Deep down I think I am a Southern woman displaced in the West. Each month I read Garden & Gun Magazine cover-to-cover, I would move to Lexington in a heartbeat, and I generally enjoy the hospitality and traditional style the Southern culture tends to embody. It goes without saying that my affinity for specifically the Blue Grass region of Kentucky is affirmed due to generations of locals that embrace a deep appreciation and pride for the horse.
This Saturday hosts the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby located at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. While Thoroughbred racing is most closely associated with this region, in recent years the hunter/jumper community has seamlessly settled within the Lexington corridor, specifically around the Kentucky Horse Park. It is the culmination of the artisans, experiences and educators of this great region and their connection to the equestrian lifestyle that has prompted us to dedicate this week’s articles and posts to the “Blue Grass State”.
Salut!
Our first story begins with a passionate leather works company, Bluegrass Belts, co-founded during the summer of 2011 by Kentucky natives, Kyle Jameson and Eric Bunning. It is very evident that the stakeholders deeply respect their Lexington upbringing with its corresponding culture and therefore is dedicated to striving to produce the finest quality traditional leather belts and accessories. As I started to write their story, I found the authenticity of the company was more powerful by sharing excerpts from our interview with co-founder, Kyle Jameson.
TRADITION
“Growing up in Lexington, we were immersed in the culture of horse racing from a young age. We were first given name plate belts by our parents and wore them almost everyday to school, the track, church, and anywhere in between. As young and eager entrepreneurs, we often thought of different business startups to pursue. A few months passed and Bluegrass Belts was born. “
QUALITY STANDARDS
"We found there was no good way to get a high quality nameplate belt. It has been a great experience learning how to improve on the classic nameplate belt originally made at tack shops across Kentucky. Tack shops use thinner strips of leather and a hand engraver with a lacquered plate. This process yields a mediocre looking belt at best. Our designs improve upon the decades of tradition, while providing new-age style and customization to go with any look. We try to use a more durable saddle quality bridle leather that we cut thick creating a stiffer belt that breaks in over the first month of wear. This allows our belts to truly last a lifetime. We want you to be proud to wear this belt anytime and for any occasion.”
KENTUCKY CRAFTSMANSHIP
"Our belts are all hand-made in Kentucky by a master leatherworker who employs our classic designs. We use only the highest quality bridle leather and buckles to provide a belt, which can last a lifetime. The metals we use for our nameplates come in large sheets that we cut down to size depending on the product. Our brass and harness silver plates are machine milled and polished with a special process that yields a unique product that is truly different from any other nameplate. "
TRADITIONAL WORKMANSHIP, MODERN STYLE
"We are rapidly expanding the engraving options Bluegrass Belts can allow its customers to utilize. We have done a lot of work on our website to give our customers additional options to compliment their own personal style. All of this done in downtown Lexington, Kentucky
Bluegrass Belts believes in its Kentucky roots in the equine culture. This year we will focus on pushing our current line of products that includes three main types of belts: Hoof Picks, Equis Picks and Thoroughbred Belts; and different iterations of our Horse Bit Bracelet.
As we continue to carve out our niche in the market and explore new ideas, we will be adding new products to the website in time. We have been experimenting with different ideas in our workshop and have developed a couple novel products that may end up on our website. We have designed varieties of needlepoint belts, shooting bags and many other belt and bracelet styles. No matter what we choose to offer, odds are it will feature a halter plate."
THE SOUTHERN HANDSHAKE
"Our main focus this year is expanding upon our successful event partnerships like with the Breeders’ Cup. We are so excited about this partnership and what it may hold for us in the future. Bluegrass Belts traveled to Santa Anita Park last October for a week of championship horse racing and a chance to share our belts with the west coast for the very first time. We got a great reception and could not be more thrilled to be involved again. This year, our hometown racetrack Keeneland will play host to the Breeder’s Cup for the first time in its history. We are truly excited about hosting the world’s best racing in our hometown, and we plan to share our culture and styles with the world as they visit Lexington. It is a wonderful platform for us to reach an audience directly tied to horse racing."
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & ORDERING
*A special note to hunter/jumper riders. Many of us prefer belts that fit in the wide belt loops of breeches. Special orders are available to accommodate this request and Bluegrass Belts is planning to permanently offer this width as part of their product line.
For more information, a list or retailers, and/or to order, please visit the Bluegrass Belts WEBSITE.
FOLLOW
Instagram: @Bluegrassbelts
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bluegrassbelts
Twitter: @bluegrassbelts
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/bluegrassbelts
Website: www.bluegrassbelts.com
0 Comments