The “Equestrian Tax”: Why Good Riding Gear Costs a Fortune (and How GS Is Changing That)
If you’re a rider, you know the feeling. You walk into a tack shop needing a new pair of breeches and walk out feeling like you’ve just paid a car payment. For decades, “equestrian” has been a byword for “expensive.” We’ve had to choose between old-fashioned, uncomfortable gear or eye-wateringly expensive European brands. For too long, you were either stuck in stiff, scratchy breeches or paying a small fortune for a simple base layer.
Then, athleisure happened. We all got used to Lululemon-level comfort, high-tech wicking fabrics, and phone pockets as standard. We started looking at our riding wear and wondering why it was so far behind. Why couldn’t we have gear that performed like high-end sportswear but was tough enough for the yard?
This is the problem GS Equestrian set out to solve. They entered the market as a true one-stop shop, balancing their own line of affordable, high-performance wear with a curated collection of the biggest brands in the sport.
The GS Equestrian Essentials
- GS Equestrian Riding Tights: Their hero product. These are the stretchy, high-waisted, “yoga-pant” style tights with a full silicone seat and a phone pocket that riders now live in.
- GS Equestrian Base Layers: Technical, sweat-wicking tops designed for layering under a gilet or as a standalone top, often in colours that coordinate with horse tack.
- LeMieux, Ariat, & WeatherBeeta: They aren’t just an “own-brand” store. They are a massive retailer for all the go-to names in horse rugs, boots, and “matchy-matchy” sets.1
- Riding Breeches: For those who still prefer the traditional look, they offer a range of modern breeches that blend classic tailoring with technical, four-way stretch fabrics.
The Revolution of the Riding Tight
Let’s start with the product that has completely taken over the equestrian world: the riding tight. For generations, the only option was a pair of breeches. They were often made from stiff, unforgiving cotton, had an unflattering fit, and were held together by a fussy zipper and clasp. They were, in a word, uncomfortable.
GS Equestrian, like other modern brands, embraced the “athleisure” revolution. Their own-brand riding tights are the core of their apparel line. They understood that riders are athletes. The tights are made from a high-stretch, technical fabric that is both “squat-proof” (a vital test!) and sweat-wicking. They ditched the zipper in favour of a thick, high-waisted, yoga-style waistband that is supportive, flattering, and doesn’t dig in when you’re mucking out or sitting in the saddle.
Crucially, they included the features we now consider non-negotiable. A deep, secure phone pocket on the thigh is standard. And instead of suede, they use a full seat of silicone grip, offering fantastic security in the saddle without the bulk or stiffness of traditional breeches. They successfully created a product that feels like a high-end gym legging but is built for the specific demands of riding.
Understanding the “Matchy-Matchy” Phenomenon
To understand modern equestrian retail, you have to understand the “matchy-matchy” trend. This is the desire to coordinate your outfit (base layer, hat silk) with your horse’s gear (saddle pad, fly veil, brushing boots). It’s the fashion side of the sport, and it’s a huge driver of sales.
GS Equestrian has positioned itself as a central hub for this. They not only produce their own seasonal lines of base layers in on-trend colours, but they are also a key stockist for LeMieux, the brand that arguably started the craze. This is a smart business model. A rider can come to their site, buy a new LeMieux saddle pad in “Wisteria,” and add the matching GS Equestrian base layer to their basket in the same transaction.
It shows they aren’t just selling products; they understand the culture of the modern rider. They know that what you wear to the yard is a statement, and they provide both the high-end brands and the affordable alternatives to achieve that coordinated look.
A One-Stop-Shop for Both Horse and Rider
A good equestrian store can’t just focus on the rider. Your horse needs just as much gear, if not more. This is where GS Equestrian’s breadth of inventory is a major advantage. You might be drawn in by their affordable riding tights, but you’ll stay because you can also get your horse’s WeatherBeeta turnout rug.
They are an authorized stockist for all the essential, high-trust brands. Need a new pair of boots that will last a decade? They have Ariat. Need a safe, certified riding helmet? They have Charles Owen. Need a durable set of brushing boots? They have Shires.
This makes life infinitely easier. You don’t have to place one order for your clothes and another for your horse’s supplements. By stocking everything from fly spray to popular “matchy-matchy” sets, they’ve become a true one-stop-shop.
A Modern Shop for the Modern Rider
GS Equestrian has proven to be a smart, essential player in the UK equestrian market. They’ve successfully identified the biggest frustration of the modern rider: the “equestrian tax.” They’ve challenged it by creating an in-house brand of apparel that is technical, comfortable, and, most importantly, affordable.
They didn’t just stop there. They paired their own brand with a curated collection of the industry’s most-trusted names, making their site a reliable resource for every aspect of horse ownership. They’ve balanced the fashion of the sport with the practical, everyday needs of being on the yard.
If you’re tired of overpaying for gear that doesn’t perform, or you’re looking for one place to get all your kit, they are a fantastic first click. Browse the full GS Equestrian range and see for yourself.
