I have been lucky enough to grow up with horses and to work and ride in many different disciplines.
I started riding at the age of 4 and learnt alongside my elder brother and mum at The Veryan Riding Center, in a nearby village in Cornwall. It was here that my passion for riding grew. At the age of 11, my grandmother bought me my first horse Oliver and I have never been without a horse or two in my life since!
During my years riding and working with horses, I have battled against the elements like every other horse owner. Over the years, I have suffered from hypothermia and chilblains to name a few of the unpleasant consequences of working outside.
I wanted to create a product that would keep us and our horses warm and dry.
I trained in equine management and completed my BHS stage exams, AI & ABRS teaching qualifications and then studied and qualified as a Parelli natural horsemanship instructor; working alongside these studies as an event groom, riding school instructor, and a freelance coach traveling around the UK.
Over the many years working with horses, I have gained a good idea of what this skirt needs to be –
durable, waterproof, warm, comfortable, and easy to use.
In 2014, I was involved in a horse accident and was critically injured. It was in this period I decided to retrain and study traditional upholstery and this was where my love for sewing and fabrics developed.
In the autumn of 2017 Nouvelle Habit was born.
I run my business from my home, cutting every pattern by hand and individually sewing each skirt. I use traditional bone buttons and 100% real leather buckles that are designed and handmade by myself. Each skirt has its own unique character; you can even have one made bespoke just for you!