Chatting A Bit with Trendy Equine

With the love for horses and ponies consuming Kelly Medlin from a young age, it was a very natural move for her to trot into the world of equestrian business. Trendy Equine is an online equestrian boutique where you can buy on-trend, premium equestrian fashion whether you are a happy hacker or a dressage superstar!

Sam Hobden from Haynet recently caught up with Kelly to find out more about the personality behind this premium equestrian business:

You are very passionate about the equestrian world. Were you brought up in this environment as a child?

I started riding when I was 3 years old, my mum’s friend had a shetland pony and I loved brushing it and they would sit me on him and lead me around. From that, I then went on to have lessons and started helping at a local riding school every Saturday from the age of about 8. However no one else in my family rides. My mum used to which is why she got me into it, but she hadn’t ridden for years.  

What was your childhood ambition? Was it to always work in the equine industry? 

I always wanted to be a dressage rider and ride at Olympia when I was really young, I think because Olympia was one of my favourite shows to go and watch. At school I did my work experience at a livery yard, but decided to work directly with horses wasn’t for me. I’ve had a bad back since a young age and knew my body wouldn’t manage a life as a groom. I decided to have it as a hobby and went off to University where I got a degree in Social Work.

In recent years you have set up your own equestrian company. What made you step into this area of the business?

I wanted to do something that I really loved and was passionate about. Horses have always been a huge part of my life, so I knew I wanted it to be horse related.  I felt a lot of the skills I’ve acquired over the years would be transferrable, I like working with people and I also love fashion, especially when it’s equine related. So it seemed a good idea to go into the retail sector of the industry. 

Tell us about Trendy Equine and its vision. What are you particularly proud of with your company?

I wanted Trendy to be a high end boutique, offering great quality products from brands I use and trust. I wanted the website to be easy to navigate, and I wanted to use good imagery to really show people the details in the products.

I am really pleased with how the website works and looks, as I wanted it to be stylish and fresh. I love putting looks together and I’m always really proud when the brands share pictures I’ve taken of their products. I also wanted it to have a personal feel and for people to know they are buying from a person who has a horse, and uses the products.

I’m so proud of the feedback I’ve received and the reviews people leave, I genuinely try and make the shopping experience as easy and as pleasant as possible, and I’ll always measure items and take extra pictures for people when they have questions.

What have been the triumphs and challenges working within this area of the industry?

Launching was a huge triumph! There were many months of work that came before we finally went live with the site, and I was so happy that the hard work paid off and we had a website and amazing stock that we could show everyone. Working with my amazing ambassadors has been a huge triumph. I am so lucky to have the support of some fantastic riders and I still pinch myself now that they are part of my team. 

There have been many challenges along the way, learning about how fast paced fashion is with season changes, the styles and sizes that people want and social media algorithms to name a few. I’ve definitely made some mistakes along the way but it’s all a learning process, so no experience is a bad one, just an opportunity to learn and evolve.

Let’s give a shout out for your company! Why should horse/pony owners consider buying from Trendy Equine?

We sell the best quality products from top brands. We provide outfit inspiration, style guides, sizing advice and anything else you need to know about our products. Every order comes with a thank you card and some treats for your horse. 

Not only does the website feature fantastic horse and rider wear, we have a magazine section where you can read about the latest horse related topics, and get tips from our ambassadors (who are also top level riders!) As a girl who’s “horsey wardrobe” is much bigger than her “normal” wardrobe, trust me I’ve spent a lot of time shopping online, so I wanted to really offer a great service.

What do you look for in an equestrian brand that encourages you to stock their lines within your business?

I like to stock premium brands that offer stylish and functional products. I like brands who use technical fabrics and cuts that flatter your shape. Our brands spend a lot of time researching and developing products that are durable, comfortable, and look good. I look for that combination when I am buying products. You need rider wear that doesn’t restrict you, that is warm but without being bulky, and breathable. 

I like horse wear that offers the horse maximum comfort and protection, but that has extra detailing and is pleasant on the eye. I’m looking for good quality fabrics that wash and wear again and again, but that are also stylish. I like all the extra little details that make an outfit special. I also like easy fashion. I look for collections that are coherent and want them to be able to mix and match and put looks together with ease. No one has time to spend hours agonizing over what goes with what!

What are your future plans for Trendy Equine?

Well, that would be telling! I always want to keep Trendy as a boutique, so it will continue to offer a good selection of high end brands, but it won’t be a one stop shop.

However, I do plan to expand into some new products and eventually some new brands (hopefully) We are now branching into bigger and better photoshoots and I am really excited to develop that further. 

On a day off, where would we find you?

At the yard! A typical day off will generally incorporate riding, but with two young children, a day off involves me fitting in a ride as well as enjoying some family time. We all love the outdoors so there might be a bike ride or family dog walk incorporated at some point! 

Where do you hope to be in ten years’ time?

I hope to have some more horses! To still enjoy running Trendy and to continue developing the company, working with amazing brands and coming up with new and innovative ways to showcase their products. Maybe even my own brand, who knows…

Against the Clock 

Bays, Greys or Chestnuts: Bays

Gin or Champagne: Champagne

Sunshine or Snow: Sunshine

Home Counties or Far Away Shores: Home Counties

Spend or Save: Save

Home Cooked or Eating Out: Eating Out

Music or Film: Music

Wellies or Heels: Wellies

Please visit: https://trendyequine.com/

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