Our Story
OUR MISSION
At The Distinguished Rider, it is our mission to supply ALL riders with beautiful boots that fit and make them feel good, regardless of size, budget, or design needs.
We celebrate body positivity, inclusivity and the idea that ALL riders are DISTINGUISHED riders.
OUR STORY
OUR STORY
The Distinguished Rider began with a simple realization: equestrian sport is steeped in tradition, but equestrians are wonderfully diverse. And for too long, that diversity hasn’t been reflected in the boot-buying experience—leaving riders to choose between comfort, fit, and style.
In June 2020, founder and owner Marissa Gentner set out to change that. What started as a response to a clear need in the equestrian community quickly became a brand rooted in service, education, and the belief that every equestrian deserves to feel confident and distinguished —no matter their size, budget, or design goals.
From the beginning, TDR has focused on more than just selling boots. We guide riders through the custom process with care and clarity, helping them understand fit, options, and what will work best for their riding life. Our goal is always the same: boots you love for the design and trust for the fit—boots that support you, flatter you, and feel like they were made for you (because they were).
In 2022, we expanded the TDR experience through Virtual Fittings, making our personalized process available beyond in-person locations. The same attention to detail, fitting guarantee, and boot warranties are available online—so riders everywhere can access the custom experience, without sacrificing the one-on-one support we’re known for.
The Distinguished Rider proudly offers the following custom boot brands:
DeNiro Boot Co.
celeris UK Custom Boots
Kingsley Riding Boots
Chester Riding Boots
Petrie Riding Boots
The Distinguished Rider is an authorized reseller of Celeris UK (@celerisuk) custom boots.