Beautiful apparel for the discerning equestrian…

Bring elegance back to horseback with a hand-tailored waxed cotton riding skirt.

Nouvelle Habit robust waterproof riding skirts.

Handcrafted in Bristol, these carefully designed and tested skirts are a chic alternative to waterproof trousers.

No matter what the weather, stay warm, dry and enjoy every minute with your horse.

Bring elegance back to horseback with a Nouvelle Habit waxed cotton riding skirt.

A modern twist on an old classic.

Odette’s Story

I have been lucky enough to grow up with horses and to work and ride in many different disciplines.

I started riding at the age of 4 and learnt alongside my elder brother and mum at The Veryan Riding Center, in a nearby village in Cornwall. It was here that my passion for riding grew. At the age of 11, my grandmother bought me my first horse Oliver and I have never been without a horse or two in my life since!

During my years riding and working with horses, I have battled against the elements like every other horse owner. Over the years, I have suffered from hypothermia and chilblains to name a few of the unpleasant consequences of working outside.

I wanted to create a product that would keep us and our horses warm and dry.

I trained in equine management and completed my BHS stage exams, AI & ABRS teaching qualifications and then studied and qualified as a Parelli natural horsemanship instructor; working alongside these studies as an event groom, riding school instructor, and a freelance coach traveling around the UK.

Over the many years working with horses, I have gained a good idea of what this skirt needs to be durable, waterproof, warm, comfortable, and easy to use.

In 2014, I was involved in a horse accident and was critically injured. It was in this period I decided to retrain and study traditional upholstery and this was where my love for sewing and fabrics developed.

In the autumn of 2017 Nouvelle Habit was born.

I run my business from my home, cutting every pattern by hand and individually sewing each skirt. I use traditional bone buttons and 100% real leather buckles that are designed and handmade by myself. Each skirt has its own unique character; you can even have one made bespoke just for you!
This is a modern twist on an old classic.