What colour will you pick?
Matchy Matchy in the Equestrian World:
In the world of equestrian fashion, there's one trend that has captured the hearts (and Instagram feeds) of riders everywhere—the “matchy matchy” look. From coordinated saddle pads and ear bonnets to boots, rider outfits, and even fly veils, this trend isn’t just about looking good—it’s a full-on style statement.
Meticulously coordinated ensemble where the horse’s tack and gear match the rider’s attire or at least complement each other. Major Brands have made entire collections dedicated to this trend, offering sets in seasonal colours and limited-edition shades. Here at Idolo we offer various different colours to complement your style choices.
It’s not unusual to see riders and their horse decked out in navy. The monochrome trend is still strong but many riders are now getting creative with complementary colours and using the colour wheel to stand out while still looking stylish.
The Colour Wheel: Your Secret Weapon
Understanding how colours work together is the key to nailing the perfect look. The colour wheel is a visual representation of colours arranged by their chromatic relationship. Here’s how it breaks down for equestrians looking to level up their matchy game:
1. Complementary Colours
These are colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel—like blue and orange, purple and yellow, or red and green. They create a strong contrast and really make each other pop.
Example: A deep navy saddle pad paired with a burnt orange base layer looks bold and beautiful without clashing.
2. Analogous Colours
These are colours that sit next to each other on the wheel, such as blue, blue-green, and green. They create a harmonious, calming look that feels cohesive without being too “samey.”
Example: A teal set with a forest green base layer creates a rich, earthy vibe that’s subtly coordinated.
3. Monochromatic Colours
This is the classic matchy matchy style—varying shades of the same colour. Think baby blue to royal blue all in one outfit.
Example: A sky-blue saddle pad with a navy rider jacket and pale blue helmet cover. Dreamy and timeless.
Colour to compliment Your Horse
Not only should your colours match, but they should compliment your horse’s coat colour too. Here are a few quick tips:
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Chestnuts look great in greens, blues, and teals.
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Bays rock jewel tones like burgundy, navy, and emerald.
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Greys are versatile and can pull off pastels, deep tones, or bright pops like red or turquoise.
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Palominos and buckskins glow in earth tones and soft lavenders or sky blues.
Don’t forget the seasonal influence—rich burgundies and moss greens in autumn, icy blues and whites in winter, florals and pastels in spring, and bold citrus hues in summer. You can match your mood and the month.
You can also match your Idolo Tether Tie and essential item for all equestrians.
Whether you’re heading to a show, riding at home, or just enjoying a hack through the woods, your matchy matchy setup can be both functional and fun. It’s about celebrating the bond with your horse, expressing your style, and yes, taking that satisfying matchy photo that lights up your social feed.
Play with colour, get creative, and let your personality (and your pony) shine. Just remember: the best matchy set is the one that makes you smile every time you ride.