How Design Theft Impacts the Equine Industry
How Design Theft Impacts Small Businesses, the Equine Industry, and You
There is a quiet crisis happening in the equine industry. It doesn’t happen in the show pen or the warm‑up ring. It happens online, behind screens, in factories we’ll never see, by people who do not ride, do not show, and do not invest anything back into the sport we love.
Design theft is stripping the equine industry of its creativity, its small businesses, and eventually, its future.
This is not about trends. This is not about inspiration. This is about taking what someone else poured their heart and livelihood into and profiting from it without permission. It's impacting designers, consumers, horse shows and the future of our industry as a whole.
What Is Design Theft?
- Custom saddle pad layouts copied stitch‑for‑stitch
- Show shirts duplicated down to design, color placement and stone/fabric patterns
- One‑of‑a‑kind customs recreated and mass‑produced
- Designers’ photos stolen to advertise knockoff products
This is not accidental. This is not coincidence. This is not “being inspired.”
It is deliberate, calculated, and illegal.
Many unethical manufacturers and "businesses'' go as far as:
- Stealing listing photos directly from designers
- Advertising and selling designs as their own that they did not create
- Reproducing custom pieces without ever seeing the physical item
- Mass‑producing copied work at much lower quality and cost
Under U.S. copyright law, decorative and artistic elements applied to “useful articles” like clothing and saddle pads can be legally protected. These designs are considered art, not just yarn, fabric, and thread. When they are stolen and sold, it is a violation of that protection.
But the legal definition doesn’t even begin to capture the human cost.
Below are educational examples of illegal design copying commonly seen in the equine industry. These images are shared to help consumers recognize unethical reproduction practices and understand how design theft occurs. These examples are not shared to shame or target individuals. They are shown to illustrate how frequently original equine designs are replicated and sold without authorization. Understanding how design theft presents itself helps consumers make informed, ethical purchasing decisions.
The Designer’s Side: What People Don’t See
They are horse owners funding vet bills, training, and entry fees through their businesses.
They are creatives who risk everything to bring something new into a traditional industry.
Behind every original design is an enormous investment of time, money, and energy. What most people never see includes:
- Sketching, redesigning, scrapping ideas, starting again
- Sourcing quality, ethical and reliable manufacturers and materials
- Testing prototypes that never make it to market
- Paying for photography, websites, legal protections
- Answering customer messages late at night
- Those happy dances we do after each and every order
- Small business owners being your cheerleaders
- The time away from our friends, families, events and hobbies to build our business
Personally, I started my business for three reasons:
- To offer high‑quality, thoughtfully designed show pads/products/services.
- To give back to an industry that has shaped me into who I am and allowed me to meet important people in my life today.
- To help fund my own horse showing dreams/goals
Without my business, I would not be able to show at the level or frequency that I do. This is true for many designers; our businesses help sustain our participation in the very industry we serve. Think about all the individuals you know personally who have a side hustle or business that help support their horse show dreams? What would our participation at shows look like without these individuals, if they didn't have their business or side hustle? For me personally, I'd show maybe twice a year at best or step down from the level I am showing all together.
How Design Theft Hurts the Entire Equine Industry
Recently, I spoke on The Groom Box: Amateur Edition podcast about how design theft affects the industry. One point cannot be ignored: horse shows and organizations rely heavily on sponsorships.
While entry fees are essential, sponsorships are a critical financial lifeline for show producers and organizations. Horse shows do not survive on passion alone. They survive on funding.
Who sponsors and supports those shows?
Ethical U.S.-based equine businesses.
If ethical U.S. businesses disappear because they cannot survive copied competition, sponsorship dollars disappear with them. And without that support, shows cannot continue at the same scale or quality, if at all. Think about that.
Horse shows are expensive to run. Sponsorship money helps fund:
- Facilities
- Staff and officials
- Awards and prizes
- Scholarships
- Youth and amateur programs
- Long‑term sustainability of circuits and associations
Overseas manufacturers producing copied designs do not sponsor shows. Sellers pushing stolen designs do not donate products or funds. They do not invest back into our industry.
When small businesses fail due to copied competition:
- Sponsorship money and donations disappear
- Shows are forced to cut corners or classes
- Opportunities for exhibitors shrink
- Entire organizations struggle to survive
- To offset costs, show fees/cost will rise and be passed off to the exhibitors, or sponsorships will be required from the exhibitors to get a stall
Supporting ethical designers is not just a personal purchasing decision or about loyalty, it is an investment in the sport itself, it’s about preserving the future of competition, opportunity, and community within our industry.
The brands supporting the shows you compete at deserve that support returned.
💡 Look at the companies supporting the shows you attend. Support them back. They are actively investing in your show career.
🎧 Podcast reference/link:
The Groom Box: Amateur Edition – River Runs Show Pads
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5TkKDcKcw2O71eDHD1Sjec
How Design Theft Hurts You as a Consumer
Knockoff products often appear appealing because of their lower price point, but they come with significant downsides that consumers frequently only discover after purchase.
Common Consumer Risks
- Fit, color, and craftsmanship often miss the mark
- Quality is inconsistent and frequently poor
- Photos are often stolen from legitimate designers
- Items that do not meet show standards
- No accountability, quality control, or customer service when problems arise
- Poor resale/no resale value
- Puts you as a buyer at legal and financial risk
Many knockoff sellers use stolen images from legitimate designers, meaning what you receive is often nothing like what was advertised or thought like you were buying.
There is also a broader impact: copied designs take away the exclusivity and uniqueness of custom work. Exhibitors who invest in original designs or who decide to purchase a one of kind, custom piece made specifically for them, they expect and deserve that their pieces remain distinctive and one of a kind. Design theft erodes that trust.
Think of it like this: Imagine if you paid thousands of dollars to have a custom jacket or show pad created for you. You are so excited, you want something unique that no one else has. You worked so hard to save up for this purchase, for both you and your horse. A few months later you are scrolling Facebook and stumble across a sale ad for your exact jacket or pad, but its barley 1/3 of the price you paid, and very cheaply made. It's not by who created your original piece, but still a fake replica of the exact custom you invested your time and money in. Now your one of a kind is that no more. How devastating.
“But I Can’t Afford Designer Pieces”
Affordability is real. Especially in our sport. I understand it and I live it. I budget like crazy. Not everyone can purchase custom or couture pieces, brand new. About 99% of my tack is pre‑owned, not new or custom.
But affordability is not an excuse to either remake or purchase stolen designs.
There are many ethical alternatives:
- Shop used or consignment pieces from ethical and honest U.S. designers/businesses
- Do your research when buying from a private individual, like on Facebook (Ask who is the designer, where they bought it, ask for photos of designer tag/stamp, etc.)
- Reach out directly, many designers can help find what you're looking for
- Wait and save for quality rather than buying knockoffs
- Go simple. You don't need the most blinged out or expensive piece out there to look GREAT while you're showing. A clean, well fitted garment will beat a blingy, ill fitted one any day.
- DIY garments created without replicating existing designs (DIY options like Tandy Jo exist)
How Buying Knockoffs Puts You at Risk
- Listings removed from sales platforms
- Funds can be frozen or forfeited
- Cease‑and‑desist notices
- Potential legal consequences
A Brief Look at the Law (Why This Is Protected)
Copyright registration:
- Establishes ownership
- Allows enforcement in federal court
- Enables statutory damages of up to $150,000 per willful infringement
The Power Is With the Consumer
If the equine community stops buying copied designs, the incentive to steal disappears.
You make a difference when you:
- Ask where products are made
- Verify designers before purchasing
- Report counterfeit listings
- Support ethical U.S. brands
- Choose secondhand authentic pieces instead of counterfeit ones
Every dollar is a vote for the industry you want to exist.
How You, as a Consumer, Can Help
Design theft does not slow down unless people stop supporting it. While designers can take legal and protective steps, the greatest power lies with consumers. Every purchase, every report, and every message helps protect ethical businesses and the future of our industry.
Here are meaningful ways you can help:
1. Make the Original Designer Aware
Many designers do not immediately know their work has been copied — especially when it happens overseas or under unrelated shop names.
If you recognize a copied design:
- Take screenshots of the listing (photos, description, shop name, date)
- Send those screenshots privately to the original designer
- Include where you found it (Etsy, Facebook, website, etc.)
This information is critical. Designers need proof to take action, file reports, or begin enforcement.
2. Report Unethical Listings
Most platforms have reporting systems in place — they only work if people use them.
If you see copied designs:
- On Etsy: Use Etsy’s “Report this item” feature for intellectual property infringement
- On Facebook or Instagram: Report the post or listing for copyright infringement
- On Websites: Look for copyright or DMCA reporting tools
Even if you’re not the designer, repeated reports bring attention and scrutiny to unethical sellers.
3. Notify Group Admins
If you see copied or unethical listings being shared in Facebook groups:
- Message the group admins privately
- Provide screenshots and context
- Explain that the design appears to be copied from an original designer
Most group admins do not want their communities used to promote stolen designs — but they can’t act unless they’re made aware.
4. Call Out Responsibly
There is a difference between accountability and harassment.
✔️ Responsible action looks like:
- Asking polite, direct questions about originality
- Publicly supporting the original designer
- Educating others without attacking
❌ What to avoid:
- Threats or name‑calling
- Harassment campaigns
- Posting personal information
Firm, factual, respectful responses are far more effective — and far safer.
5. Choose Ethical Alternatives
Affordability matters — but ethical choices still exist.
Instead of buying knockoffs:
- Buy pre‑owned authentic pieces
- Shop designer consignments
- Save for quality over quantity
- Commission simpler, budget‑friendly designs
- Create your own garments without directly copying existing designs
Being inspired is acceptable. Direct copying is not.
6. Support Businesses That Support the Industry
Look at who sponsors the shows you attend.
Pay attention to who donates prizes, scholarships, and products.
Follow, share, and purchase from ethical U.S.‑based designers whenever possible.
These businesses are reinvesting your dollars right back into the industry.
7. Remember: Your Dollars Speak the Loudest
Unethical manufacturers rely on one thing — continued demand.
When consumers stop buying copied designs:
- Theft becomes less profitable
- Designers are protected
- Innovation continues
- Shows and programs survive
You do not have to be a designer to make a difference.
You just have to care enough to choose better.
For Designers: How Designers Can Protect Their Work
While consumers hold enormous power, designers also deserve tools to defend their creativity. Here are realistic, meaningful steps designers can take:
1. Copyright Your Designs
Registering copyrights establishes legal ownership and gives designers standing to enforce their rights. It also signals clearly: this work is protected.
2. Watermark and Control Imagery
Avoid posting unprotected, high‑resolution images that can be easily stolen. Subtle but clear watermarks help deter misuse.
3. Educate Your Customers
Educating customers and fellow riders are your first line of defense. Share why originality matters and how piracy affects your business, most people simply don’t know.
4. Document Everything
Keep dated sketches, design drafts, and development records. These matter if infringement occurs.
5. Don’t Normalize Copying
Silence empowers theft. Even calm, professional statements help establish boundaries and awareness.
Protection does not mean hostility.
It means valuing your work enough to defend it.
Final Thoughts
Equine show apparel and show pads are not disposable. It is not trending fluff. It is wearable art, created by people who care deeply about this industry.
When you support ethical designers, you support:
- Small businesses
- Horse shows
- Innovation
- Opportunity
- The long‑term future of our sport