We happen to know (we’re not saying how but you learn a lot on Twitter) that eventing riders (and no doubt show jumpers but we’re not sure about dressage riders – well, we’re never sure about dressage riders) have taken in droves to reading the book 50 Shades of Grey.
Yes, we know you all said you didn’t like it and most just found it funny but the point is that most of you still read it (forget any literary misgivings, I can’t tell you how much I wish Palmer Higgs had published that one)
Well, EL James, the author of the books, has gone into partnership with a sex toy company to make 50 Shades of Grey toys which will be launched just before Christmas. However equestrian retailers around the world should jump in there and get selling now as they have in their stores one of the main 50 Shades toys – the riding crop!
Imagine what a boost this could be for equestrian retail. The thing is that EL James obviously doesn’t know much about riding accessories or she would be producing a whole range of whips, not just one measly riding crop. Not to mention the spurs, leather chaps and hobbles. While we’re thinking about it, a nice long stock would also be much more useful than a short silver tie ............. come on Erika, get a real handle on equestrian accessories
As for another of the planned 50 Shades toys, the Silver Pleasure Balls, you only have to talk to male riders who spend all day in the saddle to know what that is all about. I really can’t work out how this toy is meant to be for women
On my trip to EQUITANA in Melbourne in November I will make it a personal mission to check out how sales of riding crops are going and I have no doubt they will be up.
On the subject of 50 Shades, you might enjoy Ellen de Generis’ take on it
