equestrian

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Inspired: Secretariat's Equestrian Elegance

I'll admit that I'm rather excited about the upcoming October release of Secretariat (this will be no surprise to my family, which was plagued by horse movie screenings throughout my childhood).

I'll admit that I'm rather excited about the upcoming October release of Secretariat (this will be no surprise to my family, which was plagued by horse movie screenings throughout my childhood). While I'll be happy to indulge in some equus eye candy, I'm also pretty taken with Diane Lane's wardrobe in the film. Lane portrays housewife and mother Penny Chenery, who helped to create the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years. And while the early '70s never struck me as a time of particular elegance, Lane's wardrobe throughout the film is just that. I was particularly inspired by her party dress in this scene, and set about creating a space that reflected her love of Thoroughbreds as well as her thoughtful wardrobe.



Of course, any prize-winning household needs to decorate with a trophy or two: I'd choose this Yellow Owl Workshop Trophy ($60) to start my collection, and add a racehorse to the living room with the Thomaspaul Thoroughbred Throw ($350). To shop the rest of the look, just click on each product.

Trend Alert

Trend Alert: Equestrian Belts

Let me tell you why Mary-Kate Olsen is so unapologetically amazing.

Let me tell you why Mary-Kate Olsen is so unapologetically amazing. While out with her sis for an interview with Good Morning America, she dressed up her double-breasted pea coat with a sharp equestrian belt. It's simple, but the sleek cut makes all the difference in the fashion world. Notice how she complemented it with a wooly texture and dark hue for maximum contrast. You better believe I'm trying out this trend — stat.




Trend Alert

Trend Alert: High-End Equestrian

In a recent New York Times article, Hermès and Gucci were noted for reviving their horsey heritages.
Trend Alert: High-End Equestrian

In a recent New York Times article, Hermès and Gucci were noted for reviving their horsey heritages. Hermès recently sponsored the Grand Palais in Paris, and announced that the Saut Hermès (Hermès jumping), would take place on April 3-4, 2010. Gucci, meanwhile, has been imprinting its bar-and-bit symbol on products since 1921. To follow up on these fashion houses' return to history, I've decided to take you on a tour of some aspirational horsey items for upscale homes. Granted, most of these items will never be purchased by those of us who don't own a string of polo ponies or a riding stable, but still, it's fun to dream!

Street Style

Equestrian Street Stye: Get The Look

Our new favorite street style photographer, Garance Dore, captured this equestrian-inspired look, and we thought it called for a shopping spread.

Our new favorite street style photographer, Garance Dore, captured this equestrian-inspired look, and we thought it called for a shopping spread. A black hat, wool blazer, colorful scarf, and black t-shirt are pieces that, if you don't own already, you probably won't regret investing in. In fact, putting them all together might be your only task. If you should need to fill in some gaps, our picks above.

lifestyle

Sportmanship and Gentility at The Horse of The Year Show

As avid equestrians the fall brings many pleasures from autumnal hacks in the countryside to snuffly horse breath in the crisp air but none is more eagerly anticipated than the end of year horse shows.

As avid equestrians the fall brings many pleasures from autumnal hacks in the countryside to snuffly horse breath in the crisp air but none is more eagerly anticipated than the end of year horse shows. Britain is currently hosting The Horse of The Year Show or HOYS. The show runs every October and incorporates a full programme of international show jumping, the British National Show Jumping finals and a range of displays and entertainment including the Pony Club Mounted Games for the Prince Philip Cup.

As former Pony Clubbers ourselves we appreciate the the spirit of competition and horsemanship demonstrated by the youngsters that make it to these finals. In our current culture of self obsession, equestrian sports remain a bastion of gentility (and yes inordinate expense), deference and sportsmanship in which the well being of another animal occupies more space than one's own personal wants. The lessons of horse management serve more than their function as they teach a kind of respect for self and beast that we see few other places

But we digress! Due in part to its high standards of competition and its placement at the end of equestrian year, the Show has become a national treasure in the UK, rich in heritage and tradition and is considered to be the most famous horse show in the world. But American equestrian fans should not fret as soon we too will be celebrating our nationals at our very own 125th National Horse Show.

Images of Riders from Barnwell compete in the Prince Philip Cup Pony Club Mounted Games and Katie Price and her horse 'Jordans Glamour Girl' performing Dressage to Music via Getty Sports

 

 

gallery

Best of Coterie: Harlan Bel

Brandy Lunsford straddles the seemingly disparate worlds of tomboy equestrian ease and womanly fashion with her line Harlan Bel, of which we have been fans of since we first used it in our photo editorial La Belle Dam San Merci in March.

Brandy Lunsford straddles the seemingly disparate worlds of tomboy equestrian ease and womanly fashion with her line Harlan Bel, of which we have been fans of since we first used it in our photo editorial La Belle Dam San Merci in March. And our enthusiasm only grows stronger with each new collection. She  balances harder tailoring with a feminine sense for textile usage and her Spring 2009 collection is no exception.

horses

Netherlands Takes Gold in Equestrian Dressage Freestyle

If you haven't been keeping up with the Olympics, you can check out all of the goodies here.

If you haven't been keeping up with the Olympics, you can check out all of the goodies here. But one of my favorite events (naturally) is Equestrian Dressage Freestyle. Anky van Grunsven, and her beautiful 14-year-old horse Salinero took home the gold in the event that was completed on Tuesday.

What is Dressage? It's a form of performance that shows the horse's athletic ability, grace, and form. Often described as a "Horse Ballet" it truly is a joy to watch. Horse and rider must perform tasks like trot, canter, half pass, and canter pirouettes (a full 360 degree turn) with minimal directional aids, and do it all choreographed to music. Sorta like So You Think You Can Dance, but with horses! I was able to TiVo the broadcast, and was totally taken by the beauty of the winning team. Congrats to the winners!

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Carolina Herrera

New York Fashion Week, Fall 2008: Carolina Herrera

Today was a good day for a ride in the countryside .

Today was a good day for a ride in the countryside . . . for Carolina Herrera. While Ralph Lauren has equestrian chic down pat, Herrera is giving him a run for his money.

Colors were borrowed from a fall landscape: oatmeal brown, China blue, lemon drop yellow and russet red. Masculine tweeds are layered over chiffon print shirts, vests and riding pants. There wasn't much in the evening category; Herrera opted to create dramatic daywear instead. And succeed she did. Opulent materials like fur and feather were omnipresent — the long feathers that stemmed from the dramatic fedoras had a life all their own. Puffy eyed models (late night girls?) also donned plaids, brocade and corduroy.


Cape? Check. Riding gloves? Check. Whip? Check!

For more Carolina Herrera, plus a video, read more

Trend Alert

Trend Alert: Equestrian Accents

I think many of us may have had horsey obsessions growing up.

I think many of us may have had horsey obsessions growing up. I, for one, was hooked on Elizabeth Taylor in her role as Velvet Brown in the fabulous '40s film National Velvet. The good news is, we don't have to give up the horse love just because we've grown up. In fact, the design world has been inundated with equestrian-inspired accents and décor.

Lately, I've been seeing equestrian accents popping up on everything, from snaffle bit-enhanced purses to horsehead lamps. Check out my favorite home picks for this trend.

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