Modern Equestrian Authenticated, Part 2: Color

Normally, when it comes to equestrian inspired decor, I am looking at the paintings and fabrics and yawning a little. But, the below color combinations are refreshing. Though, they should not be totally unexpected: The bright satins of racing and the show rosettes, as well as team polo colors, are vibrant. But this decor so often hinges on the hunt with red the prominent feature and then a thousand muted shades. Rare indeed to see bold color strides mixed with traditional equestrian style; the words themselves ring so traditional it seems a taboo to approach such a concept. I for one, so tired of looking at the same old houndstooths, tartans, plaids, and hunt prints, feel as though I woke up one fine morning and we had, after centuries, taken a step forward. I have the Ralph Lauren company to thank for these long over due color pops and this youthful, if a little muddled in accuracy, interpretations of horsey style.

While the colors are accurate, some are likely polo or championship level rosettes. The tri-color on the far right, for example, is a US hunt seat high championship winner in the blue, red, and yellow satins. Typically in the US, the reserve champion is the one in the middle: red, yellow, and white. If you are decorating with rosettes, best to put up your own ribbons, you would not want to buy a messy hodgepodge from several disciplines unless they are those of your forebearers.

Here is the color translation for prizes awarded in the United States:

First place- Blue
Second place- red
Third place - yellow
Fourth place - white
Fifth place - pink
Sixth place - green
Seventh place - purple
Eighth place - brown

When I was twelve I stopped saving ribbons lower than third. When I was eighteen; second. who wants to remember the day they came in fifth unless it was a national contest anyway and even then? Just a thought if you are decorating for a competitive rider. Here are a few lovely methods of decorating with show rosettes: Just perfect for a the room of an equine-adoring pony jock.

The bridle here is unlike any I have known: Maybe it is a polo item but usually most are leather, which looks, not surprisingly, like leather, light, medium, or dark (see below). Colored bridles would be unacceptable or even cause for disqualification in some disciplines, best to check the rules of the pursuit in question.


Please note the obligatory boots and helmet. And if it was all going to be deconstructed, it would have been fun to see the helmet in something other than white (Feur de lis? Ah, stop, I'm just teasing - kind of.).