the big test
HKM Sports – Riding Leggings
The company says: Breathable, great stretch material, elasticated ankle for extra comfort and fit. Two front pockets, bi-elastic with a soft knit knee for no abrasion. Silicone detail on the knees to give additional grip. Soft and comfortable and easy maintenance. Dark Blue/Orange, Sand/Dark Grey, Brown/Orange, Dark Red/Black, Lilac/Black, Pink/Grey, Petrol/Navy, Turquoise/Black, Deep Blue/ Black, Black/Brown, Black/Pink, Light Grey/Pink, White, Light Grey/ Black. Sizes & RRP’s: £43.95 - 98/104, 110/116, 122/128, 134/140, 146/152, 158/164, 170/176. £51.95 - 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36.
www.hkm-sports.com
Our tester, Barbara Clarkson, says: At a first inspection these looked just like a pair of leggings with knee grips on them. That was a bit of an under estimation. They are extremely elastic and therefore from a rider’s point of view are wonderful to wear in the saddle because they offer you ultimate movement and flexibility. The knee grips are so ‘grippy’ that it’s difficult not to have a secure knee position, which could be appealing to those who like a little extra security in the saddle. It’s hard to find anything which isn’t to like about these riding tights which must go to show that they are an excellent product. They are smart to wear and very functional, they even have pockets. The fabric is dense and supportive giving a sleek shapely look to the wearer. There’d be no reason not to compete in them if they were the right colour. The addition of belt loops would make them 100% perfect but nonetheless I’d certainly be happy to own more pairs!
Zamberlan – Cortina Low GW Walking Shoes
The company says: This modern classic is made in Italy and manufactured with a special Goodyear welted process by their skilled team of craftsmen. This model, developed with an urban style, is produced with their own construction method using soft calf leather and Vibram Betulla outsole, to offer comfort and flexibility. Features an environmentally friendly chromium-free leather insole and finest Tuscan leather upper treated with Hydrobloc for waterproofing. Chestnut. Size: 41-48 (7.5-12.75). RRP: £220.00
www.zamberlan.com
Our tester, John Collier, says: If I was to have a bucket list of possessions these shoes would be number one on it. Comfortable, hand-crafted and eye-catching, I never knew shoes could be so good. They put a smile on my face just admiring them on the boot rack. Perfect for about town, and the Vibram sole is equally perfect for those off-road excursions. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Go out and get a pair; you will not be disappointed. Besides which it will help Italy out with its monetary problems! Style, something else Italy is good at apart from food, but I would prefer these shoes to a Fiat 500.
LeMieux – Fleece Headband
The company says: Made from super soft, comfortable, polar fleece and designed to keep ears and head snug and warm. Can be used under a hat. Burgundy or Navy. One Size. RRP: £9.95
www.horsehealth.co.uk
Keela – Sherpa Jacket
The company says: Named for the much-respected Nepalese Sherpas - If you’re looking for a warm jacket perfect for climbing, look no further than the Sherpa. This thermal jacket has zip-off sleeves allowing for increased movement, making it perfect for use in the mountains. Blue, Rescue Red, Black. Sizes: XS-3XL. RRP: £109.95.
www.keela.co.uk
Our tester, Chris Grant, says: This is a super and very versatile jacket. What I like best is how toasty warm it keeps you and how lightweight it is to wear. I often find warm coats to be bulky but not in the case of this one. The material has a lovely soft feel and is water resistant making it ideal to use for any occasion. The design is very tasteful with a nice modern look. I also love that the sleeves are removable (you can’t tell when it’s a full jacket) to also turn it into a gilet. A lot of thought has gone into its features; as a rider I like that it has a two way zip, useful for when in the saddle. The jacket has three zipped pockets to keep essentials in and I haven’t had it off since it arrived. Ideal for spring conditions when the weather can still be a little cool.
Our tester, Sally Burns, says: This was extremely comfortable and never became tight; in fact I much preferred this to wearing a hat. It fitted well and kept my ears warm and never rode up, just sat well on my head when mucking out and working on the yard. The material never made me sweat and it was lovely and soft. After washing, the headband kept its shape, never stretched and still looked new.
Tredstep Ireland – Ladies Performance Polo
The company says: Designed with Cool Touch high performance 4-way stretch Pique fabric in fresh spring colours and super smart contrast details. Cool Touch fabric has a soft cool hand feel ensuring you are comfortable, stylish and smart both in and out of the saddle. Navy – Pink/Aqua; Pink – Navy/Aqua; Aqua – Pink/Navy; Navy – White/Red; Green – Navy/White. Sizes: 8-16. RRP: £39.99
www.tredstep.com
Our tester, Georgina Clarkson, says: There are a lot of polo shirts available in different styles but they are usually made of a cotton type material. This one is different. It is made from a lighter technical type material. It has been lovely to wear as it is cool on a warm day but warm on a cold day. I’ve worn it out on the yard and also for riding and it is breathable so you never feel too hot wearing it. It feels soft and offers some elasticity too. The collar is well made and will stand up if you want it to so that the contrasting fabric on the inside is visible. When the shirt is washed, it will dry crease free if it’s hung up to dry straight away but we have also dried it in the drier and it came out none the worse for wear from that too. The colour of the fabric has remained the same, it has kept its shape well and looks as good as new despite being worn repeatedly.
www.theequinesite.co.uk Equine Page 23
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
RECOMMENDED
HIGHLY
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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