English Western Hybrid

I’ve been stuck between riding disciplines for as long as I’ve been riding. I can’t decide whether or not I prefer the close contact, two hand reins and traditionally preppy attire of the English style, or the saddle security, freedom of having one hand free, and easy to wear (in the barn and after) Western style.

Why choose? I’m not one for limitations, so I like to get a good western trail ride on Cuervo (my cute little leased quarter horse who was Western broke) when I can, and then on other days, when I feel like posting a proper trot, I throw on my little jump saddle and practice patterns in the ring.

I’m pretty much the same when it comes to clothing. Some winter days, I want the clean polished (uptown) look of my non-riding black “breeches” with a slimming black cashmere sweater, black knee high suede boots and small stud earrings. Other days, I throw on my Haute Hippie long horn t-shirt, a pair of embellished skinny jeans, my Tony Lamas and a warm wool southwestern poncho. With regards to actual riding attire, I remember I wore my cowboy boots and jeans with my English tack and it looked equally as awkward as when I wore my tall boots in a western saddle – got lots of looks, but who cares? Cuervo could care less what I’m wearing :).

My pick for a cute hybrid outfit. Maybe this will be my Christmas outfit from Santa –

 

Mixed-discipline for hacking around either Western or English.

 

Some other fun ideas:

So, whatever your preference, mix it up!

xo

lb

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Fall Talls

Christian Louboutin Cate Chain Riding Boots $1295
Christian Louboutin Cate Chain Riding Boots $1295

It’s fall and there’s no shortage of wonderfully equestrian inspired tall boots. I’m so happy that we can wear tall boots year after year; they are basically timeless. English or Western, these will be sure to please the pony princess or cowgirl in all of us little ladies.

No riding in these boots, purely for pretty, so keep them away from the poo pile 😉

What I love about real Western riding boots, they can be worn as fashion. It’s pretty clear that I’m wearing real riding boots when I go to the store in my dirty Ariat Challengers. I have a pair of Tony Lamas, and they look just as great with my skinny jeans out on the town as they do in the ring doing work. These riding boots (except the Tony Lamas) haven’t been approved in the saddle, but will look cool with a skirt, skinny jeans, flair jeans (the newest old trend making a comeback), and shorts (if you’re under the age of 35).

 

 

Many of these boots are rather expensive, so think of this an an investment piece. Tall riding boots are classic.  With proper treatment (care for them like you care for your riding boots) and you can wear them for years to come.

xo

lb

 

 

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