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
Thaw Out with Spring Entertaining Tips
A friendly reminder: spring has officially sprung. Call us impatient, but those of us in the wake of frozen hurricanes are ready to dust off our flower boxes while the riding ring thaws, and observe in envy as our southern counterparts hang lush, green ferns from the shed row [...]
Some of Us Like the Green Ones
March has finally arrived (ushering in that season in which riders in the northern hemisphere leave the barn wearing more hair than their horses)! So with the beginning of daylight savings time in the rearview, the official start of spring just around the corner...
2-on-1 with Jackie Crawford
Many of us would have a hard time recalling where we were or what we were doing on January 11 of this year. However, on this particular day in Chicago, competitive breakaway roper Jackie Crawford was busy participating in a monumental breakthrough...
CBD: Fact or Fad?
If the abbreviation “CBD” has yet to become part of your daily vernacular, please allow us just a few minutes of your time. Living healthfully has developed into an uber trendy, holistic [and ‘grammable!] lifestyle in the last decade. Subsequently, countless numbers of potions that claim...
If Your Knickers Are in a Twist
Early one morning over coffee with a friend and fellow rider, the conversation took an unexpected turn. "Have you ever considered the topic of underwear?" he asked. Until then, we had not. He went on to explain, "There are not many riding-specific choices available for men...
Stable-to-Street: The Edit
Horses are cool. Of course, we always echo this sentiment, but this time we mean it in an entirely objective sense. Though the fashion industry can have a fairly short attention span, over the last few seasons it has taken a particular interest in the ponies...
Barn Porn: Meet the Director
John Blackburn, the founder of Washington, D.C.-based Blackburn Architects, recently received a call from a client's barn manager: "Uh, John, we have a problem. It's snowing in the barn!" After more than forty years designing equestrian facilities, the savvy designer...
Barn Blunders
You may know that “50% glamour: 50% grit” is the OR tagline. This is because the equestrian world is made up of two divergent parts: the one in which we wear white pants and tailored blazers while riding shiny horses around in some of the most beautiful places on the planet; and...
Stock It To Me
As two women with backgrounds in the fashion industry, we love a worthy trend (we’ve even been known to show up to a meeting clad in the same coveted shoes). And while we’re eager to hop on board the sartorial bandwagon this spring...
A Clean Break
Those of you who have followed OR from the beginning are familiar with our penchant for easy recipes, good great wine, and casual entertaining. Therefore, it feels right to mention that one half of OR possesses an enviable apron collection — yes, we said apron! — while the [...]
Riding Resolutions With Hylofit
At the stroke of midnight on January 1, many of us vow to be better versions of ourselves in the new year. Often, these resolutions fade into the periphery as the holiday season grows small in the rearview mirror. Promises to hit the gym or spend more time in the saddle rarely seem to materialize. Enter Hylofit, a state-of-the-art system...
Ten Tools to Kick Off the New Year
We love the promise of a new horizon, filled with curiosities and possibilities. The start of the calendar year similarly feels like such a beginning, and nudges us toward good intentions for enhancing our homes, health, and happiness. With that in mind, we pass along [...]
