Alden Customs

10/22/2026

What. A. Week. ❤️

We’re finally home, unpacked, and recovering from the horse show hangover that is the 2026 Morgan Grand National & World Championship. And I’m feeling grateful, inspired, and more motivated than ever for 2027.

A new client we met in Oklahoma said something that really stuck with me: ”With other clothiers, I just felt like a number. A sale.”

And I’ll be candid, that sentiment is so foreign to me.

This week, I watched riders we’ve outfitted have victories that felt like our own. I cheered until I was hoarse and sent emails in ALL CAPS congratulating clients on wins I witnessed.

I sat humbled watching classes where more than half the riders wore Alden Customs, remembering when I was thrilled to have just a handful of our coats even make it to the big dance in OKC.

I hugged clients we’d outfitted remotely but never met in person, like old friends. I had honest conversations about what *not* to wear, even when that advice could cost me a sale, because integrity matters more.

I cheered for riders I’d never met simply because they had a beautiful ride. I clapped louder for those with smaller cheering sections, because everyone deserves to hear the roar of a crowd.

I met with riders needing payment plans and riders without budgets. Every one deserved the same care, attention, and excitement.

I watched the love pour in through our Best Dressed nominations, made new friends, reconnected with old ones, and poured my heart into an industry that’s given me more than I could ever give back.

When I say , I mean it. We’re connected by something bigger than ribbons, clothing, or competition. Our love for this extraordinary breed is what makes this community special, and together we can make it kinder, stronger, and more welcoming.

To everyone who trusted us, stopped to say hello, or supported our little business: thank you. Truly.

Our Best Dressed winners are coming soon, but until then, here’s to your victories, big and small. I’ll be cheering for every single one.

With love,
Bethea ❤️

10/17/2026

For the second year in a row, we’ve had the honor of outfitting the OPEN HUNTER PLEASURE WORLD CHAMPION 🏆🌹

But this story goes back a whole lot farther than last night.

In 2014, when Alden Customs was still in its infancy, I timidly approached the legendary Mary Carlton with a proposition. I wanted to make her a hunt coat, entirely free of charge, simply for the honor of seeing her wear our work and receiving her honest feedback.

As a fellow competitor and lifelong admirer of the finest hunter pleasure horses, Mary was a celebrity in my eyes. Her career aboard some of the greatest hunters in our breed’s history was the stuff of dreams.

I swear I approached her with stars in my eyes and a tremor in my voice. 🤩 Despite my best efforts to appear professional, I’m certain she could tell. 😂

That first coat, a burgundy linen with metallic lurex thread, became one of the most winning pieces we’ve EVER made. Between Mary’s victories and the riders she’s loaned it to, I’m convinced it’s seen more winner’s circles than any other coat we’ve created.

But what Mary gave us in return was worth infinitely more.

Her feedback helped refine our patterns. Her guidance made us better at our craft. And her trust eventually led to invitations to her farm and opportunities to outfit her clients.

The coat you saw last night was created in the winter of 2025 and has already enjoyed its fair share of victories. But last night? Last night was special.

After a deep class of phenomenal hunters and a three-horse workout, Mary did what Mary does best.

She took home the roses. WORLD CHAMPION OPEN HUNTER PLEASURE.🌹

And us? We’ve gone from being nervous to approach her to being lucky enough to call her a friend. There’s not a ribbon in the world that could mean more.

Mary, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. For your kindness, honesty, guidance, and believing in a little business just finding its footing. I’m not sure we’d be where we are today without you.

It’s an honor to be a small part of your story, and an even greater honor to have you be part of ours.

Congratulations, Mary. We’re your biggest fans, and we’re a little hoarse from cheering our hearts out. ❤️

10/16/2026

The spotlight looks good on you, Kim! ✨🏆

A HUGE congratulations to our RESERVE WORLD CHAMPION, Kim Lucas ! 🥈

In a DEEP split class featuring some of the finest amateur hunter pleasure horses in the country, Kim earned her way back to the ring for the call back, ultimately taking home the Reserve World Champion title, dressed in Alden Customs!

Kim, we couldn’t be happier for you! Your kindness, hard work, and genuine love for the Morgan breed never go unnoticed, and seeing you have your moment in the spotlight makes this one that much sweeter.

What an honor to be a small part of your story. Congratulations, Kim! ❤️

10/16/2026

The victory laps are looking pretty good in Oklahoma this week. 🏆✨

From National Champions to World Champions, we’ve had the incredible honor of watching so many Alden Customs riders make their way down victory lane at the Morgan Grand National & World Championship Horse Show.

Behind every ribbon is a story of hard work, dedication, early mornings, late nights, and a whole lot of heart. To be trusted with even the smallest part of that story, and to see our work worn during some of your biggest moments, is truly the honor of a lifetime.

The clothes may be ours, but the moments are all yours. And we couldn’t be prouder to cheer you on from the rail.

Here’s to every victory lap, every dream realized, and every memory made along the way. Thank you for letting us be a little part of it. ❤️

10/13/2026

OKLAHOMA, LET’S TALK FABRIC. ✨

I’ll be offering a limited number of in-person outfitting and alteration appointments at the Morgan Grand National October 15, 16 & 17!

New horse? New division? Already dreaming up your 2027 show wardrobe? Let’s get you dressed for it.

There’s nothing quite like seeing everything in person. Touch the fabrics, compare colors, play with combinations, and dream up your next custom look together. If you’ve ever been a little hesitant about our remote outfitting process, now’s your chance to meet me IRL, ask questions, and get professionally measured!

A few things we can tackle together:
✂️ Custom outfitting consultations & measurements
🧵 Fabric browsing, pairing & design planning
🪡 Alteration consultations & fittings (all apparel brands welcome!)
🛍️ Trying on available consignment pieces

A little note about booking: Just like our virtual measurement appointments, we require a $150 deposit to reserve your time. This is applied directly toward the cost of your apparel, NOT an additional fee on top of your order! It simply helps us protect the time we set aside specifically for you.

For alterations, we’ll evaluate fit, discuss potential improvements, and pin garments as needed. Please remember that alterations won’t be completed on-site. Accepted garments will travel back to our Nashville workshop for off-season work.

Appointments are limited, so snag a time while you can!

🔗 RESERVE YOUR APPOINTMENT: https://calendly.com/aldencustoms-info/30min

Can’t wait to see everyone in Oklahoma! 🤍

10/12/2026

🏆 BEST DRESSED 2026: THE VOTES ARE ROLLING IN!

Voting is officially OPEN, and we LOVE seeing our Morgan Horse Family show up for their favorite riders! 💃

We’ve already received some fabulous submissions, but there’s still plenty of time to get your favorites in the running. Here’s everything you need to know!

✨ WHO’S ELIGIBLE?
ALL hunt seat exhibitors competing at the 2026 Morgan Grand National & World Championship Horse Show! Any age, any division, and YES, any apparel maker. You do NOT have to wear Alden Customs to participate!

🗳️ HOW DO NOMINATIONS WORK?
There’s no separate nomination process! The very first vote submitted for a rider automatically nominates them. Every submission after that adds another vote to their total.

🏆 HOW ARE WINNERS CHOSEN?
It’s all about the votes! The three riders with the highest number of submissions win. No judging panel, no secret criteria. Just our community showing some love!

📸 WHAT DO I SUBMIT?
Head to our website, fill out the voting form, and include a photo or video of your favorite rider. We also encourage you to leave a few kind words about why they deserve a little recognition!

❤️ CAN I SHARE THE LINK?
PLEASE DO! We receive HUNDREDS of votes every year, so rally your friends, family, barn mates, and biggest fans to help your favorite rider climb to the top!

🎁 WHAT ARE THE PRIZES?
🥇 1st: $300 Alden Customs Gift Certificate
🥈 2nd: $150 Alden Customs Gift Certificate
🥉 3rd: $75 Alden Customs Gift Certificate

⏰ WHEN DOES VOTING CLOSE?
October 17 at midnight!

And remember, this competition isn’t just about who takes home the roses. It’s about celebrating the individuality, creativity, and incredible people who make our so special.

READY TO VOTE?
👉 www.aldencustoms.com/vote (link in bio!)

May the best dressed win! 🥂

10/12/2026

OKLAHOMA ISN’T THE ONLY PLACE WORLD CHAMPIONS ARE BEING CROWNED THIS WEEK! 🏆✨

While many of our clients know that the Morgan Grand National is our big dance this week, what you might NOT know is that the Racking Horse Breeders’ Association of America is simultaneously hosting its World Celebration, and we’ve already got some BIG reasons to celebrate!

A HUGE congratulations to our rock star client Cheyanne Millwood on an incredible showing with TWO very special horses!

🏆 Cheyenne and Obey Jose are 2x UNANIMOUS Flat Shod World Grand Champions!

🏆 And alongside I Am Dabo, Cheyenne also claimed RESERVE WORLD GRAND CHAMPION honors in Pleasure Racking!

And we’re just a little extra excited to see these accomplishments celebrated in Alden Customs! 💃

Cheyenne, we’re so proud to have a small part in your success and even prouder to see all your hard work rewarded on the world stage. What a week, what a team, and what a way to represent!

Help us give Cheyenne and her incredible horses a BIG round of applause! 👏❤️

10/11/2026

Some moments remind you why you do what you do. This is one of them. ❤️

We’ve had the privilege of bringing Carson Pfeifer’s hunt coat visions to life throughout his Junior Exhibitor career, but earlier this fall, he reached out with a request that genuinely stopped me in my tracks.

He was preparing for the speech portion of Morgan Youth of the Year contest in Oklahoma, where the prompt was to interview someone who has made an impact on the Morgan industry. And of all the incredible people he could have chosen, he asked to interview me.

I can’t adequately express just how much that meant.

When you’re in the thick of running a small business, juggling production deadlines, navigating challenges, and occasionally battling imposter syndrome, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. To know that something I’ve built has made even a small difference in a young rider’s journey? That’s an honor I don’t take lightly.

And what makes it even more special is that, many moons ago, I was standing in Carson’s shoes, competing in Youth of the Year competition in Oklahoma myself.

I firmly believe the skills I gained through Morgan youth programs helped shape nearly every avenue I’ve pursued in this industry, from Alden Customs and breeding Morgans to becoming a more versatile rider, knowledgeable competitor, and licensed USEF official (the judging portion of Youth of the Year was invaluable preparation for that!), as well as a more invested member of our breed community.

To find myself on the other side of that experience feels like the most incredible full-circle moment.

Carson, thank you for reminding me that the impact we make isn’t always measured in ribbons, sales, or accomplishments. Sometimes it’s in the people whose journeys we’re lucky enough to be part of.

We’ll be cheering you on all week, both in the show ring and throughout Youth of the Year phases of competition. We have no doubt you’re destined for wonderful things, in and out of the saddle.

From one former Youth of the Year competitor to another, it’s truly an honor to be part of your journey. ❤️

10/10/2026

🏆 BEST DRESSED IS BACK, AND VOTING IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!

It’s our favorite time of year, and we’re rolling out the (figurative) red carpet for the best-dressed hunt seat riders at the Morgan Grand National & World Championship Horse Show!

Whether they’re chasing roses, celebrating a personal best, or simply making their debut in Oklahoma, we want to see them SHINE! ✨

As always, our competition is open to ALL hunt seat exhibitors, of ALL ages, wearing outfits from ANY maker. Because great style deserves to be celebrated, and so do the riders behind it!

Here’s how it works: Submit a photo or video of your favorite rider through our voting form. Each submission counts as one vote for that rider, and you’re encouraged to leave a few kind words while you’re at it. Let’s spread a little extra love throughout our !

🥇 1st Place: $300 Gift Certificate
🥈 2nd Place: $150 Gift Certificate
🥉 3rd Place: $75 Gift Certificate

🗳️ Voting is OPEN NOW through October 17 at midnight!

Vote for your favorites at www.aldencustoms.com/vote

Let the best-dressed games begin! 💃

Send a message to learn more

10/10/2026

’Twas the night before Nationals, and all through the grounds,
Not a whicker was heard — just soft, steady sounds.
The tack trunks were gleaming, barn banners hung straight,
And dreams of new glory kept riders up late.

The horses were nestled all snug in their stalls,
Body-clipped, bathed, and wrapped down the halls.
Their manes neatly braided, tails tied with care,
For soon they’d be shining beneath bright new air.

Outfits were hanging — hunt coats in a row,
Saddleseat silks with that championship glow.
Western hats waited, still dusted with pride,
While shadbellies shimmered, perfection applied.

Boots had been polished till mirrors could gleam,
Each spur strap adjusted for tomorrow’s dream.
Grooms whispered softly while sweeping the floor,
And hung one last cooler before locking the door.

Trainers reviewed patterns once more in their heads,
While youth riders replayed what the steward had said.
Equitation drills, diagonals tight —
Would they nail that pattern beneath those bright lights?

The park horses rested, their bridles aligned,
Imagining passes electric, refined.
In-hand handlers pictured that perfect stand square,
Hoping the judge’s gaze lingered there.

Then out in the distance arose such a sound,
As golf carts went buzzing their final round.
I peeked down the aisle, just taking it in,
The hum of the evening, the stillness within.

And there through the doorway, the banners unfurled,
A symbol of pride to horsemen of the world.
The Gateway of Champions gleamed in the night —
A new stage awaiting each Morgan’s first light.

And I heard as I left, through the hush of the night,
A whisper of courage, of passion, of might:
“Rest well, dear horses, tomorrow’s our test —
We’ll give it our all, we’ll show them our best.”

For tomorrow brings roses, the trumpets, the cheers,
The culmination of sweat, heart, and years.
And as the barns settled, one truth took its flight —
The world meets its champions come morning’s first light.