Wondering what to get your horsey loved ones? We have some ideas to help you out!!!
We feature some of our favorite brands, as well as some new ones, most of which can be purchased online simply by clicking the link in the guide. For items sold by Ride Bedford, please give Courtney a call – she will personally help you with anything you need and will be sure to give you the best product at the best value.
By the way our very own Tack and Tweed limited edition cell phone covers designed by Beatrice Bulteau and made in France, may be purchased here, or by emailing me directly (Lisa@TackandTweed.com)!
“I want a pony. I want a pony more than anything else in the world.” The artist and children’s book author and illustrator, Susan Jeffers opens her book, My Pony, with these words. What little (or big) child bit by the horse bug hasn’t uttered this phrase? This is a book about a little girl, who dreams of having her own pony. Her family cannot afford one, so she draws a beautiful dappled grey mare named Silver, who becomes her dreamy equine companion.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Jeffers this past weekend at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival this past weekend, (the CCBF is one of the most notable of book festivals in the NYC area). A rider herself (in fact, she used to have a horse not too far from where my son and I ride), Jeffers’ love for horses and children’s imaginations shines through in her beautifully illustrated books.
Jeffers has been writing and illustrating picture books for over forty years. She received the Caldecott Honor for Three Jovial Huntsman and has been honored with many other awards, including the Golden Kite Award for Forest of Dreams. Susan says she realizes now that she has always done the same things. When Susan was little, her best moments were spent drawing pictures, reading stories with her parents, playing with friends and sitting by the Ramapo River dreaming of horses. This has not changed. Being a children’s book illustrator has combined all of these things.
I read it to my daughter, Annalise, yesterday and she, even at three years old, loved it; she keeps flipping through the pages, perhaps dreaming of her own pony. I’m excited to read the next pony installment, My Chincoteague Pony.
Susan signed a copy and made a pony sketch on the inside front page especially for Annalise. We’ll have to be careful not to beat it up too much, but it will be a book that she and I will cherish for years. Click here to see a list of her other selections available on Amazon.com.
For over 10 years, the Equus Foundation has played a key role in many equine-related charities.
They help by
Providing financial support through the award of grants to charities that are improving the quality of life of horses, using horses to enrich the lives of those in need, and educating the public about the horse’s unique ability to empower, teach and heal;
Offering insight on management and financial practices of these charities through a thorough review of their operations;
and educating the public about horses.
Please see their latest news below, and if you can DONATE any amount of money or time to their worthwhile cause!
It’s pretty hard to find English equestrian clothing for boys. In a girl-dominated sport (at least in the younger years), our sons that love to ride English are forced to wear “unisex” (codeword for “girls”) jodphers and boring white oxfords or polos. I’ve spent some time searching out the best and coolest boys equestrian attire and everyday wear that can be worn stylishly on a jumper saddle, so you don’t have to.
We should start with the breech. I know that many kids wear jods, but the quality and style of a 4 pocket (two pockets in the back) create a definitively boys style breech. They can put on some half chaps to complete the look. The two that I found were at Dover Saddlery:
Ovation Boys 4 Pocket Breech $76.99 DoverSaddlery.com
Next essential is the show jacket. Often expensive, it’s best to buy something that can last more than one show. My son’s was a little long in the sleeve, so I had the tailor take them up an inch but only in a temporary manner. When he grows a little taller, the sleeves can be let down (he doesn’t show that much, however). Take a look at these:
J Crew Boy’s Blazer $158, JCrew.com
PoloWoolBrass-ButtonShowCoat $325 RalphLauren.com
Polo Ralph Lauren, Langley Sport Coat, $125 at RalphLauren.com
Now, on to the fun stuff! I’ve compiled a collage of my favorite, bright, happy and cool garments that your boy (or tomboy) can wear to the barn, hacking around, or to the store after their lesson.
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These are all so adorable and cool; all the little girls at the barn will be swooning!
I’ve only been riding for 4 years now, but I’ve tried just about every breech out there, and loved none. Each pair had their limitations. I heard about the equestrian riding apparel company Asmar Equestrian from one of my favorite sites DappeledGrey.com. I was in love with the brand at first glance. Soft colors, warm and quality materials, I wanted everything on the site. Alas, they are rather expensive, so I had to wait. Finally, Asmar had a sale, including my size in their Signature Knee Patch Breech. Still not cheap at $152.00, I took the plunge and bought a pair.
I love them. The nylon/spandex material is comfortable, breathable and still holds up to hours in the saddle. They are the only breeches which aren’t too low in the waist or too high; like baby bear they were “just right”. I love that they can be dressed up or down.They looked great with a simple t-shirt and amazing with a show jacket. I also love the fact that the bottom of the legs are comfortable. I have other breeches that irritate my calf because of velcro, or because the bottom elastics are too tight. Before I had these breeches, I tended to wear mostly the pull up riding tights; I can finally wear a belt and have roomy pockets for my phone.
While you are looking at their breeches, check out their amazing Boyfriend Sweater. Cashmere (oh joy) and comfy, with reinforced contrasting elbow patches, I would wear this sweater every day when the fall chill starts to blow. Some sweater colors (like my favorite grey) are also on sale, so perhaps for my anniversary, my husband will surprise me – psst: size large please (I like my sweaters over-sized and cozy). I’m so excited that Asmar has a new blog called “Horses and Lipstick”; right up my alley! I look forward to reading their posts.
I know these breeches are a pretty penny, but trust me, invest in one great pair and you won’t have to shop for any others for a long time. It’s time to donate my other breeches :).
I’m excited for this year’s Hampton Classic (August 24-31 in Bridgehampton, NY). I feel like I know the drill this time, no longer such a greeny. I’ll be taking my son this year, he’s really getting into riding and horses; it will be great for him to see that many of the top riders are men.
This year, I’m skipping the Grand Prix Sunday and will attend the opening day of the show. It certainly was exciting photo-bombing celebrities, but I’m taking a different focus. According to the press release below, this year the classic will feature a more diverse food scene, with a focus on gourmet food and local farmers with the inclusion of a farmer’s market right on the grounds.
Haute cuisine with haute jumping? RIGHT UP MY ALLEY. I’ll bring my appetite this year and instead of worrying about what I’ll wear, I’ll just throw on a bib and dig in while I watch those amazing athletes. Get ready for my report on food, fillies and fun!
I can’t wait!!
xo
l
Hampton Classic June, 26, 2014:
Hampton Classic Horse Show Cooking Something Great
Equestrians and Foodies Unite at This Year’s Show
Bridgehampton, NY – June 26, 2014 – The Hampton Classic Horse Show is pleased to announce new and varied food options for horse show attendees this summer. In addition to the veteran food vendors from previous years, the Classic is adding a number of new vendors, and a fresh twist on a New York tradition: a Farmers Market located right on the showgrounds.
The Hampton Classic returns to Bridgehampton, NY, August 24-31, 2014 for its 39th year of world-class equestrian competition. The Hampton Classic features more than 100 classes of competition including jumper, hunter, equitation, short stirrup and leadline classes, as well as competitions for riders with disabilities.
This year’s Classic will feature over 15 gourmet food choices scattered throughout the show grounds for attendees. “We are thrilled with the new additions to our food court and around the grounds,” said Shanette Cohen, Executive Director of the Hampton Classic. “There is truly something for everyone, and we hope nobody will be disappointed.”
Mister Softee at the Hampton Classic
The food court will feature the likes of sweet and savory waffles from Wafel & Dinges, a New York City favorite, as well as Noodle Lane, who will offer a unique twist on noodle bowls and dumplings. RSA Catering, LLC will be crafting a wide array of culinary creations ranging from breakfast sandwiches, to vegetable hibachi and fried chicken. All three vendors are new to the food court for 2014.
Traditional favorites like Harry’s Fresh Squeezed Juices, and gourmet coffees and smoothies from Hampton Coffee Co. are also returning to this year’s show in the Food Court, as well as Magdalena’s Mexican Food, providing authentic Mexican fare, and Luke’s Lobster will be back at their old post.
On Stable Row by the entrance to the Hunter Rings will sit Burgess & Clark Coffee, offering gourmet and frozen coffee drinks. Further down on Stable Row, Pizza Luca will be offering classic Napoletana pizzas from their mobile wood burning oven, and Whole Le Crepe, Inc. will be crafting handmade sweet and savory crepes for a midday snack. And, for a Greek specialty, G & L Gyro Concessions will be next to the horse show office.
By the Kids’ Area, Crabman will have crab cakes and a variety of shrimp items, and Hampton Classic newcomer Kona Ice of Long Island will have flavored shaved ice for a refreshing summer afternoon treat.
Between the hunter rings will be a new satellite location of Harry’s Fresh Squeezed Juices, as well as Mr. Softee ice cream. “We are thrilled to be returning to the Hampton Classic again this year,” said Marco Floro owner of the classic ice cream truck. “This show is one of our favorites!” David’s World Famous will also be offering a satellite location on the walkway between the hunter fields, and will be offering gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. David’s World Famous primary location will continue to cater the Grooms Kitchen with classic American and Mexican dishes.
Headlining the food options at the Classic this year will be the daily Farmer’s Market, located at the main Food Court. “We were inspired by Taste of NY, the New York state program that showcases New York’s farms and produce,” said Cohen. “Taste of NY came to the Classic last year, and it was a huge success.”
The Farmers Market will feature six different vendors each day, including offerings from Hampton Classic sponsors Wölffer Estate and the Milk Pail. “The new Farmers Market is a great idea,” said Max Rohn, general manager of Wölffer Estate Vineyard, which will be a part of the inaugural market, featuring Wölffer wines and ciders. “The market will allow exhibitors, riders and spectators at the Classic to literally taste another dimension of the Hamptons.”
In addition to Wölffer Estate, the following vendors will also be included at the Farmers Market:
A Taste of the North Fork, jarred pickled products, dips and spreads
Captain Neck & Co., low-calorie flavored sodas
Dolce & Gelato Catering, gelato
Hampton Chocolate Factory, gourmet chocolates
Milk Pail, fresh produce
Monty Breads, handmade stuffed breads
Next Generation Cookie, energy bars, cookies, and granola
Tanya Tracy, LLC, baked goods and chutneys
Victoria Amory & Co. condiments
Toasted Chicks, original S’mores kits
Salt Crafts, pink Himalayan salt licks for horses
Snacks 5th Avenchew, horse and dog treats
The Hampton Classic Horse Show features 6 show rings, a Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options, on its 60-acre show grounds. The Classic’s world-class equestrian competition attracts many of the nation’s top professional and amateur riders including Olympic medalists.
The Hampton Classic’s world-class field of Grand Prix riders competes daily in the open jumper competition, which features an FEI-recognized Grand Prix on three consecutive days, Friday through Sunday, August 29-31 – the $50,000 Grand Prix Qualifier Presented by Longines on Friday, the $40,000 Longines Cup on Saturday, and Sunday’s $250,000 Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier, presented by Land Rover, a qualifying competition for the 2015 Longines FEI World Cup Final in Las Vegas next April. The rider who accumulates the most points in the horse show’s Open Jumper division wins the $30,000 Longines Rider Challenge.
The Hampton Classic also features ASPCA Adoption and Animal Welfare Day on Monday, August 25, an event that helps find permanent homes for rescued, horses, dogs, cats, and pigs.
Further information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show is available at the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or by calling 631-537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.”
I probably don’t have to tell you this, but Hermes makes some of the most beautiful items in the world. I think their bags are amazing, but as an equestrian, I cannot help but drool over more horsey items. In celebration of this week’s horse show in Bridgehampton (the Classic), I am listing some of my “if I had tons of money I would get these” items.
I cannot wait to see and feel their saddles in person when I got to their booth later this week.
Hermes Horse Blanket
Hermes Women’s Puffy Coat
Hermes Women’s Riding Breeches
Hermes Riding Vest
Hermes Saddle Pad
Hermes produced a video named (in English) “Hearts and Crafts”. It’s a beautifully made short featuring the Hermes artisans and their craft. It helped me understand why their goods are so beautiful, durable and expensive.
I love the casual/boho chic of Haute Hippie’s ethos, and when they throw in a horsy/Americana theme, I find them irresistible. Their Saddle Tee, is a fun follow-up to their previous Horses tee shirts, sweatshirts and strapless maxi dress. At $135 a pop, I may have to wait for a sale, but for now, I’ll just save my pennies and hope they don’t sell out. Next time, perhaps they’ll do an English saddle?
Unrelated, yet totally amazing, check out this knife set by Zwilling J.A. Henckels:
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Damascus 5-Piece Knife Block Set, $3,599.95 at
I’ve been looking for a new knife set, and wow….this is the Brad Pitt of blades.
Hand-folded steel, strong yet flexible laser-cut blades, solid and smooth handles, impeccable balance in the hand, African Blackwood handle for beauty; this is a set of a lifetime.
I would have to rob a bank to afford it, but one can dream. I think I may just go to back to Williams Sonoma and give one of these babies another test drive. Do you think they’ll let me cook an entire meal on the showroom floor? 😉
of my favorite things – food, fashion and fun (mostly in the form of horse riding). It seems a strange combination, but at events like the upcoming Hampton Classic in Bridgehampton, NY, all three are on display. The chef in me is dying to sample the foods from local providers specializing in local farm fare, the fashionista in me wants to go to view the summer duds and amazing equestrian styles on the fabulous Hamptons hotties, and the rider in me dreams that it is I, an equestrian novice, out on the course with enough talent to compete.
Tack and Tweed Equestrian: The Love of Horses 