A ride on the beach - Gandalf Style (and why I won’t be doing that again).

I have to admit, when I first heard about the Voited changing robe, my mind did not jump to going out for a quiet hack. I mean, I knew it was meant for outdoorsy types who need a convenient cover-up post-surf or swim. But, in a classic case of "Why not?", and ‘what could possibly go wrong’ I thought, "If this thing can handle wild beaches, freezing rivers, and mountain-top winds, surely it can handle a ride on the beach… on a horse." Spoiler alert: the changing robe was ready. My horse, however, had other thoughts.

 

 

"If this thing can handle wild beaches, freezing rivers, and mountain-top winds, surely it can handle a ride on the beach… on a horse."

 

The Day of the Great Robe Ride

It was a crisp morning, one of those where the air smells like freshly cut grass and adventure. We loaded into our lorry, made the very short journey down to our nearest beach, anticipation of a thrilling but controlled ride coursing through my veins. I’d saddled up Jago, my very patient (but slightly judgmental and overly dramatic) horse. I threw on my Voited changing robe, feeling like a knight suiting up for battle, but in a much softer, fleece-lined way. Picture a Jedi robe but cosy, warm, soft and snuggly with a hood that says, "I make questionable fashion choices, and I’m okay with it."

 

"I make questionable fashion choices, and I’m okay with it."

Let’s Talk Practicality

Now, if you haven’t worn a Voited changing robe, let me tell you: it’s roomy. Very roomy. Great for changing into or out of a sticky, rubbery wetsuit, or sandy clobber, but what I didn’t realise is that this would make mounting Jago feel like trying to board a catamaran on choppy waters while wrapped in a blanket, with my legs tied together. 
After approximately four (OK nine) tries, some questionable words, and one really irritated Irish Draft, I managed to get on. Ish.

 

The “Look at Me” Factor

The great thing about a Voited robe, especially the one in Blue Steel, is that it commands attention. It says, “I don’t conform to the rules of typical attire,” or, more likely, “Please don’t ask questions.” As Jago and I trotted along, I could feel eyes on me. Curious joggers, a couple out for a romantic stroll, even a family of dog walkers paused to stare. Were they impressed? Puzzled? Concerned for my safety? All of the above? Hard to say. What I do know is that they were seeing someone confidently galloping by looking like Yoda on vacation.

"They were seeing someone confidently galloping by looking like Yoda on vacation"

Hood: Up or Down?

Now, the Voited robe comes with a hood, which was perfect because, honestly, nothing says “mysterious lone rider” like a hooded figure on horseback. But here’s a lesson for any future robe-riders: hoods + wind = poor visibility. As we picked up speed, the hood, apparently possessed by some gusty spirit, decided it wanted to cover my eyes. Between the robe flapping in the wind and my temporarily impaired vision, I can only imagine what my ‘patience of a saint ponio’ was thinking. (Actually, I know: he was likely planning his escape, and who can blame him). 

 

The Moment of Truth: Dismounting

Eventually, we reached back at the lorry and it was time to dismount. Getting off a horse while wearing a changing robe, I soon learned, is a unique challenge. As I tried to gracefully (who am I kidding, I don’t do anything gracefully and why should this be any different?) slide down, the robe caught on the saddle, creating an effect not unlike a parachute. For a split second, I was airborne, suspended in my fluffy robe like some mythical creature of questionable wisdom, before landing in a heap of undignified chaos on the ground. I caught Jago rolling his eyes, probably wishing he had a less ridiculous owner.

 

"If you’re after comfort, warmth, and a touch of mediaeval wizardry, it’s a definite yes"

 

The Takeaways

So, would I recommend wearing a Voited changing robe on a horse? If you’re after comfort, warmth, and a touch of mediaeval wizardry, it’s a definite yes. It’s cosy, it’s unexpected, and you’ll give everyone around you a memorable sight they won’t soon forget. However, if you’re looking for practicality and elegance, maybe save the robe for après-adventure moments when you’re firmly on two feet. It’s literally perfect. Warm, snug, cosy and has lots of pockets for your stuff. You can check them out here  👉 https://voited.co.uk/ to be fair to Voited, nowhere, and I mean literally NOWHERE on their website does it suggest this gorgeous robe is suitable for use on a horse. Obviously. 
In conclusion, wearing a Voited changing robe on horseback was a humbling and highly amusing experience that I would (probably) do again. My gentleman of a horse, on the other hand, may take a bit more convincing.

Faye H