Simbiat Bakare
Boots, Hat, and Bandana. That’s what Emmanuel Prince Aniezi, also known as ‘GidiCowboy’, recommended as the must-have in the wardrobe of a fashionista looking to embody the lifestyle of an urban equestrian.
Although he did tell us that style is in the DNA and not all about the fashion items present in the wardrobe, we know that if we are to have any hope of incorporating an exquisite Cowboy look, taking his recommendation is a good place to start.
The fast-rising urban horse rider GidiCowboy takes on the equestrian lifestyle effortlessly. Also, passionately mainstreaming the equestrian way of life through Art and fashion, we had a glimpse of his world through our exclusive chat with him. Here we go.
What attracted you to horseriding?
After an old friend introduced me to riding horses, I found it interesting how simultaneously a thousand-pound animal could be so gentle and strong. I found this quality so fascinating that I have never looked back since I learned to ride.
How would you describe the lifestyle of an equestrian in Nigeria?
It’s simply a Cowboy/girl telling a unique Nigerian story and having a lot of respect for horses. We have two horses on the Nigerian coat of arms, and I know they represent strength and dignity, but to me, they represent resilience.
I believe the horses ride every Nigerian through hard times, and that’s why the world recognises Nigeria as a very resilient people. We never give up; we just keep riding.
How would you describe your style?
I will describe my style as an expression of freedom and courage. I spend time with horses, and you can not just help but admire the freedom when you see a horse in full gallop.
I’ve spent so much time with horses that I believe my passion and style must synergise. Since I have always been a fan of equestrian fashion, I freely express my style in a way that represents me.
I also constantly blend my culture into my fashion expression.
You always look good. What typically inspires your outfits as a Cowboy?
Having worked in the creative industry for years and as someone who is a fashion enthusiast, I borrow ideas from Western and African cultures.
I take note of the western dressings in the 50s and 70s when I watch them in the movies and also draw style inspirations from the Nigerian horsemen, especially the Hausas during the Durba Festival. I then blend dressings from these cultures together to create a unique look.
It is always very experiential, and the results are quite interesting.
You have a brand GidiCowboy inspired by your love of horses. Tell us about your brand and its apparel line.
The GibiCowboy brand is one I created while working as an assistant writing instructor. It started by teaching people how to ride horses, and I decided I wanted more.
Following my yearnings, I created the brand. It’s a lifestyle equestrian brand and an opportunity to tell my stories through different artistic expressions like events, fashion, and film.
I have at least four films that are about my love for horses. I’ve also organised several events. The first one was in 2020 when I had a GidiCowboy fest. I had another one called the Western Night in Lagos, where I showcased all classic shots in the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
Then for my GidiCowboy apparel, we released our first line last year, 2021, which is the dark horse collection. The term dark horse was drawn from horses during racing competitions who seemed to be a loser but eventually were able to win a race.
Sometimes, the horse that was looked down upon and seemingly looked like it was not going to win ends up winning.
The dark horse collection tries to tell the story of riding and beating the odds, and considering what is going on in the country, the collection centres on motivating people.
How do you see your brand evolving in the next ten years?
I dream of building a network of horse riders through artistic means like fashion, music, film, and Art events. So, in the next ten years, I see Gidicowboy bringing some structure to horseriding in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
Continents like Europe have an excellent structure. They have been able to build something formidable around horse riding, including Art and events. But here, it’s mostly about social status – to show off numbers of horses in stables and different breeds of horses — there is no actual structure.
People in Africa think having horses is just for the wealthy, but I want GidiCowboy to be the brand that bridges the gap between the elite and the guy on the street.
So, it’s more about inclusion for me in the long run and building structures all around Africa.
What’s your favourite fashion quote?
This would be a quote that I stumbled on a couple of days. “You can buy your way into being fashionable, but style is in the DNA.”
In the end, adopting an equestrian lifestyle isn’t about constant horseriding. It is about embracing a relaxed lifestyle that exudes confidence and grace through artistic expressions like fashion.
So, would you consider dressing as an urban cowboy/girl? Let us know!
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