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Kerrits Rain Shelter Jacket Giveaway

Our Holiday Issue will be ready to mail out tomorrow and to celebrate the debut of our first printed issue, we have partnered with to give away one of their amazing (retail value: $159!). An in-depth of review of Kerrits’ Rain Shelter Jacket is included in our Holiday Issue. Both Leah and I really love everything this jacket has to offer, so we are thrilled that we are able to give one of our readers the chance to own this beautiful jacket that features so many smart technical elements.

Our creative director Leah wearing Kerrits’ Rain Shelter Jacket.

From Kerrits:

The perfect companion for the rough-riding, fast striding cowgirl in all of us; protection from the elements starts here! Critically seamed-sealed, this all-season shell is windproof, waterproof and breathable. The solid colors make a strong statement, while the plaids camouflage dirt. Styled with an ergonomic equestrian shape, two-way zip and pleats; this jacket offers a custom fit in and out of the saddle.

Kerrit's Rain Shelter Jacket

Giveaway For: One Kerrits Rain Shelter Barn Jacket in the color and size of your choice. Available colors: Tan Plaid, Lagoon, Espresso and Mercury Plaid. Available sizes: S, M, L and XL (please view size chart on the jacket’s product page: ).

To Enter the Giveaway You Must:

1. Like Kerrits’ Facebook page through the Rafflecopter App below.

2. Like Equestrian Culture’s Facebook page through the Rafflecopter App below.

BONUS: We want you to show us how badly you need this jacket! To earn extra entries, post a photo of your well-worn barn or riding jacket on our Facebook Page’s wall (more instructions provided on the app below once you unlock the bonus entry)! Let’s see those jackets!

Giveaway Details: Giveaway closes Thursday, November 28th at 12:00am ET. One winner will be chosen at random using the Rafflecopter App and will be announced both here on our website and on our Facebook page on Saturday, November 30th. Up to 20 points/entries total may be earned by liking (5 points – mandatory), liking (5 points – mandatory), and by posting a picture of your well-worn riding/barn jacket on Equestrian Culture’s Facebook wall for a bonus entry (10 points – optional).

NOTE: Posting a photo of your jacket to Equestrian Culture’s Facebook page is a bonus entry; earning you 10 extra entries/points and increasing your chances of winning. However, the number of likes the photo receives on Facebook has no influence on the giveaway, as the winner is completely chosen at random by .

Best of luck! – Danielle

Equine Photography: Elisabeth Panepinto

Elisabeth Panepinto is a young photographer from Belgium. Her work is extraordinary in the way she is able to so effectively capture the dazzling beauty of the equine form. Both her black and white and her color photographs are stunning. I love the unique ways in which she orients and crops her compositions. She is definitely a talent to be looking out for in the coming years. I would love to own a huge coffee table book featuring her work.

Elisabeth Panepinto Photography

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Find more of Elisabeth Panepinto’s photography here:
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We Made It: Our First Print Issue Has Been Sent to the Printer’s!

Thank you all so much for contributing to our successful Kickstarter campaign! As you can imagine, we are all so excited that we made it to our goal. We are so thankful for all of our backers and everyone who shared our campaign while it was running! We were amazed that individuals from all over the country and even internationally found our campaign and subscribed to Equestrian Culture.

Last Tuesday, we sent our Holiday Issue to the printer’s! We are having the magazine printed by J.S. McCarthy, one of the largest printers in New England (and probably the largest in Maine). They are a great company and I know that they are going to create a gorgeous print version of Equestrian Culture for us. They are also handling all of our distribution, so the minute the magazines are finished, J.S. McCarthy will mail them directly to every backer whose reward included a subscription or a copy of the magazine!

Equestrian Culture Holiday Issue Cover

Expect them in your mailboxes in a little over a week! (If you would like to order a subscription or a copy of our first printed issue, they are currently available to purchase here on our website: equestrianculture.com/shop)

This week, I (Danielle) will begin mailing out prints and necklaces to all backers who chose that reward option and I have already begun working on custom portraits. My goal is to have all of the custom portraits finished and shipped in time for Christmas. Below is an in-progress sketch of one of the portraits.

Kickstarter Portrait in Progress

Thank you all again so much for making our goal a reality! We are having a blast making this magazine! We hope that you all enjoy our first printed copy.

All the best,

Danielle, Leah & Rachel

Equestrian Chic: Margaret Vera Bit Bracelets

Margaret Vera’s gorgeous bit bracelets are versatile, chic and reasonably priced at just $36.00 each (available in her ). These bracelets, made using beautiful real leather, are neutral enough that they can be worn with many different outfits. I have worn mine to several different events and places over the past few months (even to the barn!). I love incorporating pieces that give a nod my equestrian lifestyle when I am out and about each day. Plus, these beautiful gorgeous bracelets are made in the USA!

MargaretVeraBlack

with a black leather strap, $36.00

I wore these bracelets while I was at the Washington International Horse Show. I loved stacking this larger bit bracelet with my delicate gold Beau & Stella horse bit bracelet.

MargaretVeraBrown

with a brown leather strap, $36.00

I took this photo while apple picking in September. I have worn this brown and silver bracelet so many times since I received it. The leather is really beautiful—a nice natural brown that goes with everything! Plus, as I mentioned above, I have even worn this bracelet to the barn; these bracelets are well-made and sturdy.

One thing that I really love about Margaret Vera’s leather bracelets is how comfortable they are to wear. I spend a lot of time typing at the computer each day between writing content for Cavalcade and writing articles for Equestrian Culture and most of the time I find myself taking my bracelets off after about five minutes of trying to type with them on. Margaret Vera’s bit bracelets are made fit your wrist so they don’t feel clunky and the leather straps are very soft. I actually usually forget that I am wearing them!

These would be the perfect stocking stuffers or Christmas presents for barn friends!

Find Margaret Vera here:
Etsy Shop:
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Five Girls and a Horse’s Stunning Equestrian Chic Horse Show Booth

The Devon Horse Show’s Fall Classic took place a few months ago, but I was so impressed by the photos of Five Girls and a Horse’s booth at the show that I still wanted to share them. Five Girls and a Horse is a collective shop featuring gorgeous handmade and vintage goods. Lauren Radvansky, the founder of , is a part of the Five Girls and a Horse team and was kind enough to send me a collection of photos of their lovely booth display!

EquinebyLauren

These photos are great inspiration for fellow equestrian crafters and businesses that vend at horse shows. The atmosphere Five Girls and a Horse created in their booth was elegant yet friendly and inviting. It looks more like a professionally designed room than a temporary booth display!

EquinebyLauren

I particularly love the way Lauren chose to display her bookends, coat hooks, and jewelry hangers. The industrial minimalist look of the shelving units do not overwhelm the bookends and compliment their contrasting natural aesthetic. The plain white wall she used to hang her clothing and bridle racks on really makes them stand out! The white wall was also a huge part of what transformed the shed into a finished looking store.

EquinebyLauren

Members of Five Girls and a Horse in front of their booth.

Doesn’t it just look so inviting at night?

I hope that you enjoyed these photos and that they were able to inspire you if you are vending at a future show! Thank you Lauren for sharing these great images with us!

Find EQUINE by Lauren here:
Etsy:
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Equine Photography: Francesca Morrison

Francesca Morrison is an up-and-coming photographer based in Glasgow, Scotland. She is currently studying photography at Reid Kerr college and has photographed popular equine events including the Hickstead Derby and RIHS. Her gorgeous photographs included in this post just give a preview of her talent! Check out her website () or her Facebook Page () to view more of her stunning images.

Francesca Morrison Photography

Francesca Morrison is passionate about equine photography. All riders understand that there is something very special about the relationship between horse and rider. Francesca aims to capture the essence of this relationship. Whether a client seeks the exhilaration of horse and rider striving together in competition or more formal equine portraiture, Francesca will always aim to reveal the heart and soul of the unique bond at the centre of equestrian relationships. —

Francesca Morrison Photography

Again, more of Francesca Morrison’s gorgeous work can be found here:
Website:
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Washington International Horse Show: Friday

During the day, the Washington International Horse Show is really laid back. Most of the shops and boutiques that circle the arena don’t open until the evening classes begin and the crowd picks up. There are some shops that open early though, which provided me with the perfect opportunity to talk to some of the shop owners about their brands before the crowds came.

Friday at WIHS

The first place I stopped by was Katharine Page’s gorgeous booth. Katharine, the founder of Katharine Page, and I are wearing her adorable equestrian leatherwork inspired sandals. I am wearing Katharine Page’s Devon sandal and she is wearing the Del Mar sandal.

I had never seen Good Shot Design’s collection prior to spotting their gorgeous jackets at WIHS, and I am so glad that I discovered this gorgeous line! Good Shot Designs’s apparel was actually originally designed for shooting, but it has a classic aesthetic that also appeals to the equestrian crowd. I love the pop of color on the pockets, the collars and on the jackets’ gorgeous linings! This brand is a newcomer to the equestrian scene, but I know that it will find success here!

I found a Maine based business unexpectedly while walking around the shops last night! Cynthia Paquette is the talented designer behind the classic and elegant handbag line Liza Hennessy. We were both surprised and delighted to find a fellow Mainer at the show! If you are at this show, you have to check out Liza Hennessy’s handbags—they are STUNNING!

The evening schedule:

Friday is Military Night at WIHS. The evening program opened with a tribute to the famous little mare, Sargent Reckless, before the $50,000 Speed Final began.

Friday at WIHS

Tim Gredley and Unex Chamberlain 2 riding in the $50,000 Speed Final

Between the $50,000 Speed Final and the $25,000 Puissance, there was a retirement ceremony for Klinger and two military demonstrations by the Caisson and the Marching 24 Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.

Friday at WIHS

The retirement ceremony for Klinger. Klinger participated in over 5,000 military funerals, has his own book and led the 2012 inaugural parade among many other honors.

The Marching 24 Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon

Tim Gredley and Unex Valvente winning the $25,000 Puissance.

Lots of exciting classes coming up tonight! Follow along on Cavalcade’s Instagram, Twitter or FB page to see videos and photos of the events as they happen!

Washington International Horse Show: Thursday

I arrived in Washington, D.C. yesterday and after checking into the hotel I headed straight to the . Not only is this is my first year as a WIHS media partner (both for Cavalcade and Equestrian Culture), it is also my first time ever attending the show! I will be covering each day I am at WIHS here on the blog.

WIHS 2013 Thursday

The first hint that we had arrived at the right place! It is so cool to see stalls set up right outside the Verizon Center in the middle of the city.

Thursday evening was Barn Night at WIHS. Barn Night has a reputation for being one of the most fun and lively nights at the show because local barns, riding clubs and 4-H clubs are out in force to show their barn spirit for a chance to win prizes and awards!

WIHS 2013 Thursday

Olney Farm had an awesome poster!

The evening program was great! It started with the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper class which came down to a jump off between just a few riders. After that was the highly anticipated Shetland Pony Racing. The Shetlands and their tiny jockeys did not disappoint! The crowd was so into it, it was the loudest I had heard them cheer all day! The evening program finished with a really fun Gambler’s Choice Costume class with a $20,000 prize. It was cool to see show jumping greats like Beezie Madden and McLain Ward dressed up in costumes!

WIHS 2013 Thursday

Haley Schaufeld riding her mare Harley 86 in the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper class

Handlers leading the ponies in before starting the post parade for the Shetland Pony International Steeplechase! #2 definitely had the cutest handler

It was an exciting race! The ponies had to gallop two laps around a total of 10 fences before racing up the center of the ring and through the finish line!

The Gambler’s Choice Costume class was hilarious and super exciting! Here is Kaitlin Campbell dressed up as a boxer (riding with boxing gloves was impressive!) riding her aptly named horse Rocky W.

Beezie Madden the bumble bee riding Vanilla.

My favorite costume of the night: Meagan Nusz dressed as Snow White riding Vesuvius

Looking forward to tonight’s events!

Deco Pony Custom Totes & Equestrian Culture

A few months ago, I featured Deco Pony’s lovely tote bags and clutches . Deco Pony’s founder Jenn Hogan creates original designs and takes custom commissions for her tote bags, clutches and handbags. When Jenn saw the logo I created for Equestrian Culture Magazine, she loved it and kindly offered to create a custom tote bag featuring the design.

Deco Pony Equestrian Culture Custom Tote

My custom Deco Pony tote featuring Equestrian Culture’s logo!

I love how sturdy the material used to create this tote bag is. Plus, measuring 15″ wide by 13″ tall, it is roomy enough to carry around my laptop, a few notebooks, cables, etc. The design is crisp and the color of the main logo exactly matches the Pantone Warm Grey hue we regularly use for Equestrian Culture’s branding. The tote is fully lined and also features a main zipper, a large interior pocket with a zipper, plus two smaller interior pockets perfect for organizing pens, my phone, my car keys, mints and more.

What started with one custom EC branded tote (above) quickly evolved into a new Deco Pony collection after Jenn approached me with the idea and I saw how beautifully the first tote turned out.

Deco Pony Equestrian Culture Custom Tote

($90.00) & ($55.00)

We partnered with Equestrian Culture Magazine & designed a pattern using their very stylish logo to bring you this tres chic black & white Tote. Our large, roomy & unstructured tote is great for carting around a change of clothes, polo wraps, grooming tools, winnings or groceries. Super glamorous for the barn & elegant enough for out on the town. —Deco Pony

Deco Pony regularly offers custom design services. If you would like to have your logo or photo turned into a gorgeous tote bag or clutch, I highly recommend contacting Jenn. As you can see, she does lovely work!

Deco Pony Custom Totes

Contact Information:
Email Deco Pony: [email protected]
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Dream Horse Studios’ Kickstarter Campaign

Kickstarter seems to be the place small businesses are turning to these days to help fund their startup costs. It is encouraging to see that lately more and more equestrian businesses and projects are taking the plunge and trying out this popular crowd funding source. “Back on Track”, the documentary about retired racehorses, was successfully funded a few weeks ago, my new magazine, Equestrian Culture, has one week left of it’s campaign, and a new campaign was just started by just over a week ago.

Dream Horse Studios Pirouette Snaffle Bridle

Pirouette Snaffle Bridle in Chestnut

Dream Horse Studios’ founder Lauren Dukes designs, creates and sells gorgeous tack and accessories including bridles, boots, halters and more. When Lauren first revealed Dream Horse Studios on Facebook, she was blown away by the incredibly positive response her designs received. I think that people were thrilled to finally find tack that is affordable, high quality, thoughtfully designed and fun!

Dream Horse Studios Carnivale Jumping Boots

“Carnivale” Jumping Boots, Fleece Lined – available in 12 colors!

Through Kickstarter, Dream Horse Studios is hoping to raise $10,000. If the campaign is successful, Lauren plans to use the funds to continue to build Dream Horse Studios’ collection. There are minimum order quantities that must be met when placing orders for leather and components. In order to build her inventory and turn new design prototypes into realities, Lauren needs to raise enough money to meet these minimums.

Dream Horse Studios Carnivale Brushing Boots

“Carnivale” Patent Brushing Boots – available in 12 colors!

Dream Horse Studios is owned and operated by Lauren Dukes, an adult amateur dressage rider whose hard-to-fit gelding and grad school budget inspired her to begin making her own tack. She founded Dream Horse Studios with three basic concepts in mind: quality, functionality, and affordability. The company operates under the belief that people shouldn’t have to pay a fortune for nice tack, especially when that money can be put to better use for riding lessons, vet bills, and other horse-related expenses. —Dream Horse Studios, October 11, 2013 Press Release

OpenFrontBcklChsntBlkLiner

“Cambridge” Jumping Boots

All of these gorgeous items are available through Dream Horse Studios’ Kickstarter campaign as backer rewards! Find more information regarding rewards, Dream Horse Studios’ goals and mission and a great video on their campaign page:

More Information:
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