Beth Underhill. Photo by FEI/Mackenzie Clark
The first part of international Canadian show jumper Beth Underhill's day involves a bit of stretching, followed by some work on the stationary bike or a yoga or pilates class.
That's all done before she heads to the barn or show, to ride what's usually between six and eight high performance horses.
Underhill, of Schomberg, Ontario, is already an Olympic veteran; has twice been to the World Cup Finals; and is a Pan American Games bronze medalist. But at age 60, she might just be at the very top of her game, having taken over as the head rider for Eric Lamaze's Torrey Pines Stable last year. Before representing Canada in her third World Championships in Herning (DEN) in August, she won the CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix of Dinard in May.
An unwavering dedication to her sport, her horses and her own fitness has kept Underhill at the top level of the sport for more than three decades. Treating herself as an elite athlete, she's taken careful consideration of her equipment—and for nearly three years, some of her key pieces have been all but invisible.
"I have to say, comfort is everything," she said. "When you’re riding a lot of horses, undergarments are so important. They're an important part of your equipment." The top drawer of Underhill's dresser is lined with Eques Pante, the revolutionary equestrian undergarment designed to be worn from the gym to the saddle. Equestrian Jessica Andrews founded the brand in 2021; her product is made of a specially designed moisture-wicking, breathable, performance fabric that additionally helps with cooling in the saddle.
With a patented seamless gusset area, Eques Pante is invisible under one's breeches, offering the ultimate comfort in the saddle and protecting against rashes—down to the knee—that often come with extended riding time. Eques Pante can also be worn on their own for a pre-riding stretch, run or gym session.
"[Before Eques Pante], I would get chafing on the sides of my thighs from so much contact on the saddle. The extra barrier against your skin is a great asset," Underhill said. "I wear nothing else now. I can walk around in them, go to the gym in them—I even wear them under my jeans."
Eques Pante is available in sizes XS to XL, as well as in a variety of colors—from gray to navy, rose and olive. Underhill coordinates with her breeches. In her whites, she wears gray, but at home, she often adds a pop of navy and rose.
"I'm in the tack for hours on end. It's a lot of riding," Underhill said. "My Eques Pante are constantly washed, and I find that they bounce back well. They keep their shape and consistency, which is important, and my breeches fit more comfortably, with a sleek, streamlined look."
Underhill has not been shy about talking about what's under her breeches. At the World Championships, she had the entire all-female Canadian jumping team outfitted with Eques Pante. The group—which also included Erynn Ballard, Amy Millar, and the world's top ranked female athlete, Tiffany Foster—advanced to the final round of team competition, ultimately finishing 10th. It was the best performance of any North American team at the event.
Underhill has one more championship appearance this year: She's headed next to the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Finals in Barcelona (ESP).
"Eques Pante is an integral part of my wardrobe," Underhill said. "I can't say enough about them—from the quality to the fit, comfort and colors."