We welcome long standing, local customer Nikki from Black & White Equestrian to review her Samshield Jacket, purchased at Forelock and Load. Please note, that Nikki hasn’t been gifted the jacket or received financial reward for this review.
I purchased my Samshield Jacket over a year ago when I started to compete more and wanted an alternative to a very short, fitted jacket and a longer length jacket – both of which, I felt, weren’t as flattering or as comfortable as they could be.
At Forelock & Load, Kirstie was able to show me a couple of brands and had a range of sizes to try so I could get the perfect fit. Having always worn black for competing I decided to opt for navy and fell in love with the Samshield styles.
The Cut & Fabric
I chose the Louise style jacket which is made from high tech technical fabric. This gives it great stretch, but the Samshield designers have ensured the cut is still classic but with a contemporary edge. The jacket falls well, and the length isn’t boxy and short like many contemporary jackets, or overly long… it’s a happy medium that looks fresh and neat without feeling like you are wearing a jacket designed for the teenage market. Having quite broad shoulders and long arms I found the cut to be generous and true to size (I am a size 14 and a 42 fitted well). Overall, the cut is comfortable and feels flattering. The fabric is amazing and has a nice amount of stretch which means it is comfortable and not restrictive to ride in, and the back vents also support this. It’s a nice weight of cloth and the navy is a classic dark navy blue. You are getting all the benefits of traditional tailoring but with added tech and some little contemporary details that add to the function and style.
It is all in the detail…
I’m not really one for bling but the subtle Samshield ‘S’ logo in diamante that sits on the upper left sleeve and the Alcantara trimmed collar and cuffs add subtle detail that enhances the design. Its these little additions that take this jacket into a higher level of design and quality to others, and as a textile design graduate, I really appreciate what the designers have set out to achieve. The chest pocket has a discreet white pocket square that adds a smart detail without looking over the top.
Function and washability
I’ve worn this jacket in very cold weather and very hot weather… now in either situations whatever you wear you are likely to feel cold or hot! But with this jacket I felt comfortable. The stretch and freedom it gives is really important to the comfort factor, while looking smart and professional.
As one of my horses is always intent on slobbering all over my kit and I’ve worn it in torrential rain and searing sun it has been washed a few times. I compete about 3 times a month, so I would say it gets washed at least every 4 weeks. Has it shrunk or faded – NO! Has it lost its shape – NO! Basically, I pop it on a delicates wash, inside out (as instructed), then hang it on a padded hanger to dry. Simple!
Another upside is that creases drop out easily from the fabric. So, when I’ve flung it off after a test (to find it scrunched up in the bottom of my kit trolley later), I just hang it up and its ready for day 2 of a stay away show.
To Summarise…
I have been so pleased with this jacket, the fit is great, its comfortable, practical and smart (you could wear this for dressage, eventing or jumping). Price wise it was maybe slightly more than I had initially intended to spend (RRP £330), but in hindsight this jacket looks like new after one year of decent use and is likely to last for a few years to come. Because of the stretch, the jacket has accommodated me putting on a few lbs during lockdown and I know will look fine when I lose them! Overall, I think this is a great jacket for a competitive rider looking for a classy, elegant silhouette but with all the tech extras to make it functional and practical for sports competition.
Shop the Samshield Here. Read more about Nikki & her horses here.
The Samshield Burb…
The classic Samshield Louise Show Jacket in Navy offers a host of technical features to help you perform at your best.
It is made from an extra-comfort, high stretch technical fabric that also offers protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. It is also highly breathable, with a stretch mesh lining to allow airflow without compromising your freedom of movement, and features perforated shoulder panels to keep you cool under pressure.
In addition to the technical performance features, this Samshield show jacket is packed with stylish details for a dash of elegance. It is straight cut, with a clearly defined waist for a flattering finish.
The Alcantara collar trim provides a streamlined look, while further interest is offered by the Alcantara cuff and back panel trim.
It has three Samshield front buttons, two back vents, and the Samshield logo badge in rubber and metal on the right sleeve.
The chest pocket provides an original and distinctive finishing touch.
The Samshield Louise Show Jacket is available in Navy, Black and Grey in sizes 34 (UK 6), 36 (UK 8), 38 (UK 10), 40 (UK 12) or 42 (UK 14).
Shop the Samshield Louise Jacket in Navy Here Anthracite Here the new Samshield Louisa Jacket is arriving shortly!
