What is Perfect?

What is Perfect?

 

Social media is absolutely full of it, it oozes out of every pore like a teenager with acne. We’re either desperately for IT, or actively seeking to subvert IT. But, that’s beside the point, by engaging into dialogue with IT, we are ultimately all guilty (myself included) in seeking to define the simply undefinable, and as such we are all responsible for making ourselves feel frankly somewhat less than perfect.

So take a deep breath guys and swallow this bitter pill, because there is no perfect bottom, there is no perfect bosom, and if there was, well we’d find a flaw. 

Why? Not because we’re bitches but because it’s subjective: what is one person’s blue might be another person’s green. We all see things differently and we should actively celebrate the differences, these little quirks of nature, and not try to find one size to fit all.

Here at Derriere Equestrian we do just that. Take a look at our Derriere of The Year Campaign, a group of gorgeous men and women, all different shapes and sizes, all united in being extremely talented, vivacious and full of confidence. It is the personality that bubbles behind their physiques that makes them Derriere Equestrian’s standard of perfection.

Everyone may have different ideas about what is perfect but what we can unite ourselves with, is that which can enhance our performance, our comfort, our ambitions. We sell pants, but we don’t just sell pants, we sell a tool to increase a riders potential, we sell something that has been extensively researched to suit EVERY body, EVERY rider. 

Who can argue with the statistics? In a very short space of time we have gained the backing of Carl Hester MBE, Dressage Olympic Gold Medal Winner in 2012, together with many international top names all over the globe in: Eventing, Endurance, Dressage, Show Jumping and Polo.  We have been awarded Silver at the SPOGA Innovations Awards 2014, finalist in 2015 BETA Business Awards and Winner of the FEDEX Small Business award 2016. We export to over 27 countries and we are stocked in 126 retailers all over the world.

We don’t buy into the idea of perfection, we make our own ‘perfect’, we’re unique and we play by our own rules and standards. One size does not fit all, and perfect doesn’t exist, only you, and only you matter.

Lottie Keble-Wyatt

TEAM DERRIERE
www.derriereequestrian.com 

Road to Rio - Derriere Equestrian Sponsored Rider Erin Orford

Road to Rio - Derriere Equestrian Sponsored Rider Erin Orford

The road to Rio

Derriere Equestrian sponsored rider Erin Orford is one of Britain’s most determined and inspirational dressage riders, and is waiting with baited breath to see whether the Para Games selectors will choose her for Rio later this year. There are just five GB places at the Para Games on the dressage team, and Erin has been working exceptionally hard for the past few years to earn a coveted place on the squad. She has been shortlisted, and with team selection imminent for Rio, and final selections for the Paralympic team of five focusing on results from this month’s Wellington KBIS Championships and July’s Hartpury International event, we asked Erin how she deals with the pressures of selection. “The Para Games selectors are watching our performances throughout the rest of the year too, so it's kind of ongoing,” she says pragmatically.

“I've also done a lot of work over the years with our team psychologist and the rest of my support team to have a pre-competition routine, which I try to stick to as closely as possible whether it's a qualifier or an international, so that it becomes natural,” adds the Grade Two rider, who is missing the radius bone in both arms, meaning she has shortened lower arms and only four fingers on each hand. “I'm also a bi-lateral through knee amputee, so I have no lower legs, making my seat extra important - my Derriere undies are invaluable!” Erin adds.

“A privilege”

The race for selection is in fact no race, but a long term, strategic plan to succeed in her discipline and be the best rider and horse producer that Erin can be. The dressage star was shortlisted for the London 2012 Paralympic Games with her horse Nirvana Morroko (Roko), and has also competed in able bodied contests up to Advanced Medium level. Roko is a 13 yr old KWPN gelding by Orame (part owned by Diana Barley), and is described by his owner as being quite cheeky. “He’s always in your face - he loves being fussed and would happily stand all day being pampered,” smiles Erin, who has represented England on an able-bodied team for a Home International event. “He also loves the big occasion; probably because it means he's centre of attention, and he is ruled by his stomach - a trait that he's also encouraging with my top ride, Pimms!”

Pimms (competition name Dior, owned by Annabel Whittet), is a 13 yr old Hanoverian chestnut mare by Keystone DiMaggio. “She is incredibly kind natured and is sensitive to ride, which works in my favour,” Erin adds. “She's not really that fussed about other horses, because she thinks she's far too important, but she loves a big show, especially with an audience. She has an enormous walk, and an elegant trot, which is great for my tests; but at 17hh, I think we could do with a bigger arena at times!”

Working with animals of such size and strength that ultimately choose to let you ride them and influence their way of going is a privilege for Erin. “It is incredible. They put their trust in us, and when you see some of the best horse and rider combinations, it really is a true partnership,” Erin says. “What I love about our sport is that you can be a 5ft2, slight women and you can be competitive and win against 6ft tall men, because the sport isn't just about the strength of a rider - there are so many other factors that influence your way of riding, and how the horse goes. Felling the power underneath you, and when a specific movement clicks with the horse when they've been struggling, is so satisfying,” she continues.

Part of something great

Here at Derriere, we are wishing Erin all the best for her impending events at Wellington and Hartpury, and asked her what Rio selection would mean. “The Olympics and Paralympics are the pinnacle of every athlete's career, and for me it's no different. It's been a long journey with a lot of ups and downs, not just for me but also my family and support team and sponsors, who ride the rollercoaster with me. But getting to Rio and even standing on the podium would be my thanks to them, to show them that it was all worth it, and that they could be proud of being part of something great,” she concludes generously.

We are are all ready to assist Erin's #RoadToRio packing with some extra special Derrieres.

GOOD LUCK TEAM ERIN 

www.derriereequestrian.com 

Derriere Equestrian #DOTY Model of the Year 2016

Derriere Equestrian DOTY & PHOTY 2016

PANTS: Often derogatory, colloquial term used to describe an unpleasant or irritating situation.

Not so, on this occasion.  Whilst the harsh British weather threw more rain on us and blasted icy, May winds (did I mention the British weather?) 12 brave individuals and 2 tame photographers braced themselves to become DOTY and PHOTY 2016!

Amidst the beautiful surroundings of a converted Georgian building in Gloucester the competition for Derriere of the Year and Equestrian Photographer of the Year 2016 took place.  The annual event organised by Claire Galer, MD and Founder of Derriere Equestrian, showcases the finest in equestrian under garments. Derrieres have been developed specifically for horse riders of any discipline and with a new range of sports bras to match their already popular pants and briefs, they are set to fully support riders with technology and fashion.

The 12 model hopefuls, 6 men and 6 women – although not to be ageist, I feel more comfortable referring to them as boys and girls – looked a tad nervous as they awaited their turn to descend the stairs into the judges’ lair!

Photographers Anthony and Lorna got busy snapping candid, posed, contrived and natural shots.  Each model brought a new twist to the game and was able to display the versatility of the garments to their full potential – much to the judges’ delight!  

The shy barefoot beauty of Eve was countered by Sarah and her bannister sliding entrance with killer heels and a whip!

The boys were no less impressive and with some jaw dropping displays, it was clear that the competition was as strong as the models.  Their professionalism was to be commended as they stood there in a state of near undress and answered questions from the judges about music, holidays, horses and what being crowned DOTY 2016 would mean to them.

Lunch – for judges, not models (I’ll bloat!”) was followed by more photos and informal chat with the judges, organisers and photographers.  This was closely monitored by all the team as it would be a crucial element in the decision process.  Can we work with these people?  How do they react under direction?  Does my bum look big in this? – Actually nobody said that!

It very quickly became apparent that choosing the winner was not going to be an easy task.  This group of young men and women showed such incredible support and camaraderie towards each other, such willingness to assist and work hard.  Their characters shone through and they really were an absolute pleasure to work with.

Decision time came with the provision of a lavish cream tea – which none of the judges felt they needed but somehow managed to force down – all home made by the lovely Juliet Ashcroft 

Deliberation, discussion and finally several scones later the DOTY 2016 were crowned!

Mitch Fernandez and Gabriella Rose Prior, Congratulations!  All eyes are on you! As the new “faces” of Derriere Equestrian the world eagerly awaits you! 

And like your Derrieres, we are all right behind you!

DOTY 2016 in numbers:

Judges: 6

Contestants: 300 whittled down to 12

Scones consumed: 24

Litres of baby oil applied: 5

Use of word Hot: 3,468

Use of word Fabulous: 5,000+

Follow #DOTY2016  on Twitter @DerriereEQ Facebook /derriereeq and on our website blog www.derriereequestrian.com/blog for all the latest on the gorgeous winners and for more information on Derriere Equestrian.

www.derriereequestrian.com 

Derriere Equestrian ~ Fashion ~ Fabric ~ Quality ~ Excellence.

Fashion, fabric, quality and excellence. 

A closer look at the couture design, high quality and efficacy of Derriere Equestrian Underwear

Technical excellence

Anyone that has ridden in Derriere riding underwear knows that the garments are comfortable, practical and good looking - so much so that we forget we are wearing such advanced pieces of engineered apparel!

Based in Italy, our padding manufacturers, pioneers of the Elastic Fabric Interface, are regarded as the world-wide leader in designing and developing insert pads for cycling shorts, and have demonstrated reduced compression in the gluteal, perineal and genital-urinary area zone - that’s our ‘Nethers’, to you and me - when such protective garments are worn. We have embraced this expertise in our horse riding underwear range and worked with our team over many years developing the perfect support seat for horse riders.

Let’s be honest - who wants compromised blood flow, restricted movement, compression sores, bacterial challenges and uncomfy pants with itchy seams? 

No one - as horse riders, we want to be focused on our riding and training, giving little thought to our clothing. We tend to only notice our riding wear when it is not fulfilling a need - such as breathability or un-restriction - and with Derriere riding underwear, our customers simply do not notice the excellent job that the under-garments are doing, because these technologically-advanced support-systems are doing all the work for us!

Advanced materials

We thought you may be interested to know that our Derriere Equestrian riding underwear is made from a breathable, micro-fibre fabric made from a Polyamide and Elasthanne blend with multi-directional stretch. Special, high density foam inserts are placed at key pressure points to provide maximum comfort and performance, while the outside edge of the inner pads have extra soft fabric, to eliminate any chaffing.

We are talking bonded, seamless technology with no abrasive edges and reduced stitched seam-lines, for supreme comfort when riding your horse or pony. Our manufacturing experts utilise single jersey electronic circular knitting machines, and when you unwrap your perfect pants, you can be safe in the knowledge that a talented band of textile engineers, chemists, technicians, designers and fabric selection experts have paved the way for your perineal perfection.

The range of Derriere Equestrian products go through more than 50 controls during their transformation in production, so you can be sure of a high-quality piece of sporting apparel that has breathable, bacteriostatic fabric (that prevents bacteria from reproducing). Our under-garments are ideal for flatwork training, horse riding holidays, leisure riding and hacking, and all competition riding, even under tight, light-coloured breeches, when your own derriere will be shrouded in a masterpiece of underwear engineering!

Visit our website to learn more, meet the team and find your local Derriere Equestrian Retailer

www.derriereequestrian.com