We know the importance of clothes that fit well, work as hard as we do, and boost our confidence in and out of the saddle. We come to work every day to make them, and we strive to make them better every season by pushing the envelope with cutting-edge fabrics and constant input from our community of riders across the disciplines and around the world.
KERRITS ROOTS
Kerrits roots reach back to 1986, and an idea to create better activewear for athletic women. An idea cultivated by a team of women who shared a passion for being active outdoors, and a desire to help others feel more comfortable and confident in their athletic clothing.
Kerri Kent planted the first seeds in the town of Hood River, Oregon. As a devoted equestrian rider, competitive ski racer, windsurfer and outdoor enthusiast, she was very familiar with the activewear of the time.
Small Business, Big Heart
In 1986, Kerri Kent was so frustrated by ill-fitting bathing suits that she bought $50 worth of fabric from the Jantzen outlet store and began making them herself. Kerrits Activewear was born. She went from selling suits from her gear bag on the Hood River beach to a retail store she opened with Michele McAlpine.
The suits garnered national attention and the eye of an equestrian company CEO, who asked Kent to design a line for women who shared her other passion, horses. With simple packs of carrots seeds as hangtags, Kerrits Performance Equestrian Apparel took root.
Meet Our Team
Michele M.
Being outdoors grounds and rejuvenates me – it’s where I find clarity, creativity and reconnect with what matters most. Whether exploring new places, sharing adventures with family and friends, or simply soaking in the quiet of nature, these moments fill me with energy and joy!
David F.
The outdoors is about freedom and fun. It’s a reminder to slow down, explore, and appreciate the beauty around us.
Sara F.
Outdoors is where I recharge—trading screens for hoofbeats, ocean waves, and sunshine on my face. It’s where I feel connected to my horse, to nature, and to something bigger than myself.
Mary H.
The outdoors lets me connect with my family and friends, discover new places, and enjoy the simple joy of riding and spending time with horses
Holly T.
All of my favorites sports are outdoors, wind, water, snow sports, so being outdoors means the opportunity to enjoy them!
Jennifer L.
I feel so free when I'm outside, whether I'm climbing a mountain, snowshoeing, skiing... my heart feels full and alive. The public lands are worth saving.
Jonathan S.
Going outdoors is a way to spend time with my friends and family, push my limits, and refresh my sense of adventure.
Francesca K.
Some of my biggest life moments have happened outdoors. For me, being outdoors is about making real memories in unforgettable places.
Anna M.
The outdoors is where I reconnect—with myself, with nature, and with the animals I love most. Time with my dog and especially with my horses grounds me in the present, helping me feel centered and whole.
Lori W.
I love being outdoors because I believe nature is the greatest example of how to live. The way plants and animals interact with each other – with respect and without prejudice – inspires me to foster harmony and acceptance in my own life.
Ricki S.
Being outdoors means connecting with others, sharing experiences, and enjoying the sense of community that naturally comes together outside.
Elizabeth B.
Being outdoors is where the world feels still, a place to escape the noise of everyday life. Where only the rhythm of the water, the sounds of the animals, and the deep calm of diving beneath the surface into another world.
Sue M.
My outdoor activities seem to remind me to stay humble and to remember the spirit of play. Being in nature is such an amazing way to recapture seeing the world with childlike wonder, full of magic and possibilities.
Misty S.
The outdoors is a great place to unwind, relax and recharge.
Kathy C.
From spending time with my best four-legged friends to sweeping turns in fresh powder, I cherish every day I get to enjoy a few priceless hours outdoors to recharge the soul.
Ivory S.
The outdoors is where I go to ground myself, to reset my thinking, and to leave behind all the stresses and worries that I carry in my life. It is somewhere I can go to simply be able to breathe. Everything just seems to fall away, and I can return home refreshed and renewed.
Michele T.
Being outdoors helps me feel grounded. It gives me a chance to spend real, meaningful time with my husband and dogs—whether we’re walking or just exploring new places together. Getting outside lets us break out of routine, discover something different, and make simple memories that matter.
James P.
As a dad, the outdoors is where I watch my kids discover the world, test their courage, and make memories we’ll treasure for years to come.
Shelley C.
Living in the Pacific Northwest taught me to appreciate the beauty around me, and that sense of wonder has fueled my passion for discovering new places near and far.
The Pacific Northwest:Our Natural Inspiration
There’s a reason great outdoor gear from companies like Nike, Adidas and Columbia sprouts from the Pacific Northwest: the region is a perfect test lab. Sheets of rain, blustery winds, sweltering sun—we’ve got it all, sometimes in the same day. Add mud, horse hair, splintery barn doors and a small pack of dogs and it’s product-testing paradise for equestrian apparel. We’re continually trying new ways to integrate the latest specialized fabrics into clothing that not only stands up to the elements, but also moves and stretches to free riders to reach for their goals.
