Ali Sirota Kelman has played a large role in the inspiration behind WON Equestrian. After all, company founder Rachel Geiger Barker was showing alongside Ali on an especially rainy day at Saratoga on the day that the idea for the brand was sparked.
Similarly to Rachel, Ali wears many hats, as a rider, a mother and an entrepreneur: She runs her boutique public relations firm Sirota PR out of Irvington, NY, and shows her mare Listen to Me in the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions.
"I absolutely love my WON breeches. They are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. They feel like workout pants that I can wear all day long," Ali says. "I also like how I feel in them. They are my go-to breeches, both at home and at the show! As a bonus, they are toddler mess-proof!"
With a unique pulse on the brand, Ali expands upon her favorite WON Equestrian attributes:
How do you like to style your WON breeches?
When I wear my black schooling breeches, I usually pair them with a high-neck tank top in a bright color and a Ruespari belt. I either keep my boots on or throw on a pair of TOMS or sneakers post-barn.
When I wear my beige show breeches, I always pair them with one of my fun Essex Show shirts and Ruespari belts.
Do you consider them rain breeches or suited for all weather conditions?
They are 100 percent all-weather breeches! I wear them on hot days, cool days, rainy days, and chilly days—it doesn’t matter.
What is your favorite feature of the WON breeches?
They dry quickly when you sweat a lot!
What has surprised you about the WON breeches?
I was surprised how breathable they are in intense heat and how quickly they dry when you sweat. It’s amazing. They are great in the barn and perfect for bathing your horse.
How do they feel in the heat?
The first time I wore them was at a Princeton Horse Show last summer when it was north of 90 degrees. I couldn’t believe how light they were. They were so much more comfortable in the heat than my other breeches. The best part was how quickly they dried after I competed and sweat A LOT. Instead of being uncomfortable for hours like I usually am, I was comfortable and dry within a half-hour.
What does the fabric feel like?
They are lightweight and comfortable. They don’t feel like your typical breeches. You can wear them all day, from the barn to the store to run errands! They don’t feel like rain jacket material at all; they feel more like the most comfortable workout pants.
Do you like the grip on the knee patch? Is it a good amount of stick?
The grip on the knee patch has great stick and is pretty!
How is the customer service experience?
I couldn’t be happier to work with WON. The breeches are my favorite brand that I have ever worn over my 32 years of riding. The customer experience is amazing. Rachel is a true professional and stands behind her product. I cannot wait to see what’s next…I'm looking forward to other colors for schooling!