I am drawn to the history of sterling silver and its use in design. I believe this attraction stems from my adoration of the formality and intricate detail of a wide array of handmade items from the Victorian Era , like monogrammed napkin rings and flatwear to barrettes and bracelets. My adoration for this bright metal has led me to purchase a few carefully selected handmade jewelry pieces, both contemporary and antique. Just recently, in my search for a very specific type of equestrian themed necklace, I discovered the work of Loriece Boatright. An authentic “modern artisan” and horsewoman, her handmade designs are extremely representative of items that abound around the stable. Loriece has spent decades honing her expertise in designing and creating custom jewelry for both men and women and she works not only with silver, but also with gold, precious stones and more.
Although I was shopping for a "bit" necklace, I also discovered a relevant collection by Loriece that is quite unique from the standard marketplace and fills the niche for the modern hunter rider- the stock pin. This accessory is becoming increasingly sought after, yet difficult to locate. While already used in dressage competitions, the impetus of the USHJA to bring horsemanship back to the hunter discipline through the promotion and support of International, National, and now Pony Derby classes has created a significant demand for shadbellies and stock ties. The stock pin, necessary to hold the tie in place, is often overlooked, but in reality this can be a subtle investment piece that may be customized to reflect one's personal style. Loriece Boatright's experience as both a horsewoman and talented designer has allowed her to create a wide breadth of relevant offerings that possess a diversity in design.
In this interview, we learn about the process, inspiration and breadth of Loriece’s skills in creating custom and extremely detailed handmade jewelry including rings, bracelets, earrings, stock pins/brooches, and more. Each piece shows her commitment to authenticity and detail, specifically pertaining to equestrian related items. Additionally, she has been extremely generous in providing a handmade sterling horse show nail stock pin to one fortunate member of the Street to Stable community. Details to enter are located at the bottom of the page
Salut!.
DID YOU KNOW?
Traditionally, the stock tie is used in the hunt field as a safety measure: in case of injury, the tie may be used as a temporary bandage for a horse's leg or a sling for a rider's arm. It is also useful in keeping rain or wind out of the rider's collar and is often worn by riders along with a shadbelly coat. The pin is stuck through the knot or just below the knot of the stock tie, thus the name stock pin.
IMAGE: Tory Colvin in formal attire during the final round of the 2016 $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at WEF
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stock_tie