December 10, 2007
Pawlet, Vermont
Oughton Limited - New Equestrian Luggage Company
Daphne Markcrow, founder and owner of Oughton Limited, recently launched the company's website and advertising campaign in The Chronicle of the Horse just in time for the Christmas season. Oughton Limited designs and produces several bags using American waxed canvas and leather for the equestrian market - from handbags to large bags designed to carry saddles and other gear.
Markcrow originally conceived of the business as a way to combine her interest in starting a design-oriented business with her passion for horses. She started riding when she was 8 years old and has been showing hunters since she was 11. After taking some time off the circuit to have a child and launch her business, she will resume competition in the Adult Amateur Division in 2008 on her green Dutch Warmblood mare, Tuleh.
A couple of years ago Markcrow was shipping her horses from her own farm for one-day lessons and clinics and was looking for a large bag that would hold everything, from a saddle and bridle to half-chaps, hat and gloves. She designed such a bag and refined her ideas in several prototypes, ultimately producing the Tacktrunk. She tested the bags at many horse shows and it wasn't long before several of her riding friends wanted one too.
From there, she saw a need in the market for a range of different shapes and created them. Two of the six shapes available now are technical bags designed specifically for riders, the other four cross-over bags appeal to non-riders as well. All are equestrian themed - made of waxed canvas and trimmed in halter leather with top-quality halter fittings - and will appeal to anyone who loves horses and a well-made, classic looking bag. Markcrow says, "they really are rugged bags. At every juncture, I chose what would make the bag better and better and I am thrilled with the results".
Markcrow believes the bags make terrific presents, "so many times my family wants to get me equestrian gear, but the more technical products are difficult to choose for someone and not so much fun. These bags appeal to riders competing in various disciplines - hunters, eventing, dressage, etc".
Although new fabrics will hopefully be offered in the future, the waxed canvas line will always be available as Oughton Limited's signature look.
Visit www.oughtonlimited.com to see the Company's complete offering of bags.
