Equestrian Collections

Irideon Kids Issential Riding Tights:

Any parents who have ever gone through the process of buying horse riding clothes for kids will know that usually there is no such thing as a bargain at the rates they manage to go through them. I mean standard clothes are one thing, but clothes to be used specifically for riding horses tend to go through so much punishment that unless you’re willing to hand over top-dollar – which I for one am not – then chances are you will be treating them a little like disposables, rather than investments.

Or at least, that was my experience anyway, which is why I was so impressed when I took home the Irideon Kids Issential Riding Tights from Equestrian Collections online. I heard about the website form the mother of my daughter’s friend with whom she often goes riding and thought I might as well give it a go. I do have to admit that personally I am not what you could call a ‘horse person’ – not that I have anything against them that is, but to be honest, I have just never has an interest in horse riding. My daughter loves it though and who am I to argue?

Back to the point, the lady in question told me to take a look at the site, as she is a regular customer and felt I could probably save a pretty penny there. She spoke of the general quality of the items for sale and the way they stand the course, despite being very affordable across the board. So, I opted for the Irideon Kids Issential Riding Tights as something of an experiment to see how they were and ultimately make my decision on the shop as a whole.

I am officially a convert to the site for all my future needs.

First of all, the tights are some of the most comfortable my daughter has ever worn and without putting too fine of a point in it, she is the original drama queen. She absolutely loves them, ever since the first time she tried them on, so no complaints from her and that really is a very good thing in my opinion. And as far as I’m concerned, the microfiber material they’ve made of it as softy and stretchy as can be for practicality, but yet is also durable enough to have so far not shown a single sign of wear even after several weeks of use. Usually, by now I can practically see through them with the worn patches that appear all over the place, but no such problems this time around.

All in all, they are exactly what I would like to expect from all these kinds of products – as in durable and hard-wearing, but at the same time incredibly comfortable and functional to boot. I will therefore, be sticking with this website like glue and hoping everything else I find is just as good!

Pros: The biggest pro for any parent is when you manage to come across something that delivers on all fronts and doesn’t let you down. This I have found, is especially rare when it comes to clothing for sports and these kinds of pursuits, as the garments are naturally open to a wide range of more punishing encounters than normal clothes. Genuinely, I could not be more impressed with all I have seen so far of the site and I will be using it on a regular basis.

Cons: None so far.

Price Paid: $37.95

Purchase Date: April 22nd, 2013

Online or In-Store: Online

Final Comments: For any parent who would like to buy these kinds of garments and know that they simply aren’t going to fall to pieces after a few rough rides, this is about the best site you will find for the job. Don’t waste any more money on near disposable horse riding products.

Recommended: Yes

Overall Rating: 5 Stars

Asmar All Weather Rider Lightweight from Equestrian Collections:

You really wouldn’t know from looking at the Asmar All Weather Rider Lightweight – Ladies that it’s a truly functional garment and to be quite frank, that’s exactly why I like it!

I have had an interest in horse riding and equestrian pursuits since I was a child, but even after more decades than I’m willing to admit right here, I still have no real interest in starting to take things seriously. We have a horse at the family property and along with a few friends, enjoy the odd trot here and there, but aren’t what you would call up to competition level. And nor would we want to be – that would just take all the fun out of it all!

All the above aside however, we do at least like to try and keep up appearances when it comes to what we wear and do our best to look like we really do belong on horses, as opposed to looking like we just stole them. And here’s where the Asmar All Weather Rider Lightweight – Ladies comes in – a really versatile and pretty piece of clothing I was pointed in the direction of by one of our friends.

Take a look at it as it is and what you’re looking at is a delightful all-weather coat in a fetching shade of pink that you’d be happy to wear for literally any occasion under the sun. However, around the back, you’ll find hidden by way of a zip the necessary protection to keep you and your saddle nice and dry, no matter what Mother Nature decides to throw at you. The skirts are hidden from view until you decide you want or need to use them, at which point you can pop them out in a few seconds and get back to business.

And when you’re done, pop them back where they came from and go back to enjoying a pretty gorgeous coat for all purposes.

All too often in the world of equestrian stuff, I find that stuff is, as would be expected, a bit niche specific. It is like you have to buy a garment for use in the real world and then a second garment for use with horses – it’s not often that you find something able to work perfectly for both. If you ask me however, this is a rare example of something that really is perfect for practicing your passion and just generally bumming about in – bumming about in style though, might I add.

I have become a firm fan of the Equestrian Collections website ever since having first been told about it by one of my friends. It’s great because it’s the kind of place you can find anything and everything you could ever need for horse riding in the real world – as in all the stuff on offer isn’t priced only with the super-rich and the professionals in mind…something that seems to be the case elsewhere.

But seriously though to wrap up, I could not be happier with the coat and its overall quality and value for money. I sometimes expect to pay over the odds and am never happy to do so, but this time around, I have been pleasantly surprised for all the right reasons.

Pros: Like I said before, the biggest for me is the fact that it isn’t only useful in one situation and it isn’t one thing just doing a poor job masquerading as another. No, it’s the total package of a two-in-one product that as far as I can see, is pretty much the real deal to be used anywhere and everywhere. I love it! The feel and weight of the thing is enough to know that it has been put together with care and attention, while the detailing is also quite admirable. It’s also mercifully easy to keep clean – or should I say to clean one you’ve covered it from top to bottom in unmentionable filth, as of course you will!

Cons: Nothing

Price Paid: $320

Purchase Date: March 22nd, 2013

Online or In-Store: Online

Final Comments: For anyone interested in the best without having to pay over the top prices for the privilege, I cannot recommend the site or the product highly enough! I am sold on both and will be back for more.

Recommended: Yes

Overall Rating: 5 Stars

Review Title: I Feel Like a Million Dollars in it!

Title: RJ Classics Essential Shadbelly - Ladies Plus Size, Black

Review Body: To call myself anything close to an equestrian professional or fountain of knowledge would be stretching the truth to say the least. Quite to the contrary in fact, the girls and I instead just love strutting our stuff in each-other’s company only and have a great time pretending we’re competing at Olympic level, when in reality it’s all just a bit of harmless fun with our horses. Nevertheless, we do like to look the part while doing what we do and I was pointed in the direction of the The RJ Classics Ladies Essential Shadbelly in Black by my closest friend after she herself received it as a gift. I was won over by the way she looked in it and the way it brought a new dynamic to the whole affair, so didn’t think twice about ordering the same product for myself.

She gave me the link to the Equestrian Collections website where I found the The RJ Classics Ladies Essential Shadbelly in Black I was looking for and can say that I was pretty impressed with the whole experience from top to bottom. There must have been something of a reduction over the course of recent weeks as the price the item came up for was far lower than she told me she paid – though she could of course have been mistaken.

Having already seen the item in person I must tell you that the pictures on the website really don’t do it justice and you have to have a hands-on inspection of the thing to see what kind of quality you’re in for. It’s easy to see that extensive efforts have been invested in its creation and the materials are wonderfully heavy and high-quality across the board. Even the buttons are just screaming with good taste and effort, which is exactly what you want with this kind of specialist garment.

I also have to say that I love the way the The RJ Classics Ladies Essential Shadbelly in Black creates what in my case is the illusion of a sleek and slender frame, which translates as superb confidence while riding. Not that we’re the kind to show off of course, but there’s nothing wrong with looking your best while you’re at least pretending to be the best thing to happen to equestrian sports since sliced bread.

All in all, I really couldn’t be happier with the garment or the service I received along the way. My friend swears by the website and has already made several related purchases, and I myself can see myself heading down to similar lines having been suitably impressed by my new favorite garment.

Pros: Everything was a pro really – it’s hard to find fault. If any one thing though I would have to say the way in which it makes you feel like a million dollars when you wear it, which in my mind is something that is so difficult to find in clothing these days. The shape is flattering, hugs in all the right places and like I said creates the illusion of a sleek and slim frame, even if the truth underneath is quite to the contrary. I’ve seen similar items carrying price-tags of three and four times what I paid for mine and so I will also go out on a limb and say that by rights it was an absolutely bargain for the price.

Cons: Nothing springs to mind right now to complain about.

Website Experience: I am very much sold on the website equestriancollections.com as a whole, which I am very glad my dear friend recommended to me. It’s a lovely site to look around and take in the products on offer, with clear descriptions and plenty of detailed pictures to keep you busy. I also found the delivery to be excellent in terms of its speed and the packaging of the item.

Price Paid: $235

Purchase Date: February 20th, 2013

Online or In-Store: Online

Final Notes: I can’t help but feel that this is the kind of product that bridges the gap between amateur and professional, as it’s the kind of quality you cannot help, but be proud of as it can be bought for such a genuinely affordable price. All in all, I could not be more pleased with my experience and what I have taken home.

Recommended: Yes

Overall Rating: Five Stars

Review Title: Stay Warm and Trendy with Kingsland Down Vest

Title: Kingsland Chara Reversible Down Vest

Review Body: I live in a cold-weather environment, Colorado to be exact. In case you don’t know, it gets really cold here. I’m always concerned about staying warm, but also fashionable as well. Personally, I believe that you need to put your best fashion foot forward no matter what the weather is like. If you’re like me and you’re in the market for a stylish and comfortable vest, then you’re in luck. The Ladies Kingsland Chara Reversible Down Vest is the perfect solution. Not only does it keep you warm, but it looks and feels great as well. This has become one of my favorite pieces. I wear it as often as possible.

I receive so many compliments on this vest. I love the way it makes me look and feel. It is both beautifully designed and crafted. It’s durable, stylish and so cozy. Even though it keeps you warm on even the coldest of days, it is surprisingly lightweight. It makes for a very comfortable fit that will allow you to get around easily and effortlessly. You won’t have that weighed down feeling at all as you trudge through the snow and ice. The best part of all; you’ll still look great no matter how bitter Mother Nature may be.

The Chara Reversible Down Vest features a front zip which makes it convenient and easy to slip in and out of. This vest is a great piece when you are in a hurry and need something that is quick but is still trendy and fashionable. I especially love this piece on a cold day when I need to get out of the door in a hurry. In fact, just this morning, I was running behind and had to get to work as soon as possible. I threw this on, was out of the door on time and still looked great. It doesn’t get any better than that.

One of the best parts of this vest is the Kingsland logo that is prominently placed on the front. The large “KL” is bold and unique just like this vest. To top it off, a crown adorns the letters which gives it a sort of regal feel. I’m proud to showcase to the world that this is a Kingsland Down Vest, a real crowning achievement.

Another thing I love about this vest is the color. It’s a solid black outside with a beautiful blue shade on the inside. This color scheme makes it extremely versatile, so it can go basically with anything and still look great. Wait, you can get even more versatility out of this vest because it’s reversible. That’s right, you can choose whether you want to wear the black on the outside or the blue on the outside. It’s almost like 2 vests in one.

Today, for example, I paired my vest on the black side with a long-sleeve white shirt and jeans. On another day, I reversed it with the blue on the outside and opted for a green turtleneck and black leggings. No matter what I pair this vest with, it looks good.

I love, love the fact that this vest was built for layering. I can wear it with a lightweight shirt on warmer days and even a heavy turtleneck on colder days. It fits comfortably over any item but never gives that bulky look. It’s always extremely flattering which is hard to accomplish with a lot of other vests out there.

How comfortable is this vest? Extremely comfortable is how I would describe it. Since it’s made out of ultra-light weight down, it feels very easy breezy. It feels as if you practically have nothing on. If that isn’t great enough, this vest is water resistant and breathable. So if you have to trek through snow, rain, sleet, whatever, your vest will provide a nice barrier and keep you dry and warm. This vest is airy and won’t cause you to have that hot, stuffy feeling. There’s not much more you can ask for when it comes to a vest.

Pros: Everything about this vest is great. It’s flattering, stylish and reversible. It’s lightweight and is also water resistant. It is also a great value money-wise.

Cons: The only con is I wish there were more colors available. A red/black combination would be great.

Website Experience: The website gave me real insight into what I would be getting. It had great pictures and it highlighted all the great points about this vest. It also provides a great size chart so I knew what would be my perfect fit.

Amount Paid: $204.95

Purchase Date: February 2, 2013

Final Notes: This vest is comfortable, stylish and keeps you warm. It’s also really trendy.

Recommended: Yes

Overall Rating: 5 Stars

Equestrian Collections has a long history of making some of the most impressive equipments for people involved in the sport of horse riding. From boots to safety helmet and from beeches to riding pants, the company offers them all for people of all ages. Not only does Equestrian Collections bring the best rider equipments to you on its website and stores, they also offer advice on which of their sports related products would suit your needs the best.

Like Fred, I'm not much of an expert when it comes to horse tack and products, and since my wife is a huge riding fan, I have used the customer service at Equestrian Collections to make sure I'm getting the right product for the right purpose. The customer service people have always been extremely helpful and patient and made sure I got exactly what I needed. Even though I can't comment on the merchandise, since I don't know anything about horses, I can certainly give feedback about the customer service – it's excellent.

Equestrian Collections is the place to go for all of your horse riding needs. They have one of the biggest selections of riding apparel available. One of the most popular products is the Mountain Rider Jacket that is available for both men and women. This warm jacket is designed to keep you war, while not being too heavy and bulky to hinder your riding. This jacket also has reflective features for riders that enjoy being out on their horse at night. To see the Mountain Rider jacket and many other great items for riding and caring for your horses, go to Equestrian Collections and check it out.

Ruth is right about the selection of products at Equestrian Collections. I was extremely impressed when I first saw the site, and now I use it to get gifts for my daughter. It is nice to see her get gifts that she actually likes and uses. Sometimes I just let her tell me what to get because I am not as up to speed on all of the products as I would like to be. The customer service professionals at the site are extremely helpful as well. It is a great site to use regardless of your level of expertise.

Be sure to check out the Dalmar Open Front Tendon Boots at the Equestrian Collections website. These are lightweight tendon boots that can be used on speed class horses as well as any other kind of horse. The carbon fiber make-up of the boot helps to keep the tendons air cooled and healthy. The Velcro quick wrap fasteners make these boots easy to apply and easy to take off when the ride is over. They offer even pressure to all sides of the tendon to help prevent injuries that can come without notice.

If you have been looking for a riding bra – look no further. This is one of the better money spent in looks and comfort that any female rider can find – a supportive and well-fitting sports bra. Protects the breasts from the effects of the pounding and bouncing which can cause tissue damage. Other areas of the body can be protected by you with your muscles and ligaments but not the tissue of the breast. A well-fitting sports bra – female riders need them.