Be Bold

Boo Yah Custom Clothing Creates Iconic Looks in the Irons

by Robyn Duplisea

The days of only showing bays, blacks and greys in the hunt seat are over and so are the limitations on your show attire, thanks to Boo Yah Custom Show Clothing.

Hunt Seat classes will always show a heavy respect for tradition, but with the right design team you can weave your own personality into your show attire. Think “trendy not tacky” when it comes to hunt seat fashion.

Boo Yah Custom Show Clothing began in 2011 when APHA hunt seat competitor Megan Brown decided to

Elizabeth (Spike) Brewer work with a tailor to design a unique hunt coat. She partnered with Elizabeth (Spike) Brewer and Boo Yah Custom Show Clothing was born. Two original hunt coats were designed one for each of them and the idea took off like wildfire.

Exhibitors were craving a chance to show their individual style in the irons while honoring the traditional look of the class. Boo Yah, from the start recognized that while you could add trim, piping and new fabrics the basics of excellent fit and quality materials were the basis of which to build their business on.

Today, Boo Yah Custom Show Clothing is a “horse hold” name brand that it is deeply rooted in customer service. Spike takes the reins on day-to-day operations as Megan works full time in the National Parks service.

“We simply want to create high quality garments at affordable pricing for the horse show world. We are committed to providing the best customer service and highest quality product and always strive for 100% customer satisfaction” explains Spike.

Everything that is created under the Boo Yah brand is crafted with Spike’s attention to detail. She chooses every element down to the perfect button color on the hunt coat & hunt shirt stock orders, so they have readymade inventory to sell on hand. Spike also handles the customer service, sponsorships, semicustom order timeline to hit for the majors. Boo Yah also handles their company’s social media, website and online sales in house. These women are the definition of boss babes!

“Thankfully I work from home” shares Spike “so it makes it nice to be a stay at home mom and be able to run Boo Yah and spend quality time with my daughter.”

You can not watch a Hunt Seat class today without seeing the influence of Boo Yah Customer Clothing. Subtle nods to individuality through piping on a jacket or bold looks with patterns and colors, stunning linings, unique fabrics or a beautiful colored shirt with matching collar, Boo Yah has changed the look that graces the show pen.

“I think what sets us apart is the quality of fabric that we have is truly in a league of its own,” explains Spike. Boo Yah has such a near endless supply of both suiting and shirt fabrics, it can be overwhelming to choose. Spike often helps individual choose combinations that fit their vision. It is truly a customizable experience that results in a final look that will allow your personality to shine.

Boo Yah has expanded from hunt seat only items to include stunning men’s, ladies’ and children’s western show shirts. With so many fabric options plus options for custom cuffs, collars and piping they can give you a unique look for your western classes.

can check out Boo Yah’s clothing at one of their distributors. “Boo Yah Custom Clothing ready-made items are also available through our two distributors Kathy Williams Tails (now known as Head to Tail Boutique) and at Show Me Again with Wendy Brown.”

From a subtle sheen on a classic black coat with a pop of red piping to a very unique soft grey plaid that will stand out in any arena, Boo Yah does offers classic timeless options, trendy and unique clothing and options that ride the line between trendy and timeless. If you are conservative, you will be able to find the perfect look with Boo Yah emphasizing quality fit and fabrics and if you want to be trendy they can do

between trendy and timeless. If you are conservative, you will be able to find the perfect look with Boo Yah emphasizing quality fit and fabrics and if you want to be trendy they can do that too!

As for trends in the show pen Spike shares that “A classic will never go out of style and is a great investment, but the fun and fancy ones are definitely still the most popular!” She says exhibitors can show their personality with fancy coats with velvet and/or piping and covered or ornate buttons.

Fit will always be key with show clothing. “Once you try a hunt coat on, pay attention to the shoulder width compared to your body, the arm length, and the length of the coat itself, and if the cut is flattering to your body.” Even if the coat needs a few slight adjustments, you should feel confident wearing it.

“Some girls will need a few minor tweaks such as taking in the waist, but their local tailor or seamstress can easily custom fit it to them if needed,” Spike shares. With 15 stock sizes at Boo Yah and a wide variety of styles available for all sizes, Spike says 90% of today’s riders can find a hunt coat

just for them. Boo Yah’s “Semi Custom” coats give you the chance to choose the fabric and finishings in any stock size. Boo Yah also offers fully custom hunt seat blouses, ladies’ western show blouses and men’s and children's western show shirts.

Both Spike and Megan are continuing to show in the hunt seat classes, a nod to their love for the sport. Their commitment to bettering the horse show industry is evident in their generous sponsorship of events, associations, shows and related charities. This business has grown over the years with excellent customer service, quality products that holds their value and fair pricing. Boo Yah has earned their success by building a stellar reputation for style and function.

“I don't think myself or Megan ever dreamed we would be quite as successful as we are 11 years later!” exclaimed Spike. “It is very rewarding to be able to watch any hunt seat class and easily recognize all the Boo Yah apparel in the pen.”

Visit Boo Yah Custom Clothing at www.booyahcustomclothing.com and be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram. You can also see and try on their stock designs at many major shows at either Head to Tail Boutique or Show Me Again.

Megan Bown