Saddle Up Collaboration

2024-2025 Partner Project

Saddle Up! is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and youth with disabilities grow, learn, and thrive through the therapeutic, educational, and recreational benefits of horseback riding. Located on a 34-acre farm, the organization offers eight unique programs designed to support riders of all abilities. Their mission centers on creating an environment where every child can develop skills, build confidence, and find joy in working with horses.

As part of this collaborative project, junior fashion students were paired with individual riders from Saddle Up! to design custom adaptive equestrian garments. The process began with building a personal connection, allowing us to understand each rider’s unique needs and preferences. My partner was a young rider who uses a wheelchair, and my challenge was to design an outfit that would not only meet her functional requirements but also reflect her fun, feminine style. The garment needed to balance accessibility with fashion, ensuring she could move comfortably while still feeling stylish and confident on horseback and on the runway.

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Drawing inspiration from classic equestrian wear, I reimagined the design to suit the needs of a seated rider. I extended and added flexibility to the seat area for comfort, incorporated reinforced belt loops to assist with dressing, and included a ¾ front zipper for easier wear. To enhance mobility and provide coverage, I designed a high-low skirt hemline, which allowed for more hip movement and offered back coverage while sitting. At the rider’s request, I used pink fabric and incorporated her love of bows into a custom hand-drawn print, making the garment uniquely hers.

The design process involved multiple consultations, pattern adjustments, and a sample fitting to ensure the piece met both functional and aesthetic goals. Special attention was given to adapting traditional silhouettes into something practical for a wheelchair user without losing the playful, girly charm that she loved. The final garment successfully combined accessibility, comfort, and personal style—celebrating both the spirit of Saddle Up! and the individuality of the rider who would proudly wear it.