photos by Cassidy Brooke Photography

The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Blazes a New Trail with Free Ride Equestrian on a Limited Edition Co-Branded Collection

This limited-edition collection will feature co-branded sun shirts with SPF 50 protection, breeches with four-way stretch, uni-sex vintage style tees and more.

It’s no secret that the fashion industry loves a good collaboration. We have seen everything from a Lands’ End x Peanuts collection to a J. Crew x New Balance collection, so why not an equestrian one? Inspired by the trend in non-equestrian fashion brands, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association decided to throw their helmet into the fashion collaboration ring. 
 
The USHJA had specific criteria to find the right match. It was important to support a small up-and-coming brand with similar values, making quality clothing for an affordable price. Enter, Free Ride Equestrian.
 
In this interview, Free Ride Equestrian Co-Owners Raina King and Katie Rosenfels will talk about their company, the collaboration, and the importance of giving back to a community that has given so much to them. 

Free Ride Equestrian Co-Owners Katie Rosenfels (left) and Raina King (right)


 
Horse & Style: How did you meet, and when did you decide to start your company?

Raina King: We met at a clinic in Ocala, Florida, in 2014. Soon after, Katie invited me to visit the farm where she boarded her horse. We discovered that we were both expecting our first child, which created our instant bond. I became her closest horse friend, and the rest is history.

Katie Rosenfels: Yes! Raina presented me with the idea to start an equestrian clothing business, and I had just left my job and was looking for my next big thing. and the importance of giving back to a community that has given so much to them. 
 
Horse & Style: How did you meet, and when did you decide to start your company?

Raina King: We met at a clinic in Ocala, Florida, in 2014. Soon after, Katie invited me to visit the farm where she boarded her horse. We discovered that we were both expecting our first child, which created our instant bond. I became her closest horse friend, and the rest is history.

Katie Rosenfels: Yes! Raina presented me with the idea to start an equestrian clothing business, and I had just left my job and was looking for my next big thing. Together we sold our first pair of breeches on December 17, 2019, and we have been in business together ever since. 
 
H&S: How excited were you when the USHJA reached out regarding this collaboration?

RK: We were like, “Is this real?”

KR: We both read the email together like ten times! We were super excited and surprised. 

H&S: What made you decide to do it?

RK: We couldn’t miss a great opportunity with a great organization. 

KR: The USHJA is an organization we have always looked up to, so we were excited about the opportunity. USHJA built their organization by serving their members; we built our business by serving our customers. It was the ideal match!
 
H&S: How do you feel about being part of this flagship collaboration?

RK: Excited nervous. We want to do our best and make it unforgettable for everyone. We are 100% up for the challenge.

KR: We were honored to be chosen to be part of this partnership. We hope that everyone loves the products.
 
H&S: What can people expect from this collection?

RK: We worked closely with the USHJA team to get it just right. We made sure to incorporate their colors, and we designed products that appeal to both Hunter and Jumper riders. We also ensured all the items were cohesive and worked seamlessly together, just like the combined logo! We also wanted to give back and show our support by donating 12% of the gross sales from this flagship collection to USHJA programs. 

KR: The pieces we created are show quality and are perfect for schooling at home and riding for fun. We want to offer products that make you comfortable and confident in the show ring or at home, at a fair price point for everyone. All of our items are priced from $12 – $90. It was important to us that nothing was priced over $100.


 
H&S: Can you tell us about some of your favorite items?

RK: That’s like asking someone who is their favorite child! 

We wanted the items to be unique yet have all the hallmarks of technical wear. For example, for our show shirt, we made sure that it was SPF 50 to keep you protected when you were walking around the show grounds, yet we did not sacrifice style.

We ensured that we included details like a white bib and cuffs that work seamlessly under a show coat with a touch of interest from feminine pearlized snap buttons that match the silver logo on the sleeve.

KR: Yes, it’s so hard to pick just one item! We made sure to pay attention to the details. We have breeches made from opaque performance fabric, with silicone grips patterned from our co-branded logo, ventilated calves, and an accessible cell phone pocket. We have performance tops with ventilation and moisture-wicking features that provide UPF 50 protection in quick-dry fabrics. We also offer accessories and uni-sex ringer logo tees to wear at the barn and out and about. 

H&S: One last question, what is your hope for this collection?

RK: That we did a good job representing the USHJA. I also hope that people will love the collection. 

KR: That when people wear the collection, they will feel happy, confident, and comfortable.  
 
To learn more about this collaboration and the products available, go to shopUSHJA.org/FRE. Twelve percent of all sales from this collection will benefit USHJA programs.