Equestrian Fashionista

Anita S. * Age * WI * USA

Photo by Equestrian Photographer Alyssa Smolen Photography * FB * Instagram * Minneapolis, MN

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Horse Show Favorites

• SHOW TYPE - Rodeo * Western

• ASSOCIATION - NBHA * 4-H

• DIVISION - Adult Open (4-D)

• CLASS - Barrel Racing * Gaming

Meet the Owner

Anita’s Story: As a young farm girl, I started turning barrels by the age of 8. By my senior year was turning heads at the 4-H Minnesota State Show in gaming, barrels & more. Unfortunately we didn’t have, nor could we afford, nice show shirts at that time.

Eventually, I went to school for Fashion Design and shortly after graduating, started my career in rhinestone performance wear. I started my first apparel company, Shine Bikini in 2008. To this day I still make beautiful, heavily rhinestoned, one-of-a-kind competition bikinis and Women’s figure suits.

In 2018 my husband and I started a spin-off western apparel company called Sparkle Ridge in order to satisfy my creative desires, my passion for horses and our entrepreneurial dreams. Our small family business has a humble and inspiring story to tell.

Goals & Aspirations: Inspire more Women Riders to promote themselves and their local equestrian Community.

Words of Wisdom: Never Stop Learning * Listen to Podcasts * Keep Training

Personal Website: www.sparkleridge.com

Meet Nashville Aka “Nash”

Show Horse Information:

• Breed: American Quarter Horse

• Age: 12

• Color: Brown

• Disciplines: English * Western * Barrels * Cutting * Reining

• Info: Nash is a RESCUE Horse

Horse Shows

Last Horse Show : 2017 MHARF Trainer's Challenge of the Unwanted Horse

Placings: First Place

Next Horse Show: ???

Questions For Anita

What got you interested in the Equestrian Apparel industry?

A: My lifelong passion for horses + designing & creating pretty things led me here.

What are the 2024 Western Fashion trends?

A: You are going to see a lot of barbie pink and bling. Judges still want to see a neat, tight-fitted look and riding apparel that enhances your posture and athleticism. Anything you wear that compliments your personal vibe will be apparent, so wear what makes you most comfortable. Many horsemanship classes have V—shaped pattern with 2-tone color and bling stripes down the arm. In barrel-racing and rodeo, solid colors that are lightweight and breathable mesh to keep riders cool will be popular once again. Western collars are getting tighter and more streamlined with matching bling. The very latest is in sublimation print designs with rhinestones like the “Shades of Grey” western shirt shown in this article.

“Shades of Grey”

How would you describe your Western Fashion Sense?

A: I like a catchy, sleek, modern, fitted look that really leaves an impression. Your Show Apparel should compliment your own unique “Vibe”. When you get it right, it will result in true confidence.

Why did you choose to create Sparkle Ridge as a Women’s Performance Apparel company?

A: My strong background in apparel production and design prepared me for this company. My husband and I attended Stacy Westfall’s Equestrian career conference for our anniversary in Nov 2017 and came home with inspiration, an idea, and a brand.

Stacy Training Newt

Other than Sparkle Ridge, Where do you shop for Women’s western Wear?

A: I love supporting small local boutiques like Olive & Birch Boutique. Otherwise, mostly thrift shops…Fashion doesn’t have to break the bank. There are a number of other cute Western boutiques online.

What do you wear in the arena on show day?

A: I’ve worn Kimes Ranch Jeans alone and with Chaps. Must have a quality Weaver Leather Hat a good belt with Justin Boots…and of course my Sparkle Ridge Western Show Shirt.

Tell us more about the tack you prefer to use for your horse:

A: That day Stacy’s horse “Newt” sported some Joey Jemison Tack including fancy breast collar and classy halter.

Who inspires you in the Horse Industry?

A: Stacy Westfall is my hero, my inspiration, but also my friends like Kirsten (below).

Do you have Any other Western show related advice?

A: I found this helpful blog “Rookie Rundown: What to Wear to a Western Horse Show” by Sisters Horsing around.

Social Media

We encourage you to Follow Anita’s Social Media platforms to show her your encouragement & support!

Instagram

Facebook

Favorite Horse Places

• Riding Facility/Club Name: Riviera Farms * Oconto, WI

• Horse Trainer Name: Jessica Amundsen * JMA Training * FB * Superior, WI

• Tack Shop Name: Pleasant Hills Saddle Shop * Rogers, MN

• Other Equestrian Links: Minnesota Hoofed Animal Rescue Foundation (MHARF) * FB * Zimmerman, MN

  Robert Dawson - Photography * Joseph, OR

  Gunpowder N Gloss - Show Makeup * Anoka, MN

Useful Equine Products

• Horse show Apparel:

• Hats, Boots, Chaps:

• Tack:

• Horse Supplements:

Customer Promotion

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