If you’re looking for stylish clothing for your horse, look no further than Kentucky Horsewear. In addition to providing beautiful pieces with hidden details, the company also prides itself on its designs being timeless and made using excellent quality materials. Let’s take a closer look at Kentucky Horsewear and what makes this brand special.
How it began
Kentucky Horsewear was formed when Thomas Tuytens partnered with Kentucky Reitmode after deciding he wanted to develop equine leg protection. By 2011, there were six products designed by Thomas, and the Kentucky name started to gain traction. The company started in his parents’ house, before taking on employees, forming partnerships, and expanding the distribution network. In 2017, the company added canine products to the catalogue, then a high end range of grooming products designed by Claudia Weber, a professional groom who used to work for Michael Jung. Since this time, the range of products has continued to expand.
Materials that are animal friendly and perform better
All products are designed using materials with real staying power, and Kentucky proudly shares that the products it designs are tested in real life situations. All materials used are vegan, so you won’t see leather made from animals, or sheepskin from sheep. Instead, the company uses vegan leather, vegan sheepskin and vegan rabbit skin. Due to the quality of these materials, Kentucky says the key differences are improved quality and durability.
Kentucky says that vegan sheepskin can be washed many more times than real sheepskin, and the way the vegan sheepskin is made allows air to flow through it too.
As for the leather, Kentucky’s is waterproof, can be washed in a washing machine, and is also resistant to abrasions, tears and punctures. It’s also lighter than real leather.
Vegan rabbit skin is used extensively inside Kentucky’s rugs, where the soft texture helps prevent rubs and helps the horse’s coat to shine. The air pockets created by the fibres are also said to help retain body heat.
The fleece that Kentucky uses in its products is also vegan and is fast drying, wicking and light in weight. In addition, it’s very durable and easy to wash.
Is Kentucky different to other brands?
Kentucky has a strong set of values around excellence and innovation. This extends beyond the stylish products you see and into the sustainability side of the business, developing exceptional materials too. All brands have key points that set them apart, and these are Kentucky’s.
A growing collection
Kentucky might have started with horse boots and equine leg protection, but the range available now, and the range we have in store, is extensive and continues to grow. From stable toys to grooming products and brushes, fly veils to saddlecloths, stall guards to rugs, (faux) leather headcollars to luggage, and even rider clothing too.
See our full Kentucky Horsewear collection here.
Kentucky Horsewear - frequently asked questions
Obviously it depends on the item you buy, but what’s true across all products is that they’re vegan. Leather trim, leather headcollars, rabbit skin linings, sheepskin details- all of it is a vegan alternative that has been engineered to look the same but is packed with additional benefits and, of course, isn’t made from another animal. Check the washing instructions on the specific items you buy, but in general, all are washable with ease. Because of the vegan leather, sheepskin and rabbit skin, the materials are more durable than their animal-based alternatives, so it’s easier to wash and care for, and should last a long time too. Most products can be machine washed, but some, particularly those with embellishment and glitter, might require handwashing. Due to the material choices, it’s generally thought that Kentucky Horsewear products are very durable. For example, the vegan leather used is waterproof and resistant to abrasion and tears. The company is also proud of how long its products last, saying they move through generations. Many companies are making more sustainable choices, and it’s great to see. Kentucky shares a lot about how sustainable it is, from products that are truly built to last to its eco friendly HQ that uses green energy, is CO2 neutral and has recycling initiatives too. Kentucky Horsewear is a quality brand that’s known for its durability and style. It isn’t the cheapest range we offer, but the quality of the product and the materials used, as well as the performance of them, gives people great value for money.