Jan. 2023 AETA Style Eye Picks & Recap

Thanks to Dallas Market Center, I got to attend my second AETA as a Style Eye, and had the best time seeing friends old and new.

If you’re not familiar with AETA (American Equestrian Trade Association), it’s a bi-annual trade show hosted at Dallas Market Center, where brands and vendors come to show off their products and next season’s collections, and retailers come to source products for their stores. While it’s not open to the public, I’ve been lucky enough to go as a Style Eye and was tasked with finding my favorite 6 products. You’ll find my picks below, along with snapshots of other products and brands I’m really excited about.

Pick 1: EQL by Kerrits Peacoat (available Fall ’23)

This brand really blew me away. Everyone knows Kerrits – they’ve been a staple brand since most of us started riding. To be honest, their lifestyle brand EQL never really piqued my interest before, but that all changed at AETA. They had so many versatile, modern pieces that really called to me, especially after taking a bit of a break from riding. I fell in love with this peacoat, made from a super-stretchy Ponte fabric. You know how modern show jackets look beautifully tailored and structured yet are super comfy? That’s what this jacket is like. It has zippered pockets too! This piece comes out in September, and I am counting down the days.

Other faves from EQL included an equestrian-print dress (perfect for the office or a nice dinner), an effortless white button-up that will go as well with jeans or slacks as it will with breeches, and a sweater with the cutest bit/stripe detail on the sleeve.

Pick 2: Stride Bootwear

Tall boots are difficult. They have to fit correctly in so many places, and the more affordable boots often don’t have the height and width options that expensive ones offer. There are also only so many brands that make boots, and I know riders who have exhausted brands without being able to find a good fit within their budget. That’s why I was so excited to learn about Stride Bootwear, whose most expensive boot is under $600 – half the price of Parlantis. These European-made boots come in a great range of sizes and look just as beautiful as their $1000+ competitors. I’m hoping to get to try a pair to see how the quality, fit, and comfort are, but I really appreciate a brand that is aiming to offer a more affordable product.

Pick 3: Pampeano “Confianza” Suede Polo Belts

I was immediately drawn to this modern version of the classic polo belt. The sumptuous suede and the waxed thread stitching come together to create a style that adds a hint of equestrian style to any outfit. I loved this belt so much, I took home the chocolate brown version!

Pick 4: Yagya Front Tie Riding Shirt

I love this versatile shirt’s fusion of English and Western style. I can see this piece styled with breeches, bootcut jeans, skirts, and work pants.

Pick 5: Fairfax and Favor “Rockingham” Chelsea Boot

Anyone else starting to see a trend here? This stunning boot combines sleek, modern lines and luxe suede with western stitching on the toe for the ultimate in English/Western style. I love how versatile this boot is, and would love to pair them with wide-leg jeans and dresses.

Pick 6: Epona Products “Queen’s Mane and Tail Brush”

This was a surprising pick for me – a mane and tail brush seems so boring at first, but I’ve been wanting to see a new mane and tail brush for what seems like forever. The options for human brushes are endless, but for some reason, mane and tail brushes have been pretty limited. I know a lot of people have even taken to using brushes meant for humans on their horses, like the Wet Brush. That’s why I was thrilled to see something unique; this brush is like a Wet Brush with boar bristles, made specifically for horses. It’s supposed to be gentle enough to use on tail extensions, too! I can’t wait to try this brush for myself.