Equestrian Boarding Stable Apparel

Equestrian boarding stables have a built-in audience that almost no other ag operation has: 30-150 boarders who are at the barn three to five times a week and identify socially with their stable. The barn name on a hat or quarter-zip is a status piece in the riding community. Most barns never build the apparel program because the local print shop wants a 36-piece minimum, and the barn owner doesn't want to chase boarders for size confirmations. Bear Grips Pro Shops gives the stable a branded shop where each boarder orders their own piece in their own size and ships free home.

Who Buys Equestrian Boarding Stable Merch

• Boarders: 30-150 people who keep a horse on the property and want to wear the barn brand
• Lesson students: riders who train at the stable but don't board
• Trainers and staff: head trainer, working students, barn manager
• Show team: boarders who travel and represent the stable at shows
• Boarder families: parents and siblings of junior riders

Best Apparel Pieces For Boarding Stables

• Men's Performance Polo (Sport-Tek, $34.88 VIP base): barn polo for trainers and clinic days; moisture-wicking
• Women's Premium Cotton Pique Polo (Gildan, $34.88 VIP base): women's polo, the most common rider piece
• Ladies' Moisture Wicking Tee (Sport-Tek, $25.88 VIP base): summer riding-friendly tee
• Long Sleeve Cotton Shirt (Bella+Canvas, $29.88 VIP base): spring/fall barn layer with sun protection
• Men's Performance Quarter-Zip Pullover (Sport-Tek, $29.88 VIP base): winter barn layer
• Ladies' Quarter-Zip Pullover (Sport-Tek, $29.88 VIP base): women's winter barn piece
• Classic Rope Hat (Richardson, $29.86 VIP base): embroidered barn-name hat
• Cuffed Winter Hat (Yupoong, $25.86 VIP base): embroidered beanie for cold-morning chores

Bear Grips Pro Shops: Custom Apparel for Your Team. No Minimums. Free Shipping.

Logo Placement That Works For Riders

Riders move in saddles; logo placement matters:

• Left chest: the default for polos and quarter-zips; clears the shoulder strap and visible at a show ring
• Back yoke: full barn name across the upper back; reads well from outside the ring
• Sleeve: secondary placement for trainer name or boarder name
• Embroidered hat front: barn logo or wordmark, 2.5-3 inches wide

Revenue Math For Boarding Stable Apparel

Stable size	Boarders + students	Items per year	Profit per item	Annual revenue
Small private barn	20	40	$12	$480
Mid-size boarding barn	80	200	$15	$3,000
Boarding + lesson program	150	400	$15	$6,000
Stable + show team	250	600	$15	$9,000

Show Team Apparel Adds A Second Revenue Layer

For stables with a competitive show team, add a "Show Team" category with show-specific polos, quarter-zips, and embroidered hats with rider name on the sleeve. Show parents and grandparents are some of the most consistent apparel buyers in the operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the polos hold up to barn work and riding?

Sport-Tek Performance Polo and Gildan Cotton Pique Polo are both held to riding-school standards. Moisture-wicking polyester for summer, cotton pique for spring and fall.

Can boarders add their horse's name to their piece?

Yes. Add a sleeve customization with the horse's name; Pro Shops supports unlimited design elements at the VIP base price.

Should I make show team merch member-only?

Many stables do. Run a "Show Team" category that's only shared with the show roster; the rest of the shop is open to all boarders.

What sizes work for junior riders?

Youth tees and youth hats are in the catalog at the same no-minimum pricing. Junior riders order the same brand in kid sizing.