Horse fashion: the history of the creation of the Horse Pilot brand

Guillaume Janin (right) and co-founders of the Horse Pilot brand / photo from fei.org

Do you want to work in the equestrian field, but you know that you will never go to the Olympic Games, and “touring” and “coaching” are not for you? In addition to the well-known “equestrian” professions, such as a veterinarian or a farrier, there are many other areas that shape the modern equestrian world.

This time we will talk about the work that will suit the brave lovers of fashion, novelties and style – the development, creation and maintenance of a brand of horse ammunition. Read more about how to come to the idea of ​​creating your own brand and make it unique, told Guillaume Janin — head of sales and one of the co-founders of the famous French brand of equestrian clothing HorsePilot.

French brand Horse Pilot is one of the sponsors of the International Equestrian Federation and developer of the first innovative equestrian apparel. Technological materials, thoughtful cut details and concern for the preferences of athletes – how did Guyon come to this?

Guillaume’s parents have nothing to do with the equestrian world – in the Janin family, only the elder brother rode on horseback. However, parents have always supported the hobbies of their sons. So when Guillaume wanted to learn how to ride a horse, they took him to his first training session. At the age of four, he began riding ponies.

Guillaume chose for himself triathlon and participated in international tournaments up to the level of two stars. And if not for the business, then he would definitely have made a brilliant sports career.

Guillaume chose business, brand management and management as his main area of ​​study. After graduating from ESC PAU Business School in France, he took a year off.

“Before starting work, I traveled around Australia and surfed. And I don’t regret my choice one bit.”, Guillaume comments.

The path to the Horse Pilot brand

“After 10 years of working with brands like Quiksilver, Nike and Asics, I wanted to start my own business. Two of my friends had the same dream.

While thinking about the brand concept, we discussed many trends and issues in equestrian sports. So we came to the conclusion that other athletes do not always consider riders to be real athletes.

The clothes in which the equestrians were engaged at that time were sometimes “borrowed” from other sports – athletics, skiing and other disciplines. I was also surprised that the equestrian world lacked eco-friendly clothing and ammunition.

Our sport combines man, horse and nature. So we just thought necessary to create a “green” clothing line. Over time, this has become one of the Horse Pilot’s core values.

Now, after so many years, I can be proud of our brand. At ski resorts, I see other skiers in Horse Pilot clothing, as I used to see people dressed in ski brands.“, says Guillaume.

It is hard to even imagine what could be the best such work. Meeting famous riders, designing and creating new collections and the opportunity to be creative in completing tasks.

“We do a lot of research, sometimes come up with crazy prototypes, consult with the best riders and end up creating unique pieces.

I like to improve our clothes and think about how we can adapt new technologies from other sports for riders and horses. I believe that someday we will be able to make a real revolution in equipment and clothing for riding.”, adds Guyon.

And if Guyon were asked for advice by those who want to build such a career, he would certainly answer: “Send me your resume, and remember the passion! After all, she is the key to all accomplishments.“!

At the moment, the French brand is widely represented in the store Prokoni Shop. The choice of the buyer is not only a stylish form for performances in all equestrian disciplines and working casual clothes, but also technological ammunition for four-legged athletes.