Sarah Baker Riders Review (Ashley Eden Kessler) 2024+Thoroughbred Giveaway 

 Sarah Baker Riders

Sarah Baker Riders bottle, courtesy of the brand

“The goal of all dressage riding should be to bring the horse and rider together in harmony…a oneness of balance, purpose, and athletic expression.”  – Walter Zetti

horses and children

Horsing Around, collage by Rachel K. Ng (family fun)

Life in the country has a natural ease that shows itself well this time of year, and it is especially wonderful if you happen to love horses. Learning to ride is a tradition in my family (cousin Vanessa’s national blue ribbons in dressage are a crowning achievement). Our son has been learning English saddle and spending time at the barn with him feels like home. Capturing the scents of countryside, hay and rich soil, warm heat of horse coats, smooth tack leathers, and energy of the ride are nearly impossible. I’ve long searched for a fragrance that can carry all this with me to inspire my daily routine. Sarah Baker Riders by independent perfumer Ashley Eden Kessler is exactly the scent that accomplishes this feat.

 Sarah Baker Of Sarah Baker perfumes

Artist, Creative Director and perfumer Sarah Baker, courtesy of the brand

Similar backgrounds in the arts brought brand owner Sarah Baker and independent perfumer Ashley Eden Kessler together to create the equestrian-inspired fragrance Riders (which is a rebrand of  2020 S. Baker Bascule). Sarah’s muse for the project is the fashion icon and great-granddaughter of Grace Kelly, Princess Charlotte Casiraghi of Monaco, who practices show jumping and has competed in the Global Champions Tour. Sarah Baker Perfumes Riders is indeed a scent fit for a princess as it opens with a rush of thoroughbred speed in a setting as luxurious as the Château de Versailles gardens used for the 2024 show jumping Olympic event. A whiff of a horse’s coat as it moves, the warmth of its body, is beautifully captured in the fragrance. This is the scent of the animal in the air as one rides, intermingled with the field, the earth, and the nature all around. Added to this immersive picture is a luscious peach, as if one has just tasted the perfectly ripe fruit as a snack.

Polo Player Empire Polo Fields, California Pixabay

Perfumer Ashley Eden Kessler has created a fragrance that captures the momentum and speed of equestrian pursuits, the actual feeling of galloping in the wind. To accomplish this, Ashley made a deep study of all things equine, “I spent time at the Empire Polo Fields smelling the horses and their environment, as well as the special leather of the tack and accoutrement, which is really the finest leather with the most buttery scent.” A background of hay adds more to the tableau as aldehydic sparkles bring out the metallic parts of fine leather tack. Suederal® creates the anchor for the perfume’s leather accord which is inspired by the interior of a 1974 vintage Rolls Royce. The specific scent of the finest creamy leather and sheep skin floor mats is especially refined and luxe. Sarah Baker Perfumes Riders pulls from the entire world of equestrian social circles and manages to reverberate with its charm.

Ashley Eden Kessler Perfumer

Perfumer Ashely Eden Kessler, via Linked in

Lily of the valley washes all the animal muscle in a veil of grace. As Ashley explains, “I often wear the fragrance I am working on and during the development of Riders, I happened to meet a friend who was wearing a pure lily of the valley perfume. As we hugged and the two scents combined, I had the impression of the two together and Riders was complete.” This floral addition adds the requisite touch of brightness and elegance to the scene.

Vetiver softens and extends the hay-like grassy countryside as ambery musk warms and animates. Fir and tobacco add nuances of spicy sweetness and fresh dynamism. Sarah Baker Perfumes Riders is a rare experience of energy and grace found within the playgrounds of the elite. If you want to partake in the multi-sensorial experience of vintage cars and thoroughbred horses, then Riders is the scent that will take you there.

Notes: grass, peach, para cresol, bergamot, lily of the valley, hay, leather accord, Suederal®, metal tack, vetiver, amber, musk, fir, tobacco

Disclaimer: bottle my own, as I purchased at Luckyscent; opinions my own

~ Rachel K. Ng, Editor

Riders by Sarah Baker

Sarah Baker Riders box and bottle courtesy of the brand

Thanks to the generosity of Sarah Baker Perfumes, we have a 50 ml bottle of Riders for one registered reader in the US, EU or UK. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest based on Rachel’s review and where you live. Draw closes 10/1/204

Check out our reviews for Flame and Fortune Extrait,  Gold Spot, Loudo, Rules of Attraction, and this year’s Peach’s Revenge.

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42 comments

  • Vanessa Ko says:

    Something about riding. Two souls that flow in the same direction creating a special connection. I’ve been craving anything leather as the weather has been cooling down. I’m excited to experience Riders this fall! As always thank your for the giveaway.

  • R2D2 says:

    I love how Rachel describes the fragrance capturing the essence of horse riding and the countryside. The idea of a scent that embodies the warmth of a horse’s coat and the smell of fresh hay sounds amazing. Plus, the whole connection to equestrian culture and that luxurious vibe from the Château de Versailles is just so intriguing. I’m also curious about the unique blend of notes, especially the peach and lily of the valley. It seems like a perfect mix of elegance and energy. Definitely makes me want to try it out!

    EU

  • flyingfox says:

    It has been popular recently to compose equestrian themed perfumes and meanwhile I like most of them, I haven’t found the one I LOVE yet. Hoping Riders is going to be that for me. It definitely sounds promising when Rachel describes it as dynamic and energetic, I am most drawn to that aspect of riding.

    Bests from the EU

  • jessica.rauch says:

    This sounds like such a unique fragrance! I can almost smell the horse inspiration with grass and leather. The lily of the valley is a nice note to sweeten the fragrance up. This fragrance will take you on a journey! – New York, NY

  • mleenstra says:

    To be honest I’ve always been a bit intimidated by horses and a scent inspired by them would be a bit daunting for me but I have had the pleasure to sniff the EdP of this and it’s glorious. Rachel has got it spot when she says “This is the scent of the animal in the air as one rides, intermingled with the field, the earth, and the nature all around.”
    It captures the majestic nature of the horse as well as it’s wildness. I love the collaborations between Ashley Eden Kessler and Sarah Baker as they lead to adventurous compositions such as this and Leopard. Would love to join the draw. Marit UK

  • agnes says:

    i recently got to sample papillon’s new one ‘epona’ which really kicked off a new interest in equestrian scents for me! also, hay & muguet are both notes that are very dear to my heart. and sarah’s ‘charade’ is a huge favorite of mine, so much love for what this house is doing! would be very eager to try this one. (in USA/rhode island)

  • Ramses Perez says:

    I’ve seen many interviews/videos with Sarah Baker and one thing is for sure, she loves her animalics and out of the ordinary fragrances so I’m not surprised to read the inspiration behind riders. It’s such a photorealistic concept captured in the fragrance one really wonders what could be next for the brand. A day of horseback riding on the open air and you grab a fruity snack to keep you going is what Riders is all about. Becoming one with your horse and nature, Ashley captured the overall ambiance perfectly in this scent. She did her research and truly studied it thoroughly and from what I’ve read, it’s picture perfect. This is a perfect example of a perfumer devoting time to a project and executing the brief to a T. A symbiosis was achieved with this one! I’m located in the USA.

  • KatePal says:

    How can one capture the scent and the essence of the horse when it’s running? It is so unique and niche that I can’t wait to try it. Rachael’s description paints a very beautiful and vivid picture, almost like you are there, I wonder how it translates into the scent.
    Thank you for the giveaway!
    I live in Portland, OR, USA

  • Kelsey H says:

    It seems the rise of equine perfumes continues and I am loving it! But especially enchanting is the part in which Ashley explained that her embrace and the co-mingling of floral and creation is what brought the perfume to new heights; truly intrigues me. I am so looking forward to how this reads on skin as it veers away from other ode to horse scents I’ve recently explored.

    Kelsey
    California

  • Jeremi says:

    The unique notes and accords of Riders Understanding the blend of ingredients and how they interact was fascinating. I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU.

  • chrisskins says:

    I loved how two friends hugging inspired the addition of Lily of the Valley to this scent. The leather sounds like it smells like a delicious puff of expensive gloves as they fall on a home’s entrance table. “Riders” seems like it has truly married the scent to the concept. Excellent review by Rachel. I live in NY.

  • INYA says:

    From a hug a perfume was born. Love that! I liked the description of a “hay-like grassy countryside.” I’m a fan of Sarah’s creativity. Thanks for another wonderful review and draw. MI USA

  • scenternet says:

    Rachel’s review perfectly captures the essence of Sarah Baker Riders, highlighting the depth and craftsmanship that went into creating a fragrance reminiscent of the equestrian world. I absolutely love the traction Sarah Baker is getting, especially after Peach’s Revenge, which truly elevated the house’s profile. Riders seems to continue this momentum with its luxurious blend of leather, hay, and a surprise note of peach, offering an experience as refined and exhilarating as the sport itself. The elegance and energy captured here are nothing short of impressive.

    US

  • Shibuichi2000 says:

    It’s always interesting to read the backstory of a scent – the concept, the inspiration, the efforts, the small happenings (like the perfumer’s friend wearing a lily fragrance) – it makes you feel already acquainted with it.
    Given Rachel love and deep knowledge of the equestrian environment, Rider should be one amazing…well, ride 🙂
    I’m in EU.

  • markofrojlan says:

    love the description of an athlete and a horse in the air! also, peach? I’m really intrigued on how this combination works!
    zagreb, croatia

  • Eris.can.swatch.kaos says:

    I’ve only had the opportunity to ride a horse twice in my life. Being a city girl, they were rare occasions. I do remember the smell however, and if that could be captured in a fragrance, along with some floral and earthy notes, I’m all for it. Grateful for the chance to win this perfume, thank you for the lovely review. I live in Oregon.

  • wonderscent.mari says:

    I never experienced a fragrance inspired by horses and riding but I find it quite inspiring to create a scent of this gentle animal. I loved the description of riding a horse, feeling the warmth of the animal and smell the whole atmosphere. I am very curious how the notes are blended together. I am very impressed by the whole description!
    Thank you for this wonderful giveaway! Greetings from EU

  • Patricia R. says:

    I like soliflores and I like complex fragrances and the random meeting of the two is almost a performance of a fragrance in space and time. The only fragrance I know with leather happens to be Kelly Caleche, so I wonder if this one is as well executed as the former one. I live in the EU.

  • Laurentiu says:

    I have never tried anything from this house, but this fragrance which has as the background story the theme of horse riding really got me intrigued. Thanks. Europe

  • absurdnose says:

    I love a horse scents! remember hearing about this back when it was named Bascule. I love the story of how this perfume evolved and even the chance meeting with a friend wearing Lily of the valley. It’s so sweet. Thanks for the draw!
    I live in the US

  • David Furman says:

    This is a brilliant and photorealistic creation that takes you along for a ride. It has a lot of lighter elements that keep it bright and smooth. I don’t imagine this being sweet or very heavy. Sounds just right for the upcoming fall or anytime for that matter. This sounds dynamic and ever changing especially in different climates. Would love to try, from Jacksonville, NC.

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    I love the atmosphere of elegant equestrian competition in the grandstands of the racecourse. In the smell of leather, of running horses, ladies sweetly scented with lilies of the valley, bergamot watching the equestrian show from under the brim of their hats. I am from EU

  • skye says:

    It’s been a while since I’ve been riding, but I remember the sense of freedom and feeling close to nature. Sarah Baker seems to have captured this with Riders using leather accords, notes of hay, grass and tobacco. Suederal@ sounds like a fun and accurate anchor to the composition. I’m in MD, USA.

  • mic says:

    Despite not loving sports that involve animals, I really find this fragrance interesting! From the review I sense that Riders is not only focused on the horse itself, but rather the relationship with its owner, that involves giving the animals snacks and cleaning it, hence the peach and the lily-of-the-valley. It seems like there is a nice contrast between the smell of the barn and some clean scent. I live in Italy, EU

  • FragranceIsMe says:

    Rachel’s review has me enjoying a ride in the countryside where I live. Very descriptive and conveying a wonderful vibe. Lily of the Valley seems to blend well into this scene. I also enjoy a nice hay accord. Looking forward to getting my nose on this creation.
    USA

  • MoSho says:

    Amazing how much research work perfumers do in order to “deliver” the scent they’re working on. I found interesting that Ashley wears the scent she’s currently developing and how a serendipitous meeting with a friend can bring the final touch to the creation.
    Riders seems to fully convey the smell of a world not many of us are acquainted to, and judging by Rachel’s review – or, in other words, the review of a seasoned equestrienne – it does it brilliantly.
    Thanks for the review and the draw, from Europe.

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    Vetiver softens and extends the hay-like grassy countryside as ambery musk warms and animates. Fir and tobacco add nuances of spicy sweetness and fresh dynamism. Sarah Baker Perfumes Riders is a rare experience of energy and grace found within the playgrounds of the elite. If you want to partake in the multi-sensorial experience of vintage cars and thoroughbred horses, then Riders is the scent that will take you there.

    Notes: grass, peach, para cresol, bergamot, lily of the valley, hay, leather accord, Suederal®, metal tack, vetiver, amber, musk, fir, tobacco. A beautiful description by Rachel really fascinated by the leather accord, vetiver, amber, musk, fir and tobacco. This is a house that I need to explore further. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • Amaziz89 says:

    , “I spent time at the Empire Polo Fields smelling the horses and their environment, as well as the special leather of the tack and accoutrement, which is really the finest leather with the most buttery scent.” A background of hay adds more to the tableau as aldehydic sparkles bring out the metallic parts of fine leather tack. Suederal® creates the anchor for the perfume’s leather accord which is inspired by the interior of a 1974 vintage Rolls Royce. The specific scent of the finest creamy leather and sheep skin floor mats is especially refined and luxe. Sarah Baker Perfumes Riders pulls from the entire world of equestrian social circles and manages to reverberate with its charm. I am particularly intrigued by the leather accord, Vetiver, Tobacco and Suederal®, metal tack, vetiver, amber, musk, fir, Tobacco. The leather and hay just sound great. Thanks a million from the UK.

  • opalbear says:

    It’s definitely the time for horses and I’m loving these fragrances coming out! So much more creative than ones in the past imo. With different notes and tones. I’m really intrigued by the peach and metal tack notes in this one. I would love to try this. Thank you for the generous give way. I am in California.

  • Tveta says:

    Some interesting things going on here. I really like the idea of a vetiver that is reminiscent of the countryside, together with tobacco and fir for a more natural, outdoor experience. Thanks for the giveaway. European reader.

  • paulaiudita says:

    “This is the scent of the animal in the air as one rides, intermingled with the field, the earth, and the nature all around.” This description thrilled me and touched my imagination. Then when I read that the perfume also contains lily of the valley I only desired it more than ever. I hope I will try it soon. – Como, Italy

  • BellaSmella says:

    I was intrigued by this article as I love a good leather scent and the entire theme of this fragrance really drew me in. I love how transportive it sounds.. the leather.. grass.. even the metallic notes. The addition of peach sounds like it really sets it apart from other leather scents I’ve tried. Completed with inspiration drawn from the hug of a friend was a really sweet touch that adds heart to it. I’d love to try it! Thanks for a great article and putting on a fantastic giveaway. (Based in the UK)

  • BigMickyD says:

    Wow, I have been wanting to get into Sarah Baker’s perfumes for such a long time, but I honestly had NO idea that this perfume even existed! And such an interesting piece it seems to be, based on notes and Rachel’s great descriptions. I have a girlfriend really big into horseriding, so I bet that if I for some reason don’t enjoy this, I can gift her this fine perfume and see it transport her back onto a horse, galloping over the fields. Thank you for this amazing giveaway, and to Sarah Baker for her kindness!

    I live in Sweden, EU.

  • Arron_Q says:

    Sarah Baker is one of my favorite indie houses. Flame & Fortune, Charade, and Loudo are easily in the top tier of my collection. Riders is one that I have not yet had the opportunity to try. Given how well I have loved her other offerings, I am confident that it is equally stunning. Her scents are truly transportive, and the idea of this one throwing you into an equestrian adventure sounds very exciting. I’m most intrigued by the leather and how it will play along with the peach and lily of the valley. I imagine this will be a wonderful fragrance for the fall (if it ever arrives here in the south). Best of luck to all. I live in NC, USA.

  • mmerline says:

    Equestrian leather fragrances can be challenging to wear, but Kessler has clearly thought about that aspect of the fragrance, balancing the scent of the horse with the smell of fine leather tack and green fields. The peach note is a surprise, as is the Lilly of the valley, and Kessler’s story about how she got the idea to incorporate that floral note is a nice touch. Riders sounds like a scene in a bottle.

    I’m in the USA.

  • vetiviere says:

    It’s just nice to smell something different. Not many fragrances out there inspired by the smell of horses, so who wouldn’t want to win a bottle of such a fascinating and unique sounding scent?
    From the UK

  • LuRon says:

    What sparked my interest is the concept of Sarah Baker Perfumes with Rider. I have always loved the smell of horses and horse tac and hay.
    I can’t wait to smell this fragrance. I loved this article, thank you.

    LuRon , Washington USA

  • Januarililjan says:

    I love horses, and also riding them. This perfume that smells like riding them must be for me. I like the smell of hay, and ground, and this should be good for spring. Good review by Rachel. I live in EU.

  • Ben A says:

    I rode a bit when I was a kid…and always liked it. But what attracts to this scent is the wonderfully weird combination notes Rachel describes: leather, grass, some floral notes, and peach? Sign me up. I’ve also heard such good things about Sarah Baker Perfumes, in general. I’m in Oklahoma, USA.

  • phoenixad says:

    Reading the article i am expecting a very nichy artistic scent. Trying to capture the countryside and the riding experience is definitely a unique idea. Can’t wait to experience if it meets the concept. I also love the idea of the added peach giving it a fruity twist. I am from Greece, EU.

  • Michael Prince says:

    I enjoyed Rachel’s review of Sarah Baker Riders. Independent Perfumer Ashely Eden Kessler and Sarah Baker have teamed up to create a unique fragrance from an equestrian perspective that embodies that leather saddle aroma, but also earthy hay and bold tobacco. It sounds really interesting. Rachel also reminises about horseback riding in her youth, which helps her relate to the composition as well. I am from the USA.