Decorating Styles 101: Equestrian Style

What it is, why we love it and how you can get it too.

I've only ridden a horse a few times in my life and have never played polo (how many of us really have?), but I am so in awe of the strong, beautiful and graceful animal and the equestrian lifestyle it represents. The elegance and sophistication of it all is so glamorous that I had to find out how to incorporate some of it into the home. "Equestrian style to me is all about displaying the accouterments associated with riding or polo," says Heather Clawson, New York City-based interior designer and Habitually Chic blogger. "It can be as simple as placing a pair of riding boots in the entry hall or displaying new or vintage ribbons and trophies won at a horse show. Even a plaid blanket thrown over a chair could evoke the feeling."

But you don't have to travel all the way across the pond to achieve this look. American designers continue to embrace this style, reinterpreting it in a more casual way. Clawson directed us to Ralph Lauren Home, where you can find lots of great furniture with the equestrian look. "To make the pieces look more authentic, I would accessorize with vintage and flea market finds. Besides boots and trophies, you could display polo mallets and velvet riding helmets," she says. Following her lead, we checked out Ralph Lauren Home and fell for the Modern Equestrian Dresser. With its mahogany finish and leather-wrapped pulls, it's the perfect way to add a subtle touch of the equestrian life at home. We also love the company's line of fabrics in menswear plaids, checks and pinstripes for pillows and upholstery. Other iconic elements to look for include jockey silks (vintage Hermès scarf anyone?), racing programs and other equine ephemera. However, be mindful of what you choose, based on where you live."Displaying riding boots or saddles look best if you actually ride horses or live on a farm," says Clawson, "But anyone can display beautiful vintage paintings or black and white gallery of horses."


If cost is an issue, Clawson has a few tips that can help you get the look for less. "An easy do-it-yourself idea is to frame pages from a book or equestrian calendar. If you are a good photographer, you can frame your own gallery of horses at a race track or polo match." Other fresh ways to bring this look home is to seek out more modern interpretations. We love the idea of this faux driftwood horse sculpture in an entryway or this white resin horse head mounted to a living room wall. If you like the look of show ribbons, you can buy them in bulk on auction sites like eBay -- or if you're crafty, make your own with this easy tutorial.


For even more inspiration, Clawson, who recently blogged about this style herself, suggests looking to books and magazines. "To really understand this style, take a look at the book 'Equestrian Style: Home Design, Couture, and Collections from the Eclectic to the Elegant by Vicky Moon'," she says. "Also, recently there was a great spread in Elle Decor magazine of the Kentucky home of fashion designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka. It's perfect for inspiration." It sure is. In their stately-looking library, the couple showcases a riding print just above a makeshift bar cart stocked for cocktails. It's the perfect place to relax with a refreshing Mint Julep in hand after an afternoon of riding.

Do you have a favorite equestrian-inspired decorating idea? Tell us in the comments!

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