“From an ocean tide to an eight second ride, whatever your passion may be, do it with passion, do it in fashion. For today I will live out my dreams. Life’s a ride. Make it a good one!” This firm belief in passion and dreams exists as the hallmark of the Good Ride Life Apparel brand.
Founded in 2009 by Hannah and Ronnie Casper, and later purchased by Terina Johnson in September of 2014, Good Ride Life Apparel is a staple of modern horse show and lifestyle apparel. Attend any stock horse show in the country and you’re sure to see cowboys and cowgirls loping down the rail in a variety of stylish, polished show shirts that have come become a trademark of fashion in the industry.
The company’s mission according to new owner Terina Johnson is, “To provide the best quality men’s and women’s show shirts as well as provide a brand specialized to our wonderful horse business. Our main goal is to deliver excellent customer service by being attentive to every need of every customer. We hope to always be at the forefront of casual fashion that is stylish not only in our industry, but also in everyday life.”
Since its creation in 2009, Good Ride Life Apparel has had a finger on the pulse of the equine fashion industry. Many of the top trends seen in and around the nation’s show pen began with Good Ride. Johnson says the growth and popularity came as a surprise, to even her. “The brand has grown in a way that I think no one really expected. There was obviously a need for it, but there was really nothing like it out there previously. I think it has grown because there is really something for everyone at Good Ride Life Apparel in every price range. Whether you are looking for a fashionable ball cap, or a custom, one of a kind show shirt we can fill your needs.”
Ball caps and custom shirts are only a small piece of the offerings found at Good Ride. Women can enjoy tees, tanks, hoodies and a number of accessories. Hoodies, casual shirts, and a variety of outerwear are also available for men. Good Ride even offers a variety of show and casual clothing for the youngest cowboys and cowgirls.
“By far our best products are our show shirts. They are timeless and never go out of style. We teamed up with Noble Outfitters this last fall and that was a huge success. We hope to do more things like that in the future. No matter where you are showing,” Johnson says, “our customers have learned that presenting your horse in a Good Ride show shirt is always a no brainer.”
The recent GoMag Fashion Issue quoted trainer Sharon Camarillo who said, “If you look good, you feel good, you ride good.” Such sentiment matches the mission of Good Ride and Johnson believes there is a great feeling in having the newest Good Ride jacket or shirt at the top shows. With the heat of summer in full swing, the All American Quarter Horse Congress may feel ages away. However, Johnson reminds customers that they can pre-order puffy winter jackets, one of their bestsellers, to pick up at Congress. These jackets perfect for those late night rides and treks across the show grounds while still looking great.
It takes passion and drive to compete in this industry, but what makes horse show life so great is the connection exhibitor’s share with other like-minded owners, riders and trainers as well as the horses they love. According to Johnson this sense of connection and camaraderie is unique to our industry and the Good Ride brand.
“I believe Good Ride brings a true sense of camaraderie to our sport,” Johnson says. “We all know what its like to have a ‘good ride.’ It’s something difficult to explain to a non-horse person. But we know it’s the kind of ride that gives you goose bumps; that is what we want people to think about when seeing and wearing Good Ride. We want you to think about and strive for that Good Ride with every ride. It’s something that only we as equestrians understand.”
Perhaps one of the greatest attributes of the company is mirrored in the most well known attribute of the horse it caters toward and that is versatility. All exhibitors desire to look their best, while also being budget conscious, and Good Ride allows customers to shop within a variety of price points as they offer both off the rack and custom options in their show apparel.
Their wide range of casual apparel is also affordable and consistently on trend. Johnson says such versatility is what makes Good Ride the perfect option for every rider. “I would highly recommend Good Ride to any rider. Part of our industry is being in trend and Good Ride provides that while also allowing each individual to be unique if they want a custom look. We provide off the rack options that are show ready right out of the store, and that is something every busy horse person needs at some point. You simply cannot go wrong when wearing our brand.”
It’s no surprise that over their five-year existence, Good Ride Life Apparel has branched out to reach other “riders.” “The beauty of Good Ride is there is no typical customer. It really appeals to every age group and both sexes. We have even started branching out to other groups of riders like motorcycle and bull riders, ropers and such,” says Johnson.
Consistent with their mission and vision, Good Ride wants to see all of their customers live lives of confident, inspired passion marked by clothing that is edgy and visually stunning, while allowing for flawless performances. The company’s newly designed, and frequently updated website, goodridelife.com features the latest in products, news and offers a schedule so customers can catch up with Good Ride Life Apparel at all their favorite circuits. As their website states, “Good Ride Life is there for you whatever your ride is. To Win. Inspire. Live. Ride.”
