Annkristine Hedlund is a Milton, Ontario based artist creating hand stitched, fine craft equine tack as well as pet and owner accessories.
Born in Umea, Sweden, from the age of seven Annkristine actively pursued her two early loves: horses at the Calvary Riding Academy and art. At the age of 12, Annkristine’s father accepted a 3 year business transfer to Canada that was successively extended until the family decided to stay in their adopted hometown of Oakville.
“I have always loved leather and my initial focus was equine accessories until clients started requesting items for their dogs and then themselves,” says Annkristine. “Being a totally a visual person, when I start a new piece it is in fact completed in my mind prompting me to explore interesting variations for next time”.
In 1984 Annkristine received a degree in Interior Design at Ryerson University and upon graduating secured employment with a large firm specializing in high end homes, golf clubs and retail stores. In time, Annkristine stepped out on her own to launch a kitchen and bathroom design company working with clients over twelve years to develop their tailored concept and then with contractors to build the commissioned spaces.
Three years after selling her business, Annkristine survived a major health setback and in doing so, came to recognize that she thoroughly enjoys the design process and after all these years is still just as mad about animals. Accordingly, Annkristine decided to combine her key interests. Being an exacting person, Annkristine was determined that her handmade leather goods would be unique, durable and distinct so as to show off each client’s equine or canine partner.
“There is nothing more satisfying that going to a horse show and seeing one of your brow bands on a beautiful horse’, says Annkristine. “Being an avid rider myself, I can attest to each item’s superior quality, usability, long life and capacity to stand up to the rigors of daily use”.
Annkristine’s favorite charities include:
- The Canadian Cancer Society
- The Cambridge and District Humane Society
- The Lions Foundation of Canada
- Horse Rescue Ontario
- The Salvation Army
Belts – Sizing Information
To order a belt, please measure your hips or waistline then refer to the chart below to determine proper length.
Belt Length Waist Size
36" Length 29” – 33”
38” Length 31” – 35”
40” Length 33” – 37”
42” Length 35” – 39”
44” Length 37” – 41”
46” Length 39” – 43”
Canine Products - Sizing & Care Instructions
Canine products are handcrafted with beautiful leather.
Before ordering your dog collar please take your dog’s activity level into consideration. If your dog goes to the dog park everyday and play is rough, I would recommend adding a plain leather collar for that kind of activity with no beads or jewelry. Use the other collar for more relaxed times.
In order for you to make sure the collar is the right size, please take a moment and measure your dog’s neck and pick the best size from the chart.
Example: Dog’s neck size is 21” you would need 26”collar.
Collar 5/8”w or ¾”w Fits actual neck size
10” Collar 6” - 8 ½”
12” Collar 8” - 10 ½”
14” Collar 10” – 12 ½”
16” Collar 12” – 14 ½”
18” Collar 14” – 16 ½”
Collar 1 3/8” w or 1 ¾”w Fits actual neck size
18” Collar 13” x 16”
20” Collar 15” – 18”
22” Collar 17” – 20”
24” Collar 19” – 22”
26” Collar 21” – 24”
28” Collar 23” – 26”
Equine Products - Size & Care Information
Each piece is handcrafted by Annkristine Hedlund. Each bead, gemstone and crystal is handstitched with leather thread. The bridle leather is measured and cut, glued and stitched. The stones and crystals are inlayed between the leather and do not protrude much past the leather giving more security for the stones and crystals.
Care instructions for your brow band:
1. Never bend backward or you could crush the crystals.
2. Clean the leather as any other leather product, but try not to get soap into the jewels.
3. To clean the jewels, use Windex with a tooth brush and dab after with a soft cloth.
Standard brow bands are 7/8” wide with 1” loops at the end.
Pony size - 14”
Cob size - 15”
Full size - 16”
Extra Full - 16 ¾”
Special size
Special loop size
Custom length up to 19’” and loops can also be ordered in special sizes at no extra charge. I recommend you measure an existing brow band if possible to ensure that your order is the correct length
