FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
SIDELINES AUGUST 2012 23
e
Fashion
By Abby Westmark
Many people can pinpoint a major turning point in their lives,
but few have one so specifc and drastic as Kerri Kent, owner of
Kerrits Performance Equestrian Apparel. For Kerri, it all started
with an article.
In August of 1991, the New York Times wrote an article about
Kerrits, then an activewear company specializing in swimsuits.
The article noted that Kerri, a windsurfer as well as a rider, had
been considering expanding Kerrits into equestrian activewear.
It also mentioned that she was single.
Fortunately for Kerri, the article came at the perfect time.
Michael Diamond of Eisers approached her and under the
Eisers name Kerrits Equestrian
Apparel was born. The
company continued to expand
and today is one of the leading
providers of comfortable
apparel for horse people.
Kerri’s philosophy is best
summarized in one phrase, “I
design around who I am.” From
her early swimsuits, combining
functionality and fashion with
her personal inspiration and
taste (including the traditional
houndstooth print found in
many Kerrits products today.)
Her goal is to create clothing
that is comfortable, affordable
and functional for riders
everywhere.
And, in her own case, for
wearing outside the barn.
When asked what her usual
daily outft consists of, she
chuckled and said, “Kerrits
pocket tights and a skirt, with
funky shoes. I can wear it to
work and then go to the barn,
take off my earrings, put on
paddock boots, and ride.”
After all, who doesn’t like
being functional as well as
fashionable!
Of course, the article in
the Times didn’t just alter the
course of Kerri’s professional
life - it altered her personal
one as well. Shortly after the
article ran, she was contacted
by the Kreps Ranch in White
Fresh Crop
of Kerrits
Kerri Kent
Photo courtesy of Kerrits
Performance Equestrian Apparel
Continued on page 25