A Whanganui woman has launched Black Velvet, a company selling locally-produced horse riding safety vests.
Jutta Rosenblatt and her husband Berny Maubach run Vollrath Stud, a Hanoverian sport horse stud, on Kaikokopu Rd. Ms Rosenblatt has worked with horses for most of her life and came up with the concept for the vests to improve comfort for riders.
"I have designed the vest because I was looking for a more suitable vest than the usual ones on the market and also a more affordable one," Ms Rosenblatt said.
"It differs from other safety vests in that it is soft and pliable, looking fashionable and also covers the lumbar area while being short in front. Priced at $180, it is also a lot cheaper than other vests that will set you back $400 or more."
The vests are made of a polycotton outer and lining and come in a variety of colours. They are filled with high quality EVA foam that has a high velocity impact resistance.
Seamstress Jenny Meade makes the vests and Nadine Corcoran, of All Stitched Up, does the logo and back embroidery which shows a horse head in glitter rainbow thread.
The vests are made to measure but there are also standard sizes in stock.
"At this stage Whanganui Farm Supplies is stocking some vests," Ms Rosenblatt said
"We want to supply other equestrian businesses with them as well in future. For the time being, they need to be ordered through me at Vollrath Stud."
Contact Vollrath Hanoverian Stud on Facebook or at http://hanoverian.co.nz or phone 345 6636.