High Brow, Low Brow , and The Tensions That Sits Inbetween
Equestrian culture as a whole seems to occupy an unusual position between high and low cultural status and taste cultures.
(Dressage competitions Discussions, Reddit 2025)
These hierarchies are reinforced through visual codes such as: horse breeds, clothing styles, riding techniques, competition settings.
“High-taste” equestrian culture includes:
- olympic disciplines
- formal competition attire
- controlled training environments.
“Lower-taste” or less prestigious forms include:
- rodeo
- jockey racing
- hobby horse
- mounted archery
- freestyle riding
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Interestingly, contemporary high fashion and pop culture has embraced imagery from historically “low culture” equestrian traditions.
We asked two competitive riders, about equestrian sporting identity and pop culture, and they could reference many Western (US) aesthetics - cowboy boots and snaffles on belts - but not many appropriation British aesthetics in mainstream image.
Perhaps this suggests that cultural relevance leans a toward newer or more aesthetically accessible interpretations of horse culture? Or perhaps there is a pushback to preserve heritage?
‘There was this big circus culture because Cirque du Soleil comes from Montréal. It was very fashion, but also very acrobatic and circus esque.
[...] I feel like it was a mix between very equestrian signs - like high hats and traditional colours - and circus things like lycra bodysuits.
It was marketed as this very fancy event - kind of classy - even though technically anyone could buy a ticket.’
-Arthur Jean, Fashion Designer and interviewee participant on Cavalia show he use to visit with his mom when he was young, a space that sits between highbrow and lowbrow (2026)