You are here: Home » News, views and events » Press releases » Where style and comfort meet safety

Where style and comfort meet safety

23/04/2003

"The UK has a strong tradition in equestrian sports so there is a proven market for Soigne's innovative products that could bring important safety improvements to millions of riders."

The company has been set up by a young female entrepreneur, Vicki Sharp, from the Chester area. She is the designer of all the concepts and has been involved with horses both as a hobby and professionally, since childhood. It was after suffering a back injury caused by a riding accident that prompted Vicki into looking for something to assist her to ride more comfortably and offer her more support and mobility. She is joined by her mother, Margaret Barton, who will run the financial side of the business.

Soigne are developing a collection of unique and exciting garments designed to improve safety and comfort for equestrians. They are also considering the needs of children, adults and disabled or injured riders/jockeys. The riding breeches, with their use of intelligent temperature control fabrics, offer support, protection and the opportunity for additional therapy to injured or damaged backs through a gel insert that can provide either heat or cold to the lumbar region. This is one of the most vulnerable areas for injury for equestrians. The other items include a revolutionary Body Protector designed to protect the upper body in the event of a fall from the horse.

The range of new clothing will fill a gap in the market. Safety concerns in terms of equipment for equestrian sports has been surprisingly neglected particularly as the sport is regarded as more dangerous than Formula 1. Falls inflicting long-term injury are a regular occurrence in every day riding at all levels.

The market potential for Soigne's products is huge - the British Equestrian Trade Industry (BETA) estimates the UK market to be around £2.5 billion per year, with a riding population of 2.6 million, and 55% of riders being between the age of 5 and 25 years representing a high spend area of the market. The overall number is increasing at an annual rate of 1-2%. Soigne have already completed their research into the interest in this market - from riders to the retailers - and the response to date has been very encouraging.

Soigne has a range of designs to take them into 2007/8, by which time their position as market leaders will be established and they aim to move equestrian wear into the high street.

Jeremy Newton, NESTA's Chief Executive said: "This award is living proof that NESTA is uncovering great ideas from all over the country. The UK has a strong tradition in equestrian sports so there is a proven market for Soigne's innovative products that could bring important safety improvements to millions of riders."