What Makes a Good Equestrian?

New apparel reflects three standards that set horse riders apart inside and outside the barn

Note: Product links will take you to our Etsy shop.

When we designed our Equestrians Have Higher Standards T-shirt and hoodie, we knew the phrase would make fellow hunter/jumper riders smile. After all, standards are what hold the poles in place on either side of a jump.

But the more we thought about it, the more we realized there was something else behind the phrase.

Equestrians really do have higher standards, or, at least, we should.

Riding teaches us that how we show up matters. How we present our horses. How we care for them when no one is watching. How we conduct ourselves at a horse show, whether we're walking out of the ring with a blue ribbon or a round we'd rather forget.

Those ideas became part of what we wanted our Higher Standards design to represent.

So, what does having “higher standards” mean to us? It comes down to three things.

1. Turnout and Etiquette: Show Respect

There’s something special about arriving at the show ring with a beautifully groomed horse, clean tack, polished boots, and everything in its place.

Good turnout isn't simply about appearances. It shows pride in your horse, preparation for the day, and respect for the sport's traditions.

The same goes for horse show etiquette. Know when it's your turn at the in-gate. Be aware of other horses and riders in the warm-up ring. Give someone space when they need it. Thank the volunteers, gate attendants, show staff, and others who make the day possible.

The little things matter, and they often say a great deal about the equestrian behind them.

2. Horsemanship: Put the Horse First

This is the standard that matters most.

Good horsemanship means putting your horse's well-being ahead of a ribbon, score, schedule, or your own expectations.

It's taking the time to cool out properly when everyone else is headed back to the barn. It's learning from the ride that went wrong instead of blaming your horse. It's knowing when to ask for more and when your horse has given enough.

And it's caring just as much about the horse at home on an ordinary Tuesday as the one you proudly present to the judge on Saturday.

Because ultimately, the quality of our horsemanship isn't measured by what happens in the show ring. It's measured by how we care for the horse who makes it possible for us to be there.

3. Sportsmanship: Be the Competitor You'd Want to Compete Against

Horse shows are competitions, but they're also communities.

Be gracious when you win and gracious when you don't. Congratulate another rider on a beautiful round. Encourage the nervous competitor. Offer a helping hand when someone needs one. Thank your trainer, your support crew, and the people working behind the scenes.

Your round may last only a few minutes, but the way you conduct yourself throughout the day leaves a much longer impression.

At the end of it all, we're incredibly fortunate to participate in a sport built around some pretty remarkable animals—and alongside people who understand why we love them so much.

So yes, "Equestrians Have Higher Standards" started as a pretty good jumping-off point.

But we hope the T-shirt represents something more, too.

Take pride in how you show up. Respect the sport and the people around you. Be gracious in victory and defeat. And above all, put the horse first.