The Commuting Equestrian

From Warm To Cold and Back Again...

Commuting three hours each direction to train on my leased hunter means for quick weekends on the road and a significant climate change. Last night when we drove into Sun Valley the temperature was frigid. This means that I pack layers of clothing that easily mix and match so that I avoid packing too many items and I do not return home with a satchel filled with laundry.

MY STAPLES....

1) WHITE LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRTS: I have a stack of these because I wear them with jeans on the street and I also layer them under my riding sweaters for extra warmth. It is always nice to have a couple really nice white shirts, but I supplement the balance with extra long t's from Target that easily tuck into my lower rise breeches and are cost effective. A little advice, when they start to get dinghy... GET THEM OUT OF YOUR WARDROBE! Don't save these for a project around the house or at the barn, because you will end up with a stack of shirts that take up space because you never wear them.

2) AG SKINNY JEANS: Everyone has a brand that fits them best and these happen to be mine. I like a darker wash that I can wear with my black converse in Boise and they readily tuck into my warm lined black motorcycle boots in Sun Valley.

3) RAY BAN AVIATORS: When I was 16, I was told by an older barn mate to ALWAYS wear sunglasses to protect my eyes and prevent squinting. I have held to this advice for (gasp) decades and the proof is my skin. I wear classic aviators because they A) fit under my helmet B) are great driving glasses and C) are appropriate for civilian wear (i.e. not in the barn!).

4) BARBOUR: My first serious relationship introduced me to Barbour. He had spent time in the South where he acquired a taste for this iconic brand. He also told me I was the closest thing to "a Southern Belle west of the Mississippi". I find this as a huge compliment although I would question wether he would still make the same claim! Regardless, I LOVE Barbour. From sweaters (thank you Renee at LA Saddlery) to jackets, the pieces that I own are durable and well made. Last year I branched out from classic Barbour wax canvas coats and indulged in 2 quilted jackets from Barbour International. With their modern cuts yet classic style, they easily carry me from the barn to the street.

5) OGILVY: Scottsdale Hunter/Jumper/Equitation trainer and one of my dearest and best friends, Becky Warner, introduced me to Ogilvy a few years back. On her client equipment list, she recommends and encourages Ogilvy under pads. Although they are a hot trend right now, due to their personalized look, she has been using them for back comfort on almost all of her horses in training for several years. Over time, I have acquired two so that I can rotate and take the other home regularly to launder the exterior with my baby pads. Not sure if this is the correct washing instructions, but it works for me!

Enjoy your weekend...I am finally off to the stable!

The Commuting Equestrian by kristin-xi featuring grey brim hats