Exceptionally Haute Horseware

Fall, My Favorite Time of Year

My Favorite Time of Year

Nicole Lynn

Fall. Quite possibly my favorite time of year. Now I love warm summer nights, especially the first ones where I can finally wear shorts and flip flops outside. Give me a really cold winter day with big, fat snowflakes coming down, a cup of coffee in my hand and a fire in the fireplace and I am one happy girl. Or that first spring morning where you can actually feel winter leaving and summer taking its place. But I love every single thing about fall. The crisp morning air, the beautiful, vibrant leaves as they go from green to orange, red, purple and yellow, the pumpkin spice everything, the rain, the colder nights, and of course, the clothes. It is such a feeling of renewal for me to change over my closet from short sleeve shirts to cute, cozy sweaters. I always need a new, great pair of jeans to start the season, and that perfect shirt to wear with my new jeans and favorite boots. Fall is a time to show off your fashion before it all gets covered up with sweatshirts and heavy jackets. And Exceptional Equestrian is the place to find that fashion.

My personal favorite, the Le Fash Stable Bomber, has made a nice, big splash this fall as a cozy mid weight jacket made from bamboo stretch knit with Claino® suede trimmed welt pockets. This sporty jacket will be a great addition to any closet as either a layering piece or the main focus of your outfit. Available in four colors – charcoal and black, burgundy and charcoal, teal and navy, and heather and navy – Le Fash continues to impress us with their stylish, versatile clothing that can be worn either for your morning hack or out with friends with those cute jeans and boots.

One of my favorite indulgences this fall is the Asmar Boyfriend sweater and although it comes in four outstanding colors – cappuccino, midnight navy, slate and winter white – the cappuccino is by far my top pick. With rib trim and a ribbed cuff and hem, the boyfriend sweater can be dressed up for work or worn casual with jeans for dinner with friends. And who doesn’t love the contrasting elbow patches?

So what is your favorite thing about fall? Is it cooking up a big pot of soup or snuggling up on the couch to watch a movie? How about decorating for Halloween or planning your menu for Thanksgiving? What is your favorite go-to jacket this time of year? Whatever it is that makes you happy, I hope you have a fantastic fall and enjoy the weather while it lasts!

Exceptional Equestrian is an equestrian life-style mobile boutique that travels across the country to horse shows. Specializing in absolutely nothing you need, just everything you want! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the new Exceptional Equestrian app!

Falling for Asmar

This season Asmar is busting out with edgy styling and technical fabrics that are a must have in every “Exceptional Equestrian’s” closet. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Asmar Long Sleeve Logo Shirt. It’s perfect for cross country schooling with its breathable, wicking fabric and fun colors. This shirt has a technical fabric equestrians will love Not only is it wrinkle resistant and static free; it also has UPF 50 that protects against the suns harmful rays. (No more crazy tan lines) This shirt is sleek and looks smart in the schooling ring too. Local Hunter rider Edee Black said “When I’m wearing this shirt it doesn’t bunch or come un-tucked from my breeches while riding. It always stays in place..” (So no more worrying about your shirt tails flapping in the wind). It’s the perfect shirt for riding, no matter your discipline.

This shirt is a MUST in ride style!

Our favorite piece by Asmar is the Winter Tech Hoodie. It will bring your fall wardrobe into the 21st century with its cool biker jacket vibe and cozy sweatshirt feel. This coat isn't just for looks either, it features Dintex membrane to keep water and wind from penetrating the fabric, while maintaining the highest level of breathability.

Find these fabulous styles and more at Exceptional Equestrian!

Cheers!

Find the Perfect Gift For... The Weekend Warrior

While most of us wish that we could spend all day, every day enjoying the barn and our horsey pals, unfortunately there's usually something silly like a job that gets in the way of that dream. So instead we're constrained to riding evenings and weekends. And begrudgingly, we're okay with that... except that those fabulous riding clothes that you've spent so much on don't get to see the light of day nearly enough!

Well good news for the weekend warrior! The terrific combination of in-vogue equestrian fashion and savvy equestrian brands leaves riders with and ever-expanding wardrobe of versatile riding clothes!

Fior da Liso is becoming a well-known fashion offshoot of the Euro brand Schockemohle. The blouses made designed by Lotte are feminine and flattering yet also extremely comfortable and functional for active tasks. The cotton/elastane blend fabric has just enough stretch to provide ease of movement, yet not enough that you loose the flattering shape of the garment. Each design features one or more lovely details like contrast cuffs and collars, contrast stitching, metallic buttons and elbow patches. These blouses are a hit with so many women of all ages, in all disciplines and make for a great look whether you choose to wear them in the ring or at the office!

Our other top pick for double-duty riding attire is the hautest horsey thing to come out of NYC since Georgina Bloomberg: the Le Fash Placket Shirt. These shirts are truly exceptional and really up the anti for riding attire. The sleeves and side panel fabric is a bamboo knit material that provides technical performance and comfort while beautiful eqyptian cotton is strategically placed where it can be seen under a show coat. The collar closure is a strong, but light-weight magnet. These shirts have become the penultimate in fashion-meets-function show clothes. But the best thing about them is they were designed with the intention that they could just as easily be worn out and about in everyday life. Le Fash most certainly succeeded with this, and after wearing one of their gorgeously coordinated Placket shirts you are going to want to wear it everywhere! 

Find the Perfect Gift for... The Leather Addict

I think as equestrians we have a general appreciation of leather that others do not have. We realize just how durable and beautiful this material really is and I think that makes it all the more desirable. Wouldn't you agree?

With that in mind, there are probably more than a few friends and family members you know with a leather addiction. That's why this episode of "Find the Perfect Gift For..." features a few great Exceptional Equestrian options for the leather lover.

The collection of bracelets from Dimacci make for perfect stocking stuffers and come in a variety of colors and styles! They are made with top quality, beautiful leather. All hardware is stainless steel and nickel free!

Top Row: Dimacci Dimaccini Logo Bracelet / Middle Row: Dimacci Monsun Bracelet / Bottom Row: Dimacci Orsini Bracelet

Our second gift suggestion for the leather enthusiast is the Tucker Tweed Cross Body. Tucker Tweed Equestrian was created out of a desire to make a handbag that says "this is my passion." The neat thing about these bags is that you can choose which emblem is displayed on your bag. Whether a Dressage rider, a Hunter/Jumper or general equestrian enthusiast, there's a style for everyone!

Take advantage of a timeless material and find your friend, family member or yourself a beautiful leather good for this holiday!

Find the Perfect Gift For... The Compulsive Color Coordinator

In the latest in our Exceptional Equestrian series "Find the Perfect Gift For..." we suggest a couple presents for that pigment-sensitive person in your life. You know the one I'm talking about. They have an incredible ability to match their saddle pad and bonnet's piping to their belt and the elbow patches on their sweater. Yeah, you know at least one of these equestrians!

Well for these aficionados may we suggest the Duftler Spur Belt! This rider-ready 2" belt comes in a rainbow of colors and finishes! From classic neutral to the brightest brights, in matte, patent, python or croc! You also have the option of silver or gold buckle hardware, so you can really up the coordinating game. They are made with top-quality leather (the matte styles are buttery smooth lamb skin) and the hardware is extremely durable.

Don't see the color you want listed on our site? Just send an email to CindyJLay@msn.com because we cary many more styles in the mobile boutique, including the following:

• Purple Matte
• Burnt Orange Croc
• Purple Python
• Denim Python
• French Blue
• Turquoise Patent
• Cobalt Blue
• Navy Patent Croc
• Hunter Green Matte
• Berry Matte
• Hot Pink Matte
• Brown Croc
• Brown Pebble
• Camel Croc
• Lite Tan
• White Croc Patent
• Charcoal Python
• Gray Croc

Still not finding the color style you've been dreaming of? Well that's OK, Exceptional Equestrian can place custom orders as well (note: custom orders typically take 4-6 weeks, so they won't be ready for the holidays, but they will make it in time for the winter circuits!)

The Spur Belt will leave even the most fanatical color coordinator completely satisfied the next time they plan their outfit. 

Find the Perfect Gift For... The Fun-Loving Extrovert

For the person in your life who doesn't have a problem speaking her mind, who lives for flair and just wants to have fun... may we suggest one of the fantabulous Phyllis Stein T-Shirts? The inside-joke style T's designed by Stein combine a life-long passion for horses, humor and a little rock n' roll. All materials used are of the highest quality, and these T's will quickly become a wardrobe favorite with their super soft material and smart, female friendly fit!

So stocking stuff away with these hilarious horsey T's, priced at just $45 each, they're a great gift for that wild equestrian in your life.

Find the Perfect Gift For... The Layer Lover

The first episode in our Exceptional Equestrian series "Find the Perfect Gift For..." is made for that person who loves to layer, layer, layer! Whether it be out on the town with a beautiful blouse, cardigan and town coat or at the barn wearing a smart button down, sweater and vest! These clothing-savvy folks need a lot of gear to appropriately outfit their style so here are a few suggestions for this gift-giving season:

Stay tuned for tomorrow's rendition of Find the Perfect Gift For...!

Four Handy Horsey Apps

There's pretty much an app for every conceivable need these days, so it comes as no surprise that there are dozens of highly handy apps for horsey people. These 4 apps made it to my list for most useful apps for the equestrian enthusiast. 

Horse Anatomy: Equine 3D

$9.99 in the iTunes Store

By: Real Bodywork

If you're like me you often find yourself puzzled by half (or admittedly, most...) of the multi-syllable words your vet uses. Fortunately there's a high-quality app for the less anatomically-learned equine enthusiasts! Horse Anatomy: Equine 3D comprehensively maps out superficial landmarks, muscles, bones, organs and even the dental structure of the horse. Using the 3D features you can zoom in and rotate views to get the perspective you need. Once you've gone through a structure there are quizzes you can take to test your new-found knowledge as well. This app will prove highly useful with your vet, chiropractor and massage therapist as well as in your everyday equine practices. 

Available for iPhones and Androids.

Equisketch Records

$9.99 in the iTunes Store

By: Equisketch

The ability to keep track of your horses' (and riders' if you're a trainer) records becomes infinitely more simple and organized with this app! The easy to navigate interface allows you to record and manage horses' basic information, membership numbers, training; vet, farrier and dental visits; nutrition and much more! You can also keep track of riders' addresses and contact info, their skill level, membership numbers and make notes. The Equisketch Records app even allows you to keep track of competition details and placings/scores at each! You can easily save and share the information to stable hands, clients, buyers and more. 

Course Walk

$9.99 in the iTunes Store

By: The Finder Network

Remembering your cross country course can be a challenging task, but the Course Walk app is here to help! Using GPS mapping this app helps you prepare for your cross country outings by recording your track and distances, identifying minute markers (no more wheeling a course again!), and allowing you to take photos of each jump and store them in a gallery. The Course Walk app has the ability to show you the different terrain of your course and change the minute markers based on optimum time given. The information you store can be easily uploaded to the MyCourseWalk.com site for sharing and printing. You'll never want to walk a cross country course without this fabulously handy app again!

Horse Spanish

$3.99 in the iTunes Store

By: Cameron Geiser

While we may think we're pretty well versed spanglish speakers, sometimes saying "turnout boots" doesn't quite come out as we intended. Fortunately there's a handy app that has hundreds of horsey english-to-spanish words and phrases stored for easy accessibility. You can save commonly used words and phrases or use the built-in translator for more specific needs. While the interface isn't anything fancy, this is a highly useful tool if you have workers or grooms who speak little to no english!

I can't think of a better way to use technology than to enhance the experiences with our horses! If you find use in one of these apps or have any other great suggestions for handy horse apps let us know on our Facebook page!

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Bigger and Better than Ever!

The Event at Rebecca Farm kicked off today with more than 560 horse and rider pairs descending upon the beautiful Flathead Valley of Montana. Over the course of more than a decade this competition has grown to become one of the largest in the nation. Sarah Broussard, organizer of The Event, says "The Event gets better every summer because of the efforts of so many people, from the wonderful community of volunteers, to all the riders from across the nation whose skills range from Olympians to developing riders."

Competitors travel from near and far to compete in divisions ranging from novice all the way to 3-star. When they arrive they are presented with a well-run show, outstanding footing and a world-class cross-country course designed by Scotland’s Ian Stark featuring over 150 obstacles and four water complexes. Stark has won multiple Olympic medals and was inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

In addition, admission for spectators is free and multiple arenas offer close-up seating for dressage and show jumping. Guests are allowed to walk the cross-country course or view the 640-acre complex from two different hillsides with spectator tents. A trade fair offers a wide range of food and beverage concessions (and shopping, of course!), as well as a kid zone with face painting and pony rides.

Olympian and US eventing extraordinaire Karen O'Connor affirmes "Rebecca Farm is such an amazing venue that the Broussard family brought to fruition from crop fields, I have been competing internationally for two decades across 27 countries and Rebecca Farm is the best venue I have ever been to in the world."

For the Love of Leather

As equestrians we’re surrounded by fine leather. Saddles, bridles, girths, boots, the list goes on. So it makes sense that our love affair with leather doesn’t stop with our tack. Today, we’re taking a look at the leather items we’re obsessed in this summer!

TUCKER TWEED

First off, how can you not love a company that’s named after it’s founder and her horse? Tucker Tweed Equestrian was founded by Jill Tweedy and inspired by her horse Tucker and Jill’s unceasing adoration of all things equine. The luxurious handbags, totes, satchels, wallets and iPad covers are embossed with distinct hunter/jumper, dessage or foxhunting images. These leather goods are made of the softest, supplest leather and come in several colors, from classic to vibrant.

KATHARINE PAGE

If you love shoes, especially really comfortable and superbly stylish shoes, Katharine Page’s lovely leather sandals are made for you! Founder Katharine Page grew up on the ‘A’ circuit. She always admired the beauty, simplicity and craftsmanship of the show horse’s bridles. So in 2012 an idea was born: create a line of fine women’s sandals inspired by the classic appearance of the bridles worn by our beloved horses.

Currently there are 7 different styles of sandals available (we love that they are cleverly named after popular hunter/jumper venues like Del Mar and Keswik) with unique slip on and buckle styles to choose from. All of her sandals, with the exception of the bling-blingy Palm Beach, have the fabulous fancy stitching that harkens back to their inspiration. And don’t be fooled by their minimal appearance either, they are deceivingly comfortable and the straps quickly break-in to hug your feet.

These sandals are a must have summer accessory!

DUFTLER BELTS

In the riding world a belt is one of those items that can take your look from average to enviable. That’s why we feel having a healthy collection of chic belts is a necessity! Duftler does a superb job of furnishing the style-savvy rider with a wide selection of belts to help coordinate your daily attire. Their 2” wide spur belt comes in more than a dozen colors so you can coordinate with any outfit you can imagine. And there are several choices in patent, matte, and snakeskin; some with silver and some with gold buckles. Duftler also makes a very unique stirrup belt that comes in black, white and brown snakeskin.

You can find all these lovely leather goods in our boutique! If you’re looking to make an online purchase and something isn’t listed in our shop simply shoot an email to cindyjlay@msn.com with your order!