Riding high: TV show Rivals helps to spur a rush for horse-inspired fashion in the city

It is a sport traditionally associated with mud and manure, but the equestrian world is finding itself in fashion's spotlight.

- Chloe Mac Donnell

Jodhpurs and riding boots are galloping up the style charts, even if some fans of the trend have never set foot inside a yard. Blame Rupert Campbell-Black and his Rutland set, but the Rivals effect is in full swing.

The online retailer Asos reports "a strong appetite for equestrian dressing" among its customers. Its "Stable Girl" edit features everything from paddock-ready blazers to party dresses adorned with horse motifs. Searches for riding boots on its site are up 260% year on year.

Riding boots are also a bestseller at John Lewis, with sales up 74% week on week. Low-stacked heeled versions with pull-on tabs from Ralph Lauren and Sam Edelman are proving particularly popular.

The supermodel Irina Shayk has been seen stomping around New York in boots that are more Cotswolds village than city.

This week Stella McCartney unveiled its Ryder bag with a campaign fronted by the Succession actor Sarah Snook. Inspired by the shape of the nape and back of a horse, the actor is seen caressing the bag next to her co-star, a gleaming black horse named Pumba.

Georgia Guerin, a rider and head of e-commerce at