Every great ride starts with a purpose, and for our founder, Katie, that purpose was clear from the start. What began as a love for horses and the freedom of the ride grew into something bigger: a mission to empower people to move freely, feel confident, and stay connected throughout their equestrian journey.
In this blog, Katie opens up about the journey behind Free Ride Equestrian: how it started, what drives her, and the moments that continue to inspire the brand today.
"Somewhere along the way, FRE became bigger than anything I could’ve planned. It grew its own heartbeat, its own identity, shaped by the people who wear it and believe in it."
What inspired you to start Free Ride Equestrian?
I’ve always loved getting lost in my imagination and designing things. I remember in 3rd grade drawing house plans and stable plans for my future farm. I was inspired to start free ride when I found there was a lack of mid-price point riding clothes that I wanted to shop for. It seemed anything I liked had a price sticker way beyond my budget. My imagination got the best of me and I got lost in drawing designs the same way I did as a kid. Hours could pass while I designed one product after the next and I loved every minute.
Prior to starting Free Ride Equestrian, I was an elementary school teacher. I've always loved kids and teaching was a great outlet for my creativity. While riding as a hobby, and teaching school in my early 20's I found ways to afford my horse but spending on riding clothes was definitely not an option! I’ve always been quite determined and I wanted to innovate apparel with the same quality of items with a higher price point, at a price point the every day rider could afford. My goal was to create exceptionally comfortable apparel, with the durability necessary for our life with horses.
How did the name “Free Ride” come about?
"To me, it makes me think of the way I feel when I'm riding, how all other thoughts disappear and I am totally in the moment. In a world full of distractions those moments, where we are totally focused and connected, are golden."
Free Ride Equestrian was originally founded by myself and Raina King. In late 2022, I purchased her stake in the company and became the sole owner. In the initial planning phases Raina mentioned the name Free Ride and after weeks of thinking of the name free ride and all the others we had thought of- that name stuck in my mind. I think in many ways it's been a memorable name for our customers as well. I like how simple the name is. To me it makes me think of the way I feel when I'm riding, how all other thoughts disappear and I am totally in the moment. In a world full of distractions those moments where we are totally focused and connected, are golden.
What was the first product released?
The first product I designed was the Lux Breeches and the Lux Riding leggings. They were both launched in January 2020. Initially we only had the Riding Leggings in black, and the Lux Breeches in white. I quickly added a lot more colors as we got great feedback and requests from customers.
I have made some slight changes along the way but they have stayed similar to the original design, and have always been a fan favorite. I have always found one of the most important aspects of product design is listening to our customers.
What’s one core value you’ll never compromise on?
Customers being our number one priority. For the first 3 years, I was the sole customer service person. Even after 6 years in business my personal phone number went out on every single packing slip in every single order. I finally changed this recently because I didn't want customer inquiries to get missed while I was traveling overseas meeting with manufacturers.
I truly want every customer to be happy with their purchase. Listening to their guidance for advancement to our designs and inspiration for new products has allowed Free Ride Equestrian to become a brand that people love.
The customer service team has grown beyond just me, although I am still very much involved in the day to day messages and requests of customers. Our customers must be happy with the product and feel like their money was well spent.
What’s your culture like behind the scenes at Free Ride Equestrian?
We're all horse obsessed and come from different disciplines. We thrive at a fast pace. Progress over perfection, learning from mistakes, and enjoying the process. Corporate life is not for us. Productivity comes from inspiration and people that love what they do.
What’s one customer story or message that’s stuck with you?
I honestly can't choose one. For the last four years, we’ve set up a store at the Kentucky Three-Day Event in Lexington. It’s always such a fun, chaotic, beautiful weekend filled with horse lovers, familiar faces, and the kind of energy that reminds me why I love what I do.
Every year, I’m blown away by how many people already know Free Ride Equestrian. Some walk in wearing our pieces, others stop just to tell us how much they love the brand. It’s the kind of event that makes everything feel real. You get to see the faces behind the orders, the people who have supported FRE from the beginning. They share stories about their favorite pieces, the rides they’ve worn them on, and the memories attached to them. Those conversations always stick with me, they’re the moments that mean the most.
Somewhere along the way, FRE became bigger than anything I could’ve planned. It grew its own heartbeat, its own identity, shaped by the people who wear it and believe in it. Standing there, surrounded by so much excitement and love for the brand, will never get old.