It’s full-on fall here in western Pennsylvania. As the leaves change, the air turns crisp, and the puddles in my paddocks take longer to dry up after a storm, here are a few equestrian gear products I’ve been loving around the barn and out in the real world this fall. (And let’s be real, that line between “barn outfit” and “real world outfit” can often blur… so a lot of what I’m loving these days works in both!)
Ariat Cruisers
Speaking of blurring that line between barn and civilization, I loved my first pair of Ariat Cruisers so much that I ended up buying a second ($94.95). My original pair (that I promised myself would not become a barn shoe) became a barn shoe, especially for those quick little trips to check on a horse, drop something off, or throw hay in the morning before work.
They’re really comfortable, super-easy to slide on and off, and look cute with jeans, shorts, or even breeches. So I gave in, let the originals follow their calling as barn shoes, and I now own a second pair that is truly reserved for excursions into the real world, including work. A number of styles are currently on sale on Ariat’s website, and I just snagged two more pairs in new patterns for less than $40 a piece.
Kerrits Fall Riding Line and EQL Jeans
Kerrits has always been one of my favorite brands for breeches, and I actually still have a few pairs from the late 1990s in my closet. They hold up. But while I’ve been eyeballing their EQL casual clothing line at events like the Kentucky Three-Day Event and Equine Affaire, I’d never felt like taking the time to try on any of their casual clothing. But this summer, at a local tack shop’s annual tent sale, I was the lucky winner of a $250 Kerrits gift certificate. The ladies at The Carousel Horse suggested that I wait for Kerrits’ fall line to come in, and when it did, I was really impressed. Kerrits has maintained their signature style while introducing contemporary colors and patterns. And their high-tech fabrics are both warm and breathable without impeding movement — necessary around here as the weather gets cold and we have to layer up.
I went home with their Bits of Plaid Quilted Vest ($109), which I’m hoping to wear to work a few times before it becomes barn-wear, and a super-soft and warm On Course Quarter Zip Fleece Tech Top ($74) that will be perfect for teaching and riding this fall and winter.
Then, The Carousel Horse ladies mentioned Kerrits’ new EQL jeans, and said that there were a few styles that had come in that even they hadn’t tried yet. I struggle with pants fit (my butt is a size bigger than my waist) but I ended up really liking the In-Motion Bootcut Jean ($99) with a raw hem. The jeans are a little lighter weight with more stretch than what I normally wear, but they’re really comfortable and flattering, and the detailing at the bottom of each leg is a little something different. These have become my go-to Friday “denim-day” jeans for work this fall.
Muck Boots
As farm owners, my husband and I have a rather large boot collection. I have boots for riding, boots for barn chores, and boots that can do both. My husband is usually in some kind of work boot, preferring something he can slip on and wear comfortably all day.
We’ve always been Muck fans for their durability and comfort, but two additions to their current lineup have been pleasant surprises.
My husband has been really liking Muck’s Mens Western Chore Mid Boot ($140), with a similar rubber foot and neoprene top to Muck’s classic style, but with a much slimmer, western boot profile. The square toe and reinforced heel makes this a boot that can easily convert from barn chores to riding, unlike Muck’s traditional work boots which don’t safely fit into stirrups. My husband, who is not often found on any of our horses, still prefers this more streamlined fit just for working around the farm. He says they feel more secure in the heel and less bulky than traditional Mucks. Last weekend, when the majority of his day was spent repairing things that the horses had broken, he said his feet were comfortable and cool in these boots all day long.
And since our temps have dropped, I’ve been slipping on Muck’s Outscape Max Ankle Boots ($135) every morning before work to take care of the horses. These boots are great. They slide on and off hands-free, a necessity when I’m rushing out the door carrying everything but the kitchen sink. The sole is really rugged and grippy, which I appreciate when I’m leading horses out to their pastures in the dark, especially when it’s been rainy and the ground is soft and I’m running late, dressed in work clothes. And with a footbed that is incredibly light and comfortable, this is another Muck boot that could easily be worn all day long. (Though I toss mine in the trunk after chores on the way to work!)
Dapplebay Riding Top
When an ad for Dapplebay’s riding top in a French toile de Jouy pattern ($58) appeared on my social media, I visited the website and contemplated the shirt. While I’d found myself on Dapplebay’s site a few times before, I’d never committed to a purchase (you know, the whole mental game of “do I need this, or do I want this?”). But something about this classic blue and white pastoral pattern made my “want” win over, and I completed my order. I am usually an end-of-season sale shopper and rarely pay full price for something that I don’t need, but I loved the look of this pattern and was curious about the quality.
When it arrived, I was more than pleased: the fabric is buttery soft; the colors are beautiful and the pattern crisp. Reviews said that this particular shirt tended to run small, so I ordered one size up and the fit was perfect. I was so in love with the design that I went back for the matching saddle pad, too. The shirt is currently sold out, but you can ask to be notified when it’s back in stock.
Hay Chix Nets
Now that we’re back on daytime turnout in western Pennsylvania, my horses are spending a little more time in their stalls, and I’m so grateful for my HayChix Free Up Feeder hay nets (starting at $110). The large majority of my equines are really easy keepers, but I’m a firm believer in free-choice hay (despite my Fjord occasionally looking like an overstuffed sausage). I was also so sick of waste — watching my 30+ gelding pull his expensive, third-cut hay into the middle of his stall and pee all over it made me want to cry. So when we built our barn, I splurged on Hay Chix nets and swear that they’ve paid for themselves several times over in just two years. I spent the extra $30 per stall on the wider opening (24” x 24”) and am glad I did; between the larger frame and the really easy to use hardware, I can open and close the frame one-handed and never have to set hay on the floor.
Hay Chix advertises that you can open and fill each in less than thirty seconds, and they’re not lying. And for the MacGyvers in your barn who will figure out that if they pop the net hard enough from the bottom with their noggins to undo the latch themselves, there’s a pin you can put in to prevent them opening it (I’m looking at you, Waffles). We fill the nets at night, and most of my crew still has hay in their nets in the morning — which makes both my anxious horse-mom mind and wallet feel good!
With these fall equestrian gear picks, you’re sure to be set for barn chores and riding this season. Embrace the beauty of fall while staying comfortable and chic, whether you’re in the saddle or just out enjoying the crisp air.
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