Hi Jen! Thank you for taking part in our new blog take over series. Most people will know you as @styledequestrian on instagram, an account solely dedicated to modern equestrian fashion and outfit inspiration which has now grown to gain a huge following of over 30,000!
You have gained such a large following on instragram and are helping so many girls to source new, unique riding outfits - also providing everyday fashion inspiration which is hard to find in the equestrian sector – was this your aim when you started the account?
I first started Styled Equestrian because I just really enjoyed putting together riding outfits and incorporating equestrian pieces into my everyday wardrobe. I have a background in modeling so I have been inspired by fashion for a long time. It just seemed like an easy, natural thing to do.
Starting your instagram account, did you ever think it was going to expand into what it is today?
I had no idea!! It has been such a pleasant surprise!! My husband and I were actually laughing about it the other day. When I first started he thought "Oh this is cute." When he realized I had over 30,000 followers already he was like "Woah, this is getting serious!"
Has fashion always been one of your main interests?
I started modeling professionally when I was 18 or 19 years old. I have been in many magazines, TV commercials, runway shows and music videos. Seventeen magazine, Levi's, Macy's and Teen magazine to name a few. I fell in love with playing dress up and fashion. It also afforded me the ability to pursue my true passion, which is horses.
Tell us a little bit about your horses?
I own Rocket, a 12 year old spunky Dutch Warmblood who I have owned for about 3 years. I had a really difficult time when I first got him....he was super challenging and sensitive. I wasn't a confident rider at all and he really needed confident rides becuase he is so spooky. I can't count how many times I left the barn in tears, feeling like I had no idea how to ride! I stuck it out though becuase when we did work together it felt great! He has taught me so much. Now I feel like I can ride anything!! At home we jump 1.10 /1.15 and at the shows we have taken many blues in the 1.00 division. He's still a challenge though and his spookiness will probably always be there. I also have Summer, who actually belongs to a friend of mine. I have been lucky enough to get to ride and show on her for almost 2 years. She is a sweetheart!! She has spunk too, but is more contained than Rocket. At home I jump her 1.10/1.20 and at the shows we have won championships in the 1.10 division. She is much easier to ride than Rocket and is my confidence builder for sure!!
How long have you been competing for?
I didn't really start competing until I bought Rocket three years ago. I didn't really ride much growing up, although I always wanted to. It just wasn't something my family could afford. I bought my first horse myself when I was 20. But I was modeling so much that I didn't have the time to compete.
What are you must do’s before a competition?
I always pick out my outfits at least a day or two in advance! I also will try to do something fun, like go to dinner with friends so that I'm not sitting at home getting all nervous and worked up the night before the show.
Style wise competing – what’s your favorite combination?
Because I do the Jumpers, I'm all about white breeches!!! I can't get enough of pairing them with a chic white show shirt and a nice show coat. Right now my fave show coat color is Royal Blue. It pops so nicely against white breeches!!
What are your summer styling tips?
I'm all about comfort when it's really hot. Some days if I know I'm going to be in the sun for hours then I will wear a long sleeve sun shirt to protect myself. Moisture wicking materials are great too. But some days I just feel like pairing a cute tee shirt with my breeches. It also depends on my mood.
Being a style blogger – you have a lot of different breeches! How do Aztec Diamond breeches compare?
I love my Aztec Diamond breeches!!! The faux snake skin are my favorite! They are super stylish....every time I wear them people freak out about how amazing they look!!! I have actually worn them with a pair of heels for a night out on the town. They're that cool! As a brand I think AD breeches are very fashion forward, while still comfortable and light. I'm a little obsessed!
What’s your favorite Aztec Diamond product so far?
Oh definitely the faux snake skin! Hands down the best!!
When your not being the elevated barn girl – what do you enjoy doing?
I am a big music lover.....I used to DJ, which is how I met my husband. I also love to travel with my family. We are very active and adventurous, so we make sure to travel as much as possible. Yesterday we took a small plane through the mountains in Alaska and landed on a glacier. It was one of the coolest experiences ever!
Being a customer from the US – do you have any fit advice when it comes to Aztec Diamond Breeches?
UK sizing runs a little smaller then US sizing, so I would order one size up.
