Givenchy ‘Tisci’: A ‘Sexy Take’, But Not On Horseback Riding

As Givenchy launches its new line ‘Tisci’, equestrians like myself struggle to understand how this new collection could possibly claim to be ‘equestrian’. In a recent article, the collection claimed to reference ‘sporting polos’, ‘horse blinders’, and ‘jodphurs’. In my previous article about equestrian fashion, I laid out my opinions regarding the mindless ‘equestrian fashion’ parade of unrealistic and dysfunctional fashion being produced as ‘equestrian’ garments.This new ‘Tisci’ line is no exception. Here are some ‘looks’ from Tisci’s latest runway show.

The only reference I can see in this 'Tisci' line garment are the dizzingly obvious 'riding boot' riff that seems to be abysmally popular for brands that wish to wave the 'equestrian flag' and distinguish themselves from other fashion brands. A boot, is a boot, is a boot...is not uniquely 'equestrian'. Image courtesy of Idaho Statesman.

Equestrian Sports And Safety: Concerns For Future Olympics

As equestrian Olympians prepare for the London 2012 games, there has been some concern over the safety of the sport and whether or not it should be retained as a summer sport in the olympic games after London. In recent remarks made by International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Princess Haya, “Anyone who thinks equestrian sports are secure for London is mistaken”(reference). Haya goes on to say that due to low-interest in the dressage discipline, show jumping may also be in jeopardy, as it is highly unlikely that show jumping would be allowed to remain as a standalone equestrian sport in the olympic games. Because cross country requires so much space and very specific location requirements, it too could be in jeopardy.

Sad but true: we may never see legends like Steffen Peters and Ravel at olympic tournaments if what Haya is saying is true. Image courtesy of La Times

CrackerJack

“Crackers”

Breed: German Holsteiner

Age: 17

About Crackers: Crackers, although not an ‘official’ Goucher College horse has represented Goucher at the American National Riding Commision for three years in a row as both a 3′ and 2’6″ competition horse. Crackers is Goucher’s resident goofball and is extremely talented at bucking, jumping large jumps, and making puppy eyes. CrackerJack was born in Germany and came to the United States when he was roughly 3 or 4 years old, where he was initially trained as a dressage horse. However, because of his ‘unique’ walk (resembles a camel’s walk) it was decided he would be much happier as a jumping horse. Before meeting his current owner Charlotte, Crackers competed in Florida, Massachusetts, and is even rumored to have been used in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association for a brief time. CrackerJack enjoys meeting new people, jumping anything and everything, and eating. CrackerJack is rumored to have once smacked his head on a water pipe as a colt, resulting in the ‘crack’ over his left eye, and is well known to most riders at Goucher for his impressive ‘bucking’, or kicking-motion when he gets too excited. Crackers vacations at Duncraven Stables in Titusville, NJ and is best friends with his unofficial “twin” Earthquake, a very large Goucher College horse. Crackers will be returning to Goucher College soon in hopes of representing Goucher a fourth time at ANRC, and will be rejoining barn mates Earthquake, Empire, Calypso, and Ghandi.

Likes: Carrots, Apples,Fruit Cups, Bananas, Melons, Oranges, Italian Ice, Pizza, Gatorade, Nerds, Twizzlers, Molasses, Peppermints, Jolly Ranchers,…and small children

Dislikes: Water, Baths, Bicycles, Motorcycles, Balloons, Umbrellas, Hipsters, Moustaches.

Xcaret

“X”

Breed: Oldenburg

Age: 18

About X: X was born on March 4, 1994, and is officially registered in the International Sport Horse Registry. Affectionately known as ‘Sexy X-y’, X is a Goucher school horse that is well-known for his excellent attitude and great outlook on life. Previous to Goucher College, X competed in the Adult Amateurs and was a talented Equitation horse. A skilled napper and overall good guy, X is a  favorite among students enrolled in the riding program of Goucher College(roughly 60 students a year take lessons) and is often brought along to away games as a potential ‘draw’ (a horse you could ‘pull out of the hat’ and ride in an IHSA competition). X first arrived at Goucher in 2009 from an enthusiastic local equestrian, and is a happy resident of the ‘pony’ barn alongside stellar stall mates Nantucket, Chamois, and Monty. X’s talents include napping, making friends, and taking care of beginners. X is used for all levels of competition at home shows, and is a skilled jumper both in the ring and over the Blue and Gold jumps in the ‘front field’.

Likes: rolling in mud, peppermints, napping, fidgeting, teaching people how to ride

Dislikes: staying clean, getting baths