With the release of our latest masterpiece the 3-1 Ultimo Coat, I thought it would be a great idea to add a blog covering lots of information and questions people may have and be able to cover the capabilities of the coat in more detail. You can also watch a demo video on our Instagram account here.
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THE CONCEPT
Over the years, everyone on my team has come to recognize a persistent vision I've held for a particular coat. This idea has been brewing in my mind as I meticulously work to bring it to life. I often find myself sketching at my desk, grappling with how to realize this concept from both a technical textile and manufacturing perspective, considering the intricacies each piece would require during production. When I first put pencil to paper and shifted to CAD, I shared the concept with my outerwear manufacturing team. I was met with skepticism; they told me, "Stacey, this is just not possible." However, anyone who knows me understands that the word "impossible" has no place at our design table. If I haven’t figured something out yet, it merely means I’ve identified ways that won’t work. I was confident this idea could materialize because it resonated so vividly in my mind. I took the initiative to present my vision to the team, sparking a series of collaborative meetings focused on measurements, fittings, scaling, and panel cuts. This back-and-forth dialogue allowed the product to evolve into exactly what I envisioned. As a key contributor to the HH Range, I have little patience for a saturated market. To me, reinventing the wheel serves no purpose. My unwavering vision for the brand is rooted in innovation, unafraid to explore uncharted territories, and crafting new product concepts. This drive is what fuels my creativity. Both as a creator and an avid horse owner, I find that these two passions meld seamlessly to inspire new ideas. Managing my horse-related tasks, such as mucking out, fixing fencing, and exercising, I’m consistently seeking ways to optimize my efficiency. Even a small innovation that saves 30 seconds in my routine can be a game changer. Picture this: I’m zooming around my yard, racing against the unpredictable British weather—brilliant sunshine one moment, pouring rain the next. I often find myself changing outfits to adapt to various tasks quickly. Being someone who feels the cold even in the sunniest of places, staying warm, snug, and dry in our winter conditions is crucial. Recognizing a gap in available outerwear for these ever-changing scenarios, I set out to create a solution tailored for HH: the 3-in-1 Coat. This design embodies my commitment to innovation and caters to the real-life demands of everyday endeavors.
PRACTICAL ELEMENTS
Detachable Hood
The hood easily detaches thanks to a discreet zip that's covered by a flap. It features a cozy fleece lining, and the zip is waterproof sealed for extra protection. With a substantial peak at the front, this hood fits comfortably over various riding helmets we tested. You can adjust the internal drawstring around the entire circumference behind the peak for a snug fit tailored to your preference. Plus, it works well with both short and long coats.
The hood easily detaches thanks to a discreet zip that's covered by a flap. It features a cozy fleece lining, and the zip is waterproof sealed for extra protection. With a substantial peak at the front, this hood fits comfortably over various riding helmets we tested. You can adjust the internal drawstring around the entire circumference behind the peak for a snug fit tailored to your preference. Plus, it works well with both short and long coats.
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Main Coat
The main coat is a stylish short bomber that can be worn alone without a thermal cardigan or hood, making it a lightweight choice perfect for autumn, spring, or summer evening events—especially when rain is a possibility. It features adjustable drawstrings all around for a customizable fit and comes with a waterproof sealed zipper complete with an easy puller.
Inside, you’ll find convenient side zippers designed to attach the thermal cardigan layer, along with two secure buttons at the back to keep everything in place—perfect for active individuals who don’t want any annoying movement during training.
An added bonus is a deep zipped secret pocket hidden behind the fleece layer, which easily accommodates larger smartphones, including the iPhone Plus. I personally prefer this internal pocket over external options; it’s much easier to access my phone while riding, and it feels almost like the phone isn’t there.
One unique feature of the coat is a hidden zipper at the bottom hem that remains discreet when worn short. This hidden zip connects to a skirt attachment, transforming the short bomber into a stylish long coat. The manufacturing process is quite intricate, as each zip is carefully aligned with its corresponding skirt for a perfect fit. Made from high-grade materials for outdoor use, this two-way zip allows for quick and easy detachment in just seconds.
This versatile main coat is not just functional but also designed to keep you looking fashionable while preparing for changing weather conditions.
The main coat is a stylish short bomber that can be worn alone without a thermal cardigan or hood, making it a lightweight choice perfect for autumn, spring, or summer evening events—especially when rain is a possibility. It features adjustable drawstrings all around for a customizable fit and comes with a waterproof sealed zipper complete with an easy puller.
Inside, you’ll find convenient side zippers designed to attach the thermal cardigan layer, along with two secure buttons at the back to keep everything in place—perfect for active individuals who don’t want any annoying movement during training.
An added bonus is a deep zipped secret pocket hidden behind the fleece layer, which easily accommodates larger smartphones, including the iPhone Plus. I personally prefer this internal pocket over external options; it’s much easier to access my phone while riding, and it feels almost like the phone isn’t there.
One unique feature of the coat is a hidden zipper at the bottom hem that remains discreet when worn short. This hidden zip connects to a skirt attachment, transforming the short bomber into a stylish long coat. The manufacturing process is quite intricate, as each zip is carefully aligned with its corresponding skirt for a perfect fit. Made from high-grade materials for outdoor use, this two-way zip allows for quick and easy detachment in just seconds.
This versatile main coat is not just functional but also designed to keep you looking fashionable while preparing for changing weather conditions.
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Long Coat Skirt Attachment
The skirt has been designed to be incredibly lightweight, almost as light as a feather, and crafted from waterproof outer shell fabric. As someone who has navigated muddy fields wearing a long coat, I know firsthand that while a product may be waterproof, it can't completely prevent splashes of mud and water from getting inside. When the bottom of the coat is made from thermal or fleece materials, it can become heavy, sagging, and wet—definitely not ideal for riding! That's why I created this skirt without any filling, using a waterproof outer shell and opting to keep the fleece liner out. This design ensures that it's not only lightweight but also easy to wipe clean. If any splashes do occur, the skirt won't weigh you down and will dry quickly.
Personally, I prefer not to exercise my horses in long skirts for anything beyond walking or groundwork—this is just my preference, and we all have different styles! I absolutely love them for leisurely activities like walking, groundwork, lunging, and warming up, but I find they can interfere during rising trot and two-point training. For this reason, I focused on creating a bomber-style piece for training and made it easy to remove the skirt when I'm ready to dive into a session.
Additionally, I enjoy taking my dog out in the winter with this longer coat, tackling chores while staying dry and cozy. I rest the skirt over the fence at the arena, ready to put it back on as soon as I dismount. I also included two zippers at the back, allowing it to be worn while in the saddle, although this wasn’t the primary focus of the design. The zip-up splits feature a stretchy base fabric for added flexibility, distinct from the waterproof outer layer.
If you choose to wear it while saddled, you can simply undo all the front buttons and fasten them until you find a fit that suits your needs, covering your legs properly. It also features a two-way zip, covered by a flap of buttons, giving you even more options for adjusting your fit. Depending on demand, I might explore adding umbrella-style quarter skirt sections for riders who require more freedom of movement.
It's essential to mention that during testing, some horses can be sensitive to skirt sections around their rumps. Every customer knows their own horse best, so if it's your first time using any long coat or skirt design, it’s wise to take precautions.
The skirt has been designed to be incredibly lightweight, almost as light as a feather, and crafted from waterproof outer shell fabric. As someone who has navigated muddy fields wearing a long coat, I know firsthand that while a product may be waterproof, it can't completely prevent splashes of mud and water from getting inside. When the bottom of the coat is made from thermal or fleece materials, it can become heavy, sagging, and wet—definitely not ideal for riding! That's why I created this skirt without any filling, using a waterproof outer shell and opting to keep the fleece liner out. This design ensures that it's not only lightweight but also easy to wipe clean. If any splashes do occur, the skirt won't weigh you down and will dry quickly.
Personally, I prefer not to exercise my horses in long skirts for anything beyond walking or groundwork—this is just my preference, and we all have different styles! I absolutely love them for leisurely activities like walking, groundwork, lunging, and warming up, but I find they can interfere during rising trot and two-point training. For this reason, I focused on creating a bomber-style piece for training and made it easy to remove the skirt when I'm ready to dive into a session.
Additionally, I enjoy taking my dog out in the winter with this longer coat, tackling chores while staying dry and cozy. I rest the skirt over the fence at the arena, ready to put it back on as soon as I dismount. I also included two zippers at the back, allowing it to be worn while in the saddle, although this wasn’t the primary focus of the design. The zip-up splits feature a stretchy base fabric for added flexibility, distinct from the waterproof outer layer.
If you choose to wear it while saddled, you can simply undo all the front buttons and fasten them until you find a fit that suits your needs, covering your legs properly. It also features a two-way zip, covered by a flap of buttons, giving you even more options for adjusting your fit. Depending on demand, I might explore adding umbrella-style quarter skirt sections for riders who require more freedom of movement.
It's essential to mention that during testing, some horses can be sensitive to skirt sections around their rumps. Every customer knows their own horse best, so if it's your first time using any long coat or skirt design, it’s wise to take precautions.
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The Thermal Cardigan Layer
Introducing our cozy, soft, and fleecy cardigan designed with a generous relaxed fit for ultimate comfort and freedom of movement. You won’t even realize it’s a two-in-one layer—it seamlessly integrates with the coat for a stylish look. This versatile piece can also be worn alone as a reversible cardigan, offering you flexibility in styling. The zips on either side serve to fasten the main coat, but when worn on its own, the cardigan remains effortlessly chic and cute, even unfastened. Elevate your wardrobe with this must-have layering essential!
Introducing our cozy, soft, and fleecy cardigan designed with a generous relaxed fit for ultimate comfort and freedom of movement. You won’t even realize it’s a two-in-one layer—it seamlessly integrates with the coat for a stylish look. This versatile piece can also be worn alone as a reversible cardigan, offering you flexibility in styling. The zips on either side serve to fasten the main coat, but when worn on its own, the cardigan remains effortlessly chic and cute, even unfastened. Elevate your wardrobe with this must-have layering essential!
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Extra's Added which you will LOVE
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Lycra wrist inserts with thumbholes! Cannot tell you how gorgeous and non-restrictive these feels, and so nice in cold weather when doing jobs, they really help to trap out the cold.
Lycra wrist inserts with thumbholes! Cannot tell you how gorgeous and non-restrictive these feels, and so nice in cold weather when doing jobs, they really help to trap out the cold.
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Generous Zipper Pullers! Super handy, especially if like me your reflexes slowdown in the cold and you need a helping hand (no pun intended).
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Soft Eco Poly Fill Inside Main Coat! The filling on the main coat is an eco poly filling which is so lightweight and will not restrict you when training.
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Fishtail Bomber Back PLUS Elasticated Back Section! Always looking to keep a non made to measure look like a made to measure garment i love adding panelling and tailoring to pieces that help tuck you in and add shape. I have never seen a bomber be adapted with a pulled in waist and slight fish tail panelling at the back, on design phase this looked really cool. I found it blended a sports look but equally feminine
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WATERPROOF LEVEL TESTING
The coat's fabric is designed with BIONIC-FINISH® technology, which has received approval from DWI at RWTH Aachen University. This innovative material is not only oil and soil repellent but also maintains its fresh appearance for an extended period. Its quick-drying and breathable properties ensure comfort, while a simple wipe can refresh its look due to its stain-resistant feature.
Before production begins, we rigorously test all our fabrics in the lab. Each test is performed on the roll to ensure quality and durability.
When it comes to waterproof ratings, it’s important to consider the duration spent in wet conditions rather than just the water's intensity. For example, a 1000 rating provides showerproof protection for approximately 30 minutes, while a 5000 rating can handle heavy rainfall for much longer and smaller rainfalls all day. A 15-20,000 rating withstands a full day in heavy rain, although it may compromise breathability, leading to a clammy feel due to overheating, not ideal when training.
Before production begins, we rigorously test all our fabrics in the lab. Each test is performed on the roll to ensure quality and durability.
When it comes to waterproof ratings, it’s important to consider the duration spent in wet conditions rather than just the water's intensity. For example, a 1000 rating provides showerproof protection for approximately 30 minutes, while a 5000 rating can handle heavy rainfall for much longer and smaller rainfalls all day. A 15-20,000 rating withstands a full day in heavy rain, although it may compromise breathability, leading to a clammy feel due to overheating, not ideal when training.
The waterproof technology incorporated in this coat boasts a rating of 15k, striking an optimal balance in the waterproofing spectrum, effectively withstanding heavy rain. While models with ratings exceeding 20,000+ offer enhanced waterproof capabilities, we intentionally avoid such materials due to their impact on breathability. The 15’000 level has proven to be the ideal consistency for equestrian performance.
In designing winter coats, a major challenge arises from the thermal layers; increasing waterproof ratings often compromises breathability. Given that an equestrian coat is intended for active wear, it is crucial to maintain comfort. As heart rates elevate and perspiration increases, excessive warmth necessitates removal of the coat, rendering it counterproductive in adverse conditions. Thus, we have determined that a 5000+ waterproof level delivers superior performance for equestrian sports.
This innovative coat is available at an introductory price of £285. Given the intricate nature of fabric selection, the craftsmanship involved, and the months invested in bulk production, I have been advised by my budgeting manager that this pricing is below the margins with the considerable developmental design and years of sampling costs. However, I prioritized an accessible introductory price for our loyal customers, allowing them to be among the first to experience this product. Your feedback will be invaluable as we strive to enhance our offerings, ensuring that every customer can enjoy the novelty of this launch at a special rate, despite the considerable investment in creating a top-tier product.
In designing winter coats, a major challenge arises from the thermal layers; increasing waterproof ratings often compromises breathability. Given that an equestrian coat is intended for active wear, it is crucial to maintain comfort. As heart rates elevate and perspiration increases, excessive warmth necessitates removal of the coat, rendering it counterproductive in adverse conditions. Thus, we have determined that a 5000+ waterproof level delivers superior performance for equestrian sports.
This innovative coat is available at an introductory price of £285. Given the intricate nature of fabric selection, the craftsmanship involved, and the months invested in bulk production, I have been advised by my budgeting manager that this pricing is below the margins with the considerable developmental design and years of sampling costs. However, I prioritized an accessible introductory price for our loyal customers, allowing them to be among the first to experience this product. Your feedback will be invaluable as we strive to enhance our offerings, ensuring that every customer can enjoy the novelty of this launch at a special rate, despite the considerable investment in creating a top-tier product.
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CARING FOR YOUR COAT
PLEASE LOOK AFTER ME:
Follow these care instructions to ensure you get the best from your product:
*DO NOT HEAT WASH/DO NOT HEAT DRY/NO DRYER OR LAY AGAINST HEAT
*We recommend sponging down an soiled spots rather than washing every time, this will ensure less reduction on the waterproofing outer lay and protect the print for longevity
*When needing to wash we recommend a cool wash or dry clean in between sponging
*Due to the fabric genius within this product being soil repellent a damp sponge down will remove the most stubborn of stains
*We recommend not washing with fabric conditioner. Each wash can deter the waterproof levels, in the future depending on washing machine levels there may be a need to reproof. Testers are yet to need to do this.
*DO NOT HEAT WASH/DO NOT HEAT DRY/NO DRYER OR LAY AGAINST HEAT
*We recommend sponging down an soiled spots rather than washing every time, this will ensure less reduction on the waterproofing outer lay and protect the print for longevity
*When needing to wash we recommend a cool wash or dry clean in between sponging
*Due to the fabric genius within this product being soil repellent a damp sponge down will remove the most stubborn of stains
*We recommend not washing with fabric conditioner. Each wash can deter the waterproof levels, in the future depending on washing machine levels there may be a need to reproof. Testers are yet to need to do this.
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SIZING ADVICE
This product runs up true to size but may be perceived slightly snug due to the removeable layering system, all riders also fitted in a size above on trial phase.
We have measurement charts which you are welcome to email customer service for to: admin@horzehoods.com
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