From Sketchbook to Stable: Introducing the Artist Collection
There is something special about art created by hand. Every line reflects the artist’s eye, every detail carries intention, and every finished piece tells a story.
That spirit is at the heart of the new Artist Collection from Backstretch Outfitters Co. We took Mattison’s original hand-drawn equestrian artwork and transformed it into wearable T-shirt and apparel designs for people who share her appreciation for horses and the racing life.
Where Art Meets the Racing Life
The Artist Collection began with Mattison’s drawings—not with a computer-generated template or a generic piece of horse artwork.
Her original sketches capture the character, movement, strength, and beauty of the horse. From the quiet presence of a horse standing at attention to the energy of a Thoroughbred and jockey in motion, each drawing offers a different view of the animal at the center of our sport.
We wanted to preserve that hand-drawn quality while creating something racing fans and horse lovers could wear in their everyday lives.
Turning Original Artwork into Wearable Designs
Moving an illustration from paper to apparel requires care. The fine lines, proportions, expression, and movement that make an original drawing distinctive must remain recognizable when the artwork is prepared for printing.
Working with Mattison’s drawings, we adapted each piece for apparel while respecting the character of the original art. The goal was never to make the drawings look overly polished or manufactured. We wanted the finished designs to retain the personality and authentic linework of Mattison’s hand.
The result is a collection that feels personal, artistic, and connected to the equestrian world.
Designs Inspired by the Horse
The collection features artwork representing several sides of the racing life.
A detailed standing horse celebrates the animal’s natural beauty and presence. A racing horse and jockey capture the speed, focus, and determination of competition. A mare-and-foal illustration reflects the quieter connection, tenderness, and beginnings behind every racing story.
Together, these designs honor more than the excitement of race day. They also celebrate the horses, artists, riders, owners, caretakers, and fans who give the equestrian community its character.
Art You Can Take Beyond the Barn
The Artist Collection is designed for life at the barn and everywhere the day leads afterward.
These pieces can be paired with jeans and boots for a relaxed track-day look, layered for cool mornings around the stable, or given as a meaningful gift to a trainer, rider, owner, breeder, racing fan, or lifelong horse lover.
Because the artwork began as a drawing rather than a typical apparel graphic, every piece has the feeling of wearable art. Mattison’s signature provides a visible connection to the artist and reminds us that each design began with a pencil, an idea, and an appreciation for horses.
Celebrating Independent Creativity
At Backstretch Outfitters Co., we believe apparel can do more than display a design. It can tell the story of the person who created it and the community that inspired it.
The Artist Collection gives us an opportunity to celebrate individual creativity while offering customers something distinctive. It brings an artist’s perspective into the racing world and allows her original work to be enjoyed in an entirely new form.
We are proud to introduce these designs and grateful to Mattison for sharing her creativity with the Backstretch Outfitters community.
Discover the Artist Collection
From hand-drawn lines to wearable designs, this collection represents the place where art meets the racing life.
Explore the Artist Collection and find the piece that speaks to your own connection with horses.
Shop the collection at www.backstretchoutfitters.com.
