My notions of the equestrian lifestyle originated with my grandmother, Nancy. She rode horses and competed in the Hunter Class from a young age, and horses were her defining and lifelong passion. She put me on a horse for the first time when I was two years old, and I was hooked too.
Everything she owned–from her saddle to her boots to her gloves–were beautiful. That is not to say they were ornate or expensive–they were simply impeccably crafted with long-wearing natural materials like fine grain leather, waxed canvas, wool, wood, and cotton. Though most pieces had a patina from years of use, everything still functioned perfectly.