A REFINED PERSPECTIVE
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At Outside Rein we are intoxicated by the scent of French leather, the flash of a dappled coat gleaming in the sun, and the clink of champagne flutes during the victory gallop of a close competition. However, the moments for which we truly live are the tranquil ones alone in the stables, horses nickering puffs of fog into the frigid morning, clouds of steam rising from our coffees as the rest of the world sleeps. To choose to be an equestrian is to choose to live a paradoxical lifestyle: 50% glamour, 50% grit. The balance of this has evolved into an aesthetic sensibility that is elegant yet pragmatic, and we strive to express this as we share our beloved products, experiences, and ideas each week.
(#notablog)
Most importantly, those of us who ride are acutely aware of the value of the outside rein: to create balance, connection and feel. At OR we view it as a metaphor for life, and attempt to tackle daily routines, obstacles and relationships through the lessons of horsemanship. And though we cater to those who possess a fondness for the equestrian spirit – we promise – no hoof picks here!
“They say princes learn no art truly, but the art of horsemanship. The reason is, the brave beast is no flatterer. He will throw a prince as soon as his groom.”
— Ben Jonson
Latest Posts
OR in the Making: A Mother’s Day Tribute by Courtney
Last Saturday, after an arduous day of annual springtime maintenance around the farm, my husband and I treated ourselves to a date night. We had a great meal, split a bottle of wine, and returned to the homestead in time to tuck in the horses at the usual night checking hour. I was ready to collapse into bed...
Hakuna Matata: A Stress-Free Guide to Safari on Horseback
“Shall we have a trot?” your guide asks rhetorically, as he urges his horse into a faster gait. Within seconds, the entire tour group is galloping across the Kenyan savannah. A tower of giraffes is startled by the commotion, and begins to run along side of the herd...
A Gift Horse
For wine aficionados the world over, a furry little animal on a bottle’s label is as good as a Do Not Drink sign, and is considered by the industry to be the proverbial lipstick on a container of subpar contents. These gimmicky vinos are known as “Critter Wines,” and...
Made in the Shade: Sun Protection for Riders
As two farm girls born and raised beneath the pervasive California rays, we’re well aware of the sun’s ability to cause premature aging and – if that’s not reason enough to protect your skin – cancer. This week, we share some of our favorite sun-mitigating techniques...
Pro Tips: Seven Snacks for Busy Riders
All riders can relate to that hour of the day at which we hit a wall, usually around 1:30pm when our bodies finally succumb to the fact that lunch isn’t going to fit in the agenda...
Put Some Spring in Your Step
It's not uncommon to spend upwards of ten hours per day in riding gear when one's life revolves around horses. While we admire those who elect to wear a more polished, street style expression of the equestrian flair, we are more likely...
How To Become a Chick Magnate
As recently as ten years ago, farm-to-table dining meant making a reservation at the local hipster restaurant. Today, from the tiny terraces of San Francisco to the towering rooftops of Brooklyn, personal beehives, vertical gardens, and micro chicken coops...
It’s an Eggstravaganza!
If you’ve read our tribute to the backyard henhouse and are keen to welcome a flock of feathery little chicks into your home, it's only a matter of time until your pantry will be brimming with eggs. At OR HQ we frequently send guests home with our oeufs d’jour...
Small Town Spotlight: Aiken, South Carolina
Among the cluster of hot spots that welcome chill-averse snowbirds this time of year exists one horse-friendly community that is often overlooked despite its turn-of-the-Century designation as the official Winter Colony.
Porch-Ready Ideas…Because Spring is Coming!
Each year, during the second half of February, we start to get the feeling that winter will never end. We admit that relocating to a warmer region during the coldest months is great for those who can manage it, but it's a poor substitute for warm summer nights at home...
Battle Spring Fever: The Naughty Arnold Palmer
Take one of these super easy concoctions out to the porch with your favorite book or your favorite friend, wrap up in a cozy blanket, and let Punxutawny Phil know that he can kiss your glass...
Eight [Mostly] Horsey Things to Love this Valentine’s Day
Last week we told you how we'll be spreading our love this Valentine's Day, and this week your inbox is surely overflowing with additional ways to show your affection for the special someone in your life. So rather than talking about...
