Top Toys - Horseback Riding Dolls - Equestrian Fashion and Love of Horses and Much More

Little girls dream of beautiful clothes, jewelry and horses. Yes, horses! Horses are more than an animal, they are an experience, a love of nature, a love of freedom, and most importantly "a mutual love".

For you see, a horse is more than sport, it is also an animal to care for and love and in turn to be loved back.

The romance of a horse as a pet, a riding companion is further spurred by a distinct fashion statement that is as classic and refined as these majestic animals. Amazingly, equestrian fashion has held its own throughout all decades of wide fashion trends.

Beautiful dolls from modern day dolls such as Bratz and Moxie Girlz Fashion to vintage Barbie and Madame Alexander and even one special doll commissioned by the Franklin Mint celebrate this hobby of horseback riding and love of horses.

The equestrian doll is not just for little girls, grown woman such as myself will find themselves yearning for these exquisite works of art that gracefully pull together the love of horseback riding with fashion and take us all back to the dreams of our youth.

Jackie Kennedy Enjoyed Horseback Riding

The World of Equestrian Dolls

We will explore the wonderful world of dolls as represented in horseback riding dolls and accessories.

• Barbie
• Bratz
• Breyer
• Madame Alexander
• Moxie Girlz Fashion Doll

Horse Back Riding

Stunning Virtual Collection of Equestrian Dolls

As an avid doll collector all of my life, one of the greatest enjoyments I have here on HubPages is collecting dolls of all kinds and sharing the many images with you. If you have read some of my home remodeling or Barbie doll articles, you know I excel at compiling the best of the best in images. Collecting in images or in the virtual world has its advantages of minimal space and no dusting! As a writer, virtual collector, I am thrilled when the slide shows are viewed multiple times. I am very proud of this fact because I find the slideshow images here on HubPages the single most interactive experiences we have out on the world wide web.

Hold on to your riding hat, if you love horses and doll collecting, we have an outstanding collection for you to view. We have the best of the best from the top toy/doll manufacturers in the world. Some dolls are complete with their very own horse, some are simply dressed for the occasion.

Moxie Girlz Horse Riding Club Doll

Little Girls and Horses in the Movies

Remember the tragic scene in Gone with the Wind where Bret and Scarlet lost their little girl to a horse back riding accident?

Other memorable movies with little girls and horses are:

Troubled teen in Primo Baby in 1990 to the depression era movie entitled Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken to the 1997 The Princess Stallion of a young girl who lost her Mother and searches after a white horse.

• Gone with the Wind 1939
• National Velvet 1944

• My Friend Flicka 1947

• Primo Baby 1990

• Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken 1991

• The Princess Stallion 1997

• Dreamer: Inspired by a true story 2005

• Flicka 2006

• Moondance Alexander 2007

The magic that horses add to a movie is the magic of love. Nothing epitomizes love more than an equestrian doll.

Yes, the clothing is distinctive and can be very fashionable as we will see, but the heart and soul of a doll with a horse is the love of the animal.

Equestrian Fashion and High Style

Equestrian Fashion and Jackie Kennedy

Equestrian fashion offers a classic style that is timeless. Throughout the ages, Jackie Kennedy has exemplified refined elegance and nowhere is these more event than with the equestrian look. Jackie continued with her classic look even when riding. While a doll was not created during her lifetime in the horseback riding garments, in 1999, the Franklin Mint created an execptional doll designed by Jackie's favorite clothing designer Oleg Cassini. If you want to learn more about the doll and the accessories that go along with horseback riding such as the jodhpurs, the paddock boots and the riding hat, see the detail in our first horseback riding doll detailed below.

Jackie Kennedy in a Classic Riding Jacket

Jodhpurs

"Jodhpurs in their modern form are tight-fitting trousers that reach to the ankle, where they end in a snug cuff, and are worn primarily for horse riding. The term is also used incorrectly as slang for a type of short riding boot, also called a paddock boot or a jodhpur boot, because they are worn with jodhpurs."

"Originally, jodhpurs were snug-fitting only from just below the knee to the ankle and were flared at the hip; modern stretch fabrics have allowed jodhpurs to remove the flare and yet remain supportive and flexible.^[1]"

Paddock Boots

"Jodhpur boots, also called paddock boots, are worn with jodhpurs, but also may be worn with breeches if half-chaps are added which provide the functionality and look of a tall riding boot."

Jackie Kennedy in Jodhpurs - Equestrian Doll by Franklin Mint

I love Jackie Kennedy jewelry, I adore Barbie but have never wanted a Jackie Kennedy Barbie Doll or Franklin Mint doll until I saw this one. This doll was crafted by Franklin Mint in 1999. The classic, yet country styling is very fitting for Jackie's refined style.

Note Jackie's riding gloves.

While I could never wear jodhpurs, I can imagine Jackie would wear these very gracefully. The boots and the back sweater and the jacket would fit very well in my wardrobe.

Why the Extreme Flare in the Riding Pants?

Originally the thighs and hips were loose so loose in fact they were actually "flared" extending outward. The theory behind this extreme design was stated to be for comfort and cooling. Additionally, the added fabric would also help with leg extended movements.

Nowadays stretch fabrics have virtually eliminated the flared portion of the jophurs.

Jackie Kennedy Horse Riding Doll by Franklin Mint

Jackie Kennedy Horse Riding Doll by Franklin Mint

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Riding Crop

A crop, sometimes called a riding crop or hunting crop, is a short type of whip without a lash, used in horse riding, part of the family of tools known as horse whips.

Oleg Cassini Biography Brief

Oleg Cassini (April 11, 1913 – March 17, 2006) was a Count born in France and became one of the favorite fashion designers of many celebrities including the first lady Jackie Kennedy.

Hounds Tooth Pattern

Hounds Tooth is the classic Scottish pattern characterized by broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes typically in black and white. Because this pattern covers dirt superbly, today we often see this pattern used in culinary uniforms specifically the Chef's pants.

English Riding Ensemble by Oleg Cassini

THE JACKIE EQUESTRIAN DOLL

• Issued in 1999 by The Franklin Mint.

• 14-1/2" tall
• Crafted in life-like vinyl
• Designed by Oleg Cassini
• Scottish Riding Style includes jophurs, paddock boots, riding hat and riding crop.

Exquisite detailing of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis dressed for horse back riding.

Jackie is wearing the classic riding clothing of jophurs and paddock boots.

Look at the detail in the hounds tooth jacket, picture perfect riding hat and riding crop.

The doll comes complete with its own white doll stand.

Chic Equestrian Ensemble Barbie Doll

"Barbie Fashion Model Collection: High-Stepping Barbie Equestrian Outfit
While on working holiday in jolly old England, Barbie wears the perfect outfit for taking a horse out of the stable for a run. It begins with a chic equestrian ensemble of off-white riding breeches, show jacket and riding boots – all the proper accouterments, properly tailored and smartly elegant. This British invasion of traditional style is anything but conventional. Doll, horse, saddle, extra boots and other accessories shown not included."

Barbie Horse

"Barbie® Riding Club™ Collection, 1998 Walking Beauty Horse, NIB “Saddle up for fun & Riding Adventures with the Barbie Riding Club™. Horse Riding™ Barbie can ride Walking Beauty™ around the Barbie Riding Club corral. After their daily ride, Barbie grooms her beautiful horse. Walking Beauty™ neighs sweetly and surprises Barbie by blowing her a kiss.” Beauty is a Palomino Breed and features a walnut colored English saddle and matching bridle & reins. A beautiful saddle blanket of velvet burgundy & white trimmed in gold! An essential grooming set is also included and includes 3 barrettes, a bucket, a cactus mitt, a spray bottle, a face sponge, a dandy brush and a hoof pick. 3 Alkaline Button Batteries are required! DOES NOT INCLUDE BARBIE."

source: http://tuapoma.com

Horse Back Riding Barbie Doll From Western to Modern

Equestrian Barbies From Elegant Country to Wonderful White Winter and More!

Horse Back Riding Barbie in Pink

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Buy Barbie Dolls Online

• Shop Barbie Dolls, Barbie Houses & Accessories | Mattel
  Buy Barbie Dolls, Barbie Accessories, Barbie Dress Up Fashions, Barbie and Ken, Plus Barbie Doll Houses at MattelShop.com

Breyer Eva Saddle Up Set

Breyer Eva Saddle Up Set - Doll and Paddock Gear

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Breyer Animal Creations and Dolls

Breyer started out in the 1950s as many of you horse lovers know. The specialty of the company is horse models. On rare occasion they celebrate by adding a doll to their line of traditional horses. While deemed in the toy market, the workmanship of these horses is to my estimination more akin to a work of art. While not cheap, the prices range from $50 to $100, the value is clearly very high for the dollars.

Breyer pieces are heirloom pieces, more than toys for one generation, they will be loved throughout the decades and passed from one generation to the next.

Buy Breyer Horses and Dolls Online

• Breyer Horses - Community and Store
  Breyer models begin as beautiful horse sculptures created by leading equine artists that are then cast into a copper and steel mold. Each model is created one at a time from the original mold, which is injected with an engineering grade cellulose ace

Just About Horses Magazine

Breyer is a division of Reeves and another component of Reeves is a magazine just for horses literally named "Just About Horses". What a great way to celebrate the love of the sportsmanship of horseback riding.

Horse Magazines

If you are seeking a horse subscription, here are two other great gift ideas for horse lovers. The AQHA - The American Quarter Horse Association and the Massachusetts Horse Magazine. The subscription prices are remarkably reasonable and perfect for gift giving.

Horse Magazine Link

• Massachusetts HORSE Magazine
  A bimonthly magazine for Massachusetts horse owners, professionals, and enthusiasts- covering all breeds and all disciplines. Just $15/year.

Dolls for Horse Riding - Horses Riding Outfits and Gears - All Brands

Classic Equestrian Doll

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Madame Alexander

Madame Alexander is a line of American collectible dolls. Started by Beatrice Alexander (birth name Bertha Alexander) in 1923. For decades, this is the premier doll that collectors crave.

Madame Alexander Doll Club

This doll collection is so popular it even has its very own doll collecting club. Check out the link below.

Madame Alexander Doll Club

• Welcome to the Madame Alexander Doll Club Website!
  Madame Alexander Doll Club, a doll club for Madame Alexander Doll Collectors. Fun events, fellowship and beautiful dolls!

Madame Alexander Equestrian Dolls on Amazon

Madame Alexander Elegant Equestrian Doll

This Madame Alexander Girl is very elegant in her Equestrian long tail black coat, white pants, red vest, white scarf with gold horse shoe charm, black high top boots, and black Top Hat. She comes with a White and Brown plush Horse.

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Madame Alexander Horse Back Riding Doll

This gorgeous MA 21" Equestrian Cissy from the 2002 Collection is complete and mint in her box. As described in the MA catalog, "Cissy is dressed in a white shirt with frill jabot and cuffs. Her vest is made of fine brocade and her jodhpurs have suede patches". She brings her Certificate of Authenticity indicating she is number 191 out of a limited edition of 200 dolls.

National Velvet Madame Alexander Doll

Liz Taylor Madame Alexander National Velvet 1985

"1995 Madame Alexander 8 inch National Velvet doll with Wendy face, represents the young Elizabeth Taylor as she was when she starred in this classic movie. She has a dark brunette wig, blue moving eyes, and a beauty spot. She is wearing a colorful white, yellow, rose riding outfit, and has a saddle as in the movie. Condition is new and mint-in-box with tag."

For those unfamiliar with the Madame Alexander line of dolls, the "Wendy doll" is the model of the doll or the doll face.

By Anne Marie Dolls - Miniature Porcelain Dolls

Horseback Riding Porcelain doll crafted ByAnneMarieDolls

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Bratz Doll and Horse

Bratz Doll Horseback Fun on Amazon

Bratz

Bratz is a line of dolls first introduced in 2001 by a company named MGA Entertainment. The doll is focused more for the teenager and denoted by its extra large head and almond-shaped eyes.

The first line of Bratz dolls was four teenagers named Cloe, Jade, Sasha and Yasmin.

Buy Bratz Dolls Online

• Welcome to Bratz: The only girls with a passion for fashion
  Bratz® were created in 2001 by MGA Entertainment, a leading children’s entertainment company that creates, markets and manufactures innovative lines of proprietary and licensed products. Its toy brands are globally recognized and distributed, and inc

Moxie Girlz Doll and Horse

Moxie Girlz Fashion Dolls

If the Moxie Girlz Fashion Dolls look familiar in relation to the Bratz - they should. They are also manufactured and created by MGA Entertainment. These dolls are around 10 inches in height and are targeted to a younger girl - ages 6 to 15. The first four dolls issued in 2009 were Lexa, Bria, Avery and Sophina.

Moxie Girlz were intended to replace Bratz. Bratz returned to the market place in 2010.

Buy Moxie Girlz Fashion Dolls Online

• Moxie Girlz * be true! * be you! * Fashion Dolls
  Get to know the Moxie Girlz: Lexa, Avery, Sophina, and Bria. They are confident, positive, and energetic. They have the courage to go for it. Moxie Girlz can do anything!

Xena Equestrian Doll - Warrior Princess

Xena Warrior Princess with Her Horse Argo

My Personal Favorite

Of all of these delights, my personal favorite is yet to come. One of the most stunning beauties in the world, Princess Charlotte Casirigaghi of Monaco (Princess Grace's granddaughter, Princess Carolyn's daughter) rides horses.

Sadly, none of the top toy/doll manufacturers have created a doll in her image. Princess Charlotte is an avid horse back rider and many photos of her in the classic riding garb can be found on the Internet.

Princess Charlotte is the Editor-at-large, Above magazine and the Co-founder, Ever Manifesto Amateur show jumping.

While the toy/doll manufacturers have not noticed this equestrian princess, Gucci has taken note of Princess Charlotte's talents and has signed her to become the face of Gucci and equestrian ambassador.

Don't you think a doll should be in the future?

Argo - Xena's Horse

Argo is the name of Xena's horse. Argo is a palomino horse. Argo is a supernatural version of a horse and can communicate with other horses. Argo has saved Xena's life several times.

Xena Warrior Princess with Her Horse Argo

In 1995, an American - New Zealand supernatural fantasy adventure series was launch that caused a massive reaction to a point of a cult following similar in nature to the dedicated fans of Star Trek. This series was called Xena Warrior Princess and on more than one occasion the Princess has been saved by her horse named Argo. The show was created y Robert Tapert and sadly discontinued production in June 2001. The Xena dolls and the show continue to remain popular.

Princess Charlotte in Classic Horseback Riding Fashion

Princess Charlotte in Classic Horseback Riding Fashion

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Bio Brief - Princess Charlotte

Charlotte Marie Pomeline Casiraghi

b August 3rd 1986

Birth Place Monte Carlo, Monaco

"Second child of Caroline, Princess of Hanover, Hereditary Princess of Monaco, and the late Stefano Casiraghi, an Italian industrialist. She is fourth in line to the throne of Monaco. Her maternal grandparents were the late Prince Rainier and the late Princess Grace of Monaco. She is named after her maternal great-grandmother, Princess Charlotte, Duchess of Valentinois."

Occupation: Editor-at-large, Above magazine Co-founder, Ever Manifesto Amateur show jumping

Share with Us Your Favorite Doll Brand

Collecting Dolls

The great things about baseball cards and dolls is we never grow tired of collecting and enjoying these "toys". These toys transport us to another realm and bring back fond memories and experiences.

A gift of a doll is a precious item especially when it is further connect with meaning and purpose. What better purpose than to join the joy of horses with the beauty and fantasy that only a doll can create.

When Barbara Handler created the Barbie doll, the men in the industry completely rejected the idea. Barbara knew the strength of her ideas and serves even today to remind us "We girls can do anything".

For many, the price tag of owning a horse is beyond comprehension and means, yet a doll is something we all can afford and cherish. Best yet, a doll especially an equestrian doll, will readily become a family heirloom past down through the generations.

What are your favorite memories of dolls and horses? Please drop us a note and share with us today.

Horse Back Doll on Amazon

© 2012 Kelly Kline Burnett

Comments

Kelly Kline Burnett (author) from Madison, Wisconsin on April 29, 2012:

Nan Mynatt,

I never had the luxury of even considering the possibility of a horse when I was small but as an adult I do enjoy the culture and all the beautiful fashion that surrounds this great sport.

Thank you for your high marks - very much appreciated.

This hub was a lot of hard work but a labor of joy - what a wonderful way to enjoy these dolls - in the virtual world.

Nan Mynatt from Illinois on April 29, 2012:

Thanks for sharing your collection of women and their riding habits. I enjoyed the explanation of each picture, articles and dolls. I maked you up on this one!