Horsey New Year Goals

The beginning of the year! Resolutions are almost a cliché, however there is nothing wrong with making goals and setting the New Year out as a timeline to accomplish them. My Mom always stressed that we should make physical goals, academic goals, relationship goals and spiritual goals. Well, I’m adding to that list with my five “horsey” goals for the New Year.

   1.    Learn how to braid and clip (well)

This one is a little embarrassing because I feel like everyone in the horse industry has known how to braid and clip horses for ages. Except for me. I’ve read articles and read books on how to braid and clip but I have never taken the time practice and learn it hands on. This goal will take time and patience, not only on my part but on my horse’s as well. A fidgety horse would give me good practice right? Also, looking past my pride and asking friends at the barn who have experience in grooming to teach me will be an important step in achieving this goal.

   2.   Stop leaning when I jump

I hear this almost every time I have a jumping lesson. I forget until the horse stops, we rush the jump and especially when my coach yells at me. Making sure that I focus on not leaning, especially when practicing on my own. I have a fear of the horse stopping in front of or (even better) in mid jump. This has resulted in my lean-and-run-at-the-jump approach (I don’t recommend it). I’m planning on having friends video me so I can review my practice and hopefully see some progress.

   3.     Relax when I have lessons

                                                                              pixabay.com

More confessions, I have this weird habit of trying so hard to get my position right that my entire body tenses up and I work against the horse. Then I add this extra movement in my post that my coach calls a “double post.” Usually, the horse picks up on my stiffness and the ride goes south. Before every ride I’m hoping to stretch or loosen up so that my lessons can be productive.

   4.     Get to Zone competitions in IHSA

I finally qualified for regionals in Novice on the flat and over fences. I know I’m not the best but I want to work at it and get better. I’m hoping my work and progress will help me get first or second place at the Regional show and get me to Zones!

   5.     Do at least 15 minutes of no stirrup work when I ride

This might be the hardest one for me to keep. Though when I think about it no stirrup work is smart, helpful and a great tool for improvement, when I get on a horse it somehow seems like something I should do tomorrow. No more! Even if I don’t get no stirrup time during lessons, I will try and make my self ride stirrupless for at least 15 minutes when I practice on my own. And not all at a walk either.

So here’s to the New Year and new goals. Hopefully, I’ll remember to revisit these come December and have improved. What are your horsey resolutions? Any tips on how to keep up with them? Comment below!

Horse Show Supplies: What's in My Show Bag Part II

Here is part two of What's in my Show Bag. Today, we will focus on apparel and what I wear to shows. To be honest, I am a semi poor college student that is rather stingy when spending money. However, in order to show, one must look there best. I went with my IHSA team to look and purchase high quality show clothes for the best prices. Whatever you wear and however much you spend for them, show clothes are essential to presenting yourself and your horse well.

Breeches
I wear tan  Olympia Plain Side Zip Ariat breeches to shows. Though I am not particularly tall, I got longs because I can't stand feeling the end of my breeches riding up my calf. This is a personal preference so make sure your breeches fit you before you buy. They were rather expensive (about $200), but, they are sharp, crisp and fit me well, I like their slight stretch and deep pockets. I save these for show days so I that I do not get them dirty. However, they are machine washable and resist wrinkles pretty well.

                                                                        Ariat.com

Belt
Well this is a belt. Some people like more flashy belts but I like traditional brown or black leather. There are plenty of cute belts out there but I got mine for $1 at Goodwill and it is working just fine.

Shirt
Again Ariat makes an appearance as my show shirt. As a collegiate team, we decided that the Ariat Sunstopper  show shirt would work best as a relatively inexpensive yet uniform shirt for team members to wear. There are different opinions on collars, stock pins and more in the show world. But, my team decided on the modern yet conservative Ariat show shirt collar. The shirt is very breathable and easy to wash but doesn't provide much warmth in the winter. It was about $50 new.

Boots
Ah, the ever elusive perfect show boot. Skin tight yet comfortable and well fitting, quality made but (please) not to expensive. I searched and searched for a good boot that fit in my budget. On another note, my calves are really small and everything I tried on that was my size (shoe size 8.5-9) was a little baggy, even in extra slim. Finally, I went to a Dover Saddlery tent sale determined to find and purchase a boot. After trying on several boots, including a few out of my price range (under $200), The sales lady accidentally brought out a tall, regular, size 6 Mountain Horse Venice field boot. I tried it on and was surprised that the shoe fit and length was a tad small but really rather good. It fit like a glove around my calf and I decided (with the help of a fashion forward equestrian friend) that they would work. After about a week or two of blisters from breaking them in, they fit well and looked pretty snazzy. They cost about $170 on sale at Dover.

                                                Doversaddlery.com

Jacket
I was looking at jackets after purchasing my boots and shirt and was freaking out over how much I was spending. A nice jacket that I originally planned on getting was the R. J. Classics Essential Show Coat, which was around $150 when I looked at it. Though a relatively good price, I was already over my budget. So, I waltzed over to the consignment section of the tack store and found a perfectly fitting Regency 4 coat for $30. (I believe Regency 4 is no longer making equestrian apparel) Though I usually like navy instead of black coats, I was perfectly happy to trade color for $100. Though it may take longer to find a good fitting coat on consignment it is worth it. And, you can usually get a slightly larger coat and get it altered for less than a quality new coat.

Helmet

Back in high school I showed with a lovely tacky velvet cover over my schooling helmet. Though that worked for barn shows, I bought a Charles Owen GR8 as I started showing in Interscholastic Equestrian Association shows. It was $300 but my parents helped me out on this one. It fits my round head really well and looks classy in interdisciplinary show rings.

Socks
While remaining unseen, socks are still a part of show attire. What can I say, I like Ariat! I have used my Ariat tall boot socks solely as show socks ever since I got them for my birthday.

                                                                   Doversaddlery.com

Gloves

My show gloves were my favorite price. Yes, they were free! I got them from my high school trainer in a sort of exchange for some breeches that did not fit me anymore. They are black Heritage Pro Flow gloves and are breathable and thin enough that I can still feel the reigns. They are machine washable, which helps keep them show ready. They are not terribly warm but, since they are for shows and not everyday winter wear, they work great.

The final products in action!

Whatever you wear, remember that it is not the clothing that makes a good ride. The rider on the horse is much more important than what you are wearing. However, when you feel good in your show apparel, you ride with confidence that you look your best.
What do you wear to shows? Do you go for brand names or the price value? Tell me below in the comments!