PLN
There are trips after which you return with a head full of ideas and a phone full of photos. That's exactly how it was this time. We packed our boots and stirrups and headed to SKJ Golden Dream in the Łódź region, one of the largest dressage centers in this part of Poland, for a scheduled photoshoot with photographer Ewa Żylińska. We went as a team of Kinga Wysocka and Monika Zastrzeżyńska-Rychwalska, and what was planned turned into a whole day of discussions about equipment, fitting, and what truly makes a difference in everyday riding.
Table of Contents
- What was the purpose of our trip to Golden Dream?
- Riding boots - a conversation worth having before you buy
- The latest DeNiro live
- Saddle inspection - saddle fitting in practice
- Tech Stirrups straight for testing
- Acknowledgements
Why did we go to Golden Dream in the first place?
Golden Dream is an impressive place. The center is run by the Szulc family, and that name in Polish dressage speaks for itself. We were hosted by both sisters: Joanna Szulc, who manages the stable daily, and Olympian Aleksandra Szulc, who picked up her beautiful, custom DeNiro Bellini tall boots in green and burgundy from us. It's hard to find better company when you want to talk seriously about equipment, with people who spend more hours in the saddle than most of us on the couch.
Our goal was to meet with clients and the center's trainees, but also to prepare content marketing materials and a photoshoot. In short, we combined business with pleasure.
Riding boots - a conversation worth having before you buy
We spent a good part of the day doing what we enjoy most: educating. We talked to riders about choosing boots and why it's one of the most underrated pieces of equipment. Well-fitted tall boots are not a matter of fashion; they are a matter of contact with the horse and calf safety. A shaft that is too high can bruise the knee, one that is too stiff can dull feeling, and an ill-fitting calf circumference can chafe throughout the entire training session.
We explained what to look for: the height and circumference of the shaft, the initial stiffness of the leather and how the boot will "settle" after breaking in, and the differences between the sport and everyday lines. This is a conversation truly worth having calmly, preferably with someone who has measured hundreds of calves.
The latest DeNiro live
On this occasion, we showed what many people came for: the latest models of DeNiro tall boots. Italian craftsmanship, the softest calfskin, and that distinctive style visible from across the arena. You could try them on, touch them, compare finishes, and see for yourself why DeNiro is the choice of so many riders. For those seeking a fresh, younger aesthetic, we also offer the Tricolore by DeNiro line, offering the same Italian quality in a more accessible version.
Saddle inspection - saddle fitting in practice
This was Monika's domain. As a saddle fitting expert, Monika Zastrzeżyńska-Rychwalska inspected the condition of our trainees' saddles, checked their fit to the horse's back, symmetry, pad condition, and whether the saddle was still performing as it should. A saddle is not a "once in a lifetime" purchase; the horse changes, builds or loses muscle, and the saddle must keep up with that. Regular inspection is the simplest way to avoid back pain and problems that are easily mistaken for "vices."
If you want to see how such an inspection looks for you, you can find our entire world of saddles in the Prestige Italia saddles category.
Tech Stirrups straight for testing
Finally, the most exciting part for the trainees: we presented and provided Tech Stirrups for testing. While much can be said about stirrups, nothing beats actually placing your foot in them on your own horse. The wide, non-slip footbed and thoughtful geometry make a difference after just a few laps, especially in dressage, where a stable seat begins with secure foot support.
A few questions about helmets also came up, so we're adding a reminder for clarity: it's worth refreshing your head protection from time to time, and Samshield and KEP Italia models are among the most common choices in our arena.
Acknowledgements
Ewa Żylińska was responsible for the beautiful photos from that day; thank you for your eye for detail and patience with horses that don't always want to pose.
Huge thanks to the entire Szulc family: Joanna for her hospitality and managing this unique place, and Aleksandra for her time and sharing her experience. Those were hours well spent together.
And finally, thank you for being with us. Days like these remind us why we do what we do at Equishop: to choose equipment consciously, safely, and sensibly. If you want to try on tall boots, consult about saddle fitting, or simply talk about equipment, we invite you to our store and Fitting Center at ul. Oświęcimska 9 in Ruda Śląska. See you in the saddle!
