SUSTAINABLE ,
INCLUSIVE & BOLD
PALADIN EQUESTRIAN
INTERVIEW : Founder of Paladin Equestrian , Ginny Brayn-Smith
In this issue we talk to Founder of Paladin Equestrian , Ginny Brayn- Smith . Ginny talks sustainability , why the Paladin saddle pad range is so different , where the design and idea came from . A few pro-tips at the end wraps up this month ’ s feature interview nicely !
Feature Image : Founder of Paladin Equestrian , Ginny Brayn-Smith . Below : The White Flamingo GP Saddle Pad
Why do you think sustainability is so important in the equestrian world ?
I think sustainability is so important in every world . Keeping a horse takes so much work and it needs a lot of different products – from all the different tack , to rider wear , to rugs and then , of course , cleaning products , hoof oil , shampoo etc – so to make a decision to try and shop sustainably for you and your horse can really make a huge difference . That ’ s not to say that every single thing in the yard has to be sustainable , but there are most certainly a few changes every rider can make in their shopping choices that can have a real positive impact . I ’ ve been lucky enough to have ridden around the world and it ’ s encouraging to see equestrians everywhere starting to take sustainability seriously , so it felt like a natural fit and the right time to make Paladin one of the players within this space .
How do you think equestrians are doing in terms of sustainability ?
It ’ s fantastic to see that the equestrian world has come on in absolute leaps and bounds – there are some great companies out there offering really lovely sustainable options , but there is still a long way to go . The more equestrians can support the small businesses that are trying to move the sustainable agenda , then the more we as an industry will improve and grow – it ’ s about working together . I hope that with Paladin , I can help draw more awareness to the cause and demonstrate that being sustainable does not mean having to compromise on playfulness or style !
Equestrian fashion is such a huge market - give us your take on what ’ s happening in equestrian fashion at the moment ?
I ’ ve ridden in a lot of different countries and in each country , riders have their unique style . The rise of social media in recent years has been a huge window into the personal styles of riders and the evolution of fashion trends in horse riding in general .
I have followed hundreds of equestrian Instagram accounts for many years and am continually inspired by the bright exciting colours available for riders and their horses . I absolutely LOVE the trend for matchy-matchy – what could be better than making sure you and your horse are decked out head to toe
EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE : JULY 2021 • 55