Equestrian Luxury: Hermès, Pikeur, Samshield & Co.

Anyone who has ever touched a Hermès saddle understands why equestrians are willing to spend sums that surpass many cars on riding equipment. Riding apparel and gear at a luxury level combine function, craftsmanship, and aesthetics in a way few other industries achieve. From handcrafted bridles to custom-fitted riding pants: these brands set global benchmarks.

Overview hide

Hermès: The Legend Among Equestrian Brands

Pikeur: Germany’s Premium Riding Apparel

Samshield: Helmets for Professionals

PS of Sweden: Scandinavian Luxury Design

Ariat: Technology from California

Overview of Other Premium Brands

Budget Overview: What Does a Full Setup Cost?

Caring for Riding Gear: How to Keep Luxury Long-Lasting

Sustainability in the Luxury Equestrian Industry

Hermès: The Legend Among Equestrian Brands

Hermès began in 1837 as a saddlery in Paris, crafting bridles, saddles, and horse gear for European aristocracy — long before it became a global luxury conglomerate. To this day, the Equestrian line remains the heart of the brand. Upon entering a Hermès boutique, one finds entire floors dedicated exclusively to equestrian equipment:

Hermès Saddle: Handmade, French leather, 5,000 – 30,000 euros depending on model and customization
Riding Boots: Hand-stitched leather, from 1,500 euros — with engraved monograms upon request
Gloves, Whips, Leads: 150 – 800 euros, identifiable by the characteristic H pattern
Riding Helmet (with Hermès Embellishment): 1,200 – 2,500 euros, hand-padded leather

A Hermès saddle is not just equipment — it is a status symbol, an art object, and remains in use for decades. Well-maintained examples from the 1990s often exceed their original purchase price today.

Pikeur: Germany’s Premium Riding Apparel

Pikeur, founded in 1957, is Germany’s most important brand for dressage riding apparel. What began as a functional sport brand has evolved into a synonym for elegant riding fashion. The difference from cheaper competitors becomes apparent as early as the first gallop:

Dressage Jackets and Competition Suits: 400 – 1,200 euros — strictly tailored, FEI-compliant
Full-Seat Riding Pants: 200 – 600 euros — grip material on the entire inner side for optimal seating
Riding Boots (Faux Leather and Real Leather): 150 – 800 euros
Competition Shirts and Tie Clips: 80 – 200 euros

Practically all German national dressage riders — from Isabell Werth to Jessica von Bredow-Werndl — regularly wear Pikeur. Those competing in tournaments do not stand out in a negative way with Pikeur: the judges see elegance rather than distraction.

Samshield: Helmets for Professionals

The French helmet manufacturer Samshield has revolutionized the riding helmet market. Previously, safety helmets were either safe or stylish — Samshield has proven that both can be achieved. A Samshield helmet combines the highest level of safety (FEI-approved, VG1 standard) with luxury aesthetics:

Miss Shield Slim: Popular dressage model with a flattened profile, 600 – 950 euros
Premium models with Swarovski crystals: 1,200 – 2,500 euros — customization upon order
Shadowmatt Finish: Matte lacquer in various colors, no shine for television cameras
Customization: Helmet color, leather sweatband color, crystal design, monogram

PS of Sweden: Scandinavian Luxury Design

PS of Sweden is the young luxury alternative from Sweden and in a few years has become the most popular brand among ambitious amateur riders. The Swedes have understood that riders want not only functional equipment but also fashion that can be worn outside the stable:

Innovative materials: 4-way stretch, breathable, machine-washable
Unmistakable Scandinavian design — minimalist color schemes
Riding pants: 200 – 500 euros, also available as silicone full-seat
Jackets and vests: 250 – 600 euros, with removable inner lining
Riding helmets: 350 – 700 euros in cooperation with UVEX

Ariat: Technology from California

Ariat, founded in 1993 in Union City (California), has changed the world of riding boots with its technological approach. Founder Beth Cross brought sports shoe technology into the riding arena:

ATS Technology (Advanced Torque Stability): Prevents twisting and protects the ankle joint
Widely used in show jumping, western riding, and eventing
Boots: 200 – 800 euros — cheaper than European luxury brands with similar comfort
Riding booties and chaps: 100 – 300 euros

Overview of Other Premium Brands

Brand	Country	Specialization	Price Range
Charles Owen	United Kingdom	Safety helmets, conservative design	300 – 700 €
GPA	France	Helmets for show jumping and dressage	400 – 1,000 €
Kingsland	Scandinavia	Stylish riding apparel, mid-range	150 – 400 €
Schockemöhle Sports	Germany	Functional competition sport brand	100 – 600 €
Animo	Italy	Riding apparel with haute couture standards	300 – 800 €
Cavalleria Toscana	Italy	Luxury streetwear for riders	200 – 700 €
Horze	Scandinavia	Affordable entry point, good quality	50 – 200 €

Budget Overview: What Does a Full Setup Cost?

The total costs for riding gear vary greatly — depending on ambitions and brand preferences:

Level	Total Cost	Typical Brands
Beginner (Leisure)	400 – 1,000 €	Horze, Kingsland, affordable Ariat
Ambitious Amateur	2,000 – 5,000 €	Pikeur, Samshield, Ariat Premium
Competition Rider (Class A–L)	5,000 – 12,000 €	Pikeur, Samshield, PS of Sweden
Professional / Olympic Level	15,000 – 50,000+ €	Hermès Saddle, Pikeur Custom, Samshield Premium

Tip: Those who invest in luxury brands should take care of maintenance. A Hermès saddle that is regularly treated with leather care lasts 30+ years — and retains its value.

Caring for Riding Gear: How to Keep Luxury Long-Lasting

High-quality riding gear requires careful maintenance. Those who ignore this can lose hundreds of euros due to negligence:

Leather Care: Treat saddles, boots, and leather gloves monthly with high-quality leather oil (e.g., Effax Leather Balsam)
Washing Riding Trousers: Never above 30 degrees, gentle wash cycle, no dryer — silicone trims are sensitive to heat
Helmets: Remove the inner lining and wash separately, outer shell only with a damp cloth
Competition Jackets: Air out immediately after competitions, store in protective covers, chemical cleaning only for heavy soiling

Sustainability in the Luxury Equestrian Industry

Sustainability is gaining importance in the equestrian world. Some brands are already responding:

PS of Sweden: Recycled materials in several collections, PETA-Approved Vegan options for boots
Kingsland: Sustainability report since 2022, reduction of plastic packaging
Hermès: Uses only leather from tanneries with complete traceability

Those who want to completely avoid leather can now find complete vegan alternatives from Ariat and PS of Sweden, which are hardly distinguishable in quality and appearance from real leather.

Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Riding Gear

Is a Hermès saddle really worth it?

For competition professionals and passionate horse lovers who ride daily: yes. A Hermès saddle lasts for decades, adapts to the horse’s back over time, and has significant resale value. As an investment, it works better than many other luxury goods — well-maintained examples from the 1990s now exceed their original purchase price.

Is luxury riding gear also sensible for leisure riders?

Quality always pays off — high-quality riding trousers are significantly more comfortable, last longer, and fit better. However, top products like Hermès or Samshield Premium are overkill for pure leisure riders. Brands like PS of Sweden, Kingsland, or Ariat offer excellent value for quality-conscious riders without a competition focus.

Which brand is best for dressage riding?

Pikeur is the undisputed standard in the German dressage scene. Internationally, Cavalleria Toscana from Italy is increasingly setting the trends. For helmets, Samshield is the first choice for professionals — the flat silhouette and FEI approval make it the standard helmet at Grand Prix competitions.

Where can you buy luxury riding gear in Germany?

Specialized specialists such as Krämer Pferdesport, Loesdau, or Equiva carry most premium brands. Hermès equipment is only available in Hermès boutiques and at specialized equestrian trade fairs. Online, Equiva and Pfiff offer a good selection; for second-hand items, eBay Kleinanzeigen is the first address — Hermès saddles are traded there for 2,000 – 15,000 euros.

What is the difference between full seat and knee seat in riding trousers?

Knee seat means: silicone or leather reinforcement only in the knee area — ideal for show jumpers and trail rides. Full seat (from thigh to knee all around) offers significantly more grip and is the standard in dressage. Full seat trousers are more expensive (starting at around 200 euros) and require some break-in time, but they provide a closer connection feeling to the horse.

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