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A new brand is shaking up the equestrian fashion industry with bold colors, prints and patterns.
Based out of Dripping Springs, Canter Culture Riding Apparel is a brand-new English equestrian clothing brand founded by two female equestrians: adult amateur Sarah Dahlberg, a Texas native and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, and professional trainer and US Dressage Federation Bronze and Silver Medalist Lauren Baggett. The new company aims to provide a new look to the equestrian apparel market with fashionforward colors and patterns on riding apparel that is both functional and comfortable.
The debut product from the new label is the Athletic Breech. The pant is a true breech-riding tight hybrid, featuring highend, silky-soft athletic compression fabric with a pull-on design, but with all the detailing and polish of a traditional breech. The pant is sweat-wicking and quick-drying with antimicrobial treatment, two large side phone pockets, 2” belt loops and a full-seat silicone grip. The end result is a pant intended to make riders feel put-together and supported while riding in comfort and style.
“We took what we loved from high-end legging brands like Lululemon and the things we loved from some of our favorite breech brands and put them together to create our Athletic Breech,” Baggett said. “We also wanted to make sure our pant made everybody look good, no matter their body type. So, we have a high and wide waistband that is hard to find in riding pants these days. They give you just a really beautiful shape.”
Beyond featuring high-quality construction and comfort, they also have flair, Dahlberg said.
“You can find so much blinged-out riding gear these days, from your tack and saddle pads to your boots, helmets and tops. But the one thing we saw that was missing was riding pants with any sort of personality. Just the same conservative solids,” she explained.
In response, the brand launched with a selection of houndstooth, polka dot and leopard prints. “Our goal was to make pants in the type of prints you’d find in a high-end boutique or department store,” Dahlberg said, “the kinds of prints that are always in style and that never go out of fashion.”
Canter Culture launched in January, and they are already doing brisk business. The Athletic Breech’s price point is moderately priced at $159 in a category that can go as high as $350+ per breech. They are selling online (with international shipping), in person at Texas horse shows and through a few select retailers — with the goal of adding more retailers to their roster. Their very first print release, a black and white Houndstooth, sold out in just three months. They have also launched a Sponsored Rider program that showcases talented riders who are proud to be brand ambassadors for the new label.
The women said their customer feedback has been incredible, with nothing but 5-star reviews on their website. They added that riders have reached out to tell them they no longer like wearing their more expensive breeches after wearing the Canter Culture pant. The quality of the fabric, the comfort of fit, and the fun colors are the top three features that riders rave most about.
The company’s plan for the Athletic Breech is to release a new solid and new print every season, and the women have promised the next few seasonal releases will not disappoint.
The company is also currently working on several new product lines to be launched alongside their Athletic Breech in the coming year.
You can find Canter Culture online at canterculture. com and on Facebook and Instagram.
