...NOT.
That noted, it IS a trend that has gotten a bit of a foothold in the home decor market once again (it comes and goes through the years, as trends tend to do) so we thought we'd take another look at it today.
We think most of these current "horsey" pieces are subtle enough to be more about the history of decor than anything else. Do you think they would they be an interesting note in an eclectic room or are they still "theme-y"?
Shown above, left to right:
1. Ralph Lauren: Modern Equestrian Dresser
2. Equestrian Style: Home Design, Couture and Collections form the Eclectic to the Elegant by Vicky Moon
3. Ralph Lauren: Modern Equestrian Dining Chair, Equestrian themed pillows Walcott and Kentmere
4. Horse and Hound: Brass Door Knocker
5. Ralph Lauren: Thayer Sphere Decanter
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Comments (17)
I don't even see how this could be considdered a trend, i think of it as a normal part of "classic" decor. Then agian i grew up with horses and wouldn't think of a house w/o a horseshoe above the door.
I agree w/ DahliaC - This is classic/traditional decor.
I third that, I think too much of a good thing can be a bad idea, but there's something classic and chic and about having a touch of Equestrian in the home. I have my eye on a set of vintage riding trophies ;)
Equestrian chic is only acceptable for people who actually ride horses. If someone who only took a pony ride at a petting zoo at age 5 bought any of the above, I would mock.
Definately not a trend.
It's only acceptable if you are rich, gay and wear bespoke clothing and live in Lake Shore Drive or you live in Barrington. And yes, you must ride.
Personally speaking, from someone who's been a serious equestrian her whole life, I would almost be offended if I entered someone's home with this decor and knew they didn't ride.
My grandmother's home is decorated with a general equestrian theme, mainly foxhunting. The walls are lined with photos of her daughters riding and various old trophies. It's wonderful in a very classic way. I have no problem with equestrian decor as long as you ARE a rider and want to echo that part of your life subtely throughout your house (without being gaudy).
What if you're a horse lover and just like the way it looks?
In this superb MCM house tour, the homeowner says his "best find" is a saddle that he scored at Goodwill. The piece is propped with a riding cap and displayed in his dining area: http://stylenorth.ca/blog/2008/11/goodwill-hunting-at-home-with-philip/
heater- you are not the boss of decorating.
i am a horse lover and like the way this looks...and ANYONE who thinks likewise can have this stuff in their house and that would be fabulous.
ps i ride horses and am not a hater like heater
Is everyone on AT an equestrian?? (hehe, I am too!)
But yeah, I don't think someone needs to be an accomplished horse-person to like the look of pony figurines in their home, just as I don't think a person has to be Indiana Jones to enjoy the Safari/adventurer aesthetic either, or a Greek Goddess to enjoy white washed walls with bright blue trim, etc. etc.
Your home is an embodiment of your own real life, sure, but it can also be a representation of your own fantasy life too...That's what makes home decor so fun.
If you like the look of it, get it and love it. I wouldn't worry if you are an equestrian. If an equestrian does poo-poo you for having horse stuff in your house it is probably because they are a snob.
Sorry guys, maybe I was too harsh. I know I'm not "the boss of decorating". I'm just pretty opinionated when it comes to riding.
I grew up around this style and I love it, but I don't have the classic equestrian look in my own house. My husband and I have more modern taste, and examples like the photos above are a bit too old fashioned. My own horse "decor" is limited to framed b&w photos of my horse and the ribbons we've won together that hang in my studio.
Love it... I don't ride now, but did when I was younger (and I'm hoping my daughter gets the bug). It's definitely a classic look, though I can see how for some it would be too easy to over-do it.
I think what heater objects to is the way nouveau riche often like to fill their McMansions with "old money" accessories -- horsey/polo items, vintage golf trophies, oil paintings of other people's ancestors -- to make themselves seem like something they're not. It's fake and pretentious.
An Hermes blanket, though, looks great anywhere.
HA! well, I love the equestrian decor, but that's because I ride. Those saddles in the corner? I actually use them. Well, all except my very first jumping saddle which I've kept out of sentimentality.
I do have to admit I find it a bit odd if someone has a strong equestrian theme running through their house and they DON'T ride... but if you love the look and if you love horses, *shrug* who am I to say you can't decorate your place like that?