Freshness for long days in the saddle

Dismounting the horse is far from the end of the process. Training or competition is followed by stable chores, team discussions, horse care, and often the drive home. In summer temperatures and under strenuous physical exertion, it quickly becomes clear what good riding apparel needs to deliver: it should offer freedom of movement, fit comfortably, and stay fresh for as long as possible.

This is precisely where the collaboration between the equestrian brand Pikeur and the Swiss material technology company Livinguard Technologies comes into play. Pikeur has been an international market leader in high-quality equestrian apparel for decades and is keen to leverage the innovations offered by Livinguard Technologies. The Livinguard technology—permanently bonded to the fibers—helps the clothing stay fresh for longer. Christian Kukuk, the brand’s Global Brand Ambassador and a Paris 2024 Olympic champion, clearly articulates these expectations. Drawing on his own experience with the demands of the sport, he explains: “A shirt needs to feel just as good in the saddle as it does during a long day at the stable. Especially in warm weather and under strenuous conditions, it is crucial that the material feels comfortable and stays fresh for a long time. It is precisely this combination of comfort and functionality that wins me over.”

Under real-world conditions: in the saddle, in the stables, and in the stands. Temperatures reaching up to 37 degrees created particularly challenging conditions at the FEI World Championships in Aachen. Official Pikeur team apparel supported the riders throughout long days of competition. Spectators also wore the Pikeur fan shirt (which also features Livinguard Fresh technology) while watching the events from the stands for hours on end—amidst blazing sunshine and summer heat.

Our partners at Pikeur subsequently highlighted everyone’s satisfaction with the performance of Livinguard technology. Katharina Haase, Head of Brand & Sales at Pikeur, emphasized that the hot days in Aachen impressively demonstrated what modern equestrian clothing needs to deliver. The functionality paid off immediately under conditions of heat and peak athletic performance. In her view, Livinguard Fresh meets the high standards of this established, traditional brand—developing products that support riders when it matters most—through a combination of

Performance, comfort, and design.
The secret behind the long-lasting freshness: Livinguard Fresh works on the surface of the fabric. There, the technology binds odor-causing molecules and neutralizes them. As a result, the clothing remains pleasant to wear even after extended use—a benefit that applies equally to equestrian wear and other functional apparel. Clothing that stays fresh longer can be worn more often and washed less frequently. Livinguard Fresh thus offers a solution for every aspect of the equestrian experience. After all, when your clothing still feels comfortable after a long day, you can focus more on what truly matters: the shared moment.