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
Pantry to Party: An Easy Summer Holiday Menu
“Hey, if you don’t have plans for July 4th, we’ll just be hanging around the pool. Stop by!” It was a noncommittal text sent to a handful of people a few weeks ago, but early on July 3rd a smattering of unexpected affirmative responses began to roll in. And what do innovative, capable, master-problem-solving women do...
Barn Porn: Home Is Where the Horse Is
One of the guilty pleasures in which we indulge at OR is the insatiable, late-night pursuit of barn-style homes online. It may seem oddly redundant to lust after the characteristics of the very structure in which we already spend a considerable amount of laborious time...
All The Queen’s Horses: Grooming Tips Fit for a Queen
At first glance, a dressage queen and a rodeo queen would seem to have very little in common. While this may in fact be the case, there is one thing upon which riders from every discipline can agree: grooming is the great equalizer. Of course everyone has unique standards...
Chambray for the Sidelines – Polo Season is Here!
The commencement of the Northeast’s 2018 polo season recently had us taking inventory of our chukka-worthy gear. And – yes – while we’ve taken some lessons and participated in a polo match or two (spoiler alert: it’s hard!), when we say “gear,” what we mean is...
Bright Ideas: #barnhacks
We adhere to a fairly strict list of daily chores at OR, and always look forward to that gratifying moment of completion. However, horses (and dogs and cats and chickens) have a way of derailing us from the tasks at hand with impromptu injuries, ailments, or other unplanned and unnecessary fusses...
Ask The Vet: Lyme Disease Ticks Us Off
If there’s anything more cathartic than watching a horse graze in a large green field, it is unknown to us. In fact, the patio at OR headquarters overlooks the pastures, and we’ve been known to hold our intra-office meetings poolside with a backdrop of geldings and grassy turnouts (we call it “inspiration”)...
The Hay Loft: Horsing Around with Cupcakes
Recently we tasked ourselves with a way to say thank you with food -- a handmade way to show appreciation to those in our tireless network of equine supporters. Baking can be tedious so we don’t do it often, but when we do, we like to test our creativity. We happened upon these character-filled cupcakes...
Help Some Sisters Out: The First Ever OR Reader Survey
Nearly a year ago, Outside Rein was but a twinkle in our eyes (that was sparked by a particularly rigorous riding lesson in which, “More outside rein!” was heard on a steady rotation). After several declarations of, “we really should do this!” followed by months of development (a.k.a. an endless discussion of incredibly tedious things like pixels and adverbs)...
Pilgrimage Jams: Tune Up Your Weekend Playlist
Last September the OR team decided to #makethepilgrimage to Franklin, Tennessee, a small town outside Nashville. Franklin is in the heart of horse country, and is the home of The Pilgrimage Festival, a two-day event that includes musical acts from various genres...
Word to Your Mothers: Riders Share Their Stories for Mother’s Day
Recently, we asked the OR community to share stories and photos that represent all the ways in which motherhood has influenced multiple generations of riders, and were not disappointed. We wish the happiest of Mother's Days to all of the devoted horse moms mentioned below...
This Is Personal
We tend to have an aversion to recognizable logos here at OR, though we give exception to personal effects when they are decorated with an individual monogram, inscription, or (of course) nod to a beloved pet. We're drawn to the intimate flair of a clever emblem or carefully crafted trademark that makes an item uniquely one’s own...
OR in the Making: A Mother’s Day Tribute by Elissa
I never really knew "The Dominator." I was three years old when my mom had to make the difficult decision to retire him to the endless, green pastures in the sky. She was forced to say goodbye to the 22-year old American Saddlebred that for thirteen years earned her a collection of blue ribbons and silver trays from...
