International focus - Why fabulous Finnish riders favour our Derriere Equestrian foxy fashions

International focus - Why fabulous Finnish riders favour our foxy fashions

Derriere has a well-selected range of equestrian stores stocking our products internationally, boasting a growing team of esteemed and professional retailers that we work with all over be the world. ‘Just Dressage’ is a leading Finnish retailer of equestrian products, and a key international retailer of Derriere Equestrian’s revered under-garments. 

We caught up with CEO Matilda Hyle, to find out why she loves the Derriere range:

DE - Our first question has to be - what is your best-selling Derriere Equestrian product at Just Dressage?

MH - It’s the Derriere Equestrian Performance Padded Panty! Our customers love the fact that it is designed to eradicate seam-lines - so there’s no rubbing, chaffing or abrasions for the wearer, due to stitched seams. Next would be the Derriere Equestrian Performance Padded Shorty - the design is beautiful, and combines the company’s bonded technology with the light seam stitch.

DE - Can you describe the equestrian marketplace in Finland?

MH - Horse owners in Finland are varied! They include mainly those who board their horses at bigger barns and stabling facilities. The people who keep their horses at home are a bit less common in our locality - however, we are located in Espoo, just 15kg from the capital city of Helsinki. Here, the land is expensive and most stables are located in the surrounding counties!

In Finland, riding is a growing sport, and most of the new riders in our country are adult amateurs. They’re looking maybe for a past-time that is relaxing and ‘outdoorsy’, and maybe to get in touch with nature through the horses, as an opposite to sitting at the office for hours on end, in their job! They love the Derriere range.

DE - What do you think are the main riding disciplines that your customers take part in?

“Customers come to us for quality products that support their riding aspirations, and work well for a fair price...”

MH - The customers that choose Derriere are mainly dressage and hobby riders; they tend to be not only people that own their own horse, but also those who lease a horse a couple of times a week, or who ride in riding schools. They come to us for quality products that support their riding aspirations, and work well for a fair price.

Would you like to stock Derriere Equestrian’s underwear range for horse riders?

The full Derriere Equestrian range is now available in over 200 equestrian retail stores, across over 30 countries. From Australia and New Zealand to China and Japan, and from the United States to Europe, we welcome pioneering, forward-thinking retailers who want to showcase modern brands and technologically-advanced products. If you represent a retail outlet and would like to become a stockist, contact us today at info@derriereequestrian.com

INSPIRATION & INNOVATION BECKON AT THE WORLD'S LEADING EQUESTRIAN FAIRS

The Business of Show

The winter trade show season is upon us, and Derriere Equestrian is very excited to be heading off to the UK’s British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) International (22-24 Jan), followed by SPOGA Horse (5-7 Feb). These industry trade shows offer us a thrilling opportunity to meet retailers and buyers face to face, and to showcase our range of ergonomic, sporting riding underwear and breeches to interested parties. You can’t beat touching a product, stretching it to assess its malleable properties, stroking the tactile material, checking out the manufacturing quality, and examining the dimensions and sizing - this gives store owners, buyers and distributors the chance to see the Derriere Difference - a superior product that is a market leader! So we welcome the chance to invite interested parties onto our striking purple exhibition stand for a drink and chat at both trade shows, to discuss stocking our innovative range.

So what can retailers expect when they peruse the latest ranges from Derriere? Derriere Equestrian is without doubt the first equestrian undergarment rage to provide effective, stylish riding underwear. No bulky seam-lines, or stitching on the seam-lines where rubbing can occur! We use wicking materials with bacteriostatic properties, and of course padding is a unique selling point of Derriere’s range. We use breathable fabrics and yarns, eradicating the adverse effects of materials that absorb perspiration, causing chaffing and irritation to the skin. Importantly, our underwear is ergonomically and scientifically designed, ensuring no fabric edges will interfere with the anatomical proportions of the rider’s body where there is contact between rider and saddle.

Paying for quality

Our price point has been placed within the mid to upper range, and our customers testify that the price reflects the quality of the garments, and the manufacturing processes used. These are specialised sporting fabrics from Italy, using the highest grades of quality control, with 50 quality control measures between the start of manufacture to dispatch. You can’t put a price on comfort and a more effective partnership with the horse!

Our company has a successful distribution model with wholesalers, agents and retailers in scores of countries; orders come direct from our UK warehouse and we have a very swift and professional logistics team fulfilling trade and website orders.

Derriere is an award winning company - we were victorious in the 2016 Fedex Small Business Awards, were finalists in last year’s BETA Business Awards, and in 2014 won the coveted Spoga Horse Silver Innovation Award. We look forward to finding out who receives accolades at BETA and SPOGA this year!

A revolution

We are also thrilled to be launching our Derriere Sportief Bra at both trade shows - this is a ladies’ sports bra made from high-tech, breathable, temperature-regulating fabric that wicks away moisture, so please do come along and see why this attractive, empowering product is set to revolutionise the sports bra market! We are taking client bookings from all over the world, so do get in touch to reserve a time-slot if you’d like a personal showcase of our range. (+44 (0)1386 853039).

THE BENEFITS OF LAYERING

Lots of layers

When shopping for outdoor or equestrian clothing, most people will have heard a lot about utilising a layering system. Layering your clothing can help you to keep warm, dry and comfortable through varying conditions, allowing you to add or remove layers, depending on how you feel and the conditions you’re in.

As you’d expect, layered clothing is a term which describes dressing using many garments that are worn on top of each other; these layers have different functions. The concept of layering is that two thin layers can be warmer yet lighter than one thick layer, because of the air trapped between layers, creating thermal insulation. Thermal insulation involves the principles of three different kinds of heat transfer; conduction (exchange of heat through contact), convection (movement of air), and radiation.

Air has a low thermal conductivity, but is very mobile. There are thus two elements that are important in protecting from the cold:

1.) Stopping the wind from penetrating and replacing the layer of warm air close to the body.

2.) Setting up a layer of still air which serves as insulation, by the use of fibres found in clothing.

By using a layering system, clothing layers are able to transfer moisture, provide warmth, and protection from the wind and rain.

At the most basic level, the layering system will consist of three layers:

1) A Base layer - worn next to the skin to help to regulate your body temperature and wick away moisture from your skin.

2) Mid-layer - used to trap the warmth your body generates. Depending on the weather, this can be a Fleece or a Softshell jacket.

3) Outer Layer - usually this is your protective layer. For example, a waterproof jacket to create a barrier from the wind and rain, or a high visibility or fluorescent jacket to ensure you are safe on the roads during winter.

Derriere Equestrian Underwear provides the all essential perfection in base layers worn next to the skin. All fabrics are produced to ensure ultimate wicking properties ensure the prevention of friction and rubbing to the rider. The NEW DE Sportief Bra boasts a 3 Tier Dry Wicking Fabric Transferance, ensuring the rider is comfortable and dry at all times.

Look no further than Derriere Equestrian for the essential base layering system apparrel. 

Breeches

When choosing your training breeches in winter, less can be more! Look out for a product that offers optimal warmth and comfort as well as performance, so you don’t need to wear bulky layers beneath your breeches. The Derriere Equestrian Treviso Training breeches are designed to promote work in harmony with the Derriere undergarments, ensuring all fabric surfaces come together in a symbiosis that completely eliminates chaffing, abrasions and discomfort. They are made from a blend of Cotton, Microfibre and Elasthane that regulates body temperature beautifully.

Warming up

We all warm up our horses, but should we ‘warm up’ ourselves? Usually we can gain benefit from ‘warming up’ our own muscles as the horse warms up - lots of arm circles backwards to release the shoulders, as well as gentle head rolls to loosen the neck muscles. Let your legs hang loose from the stirrups in walk, and rotate the ankles inwards, to loosen everything up!

VISIT WWW.DERRIEREEQUESTRIAN.COM

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON QUALITY FABRICS AND GARMENTS FOR THE PERFECT EQUESTRIAN BASE LAYERS FOR RIDERS 2017

HOW YOUR TORSO AFFECTS POSITION AND CONTACT

Positional points

Brand new Derriere Equestrian sponsored rider Daisy Berkeley offers some advice on how your torso affects your riding position.

For any rider working to achieve a consistent rhythm and outline with their flatwork, the torso is key. It can influence all aspects of your riding, in both positive and negative ways.

From a dressage point of view, judges are looking for a horse that goes forward with a good level of self carriage, rather than one with a false outline, whatever the level of competition. It is common to see people ‘hanging on’ to the rein contact, with a rigid hand. However, the hand simply connects the seat to the horse’s mouth, ideally in an elastic way. The seat and the elbow are the ‘anchors’ of the rider’s position – not the hand!

Self carriage

Equine self carriage is achieved through a soft, yet consistent rein contact, and targeted flatwork training to get the horse working forwards into the contact. The rider should aim to carry the hands and keep them level, without trying to interfere with the horse’s head carriage too much; it is also important to ensure the rider’s arms don’t straighten, which is an indicator of tense shoulders. Tense shoulders usually lead to a fixed hand, meaning the rein contact isn’t elastic!

‘Carrying the hands’ really starts at the shoulders – when you are schooling, try to think about establishing a good rhythm with sufficient self carriage, without ‘holding’ the horse – the hands can actually be quite light. For a good rein contact and a correct torso position, drop the elbow comfortably and relax it. This is the key to having a good rein contact; not a fixed hand!

A common fault for many riders is to collapse their hip – they usually drop their hip to the outside, which imbalances the horse. Remember, your body weight needs to be in the direction of movement. To correct or avoid a collapsed hip, sit up tall and make sure your back isn’t slumped. Relax your shoulders and check your arms – do they have a bend at the elbow? Carry the hands!

Remember also the importance of ‘personal comfort’ in the saddle - if you are working to improve your flatwork, good riding underwear is a boon. Consider padded underwear like the Derriere range; remember - when the rider is comfortable within the saddle, there is less likelihood of compensatory misalignment of the spine and pelvis, e.g. altering the body position to avoid pain to the sensitive crotch areas. And a comfy ‘personal area’ means a more effective partnership with the horse!

“THE DAY IN THE LIFE STORY” FEDEX FILMING AT DERRIERE EQUESTRIAN HEAD OFFICE

Derriere Equestrian head office was a blaze of activity yesterday as the FedEx film & marketing crew came to call. Founder Claire Galer, last years small business contest winner, took to floor in the interview hot seat - talking brand story, triumphs & challenges, while team Derriere's Rachel Baldwin & Ian Piper joined the action at various locations during the day. Looking to inspire entrants for this years Small Business Grant Contest, FedEx filmed their 'day in the life' of Derriere Equestrian at various locations throughout the grounds, gaining an intimate view into the story of this incredible Brit brand.

Derriere Equestrian head office was ablaze with activity on Monday the 9th of January, when a professional film & marketing team from FedEx descended to film last year’s winner of their Small Business Grant contest, Claire Galer.

Technical precision and a strong set of core values form the formidable foundation nestled at the heart of Derriere Equestrian. This was recognized by FedEx who look for innovation, passion, business acumen & market-leading qualities in their yearly contest.

FedEx award small business grants to entrepreneurs all over the world who have creativity and drive for their businesses. Winners become part of a community that gain and share insights from peers, and enjoy great exposure. Innovative individuals drive the economy, and true entrepreneurs will always originate forward-thinking concepts to influence ongoing business development. 2016 was the first Business Grant Awarded by FedEx in the UK, with Derriere Equestrian crowned as the Winners.

The filming objectives looked to inspire new entrants for the 2017 contest, with a’ behind the lens’ view at the Derriere Equestrian brand story, and just what it takes to win the contest – journeying through the challenges, triumphs and the market position today.

The ‘Day In The Life of Team Derriere’ covered interviews with founder Claire Galer, ‘in-situ’ work day activity including Derriere Equestrian Marketing Manager Rachel Baldwin and Ian Piper of the Technical Design Team, product shots and a production meeting regarding NPD & the imminent launch of the DE Sportief Bra, the very product that the £20.000 prize award boosted into production.
 

The FedEx Filming Crew, Production Team and Marketing Executives will pull together 5 short films featuring The Story behind Derriere Equestrian, the journey to production and Hints and Tips to 2017 Fedex Business Contestants. Derriere Equestrian are very much looking forward to working with FedEx and sharing the content of these films through our social media platforms.

There is little doubt that Derriere Equestrian have found their ‘sweet spot’ in the market with a business that remains highly relevant to its customers. Today's’ economic climate has meant that people are choosing brands with strong heritage they can trust, products that deliver on the promise, and a service-focus, placing Derriere Equestrian firmly in the driving seat for the future and beyond.

www.derriereequestrian.com

IMPROVE YOUR JUMPING POSITION WITH SHOWJUMPER BEX MASON

Do you need to hone your jumping position? As Derriere’s showjumping ambassador, I have some tips! It can be tricky to find that perfect leg position, and many of us have our stirrups a little too short - you will need to have quite short stirrups, especially as the fences rise in height, in order to give you the required shock absorption through the ankle joint. Your stirrups need to be short enough so that you can comfortably get your seat out of the saddle, allowing your horse to bascule through your legs. Your heels must stay down, and you need to have a bend in the knee, keeping your lower leg position ‘anchored’.

Practise your position

           

Because we use our jumping position for only a few seconds at a time, it can be difficult to master. Familiarise yourself by taking your jumping position when schooling on the flat, without jumps. A common mistake is to allow your lower leg to swing too far back, inadvertently encouraging your horse to speed up. Keeping the weight into your stirrups with your heels well down should prevent this happening. Over a fence, really focus on keeping the weight down into your heels, and do consider your upper body - if it is too far forward, e.g. if you lean forward too early, you may get catapulted forward, and your heels will rise. It is usually better from a safety perspective to be behind the movement that in front of it!

When training, I like to use bounce fences, where the horse will not put any strides between each jump, maintaining the jumping position throughout a grid. Start by setting out canter poles and if the distance is correct for you, it will be about the same for bounce jumps. One non-jumping stride is approx 7.5m, and two non-jumping strides approx 10.7m, but this is totally variable! Ask a friend to assist by moving the poles and adjusting them for you, and putting back any knocked poles, or work with your instructor. Try to keep the lower leg still, and think of the hips as acting like a ‘hinge’.

The show jumping position needs to be quite versatile - riders jumping higher showjumping fences are often seen in unusual positions when they ride against the clock, for example leaning to one side of the saddle, or pushing off from the ball of their foot to gain balance if the horse cat leaps. This means they need to have optimum foot stability, as the ankle acts like a spring for the rider’s limb, and must not collapse. Although all riders are different, the predominant style for event riders’ positions over XC fences currently seems to be more ‘chair’ shaped than when tackling arena fences, with the lower leg quite far forward, and the rider’s body weight further back with the heels well down as an ‘anchor’.

Either way, e.g. whatever your discipline, we can all improve our strength and stability through lunge lessons, which helps to mobilise and open the hips. Remember your comfy riding underwear too!

About Bex

Bex has worked for many years breaking in horses and competing at an international level with elite riders such as Tina and Graham Fletcher (GB), Ludo Philleaperts (BEL), Steve Cohan (NZ) and Viki Roycroft (AUS). Bex specialises in producing competition horses. “I find myself expressing love for my Derrieres daily,” Bex says of the underwear range. “I openly discuss the results and versatility of the products, whether it’s to customers at my yard, or fellow competitors at shows; I don’t even realise I’m doing it - these pants change riders’ lives!” 

"I would not be without my derrières they're an essential to my everyday and competition life. A day in the saddle calls for them, what ever your discipline. derrieres will help you perfect that perfect seat maintain comfort and support throughout your time in the saddle.  I've recommended the fab range to many equestrian friends from international polocross players to hardy seasoned hunters all with raving feedback!! Who would've thought we all needed such an innovative stylish undergarment, lessens the grind of our day, especially as the winter has set in, my behind is cared for. perfect pressie that will be with you for life not just for Christmas, proof is in the pudding after all

ALL ABOUT THE GAITS BY EVENTER DAISY BERKELEY DERRIERE EQUESTRIAN SPONSORED RIDER

All of us that ride horses know about the three main gaits, and how to ride each of them. But how often do we actually think about the gaits, and how our riding influences them? It may be second nature to us now, but it warrants some further thought, in order to maximise our effectiveness in the saddle.

First of all, let’s look at the difference between a gait and a pace - a gait is a type of movement, or a ‘way of going’, e.g. walk, trot and canter, while the pace is more about the speed within the gait - e.g. collected or medium walk. Within a gait, we can break it down to the footfall sequence, the beat, the stride, and any moments of suspension.

Walk

Walk is a four beat gait with the footfalls following one another - so, inside hind, inside fore, outside hind, outside fore. At the walk, the horse will always have one foot raised, although each horse’s way of going differs slightly, notably by breed. So, what should we be doing as a rider in walk? Whatever your discipline you will be seeking a forward-going walk, so the horse is ‘marching’ out.

If the rider is ‘nagging’ with their legs and frequently asking the horse to walk on, their position may be compromised, and the horse isn’t really attentive. You should be using a definite squeeze with the lower leg backed up with a tap of your whip, if required. You should be sitting tall and absorbing the movement through your hips and pelvis, with the weight down into your stirrups. The horse is moving its head forwards and backwards, and you should be ‘giving’ in the contact, to allow for this movement. When walking downhill, this is a good time to really focus on the horse’s movement, as it is exaggerated - can you feel the movement through your hips and lower back - are you mobilising with the horse?

Trot

Trot is a two beat gait where diagonal leg of pairs move simultaneously, followed by a moment of suspension. If you’re in rising trot, you are sitting and then rising with each diagonal pair. Are your hips moving upwards and forwards, with a thrusting motion, rather than a directly ‘up and down’ movement? Try to keep the lower leg still, to aid a rhythmical rising motion, and sit on the correct diagonal, eg. sitting as the inside hind leg and outside fore hit the ground. In sitting trot,  remember that a braced back and less flexible pelvis leads to a stilted movement, so try to mobilise your lower back! Work without stirrups helps.

Canter

This three-time gait involves the hind leg striking off, followed by the inside hind and outside fore together as a pair, then the inside fore, followed by a moment of suspension. Canter is easier to sit to than trot, for most people - let your upper body remain in neutral, e.g. still and balanced, and allow your hips and pelvis to swing - your core will be supporting your upper body. The muscles moving and supporting your hip joints must remain relaxed and flexible, so they can absorb the horse's own hip and pelvis movements. Try not to hollow your back! This can ‘drive’ the canter forward unintentionally.

  

 

Remember, when the rider is comfortable within the saddle, they can move more easily with the horse’s gait.  Bear in mind also that a good sports bra is essential, in order to both carry and open the shoulders!

Derriere Equestrian Sponsored Rider Daisy Berkeley is an event rider and alumni of British teams, including the 2008 Olympics, where the Brits placed third. Daisy’s top results in 2016 included a top fifteen placing in the three star class at Bramham with ‘Strike Smartly’, and a second place at Houghton with ‘Ballinteskin Cooper S’ in the one star CCI. Daisy is an experienced eventer with top rides having included Springbok and Spring Along. She has a promising string of youngsters that she is currently producing.

“Derriere underwear is fabulous; discreet and very comfortable,” Daisy says. “The breeches are extremely smart and very flattering. Excitingly, I have started to get into yoga. When I heard that Mark Todd is quite a follower, and remains supple at his age, I thought I would give it a go! It has made a great difference to my core strength, balance and flexibility. When I combine this with my wonderful Derriere clothing, I hope to have that edge we are all looking for, so roll on next season!”

Team Derriere Equestrian are behind Daisy all the way for the 2017 season and wish her every success.

Empowering Riders To Feel Confident, Comfortable, Stylish and Healthy in their Sporting Underwear

Ultimate Comfort For The Perfect Seat

www.derriereequestrian.com