Shires Equestrian started many years ago and a long way from Temecula, California, but its brands have become familiar favorites in the West and throughout North America thanks to quality products at affordable prices.
The manufacturing enterprise began as a family endeavor, launched by Malcolm Ainge in 1968 in Herefordshire, United Kingdom. Having grown up around his sister’s horses on the family farm, Malcolm knew that horses and those who ride and care for them needed well-made gear designed for the rigors of the equestrian lifestyle and for the “style” part of life with horses.
Several family members now manage the company’s considerable growth, all with the founder’s vision that manufacturing products themselves is the best way to ensure consistently high quality. The Shires Equestrian brand now consists of several lines in various apparel and gear categories.
Quality Assurance
“Malcolm started out having full control of how things are made and that’s still the case even though our staff now numbers almost 500 employees,” reports Ally O’Hara, manager of US operations. Shire’s U.S. base is Epping, New Hampshire. The apparel, horse blankets, boots, tack and other accessories and gear under the Shires umbrella are made overseas and distributed throughout North America from New Hampshire.
Demand started off nicely when Shires began serving the North American market in 2008, and it has grown exponentially ever since. “We are busier than ever,” says Ally. New retailers are regularly added to the extensive Shires stockiest list and they can be easily located via www.shop.shiresequestrian.com.
One reason for that growth is an ongoing commitment to product refinement. A current example is the StormCheeta heavy duty horse blanket. It was popular to the point that “there was a lot of demand to bring it back during the time it was off the market,” Ally notes. It returns in two weights – 300 and 200 grams fills for different temperature demands. Both versions feature a “ballistic” ShireTex® 1680 denier outer shell to withstand rugged weather, rugged horse environments and horses who can be rough on their blankets.
Deep shoulder gussets allow extra movement and prevent rub spots and a flexible fit facilitates a variety of body types.
Like lighter-weight horse blankets in the Highlander and Tempest sister lines, the StormCheeta is water repellant thanks to an eco-friendly, PFC-free treatment.
Something For Every Horse & Rider
Horse boots, saddle pads and girths are part of Shires’ ARMA line of horse gear, and the Velociti label includes bridles and other leatherwork. For riders, Shires markets apparel and footwear in its Aubrion and Moretta lines and both offer an extensive range of options.
Aubrion, for example, has everything from sports bras to vests, tech polo shirts and hoodies. Their common denominator is designs for equestrians and the use of breathable, washable high-performance materials that are ideal for riders.
Galway Downs is proud to have a long-standing relationship with Shires Equestrian. The company’s marketing coordinator Grace Parker grew up around Temecula and recalls the venue from many years ago. “More recently I’ve seen and heard about what kind of facility it’s been growing into to,” she comments. “It is getting a great deal of recognition and everything they are doing is really impressive.”
Horses and riders throughout North America are currently preparing for the Eventing Championships coming to Galway Downs November. 1-5. There’s no doubt that something special from Shires is part of their kit!
Visit Shires Equestrian.