In My Boots: Dressing the part II

Last week, Kristen Kovatch admitted to having some serious English fashion envy. This week, she turns the tables, pointing out a thing or three that English riders could learn from Horse Nation’s cowboys and cowgirls.

From Kristen:

In last week’s column, I publicly professed my no-longer-secret jealousy of adorable “English rider” fashions—the polo shirts, the Baker plaid, everything that Joules has ever produced, etc. Lest you think I’m about to jump ship on the western world, however, I’d like to make a few fashion suggestions to the English riding world, courtesy of the cowboys and cowgirls of Horse Nation.

Six-row embroidery

Photo from www.justinboots.com

We understand the black leather boot thing—they look pretty sharp when they’re all shined up, and nothing says “professional” like clean leather. But imagine how sick your tall boots would look with just a little embroidery going up the calf. Nothing too drastic, just some wings and scrolls like this beautiful number featuring the traditional western look. Imagine the possibilities—get a little pattern going on in your barn colors, or just stick to some conservative white, silver and black. Either way, you could really be doing a lot with all of that leather on your lower leg.

If you decide to just get a pair of western boots for kicking around the barn or show grounds, take it from a western rider—get square or round toe. They offer much more room in the toe for your tired feet, from a practical standpoint. From a style standpoint, they’re much higher on the professional scale than those pointy-toed high-heeled things that should only ever be worn when you’re going linedancing.

Tooled leather

Photo from www.roesales.com

On a similar theme, consider adding a little flair to your tack. We end up sitting on a lot of this lovely tooling, but we do have a lot of places where it’s uncovered by our leg and visible. All you need is a little acorn-and-oak on the edge of your saddle flap, or maybe the scroll-and-leaf you can see on this beautiful saddle, or a little traditional and conservative basketweave… the possibilities are endless. You could even add some tooling to your bridles, breastplates, halters… cut loose a little and let your leather be beautiful!

Bling

Photo from www.rodeodriveconchos.com

Well, you knew this one was coming. Away from the barn I know we can all rock some blingy purses, sunglasses, belts, whatever. I have to admit that the English world is doing an excellent job embracing a little bling in the arena as well: I’ve seen sparkling dressage browbands, rhinestones on spurs, a peek of a blingy belt under that hunt coat, rhinestones on jumpers’ show helmets. For the traditionalists, Rodeo Drive now makes pearl conchos—so you can embrace a little conservative style with some western flair. Just add a little bling to your schooling bridle, a little engraved silver to your halters.

Come on, Horse Nation. Adopt a little western style and find your inner cowgirl.