Our Story

How It Started

Riata was founded in 2014 by master artisan Jill Slater in Woodside, California as the result of a friendly favor. A hunter/jumper trainer asked her student, Jill, if she could customize and decorate sun hats for riders going to a horse show. The large sun hats, now known as Riatas, were a hit with the equestrian community. A flood of requests for custom orders ensued, leading Jill to found Riata Designs. Riata was the first company to offer these exciting hats, and still leads the industry in both style and quality.

The Riata Difference

At the heart of Riata is a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation combined with a passion for the equestrian lifestyle. Our dynamic collection features a range of styles, each made by hand from a highly curated and eclectic mix of fabrics, ribbons, ties, and trims. You will not find hats like Riata anywhere else.

Additionally, Riata hats are designed to withstand the rigors of equestrian activities, offering effective UV protection from the sun while maintaining shape and beauty over time. We pay meticulous attention to detail in every stitch and trimming, a reflection of personalized equestrian elegance.

Today, the popularity of Riata is widespread. Thousands of equestrians enjoy our hats for their stand-out style and protection from the sun. In addition to being sold in numerous equestrian boutiques across the US and Canada, Riata is partnered with the world’s leading equestrian apparel brand, Ariat, to create specialty collections.