make layering almost obsolete."
Other sources for fashionable outerwear this season include Kyra K, whose Traveller Kyrflex Micro jacket has been a popular waterproof option; and Boink, which is known for its comfy vests, jackets, and accessories.
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