2DFHNC6 Kidderminster, UK. 5th December, 2020. The first Christmas shopping weekend after Lockdown Two restrictions are lifted sees early morning market traders setting up their stalls for what they hope will be a busy festive trading day. With shoppers expected to be out in force, public warning signs are in place around the town reminding folk about essential social distancing measures. A woman (lower section) wearing wellies stops to look at Yuletide wreaths for sale. Credit: Lee Hudson/Alamy Live News
While you’re out and about, see if you can spot your fellow equestrians experiencing life outside of their native habitat…
1. They will be wearing boots and breeches or knee high socks pulled over leggings
Outfits are probably a horsey person’s biggest giveaway, and we have no qualms about doing the horses then heading to the supermarket. The clothing choices for competitive equestrian sport are clearly distinguishable, though you can pretty much get away with any attire while going about your daily yard jobs. Some horse people might opt for the tidier look of breeches, boots and nicely fitted gilet, while others will be donning oversized tracksuit bottoms with odd socks pulled over the top, complemented by a grotty coat they’re trying to make last a little longer.
2. Their basket contains random, miscellaneous items
Anything from baby oil to talcum powder, from packets of polos to bags and bags of carrots plucked from the reduced-to-clear section. A very random selection of products, but all with a common denominator. They might leave the general consumer scratching his head, but you know your horse will be one very happy customer.
3. They will be walking/running around at high speed
Move along please, we’ve got stuff to do. No lazy Sunday morning shopping trips followed by a leisurely coffee stop for the equestrians of the world. We’ve been meaning “to pop into town” for the past month, so when we finally do have a spare hour it’s a mad rush with lots of dashing around followed by a take-away brew if we happen to pass a coffee shop and there’s no queue.
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4. They will always stop to pet an animal
If we see a dog tied up outside a shop, a friendly looking cat sat on a wall or even a cute looking Robin by our feet, it’s in our DNA to instantly stop and say hello.
5. Will never ask for physical assistance in a shop
Nothing, we repeat nothing, is ever too heavy for a horsey person to carry. Please don’t come and ask us if you can help as it’ll be a (polite) no. We’re super-strong individuals. We lug feed bags, hay bales and overly full wheelbarrows around. We just roll up our sleeves and get it done.
6. They will be out in all weathers
Even if it’s blowing a gale, sleet is cascading from the sky and weather warnings have been issued, if a horse person needs to do some life admin, they’ll get it done no matter what the weather. The phrase “I’ll go tomorrow instead” does not resonate with us; horses need tending to no matter what the conditions!
7. They can always park their cars
Horse riders are used to driving and parking horseboxes and trailers, so slotting their motor into that small space is a doddle. Prepare to be impressed.
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Former H&H showing editor and deputy features editor
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
