It may seem a little aggressive to start talking about Christmas (or however you celebrate during the holidays!) when it’s only October, but if you’re looking to get something truly special for your equine-lover, that means going custom. And like any custom order, they take time! I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite brands that create some of the most beautiful custom products you can get your hands on.
1. ECÉ Equestrian Custom Show Jacket
These show coats are probably the most comfortable and flattering on the market. Imagine feeling like you’re wearing your favorite sweater but looking like you’re ready to step into a Vogue photoshoot. All our their jackets are tailored in Manhattan and go off of sample sizes. Adjustments to arm length are made as needed. The jackets retail for $650 and production time is 2-6 weeks. But, SURPRISE!, if you use code ECE15 you can get 15% off your entire web purchase! Head over to their website now to check out their jackets as well as amazing show shirts (one of my favorites as well.) The two go hand in hand, so why not pick up a jacket and shirt with matching colored snaps for a sharp, custom look?
2. Boy o Boy Bridleworks Custom Leather Goods
To tell you the truth I can’t remember how I stumbled upon owner Amanda’s company, Boy o Boy Bridleworks, but when I did I instantly fell in love with the gorgeous brow bands, belts, keychains and even dog collars and leashes! All of her products are handmade in the USA (by Amanda!) using the finest English and American bridle leather and top-quality American-made equestrian hardware. Her designs are inspired by the traditional ribbonwork browbands that have been in use for centuries in Europe, particularly the British Isles.
One of the things I love the most about BOBB is how customized you can actually get. From different textures and colors to gorgeous woven pattern choices, Amanda can create something completely unique just for you. You can even choose the leather, stitching and hardware colors! Additionally almost all of their products can be monogrammed or embroidered with your last name, horses name or farm name for an additional charge.
Not sure if you want to go custom but want to get into the holiday spirit? The above candy cane/holiday inspired browbands are ready to ship! I’m 100% ordering one for Donny!
If you’re wanting to get a custom item for yourself or a friend/family member in time for the holidays, BOBB requires all orders to be placed by Friday November 3rd. To help keep it simple, below are the things you’ll need to decide on before ordering:
- Make sure you take accurate sizing information for all of the items in the order (brow bands, belts, collars. We’ve included their guide to measuring for belts at the end of this post!)
- Ribbon, leather and hardware color choices, which can be found on each individual product listing on BOBB’s website.
- Correct monograms and/or embroidery logo files if you would like embroidery.
If you have any questions regarding material, colors, products or monograms, Amanda is extremely helpful. She helped talk me through what color brow band to get Donny after I went back and forth about a hundred times (sorry Amanda!) You can reach out to her via email at Hello@boyoboybridleworks.com.
Donny in his BOBB brow band featuring the wide Boy-O-Boy pattern in burgundy velvet and satin.
If you like Donny’s brow band, BOBB has some of the same colors and patterns ready to ship. You can check them out here or other ready to ship options here. (Just use the navigation on the left hand side and choose from Horses – Ready to Ship or People – Ready to Ship.)
Also, for those of you that are worried about not looking ‘traditional’ – please reference George Stubbs’ Hambletonian of 1799-1899. The woven brow bands are actually more traditional than the popular crystal brow bands you see today!
How to Measure Your BOBB Belt
3. Ellany Equestrian Monogrammed Apparel
Another small shop that I absolutely ADORE is Ellany Equestrian. Liz is a master of embroidery and does an amazing job bringing your ideas to life. Cozy pullovers, cute cross body bags, elastic belts, team jackets, saddle pads and more… Ellany does it all.
Ellany can monogram just about anything you’d like, but to make it easier there are pre-set designs for you to choose from available on the website. Start by browsing monogrammed AP pads here or fleece pullovers (like mine featured above) here.
I LIVE in the elastic belts. They’re adjustable, so no matter what pair of breeches or pants you’re wearing you know you’ll get a perfect fit every time. Additionally, all belts have the option of silver or gold hardware. Check out all of the options here.
All orders require 2-3 weeks for production, so holiday orders should be placed by the last week in November at the VERY latest. The sooner the better! If you have any questions you can email Liz at liz@ellanyequestrian.comliz@ellanyequestrian.com. Make sure to use code TaylorB10 for 10% off your entire order!
4. Ogilvy Saddle & Half Pads
When it comes to quality, it’s hard to beat Ogilvy. I love their pads because they’re easy to take care of and do a great job of staying put throughout your ride. There are two choices for basic pads, the jump baby pad ($37.00) and the jump profile pad ($57.50). You are able to choose your pad color along with binding and piping.
The other popular custom Ogilvy item is their jump memory foam half pad ($199) or jump gummy half pad ($239). I love the look of the half pads, but quite honestly it is too bulky for my saddle so I’ve switched back to the more traditional fleece half pad and use the jump memory foam half pad for my bareback rides. They are beautiful, but I would recommend trying one before you order.
My jump memory foam half pad in greige with silver piping and grey binding.
For Canada and continental USA, shipment should be within 2 to 5 weeks from the day the order is placed, usually at the longer end of the spectrum for embroidered and customized products. If you are not ordering custom and they already have you product in stock, it will be shipped right away. If you need rush shipping, you can call Ogilvy directly at 450-699-8217.
5. Wellesley Equestrian Personalized Brushes
I have been coveting a set of Wellesley Equestrian show brushes for quite some time now so I’m hoping they show up under the tree this year! The WE Show Brush Set ($205) is the perfect middle tier option and includes (1) Super Soft Brush, (1) Hard Enough Brush, (1) Tail/Mane Brush, (1) Face brush, (1) Hoof Brush and (1) Brass Hoof Pick. All brushes come with a gorgeous personalized name plate.
WE also offers single or smaller brush sets as well as personalized crops and other great equestrian gifts. Please note: all orders must be placed by November 15th to ensure delivery in time for the holidays.
Happy shopping! Have any suggestions or questions? Send us an email using the contact tab on the blog!