Fashion and riding, a classy combination in the first Otomí Grand Prix

Published October 8th, 2021

Celebrating horsemanship comes from time immemorial. In the Olympic Games, the first competition was held since the first edition of the last century. A custom that has gathered thousands of fans, who, however, have found the beauty not only of the equine plastic, but these meetings have become an example of fashion and distinction in the open air.

Mexico will have its chance from October 28 to 31 (in the first stage), when San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, will host the first Otomí Grand Prix of horseback riding, bringing this discipline back to our country after the world health emergency.

“Of course, horseback riding has a very important social part, apart from sports, it has become a family space, of riders who have been riding since their grandfather, their father, their children, they are very traditional families, who have had a certain status. They are people who get dressed up to go to a cocktail party because they go to see and be seen,” says Rafael David Faes, director of the international area of the Mexican Equestrian Federation.

Horseback riding, which since the times of Alexander the Great, became a synonym of strength, class, and style, today continues to reflect these conditions, although not only in the domain of the equine but also among those who are part of a demanding public that likes the discipline.

“People are very well dressed because the context of the situation merits it. Banquets are served, special boxes are offered, and over the years it has become a fashion show, because, for many people, it has become a way of life,” said Faes.

Depending on the weather, boots, hats, cool dresses, and designer ruffles are part of the “casual” attire during the equestrian event. Dark glasses, gloves, and a glass of sparkling wine or champagne are a must to enjoy the event.

“I believe that this venue in San Miguel de Allende, and the public, come together in an excellent place to enjoy, because, in addition, it is not only sports, because San Miguel offers 100 good places to eat, very good hotels, very good spas. I think it is a great combination for those who attend so that they feel extremely comfortable and attracted to this event”.

According to the organizers, about 2,000 people are expected, who will be able to enjoy a VIP area with 80 tables for six to eight people located in the boxes, a commercial area, where textile products, footwear and jewelry will be offered, as well as a gourmet food area.

“Equestrian events are an expensive sport, which has VIP meetings and therefore become a catwalk. The truth is great to see such beautiful people, young horsewomen, families, this time there will be a Coleman buffet, which is already an elegant theme,” shares businessman Daniel Rihan Salum, one of the main promoters of the Otomí Grand Prix de San Miguel.

For the paper businessman, although there is no dress code, he says that attendees should wear a “casual chic” outfit, with a shirt and comfortable shoes, “because it is outdoors, a hat, maybe a modern cap, a sack,” he says.

Riders
Although the fashion in the stands is what the general public is familiar with, the riders have also become a fashion standard, since in the last two decades their clothing has been transformed, beyond their riding and control of the animal.

For Rafael David Faes, although the rider’s pants and boots have not changed too much throughout history, he highlights the jackets and their variants.

“In the same way a fashion has been created in the attire of the riders, the cut of the jacket, where the balls go, the pants with or without clips, technology has also been part of this update in clothing. The jackets were very thick, almost with the same fabric that you make a suit, today I can tell you that they are made with the highest technology, with fabric like the one used by marathon runners, so that heat does not become a factor. All these kinds of things have been evolving and have created a fashion around the rider,” he says.

He continues: “Even protective helmets have changed tremendously. For example, brands like Swarovski have innovated a lot in their manufacturing and design. Before, we all wore the same clothes for riding, but today there are a thousand different brands that have managed to create a fashion in every sense of the word. It is fashion that becomes a trend,” he concluded.