I promise I will be getting caught up on the rest of my summer soon, but I just wanted to share this with you guys!
It's not often I get the chance to try out new or
different equestrian products. Although I compete, I am not one of the
lucky ones whose life is completely immersed in the horse world. Add me
to the long list of riders that are scraping by, we have the full time
job, a home, family, pets, bills, etc, and then we try to budget some
riding and competing in there as best we can. I love to do lots of
reading and research about the new and upcoming products in the horse
world, the therapy products, blankets, new attire for horse and rider,
the list goes on and on, but having to do all my horse stuff on a
budget, it's mostly just window shopping and wishful thinking! Which
I'm sure a lot of riders can definitely relate to!
When my friend Cobie at the amazing Equestrian Factory Outlet (http://www.
Here are some of the brand's claims:
• Reduces Body Temperature by 5 Degrees
• Highest Level of Skin Protection – equivalent to SPF 50 UV protection
• Light Weight - Breathable
• Moisture Wicking - Quick Drying
• Cooling Mesh Panels
Since
I am a delicate Canadian girl, who starts to melt the moment the
temperature starts to hit the mid 20's, (75 F for you Americans out
there), I am forever stripping off layers and I literally live in short
sleeves and shorts in the summer. So these claims excited me. I can
honestly say I have never owned a long sleeve show shirt, and was a bit
skeptical of that part because I couldn't imagine how a long sleeve
shirt could possibly help keep me cooler in the summer.
The shirt pleasantly surprised me as soon as I took it out of the bag. The fabric was light, I mean really
light, but remained opaque even as I stretched it between my fingers.
Could this possibly be a show shirt I might not have to *always* wear a
tank top under?? And I must say the photos on the website absolutely do
not do this shirt justice, I was expecting something a little less
formal, possibly more polo-y or something that looked more like a
regular long sleeve shirt, but this was definitely a show shirt and a
very nice one at that!
The first time I wore it was a great test of its cooling
claims. It was at our Alhambra Summer event, that runs over 3 days in
the middle of August, which is typically our hottest month. The weather
was gorgeous, dry, sunny, and over 30 degrees each day. As soon as I
put the shirt on I couldn't believe how light and airy the shirt was,
and the fabric was stretchy and very comfortable. Even under my show
jacket I could still feel an obvious cool "breeze" against my skin where
the mesh was all along the arms. I loved how long the sleeves were,
and that perfect half inch of cuff stuck out of the bottom of my sleeve
once I put my show jacket on! Luckily my divisions went earlier in the
day, but I usually am still frantically stripping off my hot and sweaty
show clothes the moment I arrive back at the trailer after my rides. I
didn't even realize it until partway through the day, that I was still
in my show shirt, long sleeves and all, while I was walking my cross
country course! I had several people comment over the weekend "Oh my
god! How are you wearing long sleeves?!" The shirt honestly kept me
far cooler than the short sleeved t-shirts I usually wear. Needless to
say, I was absolutely amazed that this little long sleeved thing kept me
dry and cool all day in that heat! I've worn the shirt at every other
event I had this year. There were a
couple days with really cool weather where I had an early morning
dressage time, and I wondered if I would be a bit chilly or feel drafty
under my show jacket, but I was very comfortable. Wearing it around
I've received lots of questions and many compliments on it as well.
In short, I LOVE IT!! And definitely would recommend them to anyone in the market for a great show shirt!
A
few other things, I love the slightly textured
fabric. It stays clean very easily, dirt tends to brush right off
instead of getting ground in. Another plus is that there's no fancy
laundry instructions, just throw in the washer and dryer, no fuss or
extra effort required! I've washed the shirt several times already, it
had held up so great and still looks brand new.
As far as price, Equi In Style shirts are definitely a more affordable option compared to some of the competitors with similar products (Fits, etc).
Huge thanks to Cobie at
Equestrian Factory Outlet for introducing me to such a great product.
Everyone should check out her facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Equestrian-Factory-Outlet-Red-Deer/633329790014149
