“Riding in Style: Why Equestrians Should Embrace Fashion choices even if they are not your cup of tea.
As an equestrian, you’ve probably seen it all when it comes to riding apparel. From understated browns and blacks to bright, glittery purples and pinks, every rider has their own unique style. But what happens when you come across a fellow equestrian whose choice of bling and loud colors makes you cringe? Here are some reasons why you should be accepting of their fashion choices.
It’s all about self-expression.
Equestrians are a diverse group of people, and our choice of riding apparel is just one way we express our individuality. Some riders prefer a classic, traditional look, while others love to be bold and colorful. Whatever the choice, it’s important to remember that it’s a reflection of who they are, and we should respect that.
It’s not hurting anyone.
As long as it’s meeting the safety and compliance requirements of the facility and organization you are riding with no harm, no foul. Sure, those hot pink boots might not be your choice, but those brown boots may be just “blah” to someone else. At the end of the day, it’s not hurting anyone. If a fellow equestrian wants to wear glittery browbands and neon saddle pads, it’s not affecting your ride in any way. So why not just let them express themselves in their own unique way? Resist the urge to gossip or comment.
It’s fun!
Let’s face it – riding can be a pretty serious sport. But adding a little bit of bling and color can make it a lot more fun. It’s a way to inject a bit of personality into an otherwise regimented sport, and it can make the experience a lot more enjoyable. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to do it.
It’s confidence-building.
Wearing something that makes you feel good about yourself can do wonders for your confidence. If a fellow equestrian feels great in their bright, bold outfit, it’s going to show in their ride. And who knows – maybe one day you’ll find the confidence to rock some bling and loud colors yourself!
There may be a method to their madness.
Maybe it was their favorite color as a kid, maybe the item reminds them of a great experience, or they are riding in something in memory of someone else. You don’t know what motivates someone in how they express themselves, so it’s best not to judge.
“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different” – Coco Chanel.
Remember, most fashion trends are started by doing something different. In conclusion, equestrians should be accepting of each other’s choice in bling and colors because it’s all about self-expression, it’s not hurting anyone, it’s fun, and it can be confidence-building. So the next time you see a fellow equestrian sporting some glitter and neon, embrace their unique style and enjoy the ride!
