Saddle up in style

10:36pm Monday 29th October 2007

Fashionable clothing for horse riders eager to look stylish in the saddle is being showcased this weekend.

Equestrian clothing brand Tottie, designed by Wibsey-based Matchmakers International, will be sported on the catwalk at the Countryside Live Event today and tomorrow at Harrogate's Great Yorkshire Showground.

The brand comes from an illustrious stable; Matchmakers International also own heritage collections Harry Hall and Caldene.

And to illustrate just how high fashion horsewear has become, Richard Lawrence, the company's marketing manager, tells me about their profile a year ago in fashion magazine Vogue.

The edition featured a tweed jacket from the Caldene range. "That shows there is fashion sense in the equestrian industry," says Richard. "A lot of our research is done on the high street as to what the current trends are, as we look to building ranges twice a year. We take into account what is out there - colours, styles and designs."

Visitors to Countryside Live will be able to see Tottie's range of jodpurs, jackets, gilets, leisure tops and joggers. It is Countryside Live's first-ever fashion show.

Masta Rugs - rugs for horses with bright and colourful designs - is another brand marketed by Matchmakers International. It is popular among those who want their steeds to look stylish too!

"People don't think of the equestrian industry like this but we try to mix fashion with function," says Richard.

Countryside Live is organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

• For more information visit www.countrysidelive.co.uk.

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