The Look from Behind

Believe me, as much as we'd like to ignore it, there's simply no denying: 2015 is ... the Year of the Rear. Backsides are BIG. Oh well, here at SHADBELLY we say, step aside, Kim Kardashian, because nothing says "Hey, handsome, watch me walk away" like sequin embellished back pockets on a great pair of breeches.

Featured are the Black Full Seat Riding Pant with Sequined Back Pockets by Huntley Equestrian - retail $179.99.

Constructed of a 35% Cotton, 35% Nylon, 22% Viscose and 8% Lycra blend, the breeches feature front pockets, back zip pockets, a Daewoo suede full seat panel, and contrasting stitching throughout. And yes, they're are fully machine washable, of course.

Huntley calls their cut a "modified mid-rise style" - meaning the breeches fit slightly higher than a standard mid-rise (Thanks, Huntley!). I found that the belt line fell comfortably just above the hips - and I like the balance of the wide 2" waistband as well.

Reminiscent of the Animo Ladies National breeches we all adored, but could never find here in the US, Huntley's version are available on the Huntley Equestrian website or through Amazon. SHADBELLY TIP: Order using Amazon Smile and a portion of your purchase will be donated to a charity of your choice!

What? Think we've hit bottom here at SHADBELLY? 

Cool Boots for Warm Weather

I'll admit it - I procrastinated on this post. It just seemed so cruel, so callous, so utterly HEARTLESS to luxuriate poolside and casually type out a blog about "Cool Boots for Warm Weather" when so many of you, our faithful readers, have "wintry mix" in the forecast today... 

... but we're on a crusade of sorts here at SHADBELLY, championing for functional, fashionable, and yes, "appropriate" equestrian footwear. So even if you're not headed south this season, take a break from your barn chores, tuck your half-frozen fingers into the ingenious high neck of your horse's warm, dry and ever-so-stylish Horseware Rambo Wug, close your eyes ... and THINK OF SPRING. 

A warm breeze blows through your hair, birds sing, the first foal of the year (by Totilas - why not) frolics in the field ... What? It's raining? No problem, because you're wearing your Iceni Boots from www.pbwellies.com.

That's right. A little rain and a pair of Iceni rain boots are just what you need to look puddle-jumpingly proper at the barn ... without trying too hard.

Gumleaf has a boot for every season, but the Gumleaf ICENI boots we're featuring here are designed for warmer weather. They're cotton-lined, so the Iceni's are ideal for the rainy days of spring, and even the inevitable showers that pop up all year round in Florida.

Gumleaf offers the Iceni rain boots in two different fits, a regular Iceni style for ladies who like a slimmer calf (retail for $125.00), or the Iceni Vent for those who prefer a wider calf boot (retail for $135.00). Both styles come in your choice of Blue, Black or Red. Best of all, Gumleaf boots are designed and hand made exclusively in Europe - these are REAL wellies.

Not sure about style or fit? Shoot a email to peggy@pbwellies.com because NOBODY knows wellies like Peggy and her husband, Jack. They discovered Gumleaf boots in the UK and loved them so much, they decided to bring the brand to the USA. We're thrilled they did.

Rainy day happiness? Absolutely.

Real Dressage Divas of Wellington

Ok, I just made that up, but maybe the idea isn't so far fetched. Just look at the ways equestrian apparel is being marketed today. Apologies in advance to some of our favorite brands, we LOVE you, we really DO! But while we admire the wonderfully creative and often bold images you use to grab our attention, one has to wonder ... Does it really take platform heels, half-naked models and an overabundance of tattoos to sell a pair of breeches?

Not if they're the ALL NEW version of TuffRider's Ladies Piaffe "High Rise" Full Seat Breeches at the SHOCKINGLY LOW price point of $89.95.

The New TuffRider High Rise Full Seat Breeches are elegant and wonderfully well constructed. Features include the SILX stretch imitation leather fullseat, a new and innovative stretch ankle design, and the luxurious stretch microfiber fabric for a comfortable and flattering fit.

Best of all? The higher rise design. Yes, FINALLY breeches you can wear with a crop top and still keep your belly button barbell discretely hidden! (Just kiddin'.) Kudos to TuffRider for adding a "high rise" option to their popular line of Piaffe breeches, because right now, whether you're talking about breeches or blue jeans, the high rise cut is refreshingly MODERN. 

Especially if you're showing in a shadbelly, or any cutaway coat - the higher rise breeches are a MUST HAVE. No more muffin-top, sloppy shirt, distracting low slung belt. PLUS - now you can bend over and zip up your boots with DIGNITY and grace. 

And, while we're on a bit of a rant here, we can't resist declaring emphatically that the THE PLATFORM HEEL AND BREECHES TREND IS D.E.A.D. That's right. When it comes to equestrian footwear, the rule here at SHADELLY is: If you can't JOG in them, you probably shouldn't BLOG in them.

Disagree? That's ok, darlin'. Go ahead and sign up for that Zoom Tan membership, squeeze into your favorite low riders, and step into those 5.5" heels, because auditions for the Real Dressage Divas of Wellington start tomorrow.