2022 was a big year for equestrians across the country. It was the first year after COVID with a full and normal show season, and it was a year of playing “catch-up” for many equestrians and their horses. At JPC Equestrian, our 2022 season was a memorable year full of new partnerships and new opportunities. Whether it was adding new brands to our horse tack store, Breeches.com, or creating new high-quality products, we’re grateful for all that we have accomplished in the past year.
JPC Equestrian in the News in 2022
Chances are, if you ride horses you’ve heard about the recent Virginia Tech STAR Helmet Study. As the first of its kind for the equestrian community, this study is making headlines across all media outlets in the United States. We’re so excited that the study ranked our TuffRider Carbon Fiber Helmet in second place compared to helmets selling for ten times its price.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have been testing and rating helmets since 2011. So far, they have researched helmets for sports including football, flag football, hockey, cycling, soccer, snow sports, white water rafting, and, most recently, equestrian sports. The goal of these studies is to identify which helmets are best at reducing concussion risk.
The acronym STAR stands for Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk. Researchers at Virginia Tech put each helmet through a series of different tests that simulate common impacts sustained in each sport and then deduce a helmet rating from a summary of all the tests. A helmet with a lower raw score does a better job of protecting the wearer from concussions. Each score is equal to a rating from one to five stars, with five stars being the best.
For the first time ever, a $50 helmet has been pitted against a $700 helmet in the ultimate test. The results were industry-transforming, particularly for equestrian shops online. There was a $100 dollar difference between the top ranked helmet and the second place winner: the TuffRider Carbon Fiber Helmet.
Featuring an adjustable dial for a customized fit, the TuffRider Carbon Fiber helmet can be worn with a ponytail and is designed to fit both adults and children, if the correct size is purchased. Stainless steel mesh covered ventilation slots allow for added breathability on hot summer days, while a Coolmax washable lining wicks sweat away from the rider’s head. Available in most tack shops online, the TuffRider Carbon Fiber Helmet has an outer shell that is designed to be strong and durable enough to protect the rider in most equestrian accidents.
New Products in 2022: Making Equestrian Equipment More Accessible
At JPC Equestrian, we believe that we have a responsibility and an opportunity to help increase accessibility to horses by offering lower prices for high-quality products. Our online tack store, Breeches.com, is crucial to this mission.
Every child should have the opportunity to love and be loved by a horse. Horses teach us so many things, and the world would be a better place if that knowledge was shared. Unfortunately, the reality is that many people cannot afford to get their children into horseback riding.
One of the biggest things the horse world has been criticized for is its elitism. Saddles that cost tens of thousands of dollars and riding boots that cost more than a month’s worth of groceries for a family of two do not help this issue. That’s why JPC Equestrian started Breeches.com.
Products from our in-house brands are designed to keep prices low, while still providing our customers with high-quality equipment.
TuffRider Western Boots
Too many Western boot brands focus on either fashion or function. TuffRider’s new line of Western boots prioritizes both. The majority of our TuffRider Western boots feature handmade soles. These soles are available in either resin, rubber, or leather. Whatever your personal style or fashion preferences, you’ll be able to find a pair you love among our selection of Western boots by TuffRider. For these high-quality leather boots, prices range from $50 to $100 dollars.
Henri de Rivel Novice Club Close Contact Saddle
One of the biggest purchases a new horse owner must make is a quality saddle. Unfortunately, saddles typically cost thousands of dollars. We developed our Henri de Rivel Novice Club Close Contact Saddle to change that. This saddle is designed for beginner, amateur, or pleasure riders who are starting the sport. Great for equitation and jumping with padded flaps and concealed knee rolls that assist with leg stability and support. With the Novice Club Close Contact Saddle, new riders can purchase a quality saddle for less than $500 dollars.
TuffRider Ranger Trail and Pleasure Saddle
We also debuted our first Western saddle in 2022. Made with light oil leather and a partial basketweave combination tooling pattern and rough out suede seat, the Ranger Trail and Pleasure Western Saddle is perfect for the beginner cowboy or cowgirl. It is lightweight and durable which will make tacking up easier and riding more enjoyable. Staying true to our goal of providing high-quality equipment for less, this economically priced saddle will allow more Western horse enthusiasts to enter the market.
Henri de Rivel All-Terrain Endurance IGP Saddle
The Henri de Rivel All-Terrain Endurance IGP Saddle is great for scenic and long distance rides, trail riding and high-speed activities, or starting young horses. Launched in 2022, we built this saddle to be durable, and functional. The All-Terrain saddle is lightweight and features a padded seat to keep the horse and rider comfortable for those long rides! The Interchangeable Gullet Plate system assists you in adjusting the height and fit of this saddle so that you can perform various tricks comfortably.
TuffWrap
In 2022, we introduced our TuffRider TuffWrap Cohesive Bandage. This self-adhesive bandage provides support while staying put without sticking to fur or hair. This bandage allows skin to breathe through cool, lightweight & porous material to keep you, your horse, or pet comfortable.
TuffRider Barain Collection
The TuffRider Barain Waterproof Tall Boots are good for working in the garden or out in the barn. They are waterproof with a heavy duty cotton lining. Durable and tough, these boots will keep your feet dry no matter the weather. Excellent muck boots for the budget-minded equestrian, this boot is designed with a kick-off spur, for added convenience.
Caring for Our Workers: Charitable Donations in 2022
At JPC Equestrian, we did not start Breeches.com to become a part of the “fast fashion” industry. Our low prices come from our drive to give every penny back to our customers.
Whereas other brands may be able to offer low prices by sourcing from irresponsible manufacturers and providing low-quality apparel and equipment, our tack store seeks to do exactly the opposite. We own all of our factories and control every part of the manufacturing process. Materials are sourced responsibly and are hand-chosen by our team.
In 2006, Laurie and Timmy Sharma visited JPC Equestrian factories in New Delhi, India. Shocked by the level of poverty in the surrounding community and the motherless children that swarmed the streets, Laurie knew something had to be done. The idea came to both Timmy and Laurie when they hosted a luncheon in India for the factory workers and their families. 3,000 people arrived and the luncheon turned into a celebration. It was at this luncheon that inspiration struck both Timmy and Laurie.
In 2010, they founded the Salvation Tree School: a school designed to give the children of JPC Equestrian employees a free education (including college tuition) and help them succeed beyond the limits of India’s caste system. A growing percentage of JPC Equestrian’s proceeds are donated to the Salvation Tree School each year. Although it started with just 40 students and a leased building, the brand new 160,000 square foot school is now home to more than 400 students, including some children from wealthier families who pay tuition.
In 2022, we were delighted to continue our efforts with the Salvation Tree Foundation and are looking forward to continuing to grow the school and offering education to those who need it most in India.
New House Brands in 2022: AWST International
JPC Equestrian was very excited to welcome AWST International in 2022. Our most recent addition to our collection of in-house brands, including Henri de Rivel, TuffRider, and Equine Couture, AWST International was started by experienced Western rider Jeannie Macone. Jeannie built and developed the brand from the ground up for over 26 years, creating a dedicated fan base and prioritizing high-quality products designed with equestrians in mind.
While Jeannie has turned the business aspects of AWST International over to JPC Equestrian– AWST fans don’t need to worry. The AWST design team will still maintain and grow the creative aspects of the brand, so you can expect the same styles you’ve grown to love.
AWST has been committed to designing high-quality equestrian-themed jewelry and gifts since its conception. Now, the brand will be expanding with exciting new products and more for you to love.
Take a look at our new collection of AWST cosmetic bags that were just added to the Breeches.com website. These beautifully-patterned cosmetic bags are fully-lined for easy, convenient cleaning. Available in two different sizes, medium and large, you’ll be able to choose the perfect size to fit all of your makeup, brushes, and more.
With AWST, you can show off your equestrian style whether you’re at home or on the go. Beautify your kitchen with a set of AWST International kitchen towels. If you choose your outfits with care and are always on the cutting-edge of the latest fashion trends, then you need to take a look at AWST International’s collection of equestrian-themed clothing and jewelry.
AWST has created beautiful pashminas, made of a combination of silk and pashmina, which is a variant of cashmere. This soft fabric provides the base for our reversible bit pattern, featuring o-ring, snaffle, and D-ring bits. Each side features a light and dark shade of the color of your choosing. A pashmina is the perfect addition to your outfit. Wrap it around yourself when it gets cold, or loop it around your neck like a beautiful scarf to keep your hands free.
We were so excited to add AWST International products to our horse tack shop in 2022. Keep an eye on our homepage to stay up-to-date.
Click here to learn more about AWST International.
New Brands Added to Breeches.com in 2022
In 2022, we welcomed dozens of new brands to the Breeches.com tack store, including high-end brands like Ariat, LeMieux, and Kerrits.
LeMieux
Robert Lemieux became involved in the equestrian world as an event rider, competing at Olympic and World Championship level for Great Britain and later for Canada. He retired from professional riding after a serious injury but continued to compete up to Badminton 2004. Robert and his wife Lisa started Horse Health in 2003, selling supplements from a van, and continued to grow the business until they launched the LeMieux brand in 2009, when they identified a need for quality lambskin saddle pads. “We really wanted to make equipment that was innovative, well-made but above all, affordable.” This is the philosophy they still pursue today. As this philosophy so closely matches our own, we were so excited to offer LeMieux products on Breeches.com in 2022.
Ariat
One of the most well-known equestrian brands across both English and Western disciplines, Ariat products became available on Breeches.com in 2022. Ariat doesn’t just add high-quality products to our online tack store, they also match our values. Every year Ariat strives to become more eco-friendly and to reduce their carbon footprint. They also give back to and support various equestrian organizations, including the Secretariat Foundation, Compton Junior Equestrians, and Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors.
Kimes Ranch
For our hardcore Western riders, we started offering Kimes Ranch jeans on the Breeches.com horse tack store in 2022. Kimes Ranch was founded with a mission to create jeans the way they used to be– a simple timeless staple; durability made them the cowboy’s must-have.
Cinch
Cinch has stood at the forefront of Western Wear since it was founded in 1996. We were so excited to start offering Cinch on our online horse tack store, not only because of their quality products, but also because of their Cinch Cares initiatives. The Cinch scholarship helps aspiring students pursue their dreams in college and university.
Horseware Ireland
While best known for their durable blankets, Horseware Ireland also offers equestrian apparel, horse boots, bridles, and other equine equipment. Another brand that we added to our horse tack shop in 2022, Horseware Ireland provides our customers with the best quality products that money can buy.
Equiline
Equiline was founded in the province of Padua in 1989 by two brothers, Paolo and Renato Marchetto. The brothers, who have been supplying fashion brands since the 1970s, combined their passion and expertise to create the ACS System, the world's first saddle pad made of natural fibers and highly breathable padding, with excellent shock absorption. We were thrilled to be able to offer Equiline products to our customers starting in 2022.
Goode Rider
Goode Rider has been developing and selling their products for over 20 years. Today, we’re proud to offer them in our tack store thanks to their quality products and fashion-forward style.
Shires
Established in 1968, Shires Equestrian manufactures affordable quality equipment for the horse and rider. We were excited to start selling this family-owned brand in our horse tack shop in 2022, as their bright patterns and economical prices are well-suited to our mission of curating more accessible equestrian equipment.
Justin Boots
Justin Boot Company has been handcrafting western footwear since 1879 when founder H.J. Justin mastered the craft of boot-making and established this industry-leading western footwear brand. Justin Boots is yet another high-quality Western boot company that we were proud to begin offering on our online tack store in 2022.
Kask
An expert in cycling, snow, and equestrian helmets, Kask has created a brand based on three simple words: elegance, safety, and comfort. While not a budget-friendly option, Kask helmets offer an elevated shopping experience for our horse tack store.
Helly Hansen
From their home base in Norway, Helly Hansen has been making professional grade gear to help people stay and feel alive for more than 140 years. We were excited to bring their rugged, yet fashionable, outerwear to our horse tack store to help our customers stay warm whatever the weather.
R.J. Classics
Breeches.com was proud to add R.J. Classics to our offerings in 2022. Their extensive coat, shirt, breech and accessory selections and sure to be your new favorites. Enjoy the beautiful styling, luxurious fabrics and unique linings that will set you apart in the show ring or on the hunt field.
Grace in L.A.
This Los Angeles-based brand produces high quality, fashion-forward denim. Grace in L.A.’s premium stretch denim is long-lasting and comfortable. Better yet, their fashion-forward designs offer Breeches.com customers something new and unique.
Dublin/Weatherbeeta
Equestrians need fashionable footwear, as well as riding boots and muck boots. That’s why we added Weatherbeeta Dublin casual shoes to our horse tack shop in 2022. These durable and stylish shoes offer classic equestrian style and optimal comfort.
Kerrits
Originally starting as a swimwear brand, Kerrits is now well-known for their ultra comfortable breeches and riding shirts. We added this great brand to our horse tack shop in 2022 due to their high-quality products and wholesome values.
Flair Equine Nasal Strips
The makers of FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips, Achieve Equine, were added to our horse tack store in 2022. Flair products are a must-have for riders and owners of high performance horses. Horses need an incredible amount of oxygen to meet their required energy metabolic rate when working.
Tipperary
Tipperary has protected riders for over 30 years with high-quality equestrian riding gear. In 2022, we added Tipperary to our tack store. Our line of Tipperary items includes equestrian riding helmets and Tipperary vests, all meeting the highest standards of safety within the industry.
Big D Blankets
Big D Blankets specializes in quality, comfort, and fit for the working ranch or cow-type horse. With over 50 years of experience, Big D products are durable and reliable. In 2022, we added Big D Blankets to our tack store to serve our growing Western audience.
Back on Track
Back on Track carries a vast array of horse therapy products, such as horse leg wraps, saddle pads, riding helmets, and much more. Their products feature Welltex therapeutic fabric, which is used to increase blood circulation throughout the body and deliver increased relief and shortened healing times. Find their products for both horses and humans on our online tack store here.
Durango
For the past 50 years, Durango has been the number one brand for rock-and-roll inspired Western Wear. In 2022, we added their colorful and eye-catching boots to our online tack store.
Happy New Year from JPC Equestrian
Whether you’re an experienced professional rider or a new-to-horses beginner, our horse tack shop has something for everyone. In 2022, we expanded the brands available on Breeches.com to continue to meet the needs of our varied customer base. We are looking forward to our continued expansion into the Western market in 2023 and continuing our mission to increase accessibility to equestrian sports, while improving the lives of our most vulnerable employees.