Thoroughbred racing is an American past time and the racehorses who tell its story stoke not just our dreams but are also our greatest aspirations to rise from the wobbliest of beginnings to pounding victories.  I never knew Secretariat but I can see the sun glinting off the chrome in his chestnut coat.  I’ve never met Zenyatta but I know it to be true that she is a tender mother and a tiger on the track. Phar Lap has knickered in my ear the encouragement to overcome life’s hurtles, and Barbaro made me believe in glory as well as grace.  Man O’ War died long before I came to be but he taught me to take on the world – and win.  These racehorses, whom most of us have not had the privilege of knowing personally, live inside us – even those of us who have never even come close to a horse.  So while we might not be able to go back in time to tell Seattle Slew, only loudly enough for him to hear, that he is a champion and our greatest role model, but we can be reminded of them everyday just by looking at their names on this Race Track Roll sign that recall everything for which they stand:  The ability to overcome impossible odds; breath-taking beauty; devoted friendship; and a reminder to believe in ourselves.  I’ll take that with my morning cup of tea, any day.

Side Show Sign Company/ Race Track Roll.

Which race horse champion is your favorite? What do they teach you?

photos by Jim Webb

What a sweet, silly girl.

More photos for you to enjoy style and horses all at once.  Above, we’re figuring out which earrings to wear.  And even there Ali is looking so very pretty in sparkles and a bow. And below pretty again with flowers fresh from the Farmer’s Market.

photo by Jim Webb

And then with Hunter Wellies in the foreground.

photo Jim Webb

photo by Jim Webb

Ellie was lovely as always.  And also super silly and fun.  She and Ali get silly for the camera.

And then a Devoucoux saddle waiting for a ride.

photo by Jim Webb

Fingers crossed for more photo shoots of horses and style to come.

When some people have free time they might go to brunch with friends, listen to the new Bon Iver album, or take their dog for a walk through the woods.  But me?  I gather up a photographer with serious talent and mad photography street cred,  a colleague who transcends the word ‘pretty’ and traipse off to the farm for a photo shoot. Speaking of which, endless thanks and kisses on both cheeks to Jim Webb and Ali who were game enough to trek through fields, laugh along with my sweet Ellie’s antics, and race the sunset to get just one more shot. I think it was all worth it and hope you do too.

photo by Jim Webb

We went out on a limb for the above shot with a vintage stole, silk tap pants, and (naturally) leopard-print heels.  Fun fact, Ali loves leopard prints and even has leopard-print Converse. How cute is that?!

Below, a simple black maxi dress is all that’s needed to echo Ellie’s pretty minimalism and black points.  She and Ali look like they were made for each other.  In fact, Ellie took right to Ali and they became fast friends.

photo by Jim Webb

Sexy doesn’t have to be a dress and heels.  Sometimes cutoffs and a plaid shirt are just the thing. Especially with a pair of Dolce Vita booties. And a Devoucoux saddle of course!

photo by Jim Webb

You didn’t think we were going to leave Simon out did you?  We had to sneak him in at the end as the sun was setting.

photo by Jim Webb

Thanks again to Jim and Ali (and Simon and Ellie) for such a very fun afternoon. Be sure to check out Jim’s work in web design and photography too.  Stay tuned for some behind the scenes shots!

Killer cute. Right? Bri Emery of designlovefest declares that this sweater captured her heart as soon as she saw it.  Which of course we agree with! The even lovelier part than lovely Bri Emery wearing a sweater with such a charming equine friend on it  is that it’s super easy to get and super easy on the wallet.  Thanks Urban Outfitters! Post-holiday gift to yourself? I’d say so.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and sweet wishes for a Happy New Year.  In these shortest days of the years I’m thinking long about wishing you and the sweet ponies in your life all the best for the new year.  I’m also thinking long about how thankful I am for your ongoing support and devotion to Three Days Three Ways and all things horses and style.  I can’t write to you nearly as much as I would like what with bustling in and out of the city for work but promises, promises it’s always what I’d rather be doing! Here’s to wishing you kisses under the mistletoe and candy canes for the year to come.

image via Dilly Dallas

Now that it’s the holiday season everything is cranberry and holly-jolly. But of course the only thing I notice in this seasonal mood board is the photo that,  I swear, is from a 3-day event jog. Any guesses as to who it is? I’m going with Max McManamy.

image by Camille Styles (friend to our fave, Ruby Assata!)

I’m such a big fan of illustration so this Daniel Kroll stopped by in my tracks. Not to mention that there are pink ballet shoes and red bows involved. How could I keep something like that from you? Indeed, it’s impossible.

Daniel Kroll illustration via Black Eiffel

She’s ever so The Sartorialist, don’t you think?

But she wasn’t the only one to pick up on fashion with a nod to equestrian life.  I also met new friends including Erin who, as it turns out, is an eventer herself! She also happened to be sporting equestrian style including her own britches and field boots.

Oh, and me?  What did I wear?  Vintage Harry Hall, of course. I’m here with my parter and sweet friends who made the ride not just stylish,  but the greatest of fun as well.

Wishing you plenty of Fall fashion and furry ponies.

There can be no dispute that the equestrian world has and still does influence style, fashion, and design.  After a week at the Washington International Horse Show we’re reminded exactly why that fashion world continues to draw on its equestrian friends for inspiration.

The equestrian world will continue to inspire designers around the world not just for the inherent style in our day-to-day lives whether a gleaming driving harness, a luxe wool rug, or the fine leather of our boots, but also for what we represent. The equestrian world is inspirational because it’s the symbiotic partnership between man and horse, it’s an afternoon hacking across a hillside in a Fall breeze, it’s dreams lived rather than dreams deferred. We are hope and happiness grounded in the sun rising early in the morning with the crunch of our boot on gravel as we prepare for a day with our horses. We don’t need an Hermes scarf to get that feeling. We already have it. We’re just passing it on.

A heartfelt thanks to Leslie Threlkeld for the beautiful photos that capture the essence of equestrian elegance and spirit. There will be more to see at her equine photography website so be sure to visit and dive into the Washington International Horse Show!