For start-up brands that don’t have experience within the equestrian supplier chain, finding the best equestrian factory that specialises in quality horse riding apparel is a daunting task.
The internet is full of sportswear and equestrian sourcing sites that have suppliers promising the world and claim they make for leading brands. It all sounds too good to be true… Chances are, it is.
So you’re looking for the best equestian supplier and probably spent hours trawling the interweb, not really convinced anyone you have found fits the bill or actually supplies high quality kit for the leading brands. If you need help, please read on and understand how to find the right supplier for you.
1. Understanding Your Needs and Priorities
Before searching for an equestrian factory, consider your specific requirements:
- Type of Equipment Needed: Are you looking for leggings, breaches, baselayer, or watrepoofs? Different factories specialise in various product categories so its inmportant you talk to the right supplier that makes these products 365 days a year.
- Intended Use: Determine if the equipment is for competition, leisure riding, or training, as each area often requires specific quality and design considerations.
- Quality vs. Budget: Establishing a clear budget is crucial but balancing that with the quality you need can help narrow down your options. We suggest you digest this page to work out your budget. Never ask the factory how much is a product without providing a design and full tach pack.
Understanding your needs upfront will guide your search and enable you to choose a factory that aligns with your goals.
2. Look for Established Reputation and Expertise
An equestrian factory’s reputation can give you insight into the quality and reliability of its products. Start by researching established manufacturers with a history of excellence in the industry. Companies with decades of experience often have refined production processes, superior materials, and skilled artisans, ensuring consistent quality.
Remember that they need to demonstrate they have this experience and don’t believe claims a supplier makes without some hard evidence.
Key Factors in Assessing Reputation:
- Years in Business: A long-standing factory has likely built up trust with customers and industry experts.
- Notable Clients or Endorsements: If a factory supplies reputable equestrian brands, professional riders, or prestigious events, it’s a positive indicator of quality.
- Customer Reviews and Testimonials: Look at online reviews on both the factory’s site and third-party platforms to get an honest view of product satisfaction. As for a reference if possible or look to obtain photos of the production running through their factory. If they cannot provide this, walk away. The industry is full of factories that claim they make for XYZ in the hope to gain your confidence, however most factories blatently lie about this.
3. Investigate Manufacturing Processes and Quality Standards
High-quality equestrian apparel require meticulous attention to detail, from raw material selection to the final production stages. When evaluating a factory, try to learn about its manufacturing processes, as they are key indicators of quality. Ask them where they purchase their fabrics, trims and silicone from. Again, if the factory cannot divuldge this information, walk away.
- Material Selection: Top factories often use premium materials from 3rd party fabric mills that specialise in fabrics for riding apparel. You need to find these fabric mills to make the fabric selection. If you need help finding suitable fabric mills, look here.
- Quality Control: A reputable factory will have strict quality control measures at each stage, ensuring consistency across products.
Some factories may even offer virtual or in-person tours of their facilities, giving you a direct look at their processes and standards.
4. Check for Compliance with Industry Standards and Certifications
To ensure the safety, durability, and reliability of equestrian products, certain industry standards and certifications should be met. Compliance demonstrates a manufacturer’s commitment to high standards and can be a deciding factor when comparing factories.
- ISO Certification: An ISO-certified factory adheres to international standards for quality management, showing that they follow robust processes.
- Product-Specific Standards: Equestrian apparel may have specific safety standards depending on the country. For example, helmets should be certified to meet ASTM or EN standards.
- Environmental and Ethical Certifications: Look for certifications that show a commitment to sustainability and ethical production practices, such as fair labour practices and responsible recycling and printing methods. You will need the same from the fabric and trim suppliers.
Factories that comply with these certifications often advertise them on their website, or you can inquire directly with a company representative.
5. Evaluate Customer Service and Communication
Good customer service is vital in a manufacturing partner, especially if you require custom products, have specific requests, or need after-purchase support. Evaluate each factory’s approach to customer interaction by examining how responsive and helpful they are.
- Responsiveness: A reliable factory should respond promptly to inquiries, whether by email, phone, or other communication methods.
- Product Knowledge: The customer service team should demonstrate deep knowledge about their products, helping you select the right options for your needs. If anything doesn’t quite add up here, run.
- After-Sales Support: Find out if they offer warranties or what happens if there is a fault, which can save you money and ensure the longevity of your products.
The level of customer service can give you an idea of what to expect from your partnership with the factory.
6. Explore Sustainability and Ethical Manufacturing Practices
As environmental awareness grows, many consumers seek out companies that operate sustainably. Equestrian factories that prioritise eco-friendly production not only help the environment but also demonstrate a commitment to the long-term well-being of the industry. You can then share these practices with your customers and be transparent about where your products are produced.
Factors to Consider in Sustainable Manufacturing:
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Look for fabric mills that use sustainably sourced or recycled materials. For example, some mills produce performance equestrian fabrics from recycle plastic or natural fibres that are sustainable and biodegradable.
- Waste Reduction and Recycling: Sustainable factories often have processes in place to minimise waste, reuse materials, or recycle waste products.
- Energy Efficiency: Ask if the factory uses renewable energy sources or has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint.
Ethical labor practices are also essential, as you’ll want to support companies that treat their workers fairly and ensure safe working conditions.
7. Assess Product Innovation and Technology Integration
Equestrian products have advanced with technology, from ergonomic saddles to moisture-wicking fabrics and lightweight, durable materials. Top factories often stay on the cutting edge by investing in research and development, collaborating with professionals, and using state-of-the-art manufacturing technology.
Innovations to Look For:
- Advanced Materials: The use of materials such as synthetic leather, memory foam, and breathable fabrics can improve performance, durability, and rider comfort.
- Smart Gear: Some factories are now producing “smart” equestrian gear, like wearable technology for riders or health-monitoring equipment for horses, which can track performance and help prevent injuries.
Factories investing in innovation can offer products with cutting-edge features that can enhance your riding experience.
8. Compare Prices, Shipping, and Order Minimums
Cost is, of course, an important factor. High-quality equestrian apparel are often an investment, so you’ll need to compare pricing between manufacturers to find one that aligns with your budget without sacrificing quality. This in principle will be determined by the tech pack you will provide as this stipulates the fabric and components. The factory only supply the labour to build the products, so if you select a fabric that is $20 rather than $5 a meter, expect the final cost to be aligned to your choice of fabrics.
- Pricing Transparency: The best factories are upfront about their pricing structures. Look for a factory that can provide clear cost breakdowns, including production, customisation, and shipping fees.
- Order Minimums: Some factories may have minimum order quantities, which can be a barrier if you’re a small business or an individual buyer. Most factories will require 1,000pcs+, however we have negotiated musch smaller MOQ’s with our factories to around 150pcs per colour.
- Shipping and Lead Times: Ensure the factory can deliver within your desired timeline, especially if you’re ordering from an international supplier.
While it’s tempting to go with the lowest price, remember that quality is usually reflected in the cost. Striking a balance between affordability and quality can ensure that you get the best value for your investment. Remember, you get what you pay for.
9. Consider Geographic Location and Accessibility
If possible, look for a factory that is easily accessible or has great comminication. Some brands prefer to source locally to support nearby economies, while others may find better options further abroad.
Factors to consider regarding location:
- Import and Export Regulations: Familiarise yourself with customs duties, import taxes, and regulations for equestrian equipment if sourcing internationally.
- Shipping Reliability: Research shipping options and ensure that the factory has reliable logistics and a record of timely delivery.
- Currency and Exchange Rates: If ordering internationally, be mindful of currency fluctuations, which may affect your total cost.
10. Samples and Test the Quality First-Hand
Before committing to a bulk order, it’s a good idea to develop samples to test the product quality yourself. Most reputable factories are willing to provide samples, allowing you to assess the materials, workmanship, and functionality of the items. At Blue assovciates, we generally look to produce 2 rounds of samples per product before the bulk order is placed and then produce further samples to confirm and tweak everything to perfection before bulk starts.
What to Look For in Samples:
- Material Quality: Make sure you are in full control here. You source the fabrics and trims, Never let the factory do this as you don’t know the cost, performance or quality.
- Comfort and Fit: Apparel should feel comfortable and fit well. Test any customisation to ensure accuracy. Make sure you get these fitted on a perfect size model.
- Longevity: Observe how the sample holds up to use over time, as quality equestrian apparel should be durable and able to withstand the demands of regular riding.
This step is especially crucial if you’re considering a high-volume order, as it ensures you’re investing in a reliable product.
Finding the best equestrian factory may take time, but investing in the research process is worth it. By identifying your needs, checking a factory’s reputation, examining manufacturing processes, and considering factors like sustainability, customer service, and product innovation, you can make an informed decision. The right factory will not only deliver quality products but also enhance your riding experience and support your long-term equestrian goals.
At Blue Associates Sportswear, we have worked in the equestrian market for many years and have worked with start-ups and leading brands. We have a huge database of suitable fabric mills that produce performance fabrics for horse riding.
We also have a selection of very credible eueatrian factories that make for premium brands. They understand stratch fabrics and silicone grip elements and have perfected the quality assurance around these areas, something a lot of cheap factories fail missreably at.
If you are looking for the best equestrian apparel factory, then please get in touch.
