the big test
Shires Equestrian – Unisex Broadway Long, Leather Boots
The company says: These super smart boots make the ideal country to town winter footwear with their classic styling and country loving soles. Inner zip leg gussets ensure these boots remain waterproof and wicking fabric linings help the boots to breathe and feel comfortable. Hardwearing stirrup safe soles. Brown. Sizes: 4/37 - 8/42 standard calf and 4/37 - 7/41 (no 6.5/40) wide and extra wide calf. RRP: £149.99.
www.shiresequestrian.com
Our tester, Rachel Thomas, says: I really, really love these. The first thing I thought when I saw them was how smart they are – I’m supposed to be saving them for smart but I’ve practically lived in them since I they arrived. I particularly like the zip on the side, this makes them very easy to get on and off, and the elastic round the top gives them a slight bit of give so anyone can wear them. Extremely comfy, and warm, and very waterproof, I’ve walked for literally miles in mine through all sorts of ground conditions and they have never rubbed or leaked, and they provide very good grip in the mud. And the best thing about them is you can easily hose them off, put some soap on and they are as good as new.
Spanish Riding Boots – Unisex Classic Style
The company says: Featuring a sturdy welted rubber sole with grip lines for extra ‘stickability’ while out walking. Gorgeous waxed knee high leather upper with leather lining and full length zip with leather tassel detail. Brogue detailing around the cuff and along the zip line adds interest. Black or Brown. Sizes: 2.5-10. RRP: £210.00
www.thespanishbootcompany.co.uk
Our tester, Maria Phillips, says: Incredibly stylish, fashionable and comfortable. In comparison to their leading competitors they are less bulky and have a closer fit. I liked the zip on the outside as it did not come into contact with my horse plus the lightweight sole was not bulky in the stirrup. So, in my opinion safer to ride in and less likely for my foot to get caught up in the event of an accident. The leather is pliable enough that I didn’t have to wear them in but the boots are substantial and did not ride down. As a country boot I had no problem in wearing them for several hours at a time without discomfort. The embossed detail adds to the look of quality and when worn with casual clothing, such as leggings, they looked fashionable and practical. I did get lots of positive comments regarding these boots and a few people asked where they could be bought. These boots are not waterproof unless Sno-Seal or a similar product is applied but having waterproofed mine, I had no problem. As a Christmas present these boots will not disappoint.
Noble Outfitters –
Ladies Evolution Insulated Jacket/Perfect Fit Gloves & Xtreme Soft Boot Socks
The company says: An evolution in both riding and performance outerwear, the jacket is made for working and riding in the elements. 100% waterproof, this premium jacket is a smart longer-line style and has a detachable pommel cover/storm skirt at the front for rainy days and knit storm cuffs with thumbholes amongst its many innovative design details. Black or Navy. Sizes: XS-XXL. RRP: £159.95. Socks are designed specifically to work with your breeches and boots, and boast an extra cushioned foot bed and padded ankle, for extra protection, while the thin mesh upper slips easily into boots and keeps you cool and comfortable whilst riding. Black. M-L. RRP: £6.95. Gloves feature a SureGrip synthetic suede palm for superior grip, adjustable wrist closure for perfect fit and are touchscreen friendly. Black, Blackberry, Wine & Wine Daisy. Sizes: 5-9. RRP: £17.50
www.nobleoutfitters.co.uk
Our tester, Caroline Powell, says: Just as the heavens opened and the seasons started to change these fabulous items arrived on the doorstep. No better time for them to arrive! Working on the yard I hardly notice I have a jacket
on...it’s light to wear and very warm. If you are as paranoid about looking after your saddles in the rain as I am, this is an extremely handy jacket to have. It very cleverly covers the whole seat of the saddle, while still looking stylish and keeping you dry and doesn’t interfere with your riding. There is also a detachable pommel cover and two vents that undo at the back that fit securely over your saddle without flapping – simply brilliant! The sleeves are generous in length and have elasticated cuffs to stop draughts up your arms while the back of the jacket has a drawstring that can be altered to fit snugly again to stop draughts and put as much shape in the jacket as you please. The double pockets mean you can quite safely store your phone and bits and bobs and also keep your hands warm without fear of anything falling out. Stylish enough to wear on the yard or everyday life. The socks were lovely to wear, the heel to toe padding, added to the comfort of the day wearing boots all day. They were nice thick knit on the foot and a thin material up the leg which helped the comfort under my half chaps. The gloves are brilliant as they had the mobile ‘phone sensitive pads fingertip so no getting your hands cold when you have to answer the ‘phone. They are made of a good stretch material that moves with you and you don’t feel you have a glove on.
Alan Paine – Men’s Cambridge Quilted Jacket
The company says: A lightweight, waterproof and breathable jacket. Features include: Studded Centre Front Fastening; Two Pleated Patch Pockets Secured with Studded Flaps; Back Vent for Ease of Movement; Secure Inside Pocket. Stud Adjust Sleeve Tabs. Black, Oak, Navy or Olive. Sizes: S-5XL. RRP: £139.99
www.alanpaine.co.uk
Our tester, Graham Porter, says: What a lovely jacket. Lightweight but incredibly warm and waterproof. The stunning design features such as the studded flaps all add to its appeal. Worn regularly while shopping, on the grandchildren school run, or off out to a restaurant for a nice meal. Felt smart on all occasions. It’s been admired too.
British Eventing – Unisex Over-Trousers
The company says: Waterproof and breathable, the trousers have an elasticated waist, two pockets and zips at the ankles, are lined with mesh to the ankles and have a nylon lining at the bottom of the leg. Navy. Sizes: XS – XXL. RRP: £29.99
www.equestrian.com
Our tester, Denise Richardson, says: Stylish, very well-made trousers with side zips on the bottom of the legs, which makes so easy to put them on and take off over boots!! Elastic waistband for comfort, and I wore them over my riding breeches to hack out in damp weather , and I came back with dry legs!!! Ideal for wet conditions when riding or doing yard chores. Machine washable.
Equine Page 30
www.theequinesite.co.uk
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56