How to get the perfect bottom!

Now into my forties the thought of the effect on how natural gravity will affect my body is fast approaching reality at an  unfairly rapid pace! Having gone from being blessed with being able to eat pretty much what I want and not worry and stay a size 8-10 is not something I have ever taken for granted but now, it's clearly becoming a slow starting battle with my metabolism and yes I'm starting to struggle!!!! I do need to keep fit and although I am a busy,active person perhaps, I'm hoping writing this blog may inspire me to do something about it (or at least by behind anyway!!) So I'm searching to find the answer to the perfect bottom. As they say, a little each day can make a difference.

What options are there?

So there is the instant bottom lift!!! Surgical and in my opinion looks absolutely unnatural and wrong! Gluteoplasty lifts and tightens the buttocks, excess skin is removed and surrounding skin is re positioned to create that ultimate in bum lift appearance! The surgery costs thousands and can be horrific if it goes wrong.
In my mind squats are the way forward!!Fitness lover and Instagram extrodinaire Jen Selter says there is no need for gym membership, all you need is yourself and commitment.Her exercises for getting the best bum ever are pictured below. I have to say, they clearly must work looking at Jen so they have to be worth a try?
Wikihow suggests firstly that slimming down may be a good option along with exercise. I have to say, these exercises do look relatively simple and I should probably do them to stop my joints seizing up anyway!!
It then goes on to discuss diet and I am not onto a good start, ease off sugar it says!! I could probably just about manage the exercises but surely I'll need  something sugary to get my energy back? after all, I am a sugar queen! How can I live without it?!! 

 Then there is the fine tuning! Once you have exercised your little bottom every day for as long as possible it's time to focus on appearance. Remove unwanted hair, exfoliate twice a week, this not only sloughs off unwanted, unsightly dead skin cells but boosts the circulation in the body helping to reduce cellulite. Dry body brushing is also hugely effective on the circulation, the brushes can be bought from chemists and are designed to be used on dry skin repeatedly brushing strokes towards the heart over the whole body. Moisturising every day is a huge benefit keeping the skin hydrated and feeling soft and silky. Tan, yes it's true, everyone looks great with a tan and long gone are the liquids that turned you orange! instead the lotions and potions contain DHA which will change the colour of your skin and not just wash off in a rain shower!! 

If none of that works then love yourself the way you are, your body is trying to tell you that you don't need to change so don't worry trying.


Jens tips

                   

By Lucy Fletcher for Derriere Equestrian



What do your pants say about you?


We all know that the variety of pants on the market is absolutely vast! Some for the safe, some for the more than daring but what does your choice of under garment actually say about you? I've been researching this topic to bring you all the answers that let you know what type of person you really are!! So have a sneaky grab at the top of your jeans and re check which pair you pulled on this morning then read on!

It has been proved that making the correct choice of colour can actually affect your mood!

Anjel O'Bryant is Australia’s leading colour-response analyst, who specialises in ‘scientifically based colour response technology claims that this is very much the case.

‘Every colour vibrates, all at different levels. It doesn’t matter if you can see them or not, it goes through your skin, over your whole body and into your brain,’ she told Australia’s Daily Telegraph.  ‘Picking the right colours, particularly when it comes to your underwear, can enhance and even change your life,’ 

So who is up for the challenge? I certainly am!! Anything for extra positivity to the day!! 

I'm afraid it's not great for those of you who chose grey, this colour transmit negative energy or they just don't hit the vibe one bit!! White  Innocent and portray safety and cleanliness, open to suggestion and willing learners Black Power, elegance and mystery it suggests deep passion Red will truly give you the fire in your soul needed to power through tough days so this really does need to be your key colour! Pink - I'm compassionate, hug me!!!!! Blue  I'm executive, trustworthy, self reliant, Green  I'm secure and care about others.Orange I'm a great communicator and action orientated. I'm guru and I'm loyal. Maroon I'm sociable and sensuous Yellow I'm a sociable animal and intelligent Metallic I'm expensive and noble. 

So now you know exactly which smalls to chuck out and which to invite into your drawer! But, I couldn't just leave it there! It then got me thinking that if colour has that much of an impact on us then what about style?

Boy Shorts You're a sporty person with a great butt!! You're a go getter and hard worker, one who can lead a group with ease. You put comfort first so that you can totally be on your game.

Thong You are the staple of the alpha female! You take no messing from anyone. You hold your own in a relationship and are never afraid to speak your mind.

Bikini You're into clean lines but want to stay comfy throughout your busy working day You want to be dancing at festivals rather than around heavy office gossip and you certainly don't have time for other peoples rubbish! You were made for island life not to be chained to a desk.

Granny Panties To be quite frank, you like to be comfortable and actually you really don't care what people think about it! You're probably not one for skinny jeans or mini skirts and would probably prefer a date with Netflix than a man and the only person you've got to answer to is yourself.

G String Woah there mama!!!! You are a lady who jumps out of bed to the beat of her own drum!! You are more at ease in the company of a man than a woman. You are the life and soul of the party and have problems setting limits because you never want to stop having fun!

Boxer Briefs You're laid back with everything on your mind apart from settling down. You're quiet and shy and loyal to a T. You keep your close friends close and your BFF is always there for you when you need her.

I'm really hoping that this blog will absolutely change the nation into a positive bunch of brightly coloured knicker wearing powerful, wonderful people but, at least I can make a start with our readers!!!!!! Pass the message on and change peoples lives for the better!!!!!

www.derriereequestrian.com

Core blimey! Flexibility tips, ready for the season

Core blimey!

We asked British Equestrian Federation Elite recreational coach and consultant, Andrew Stennett, BHSM Cert Ed FE UKCC Level 4, to share some flexibility tips, ready for the season

So, the competition season is beckoning, and we're all busy getting our four legged partners fit and ready… but how many riders pay enough attention to their own fitness? And I don’t just mean cardio; but also, and probably more importantly, our flexibility and core strength.

Flexibility and core strength

But why is our core so important? Well, as a rider, how flexible you are through your back can make a huge difference to your horse’s way of going. Therefore we must aim to be as mobile yet strong as we can through our lower backs, to ensure the horse can soften too, to help gain throughness. If you are stiff and rigid in the back while you ride, your horse will likely brace against you, and stiffen up themselves. And by being strong in our core, we also promote strength in our back (which helps reduce back pain), as well as helping to prevent collapsing or twisting, and enhancing stability in the saddle. This combination in turn will improve communication with the horse, and make your seat more effective and independent. (I would add that honing the core and maintaining flexibility is key, as we age – I am now in my late forties!)

Every little helps!

There are many ways to get on top of your core strength and flexibility, including things to do around the yard. Simple things such as bending your knees and keeping your back straight when bending to pick out feet will not only engage and work your core, but also stop you straining your back. Keep your back straight and look up and ahead when carrying buckets of water, and you'll have to use those tummy muscles! Focus on using your core muscles when sweeping the yard, throwing manure up the muck heap, or pushing a heavy wheel barrow. Every little helps!

Perfect pilates

If you have time to attend a class, or even for home-exercise, pilates is a perfect strengthening exercise, whether you need to get back in shape after being 'wintered off', or just want to protect your back long term, and improve your core!  Many riders swear by it to help with flexibility, and if you don't fancy joining a class in a gym, there are also some really helpful videos and tutorials online, to do in your living room! There are even Pilates instructors who specialise in riding fitness, and can teach you all the exercises that will benefit you in the saddle. Perhaps you could organise a yard trip or team training with such a person?

Furthermore, just by doing some simple stretches before you ride, you can help prepare your body for riding; it does help you to begin your ride feeling more supple, ready and engaged. Try reaching down to touch your toes (or as close as you can get), and then gently reaching up towards the sky; when repeated, thus will help to stretch and stimulate the muscles in your core and back. Sitting down with one leg outstretched, and placing the ankle of the other leg above the knee of the other, can also help mobilise your pelvic and hip area muscles. Lean into the stretch to suit your mobility, and repeat with the opposite leg.

Further reading – Pilates for equestrians.
Videos - Pilates Exercises for Horseback Riders.

Don’t forget, to enhance your riding, you need good riding-wear that fits well, like the wonderful riding underwear provided by Derriere Equestrian, as well as their fabulous training breeches!

Andrew Stennett runs riding clinics from his base at Grove House Stables in Misterton, Nottinghamshire. Click HERE for info. Visit the main page at www.grovehousestables.co.uk or the online shop at http://shop.grovehousestables.co.uk/ or find Andrew and the team on Facebook;

It’s beginning to look a lot like winter - by Derriere Equestrian Rider Avril Clinton-Forde

It’s beginning to look a lot like winter

by Avril Clinton-Forde

Dressage Ireland

Since the clocks changed, it is sooo tempting to hibernate indoors. And with limited daylight, cold days and the hustle and bustle of Christmas just around the corner, it can become more challenging to maintain regular riding and schooling, especially if a deep freeze sets in! Brrrr. There are still plenty of riding opportunities to be utilised however, if we focus on what can be done in the circumstances available to us. Whenever possible, prioritise your riding to the brightest part of the day, most especially if you have no arena, or one without lights!

If you are limited mainly to hacking, it is still possible to keep up your flatwork training. Most bridleways lend themselves to lateral work such as leg-yielding, shoulder in and bending right and left, as well as transitional work. This will keep your horse supple, obedient, between hand and leg and collected. Lengthening and shortening at any pace is also an easy task on safe straight tracks with good going underfoot. It can be more fun to work in tandem with a friend!

Quality time

Of course, there will be days when the weather or lack of time will defeat you, but you may still be able to spend some quality time on a good grooming session including some suppleness exercises with your horse, for example getting him to bend round either side to reach a carrot, but not moving his feet or body. Your local sports massage therapist or veterinary physio can show you a few simple massage techniques and/or some leg stretching exercises – these will also be particularly useful on any days that turn-out is limited. This non riding work also reinforces the bond between you and your horse!

If your arena does become frozen (“Let it gooooooo”......Sorry....mum-mode) or semi-frozen (“Do you want to build a snowwwwwwmannnnnn?”) you may still be able to exercise your horse at walk! Practise your free work on a long rein, encouraging the horse to take his nose to his toes, then back to a medium walk, without him anticipating trot. A square halt can be performed at various places, plus leg yield, shoulder in and turn on the forehand. 


Although this sounds simple, and perhaps not very interesting, if you can do it well, it will really help you when you return to your trot work, having established such good work at walk.

Remember also that there is also the possibility of a bit of hunting to keep you both fresh, from November until March, if you and your horse are fit enough! 




Don’t forget your Derriere Equestrian Performance Padded Panties, to make sure your foofoo is unscathed, following a tiring day in the saddle! Another great bonus is that they keep your bum warm!

Avril Clinton-Forde is a brand ambassador for Derriere Equestrian with her mare Grand Duchess; she’s based in the stunning surroundings of Dollanstown Stud, Co Meath, in Ireland. Avril rides at Medium level, and is ultimately aiming for Grand Prix. Visit http://duchessdiaries.ie/

www.derriereequestrian.com 

All change! Retailers - are your store changing rooms holding you back?

All change! Retailers - are your store changing rooms holding you back?

By Claire Galer of Derriere Equestrian

Nearly half of shoppers say they ‘hate’ fitting rooms, according to Body Labs, which analyses retail experiences.

Changing rooms are an important part of all retail outlets, but are often one of the most under-serviced parts of an equestrian ‘bricks and mortar’ outlet. According to Envision Retail, a London-based consultancy, customers who use a fitting room are 71 percent more likely to buy — and buy twice as much — than those simply browsing the sales floor.

Riding wear and undies for horse riders

Our business is riding-wear, breeches and of course underwear for horse riders; and all of these items need to be tried on in a changing room – as opposed to something like a coat, which can be slipped on by a mirror, on the shop floor.

Many non-horsey retailers spend a huge amount of time researching how best to service their changing rooms. They create elaborate strategies such as specific lighting in order to increase sales. Not all retailers have to make such dramatic changes, however. Simple methods such as making people feel more comfortable stripping off their trousers can help! (As of course underwear can only be tried on over one’s own briefs). If your changing rooms are in need of an update, boast a curtain that doesn’t preserve dignity, or are slightly dingy, people will be less likely to try items like breeches on. As previously mentioned, you need those buyers in your changing rooms!

The best retail experience possible

However, a few slight changes to your sales technique could help. Accompanying a potential buyer to the changing room or having a sales assistant outside can dramatically increase the chances of a sale; a customer who has to go back and forth to change clothes and get different sizes can quickly find themselves fed-up. A choice of breeches being bought to the customer will enhance their shopping experience, and will not inconvenience them.

Enthusiastic and approachable assistants

But remember, you need great service in order to get your customers into those dressing rooms in the first place! Having enthusiastic, approachable store assistants (who ideally LOOK like the ideal customer!) will help to ensure the best retail experience possible. It will elevate your brand and keep customers coming back. Derriere Equestrian is a prestige brand, so anyone stocking our range already knows about the marketplace for prestige brands; but small incremental gains in terms of the shop assistants’ service can really help to consolidate a shop’s appearance and ambience. Could staff members wear Derriere breeches as their uniform, perhaps?

The ideal changing room

Women in particular can be a little fussy when it comes to changing rooms. If they’re on their way to work for example, and have popped in for horse feed or essentials, they would probably prefer a clean place to try clothes on. Hooks and hangers would be a great addition to a changing room, as stripping off and putting their work clothes in a pile isn’t ideal. A bit of space always helps, as small changing rooms can quickly become annoying.

In summary, attention to detail and the visual appeal of changing rooms can only be a good thing - for the customer and also the store. Here are my top changing room tips for horsey retailers!

1. Every changing room needs the basics. A sense of privacy is essential; e.g. a functional curtain or door that closes. A chair or stool is required too!

2. Hanging hooks are a great idea, for handbags and clothes. Why not splash out on horse themed hooks?

3. Flooring is also something to think about. People are taking their shoes off; and although carpet feels nice, it isn’t the most hygienic. Cleanable, replaceable mats may work!

4. Could you add a second mirror? People like to see the back of their breeches too! And to check for VPL.

5. Why not include pictures of some of your store ranges in the changing room? Manufacturers like Derriere Equestrian can supply marketing images which show how an outfit may look, and will brighten up the room. This is also an ideal way to introduce a further product in the range, e.g. the Sportief Sports Bra.

Derriere Equestrian’s Claire Galer takes a tongue in cheek look at horsey fashions – from bling and matchy-matchy, to sparkling white breeches

Derriere Equestrian’s Claire Galer takes a tongue in cheek look at horsey fashions – from bling and matchy-matchy, to sparkling white breeches

As we hurtle into winter 2019 we can look forward to catching up on current fashion trends, and noting what will be The Next Big Thing.

Trends and crazes

Just as high street fashion is ever-changing, the horse-world also seems to go through different trends and crazes each year. Bling has of course been Big the last few years, but now the more traditional look seems to be creeping back into competition, with many more brown or tan boots on the retail shelves in 2019, and plenty of tweed coats being paraded on the eventing field.

Harmonious hues

The ‘Matchy-Matchy’ craze has continued to dominate lately, with some very interesting colour schemes! Apparently, a few of the de rigour colours this season (according to the experts at Pantone) are: pinky coral; dark maroon red; pink-infused lavender; and turmeric orange. Whilst these predictions are for human fashion, they certainly sound as if they’re a good fit for the ‘Matchy-Matchy’ craze of colourful saddle pads, fly veils and bandages, too.

Spotting the disciplines

Fashion and colour trends in equestrianism are usually very indicative of their discipline.

Take your average British Showjumping-run show - if you line the competitors up in their competition attire, there’s a fair chance you can tell who does what. For example, for the pure showjumpers, the give-away is usually a stock shirt (often coloured or sparkly) with no stock, a shorter, form fitting jacket, and plenty of flowing female pony tails or plaits down the rider’s back! Breeches are often sparkling white, and the horses are often the blingiest, often working the latest trends in sparkly browbands.

The eventers meanwhile, who are attending to hone their accuracy over showjumps or bring on their youngsters, are more likely to have long hair tied up in a hair net; their helmet, if you look closely, is less than pristine, and likely to be slightly mud-splattered; and their attire is more traditional; maybe a tweed coat with a stock. Their nod to Matchy-Matchy could be matching the insulation tape on their horses’ boots to their own colours!

Any dressage riders out to inject some variety into their training are likely to be working a pair of spotless white breeches, extremely shiny black boots, their hair tied up neatly, and plenty of subtle bling and sparkle.

Everyone, whatever their discipline, looks longingly at the patent and sparkly riding hats that some contenders are wearing, and wonders if they can rock the look too. The traditional Velvet is hardly anywhere to be seen.

Riding attire and performance

Of course, your attire has to fit in with your discipline rules, but does what you wear actually make any difference to your performance? So long as you're smart, the most important thing is to be comfortable, and choose riding wear that fits. (How can you concentrate on remembering your SJ course or dressage test when your undies are riding up or down, for example?)

A well-fitting jacket can make you feel a million dollars, but if you don't like what you're wearing because of the styling, it probably isn’t for you, as you will actually sit up straighter and hold your head up higher if you feel confident in how you look. Ladies, don’t under-estimate the importance of a good sports bra - the racer-back-style Derriere Sportief Bra will help your posture no end.

Beautiful breeches and performance pants

Your breeches of course must be flattering and comfortable – like a second skin. The aforementioned ‘knicker ride-up’ is a no-no, as is the dreaded VPL. Derriere Equestrian’s white Cannes Competition Breeches go with any outfit – They are designed to promote comfort and performance, working in harmony with the Derriere undergarments, ensuring all fabric surfaces come together to eliminate chaffing, abrasions and discomfort.

They do feature very subtle Diamanté on the corner pockets, and have a designer crystal button fastening, so you can embrace a more flamboyant style, but in a discreet fashion! Team them with the Derriere Equestrian Performance Panty to eradicate seamlines; even if you manage to take an un-scheduled dip into a water jump, there will be no see-through undies shame, with this perfect combination.

Shhhh.....it’s personal

Shhhh.....it’s personal

Can we get personal with you? It is the unspoken element of horse riding... ‘personal discomfort’ in the saddle.

Many of us with such discomfort may be sitting in the saddle in a certain way to avoid this displeasure; for example, if you can feel a pressure in the area of your tailbone or coccyx, you are probably tipping your pelvis too far back in an effort to free up the area between your thighs - if you’re a woman, this will almost undoubtedly cause your shoulders to ‘hunch’. If you are compensating at all in your posture, you may experience misalignment of the spine and pelvis, resulting in an ineffective riding position.

Let’s look at the horse rider’s seat:

Many trainers refer to a three-point seat when riding horses and ponies, which is the triangle formed when you sit on your seat bones with the pubic bone at the front. It is important to bear in mind that ladies have wider seatbones than men, a much wider pelvic girdle and hip sockets, and a shorter coccyx that tips backwards a little. The ‘classical’ lengthened riding position is physiologically easier for men, as they can flatten their backs more when tilting their pelvis. When a man is in the saddle, he’s closer to being balanced evenly, e.g. in the middle of his seatbones - a woman tips more naturally forwards. If she hyperextends or hollows her lower back, she tips even further forwards, and downwards onto the crotch area. Ouch!! There’s your personal discomfort.

Dr. Deb Bennett speaks eloquently about male and female anatomical rider differences in her paper ‘Who’s Built Best To Ride’, for anyone who is interested in reading further. In her articles, Dr. Bennett talks about men’s ability to ‘slouch’ down into the saddle - typically seen in the riding position of male polo players on their ponies, when men ‘sit on their pockets’. Women are generally unable to sit in this way on a horse, with a straight or rounded lower back. (Which is no bad thing, as it can result in rounding of the shoulders, and that undesirable ‘chair seat’!)

So in summary, without going into too much anatomical detail, personal discomfort from horse riding in women is often caused by a hollowing of the back, or a general immobility in the lower back, which causes a forward-tipping motion, and rubbing; while for men, it can be caused by an unexpected tipping forward onto the genital area (e.g. a horse spooking), or a lack of balance (or even too much ‘bracing’ of the back) that causes rubbing or bruising. In both cases, it may also be caused by wearing underwear with stitched seams.

If you are suffering from personal discomfort when riding your horse or pony, there are options. Look at your saddle - do you need for example a larger saddle seat, or one with a narrower twist (the width of the section under your thighs); could you benefit from a leisure activity like Pilates to aid mobility and core strength; or would riding lessons help you to mobilise your pelvic area, and achieve a better riding seat?

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 correct riding undergarments, are one of the most important investments a rider will make. That's right, riders should never wear inappropriate underwear and should aim for well designed, sporting equestrian padded pants and bras for every occasion! This does not mean the traditional "Bridget Jones’s Knickers”, riders everywhere now have the luxury of selecting from the full designer range at Derriere Equestrian. Derrieres have become synonymous with the perfect style, comfort and performance combination for riders in every discipline.

ULTIMATE COMFORT FOR THE PERFECT SEAT

www.derriereequestrian.com

Key words - Saddle, crotch, riding position, rider, rider’s seat, three point seat, horse, pony, underwear