Product Review: Why The Clothes Horse Crafts the Ultimate Custom Horse Show Scrim
- nibs816727
- Feb 26
- 3 min read
If you’ve spent any time on the "A" or "AA" rated circuit, you know that first impressions are everything. When you are ringside, your horse’s presentation is a direct reflection of your program’s standards. It isn’t just about looking sharp; it is essential that a horse’s show blankets fit perfectly and perform their intended job—whether that’s keeping the dust off a hunter or ensuring a jumper stays cool and focused as it waits ringside.
When it came time to invest in a new light layer for my horse, Vino, I went straight to what I believe is the gold standard: The Clothes Horse. Based in New Jersey, they have a long-standing reputation for tailoring some of the finest custom horse clothing in the industry. After receiving my latest order, I can confirm that their craftsmanship and customer service remains unparalleled.
The Design: Exceptional Ways to Stand Out
One of the reasons The Clothes Horse remains a staple in the hunter/jumper world is that they do an exceptional job of finding ways to make your horse's apparel stand out. They offer an incredible selection of options for trims and fittings, allowing you to create something truly unique to your stable.
For this project, I stayed true to our barn colors for a cohesive, professional look:
Base: A durable Green Mesh.
Trim: Rich Burgundy.
Piping: A special Baker plaid—a classic touch that adds a bit of equestrian heritage to the modern mesh.
Hardware: A Havana brown leather single front closure.
While many riders opt for a fancy hip ornament, our barn aesthetic calls for a more streamlined, contemporary look. I chose to omit the ornament, but kept the two-tone tail cord. I also did not add a surcingle, as the tail cord keeps the scrim in place .
Versatility for Every Season
If you are in the market for a wool cooler, The Clothes Horse has the most beautiful plaid and herringbone options available—perfect for those chilly mornings at the ring. They are incredibly easy to work with and will help you put together a beautiful scrim, wool cooler, stable sheet, or whatever else you may need to complete your horse's wardrobe.
A Sustainable Approach to Personalization
In our industry, the common practice is to embroider the horse’s show name or the client’s last name on every piece of equipment. However, I’ve become increasingly focused on equestrian sustainability. High-quality mesh and leather are built to last for decades, but hyper-specific personalization can often limit a garment’s functional lifespan.
I decided to have the barn’s name custom-embroidered on the side rather than "First Impression" or my last name. My logic is simple: if Vino ever retires and my next horse doesn't fit this specific cut, I can easily pass the scrim along to a barn mate or sell it within our program. Instead of a beautiful piece of equipment sitting forgotten in a tack trunk, it stays in use. To ensure the branding really "popped" against the mesh, they used a two-color font that adds depth and makes the text legible from across the warm-up ring.
Service That Matches the Quality
Beyond the product itself, The Clothes Horse is truly a pleasure to do business with. Even with the highly specific Baker piping and custom embroidery, the scrim arrived quickly. They understand the timeline of a busy show season and deliver a product that is ready to go to work immediately.
Final Verdict
If you are looking for a custom horse show scrim that combines durability, professional branding, and a perfect fit, look no further. Their attention to detail and willingness to help you design the perfect piece make every penny a worthwhile investment for your program.
Comments