Black Heart Equestrian: It's been a hell of a ride ....... The story so far:
2017:
19 year old dressage rider/university student Erin was gifted some equestrian clothes by a brand in exchange for some photos. Sadly they weren't a good fit - the tops were too tight for sport with extra short arms and the low rise breeches were unflattering and uncomfortable.
Despite being a full time student with 2 competition horses in training with no business experience or design skills at all, she somehow thought it would be a good idea to create a brand of her own comfy and well fitting riding clothes!
Having recently sold a horse she'd produced from a 4 year old, Erin also decided that it would be a good investment to put her entire savings into a business venture she knew absolutely nothing about.
BHE launched in August 2017 with hoodies and tee shirts whilst the first batch of leggings and base layers were in production.
The very first collection of BHE hoodies and T Shirts
BHE's iconic Flex collection launched in December 2017 with 4 colours of leggings and base layers - black, royal blue, burgundy and grey.
Erin & her friend Eby in 2017. Eby is now the BHE Manager 🖤
The new products arrived in the nick of time for the first BHE stall at Olympia Horse Show in December. Whilst at the show it became clear that having only 4 colours of the Flex Collection was boring. In the new year, she sold her 'project horse' Jelly Baby to buy the first range of Signature breeches and invested the rest into more Flex colours.
Olympia 2017 with Uni friends as helpers
2017-2020
Studying for a degree in Business Management Erin continued to test new products whilst training her own horses. Slowly building the brand at the same time as juggling a busy life with horses like every horse girl.
Utilising friends and family as models, her Mum as photographer and Erin's own horses for pictures, BHE's social media has always reflected a true representation of it's customer base.
Wearing the first range of Signature breeches, Team GB Grand Prix rider friend Ellie McCarthy and her gorgeous stallion Lancelot.
Erin's school friend and fellow horse rider, Bailey
Erin's cousins Amelia and Isobel (now almost 21!) modelling the second drop of the Flex collection
2020
Covid and lockdowns meant that Erin had spare time on her hands and started posting TikTok videos with her horses and wearing Black Heart. She gained over 4 million followers, accidentally becoming one of the most followed equestrian 'influencers'.
"Going into the office during lock down to post out orders I couldn't understand why we'd fully sold out of grey flex leggings and mauve base layers that had literally just restocked" Erin recalls. "Then I realised I'd had a TikTok video go viral with over 3 million views and I was wearing that exact outfit combination. That's when I realised the power of social media for the brand."
2021 -2024
Constantly experimenting, increasing the BHE team and doing more horse show stands, BHE continued to grow and cement its place in the equestrian market.
An overdue move to new premises and warehouse space meant that the product range could be extended with enough storage to hold more stock and avoid constantly running out.
Always testing the boundaries Black Heart is known for its extensive colour range of super comfy clothing that fits all body types. A primary strength is the focus on ensuring all products are a consistent fit with accurate sizing, making it easier for online customers.
The introduction of the now famous Cara Hybrids being a major highlight for BHE with over 20 different colour options and more in development! The addition of patterns and florals into the range has been a phenomenal success and there is more to come!
Erin & Eby 8 years of Black Heart later!
2025 and the Future
BHE moved to bigger and better premises yet again in April this year making room for more staff and yes, even more products!
Remaining an entrepreneurial and innovative company is very important to BHE, as is the brand's determination to keep improving equestrian wear and making it fashionable and functional, one base layer at a time!
"BHE has created a wonderful, loyal community over the last 8 years and myself and all of us here are incredibly thankful for the support. Many of you have been with us from the very beginning and we are so grateful to all of our customers and followers, new and old. Thank you for joining us on this very special ride!" Love Erin x
Erin and her special mare Fleurie competing for Team GB