HorseMania 2010 : Art in Lexington

Have you seen the horses of HorseMania 2010? In July, 89 full-zied fiberglass horses and 50 foals, were revealed to Lexington, Kentucky. Each horse was designed by the many artists involved in the project.

"No public art initiative in our city’s history has captured the hearts and imaginations of Lexingtonians and visitors as did Horse Mania back in 2000. Horse Mania 2010 promises to be even more popular!

After their public viewing this summer and fall, the horses will be auctioned off in the Keeneland Sales Arena on December 11. Proceeds from the auction will benefit LexArts’ public art programs and non-profit charities throughout the region."

Here are some examples of our favorites..

Equestrian Exterior; Kingsland Equestrian.

If you receive the SmartPak Equine cateloge, you will note some new additions to the 2010-2011 Annual edition. One of the new brands to be added to SmartPak's ever-growing array of equestrian fashion selections, is Kingsland Equestrian. (I have to mention, their website is really quite a disappointment.) "Beautifully styled, built for performance," is what it says there on the simple, yet elegant two-page cameo in the cataloge. Their prices, however, were something I wasn't expecting to see in SmartPak, but I do believe that SP has done a great job at bringing together affordable equipment and also equipment from the higher-end range in a way which is general mass, consumer friendly.


Getting back to this new addition to SmartPak, Kingsland Equestrian, I'd like to share with you my top 3 choice pieces within their collection offered through SP.

1. The Kinglands Elmira Jacket

"The Elmira Jacket not only offers incredible warmth but also a slenderizing fit to compliment any body shape. It converts from a hooded jacket to a high collar or an open collar in seconds and is water-resistant and breathable. Discrete underarm zipper provides ventilation, eliminating the hassle of removing layers while riding, simply unzip and your body will begin to cool down." - SmartPak

2. Kingsland Courmayeur Vest (I prefer in black or the 'light grey')

"Kingsland has always been known for their beautifully crafted down vests. Now they have added an elegant, yet functional, vest featuring a feminine fur-trimmed hood to the collection. Fashionable and functional, the fur-trimmed hood unzips to become a fur trimmed collar, depending on your preference. The Courmayeur vest offers unsurpassed warmth, and a lovely cut which compliments any woman's shape. It is water resistant and breathable. A definite show stopper!" - SmartPak

3. Kingsland Jessica Knee Patch Breech (I wish it came in a full-seat version)

"Ride in unsurpassed comfort and undeniable style, for schooling or for show. The new Kingsland Jessica breech gives you all the technical benefits a professional rider requires and style with their slenderizing fit and gorgeous ribbon-trimmed pockets and belt loops." - SmartPak

Friday Fabulous - Burghley Horse Trials!

September 2nd through 5th marks the return of the international four star CCI 3 day event, the Burghley Horse Trials. It's an exciting mark on eventing enthusiasts calender.

The Dressage portion of the 3day is now compeleted. Standing in first place with a score of 38.3 is Ruth Edge and her mount, Two Tyhme. Coming in a close second is Caroline Powell of New Zeland, atop the handsome grey, Lenamore with a score of 38.7.

"At the end of the second day of dressage it was all change at the top of the leader board at The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Former double National Champions Ruth Edge and Two Thyme have a slender lead over British based New Zealand rider Caroline Powell and the grey Lenamore. Ruth, who is a respected dressage rider, recently winning Regional Championship titles with her specialist dressage horses, produced a fluent and harmonious test from Two Thyme, who is by the Thoroughbred Broadsword, that particularly impressed German judge Martin Plewa. The President of The Ground Jury awarded the combination over 77%. “His trot work was much better and Two Thyme liked the going so much out there that his extensions were particularly good,” said Ruth whose pervious highest placing here was 17th with Marsh Mayfly in 2006. “I had heard that the cross-country was softer than last year – but in my opinion the jumps don’t get any smaller and there are plenty of places to make mistakes – but on the plus side the going is second to none.” - Two Thyme Steps to It from the News at Burghley.


One of our notable riders who is a new-comer to the Burghley Horse Trials, is 21 year old Emily Llewellyn. Emily is competing atop the chestnut gelding, Pardon Me II. After Dressage, Emily is standing in 21st position, with a score of 50.7.

We wish all the riders a safe and excellent day of cross country!

Equestrian Exterior; Tall Boots - Milo Felline.

Have you dreamed of a custom pair of tall boots? Maybe you have a pair yourself. We love looking at all the latest looks in tall boots. What types of patterns, colours and materials that are being paired together. - It's more than gorgeous footwear, it's truly art to dress your feet!

Today we are looking at Milo Felline. This company has been handcrafting beautiful boots for twenty years in Italy. From the beginning these stunning boots were only available in Europe and have only recently been available to the United States.

We love their boots. The fine quality, detail and the un-mistakable look that exudes class and high fashion.