Horselessness: Five Things to do if You Don't Own a Horse

                                                                                                   morguefile.com

This is a conversation that happens to me more often than I would like:

Person: I like your horse shirt! (Or some other reference to horses)

Me: Thanks, I ride horses and it is so fun!

Person: Oh really!? Do you have a horse?

Me:... No

Person: Oh

Now, perhaps this doesn't seem as sad as I think it does. But it often feels like I am being judged as someone who only has a child's "horse obsession" or casual interest in horses because I do not own my own equine. Those of you who have horses you are great and should be thankful for your four legged friends! But, for those who don't own your own horse (this includes me), your horselessness does not make you less of a horse lover. Owning a horse is a big commitment and if you are not ready for it monetarily or otherwise it is actually in a horse's best interest if you wait until you can properly care for it. But, in case you feel left out at times from the horse owning circle, here are five tips on how to get your horse fix without having to own one.

1. Volunteer or apply for a job at a barn.

We have all seen this in the movies. Girl volunteers at barn, finds horse she loves, get given the horse and wins some national competition. While you may not win a big show or given your own horse, if you show a good work ethic and a desire to learn, those in charge will notice you in a good way. As a college student, I have the energy and willingness to  take care of and ride horses but not the finances. By marketing what I did have -- energy and ability -- I was able to work for a chance to ride over the summers. Also, do not be afraid of hard work. The better you do the menial jobs at a barn, the more your instructor or whoever else will see that you really care about what you are working for.

2. Offer to show or exercise horses for their owners or barn manager.

About to exercise Splash

While this follows with the trading work for riding time tip, you need to be well established as a good rider and accountable person before you go for this one. Be careful and make sure you have all the proper liabilities signed and taken care of before you ride someone else's horse for your protection as well as theirs. However, if you can, this is a great way to get experience for yourself and the horse you ride without having to pay for show fees. Exercising horses gives you the chance to ride as well as learn how to deal with different horses. Just be sure that your riding skill matches the type of rider the horse needs.

3. Do lots of research!

                                                                                                                                             thumbs.dreamstime.com

Even if you don't have a horse you can still learn all about them. There are so many books and videos out there that can teach you everything from riding skills to wrapping to braiding. When you hang out at the barn be looking for things to learn and ask questions to the vet, farrier, trainers and other knowledgable people. This will give you a window into the horse world and show others how eager you are to learn. If you get a handle on all these things now, you will be even more prepared when you do have a horse.

4. Hone your horse riding and horsemanship skills

                                                            morguefile.com

When you do get to be on a horse, make the best of it. Try to learn from every horse you ride, every time you ride. Watch when other people ride and learn from their successes and mistakes. Since you do not have one horse that you need to ride, you can learn from the variety of horses that you do get to ride. And have fun! Spend time with horses that don't get a lot of attention or need some extra socialization.

5. Be thankful for the position you are in

Helping teach a lesson on Jack the pony

Though not having a horse is hard at times, it gives you the opportunity to learn and experience things that you would not normally get to do. It does not mean you cannot learn about and immerse yourself in horses. Though owning a horse is still something I dream about and look forward too, being horseless is not the end of the world!

Do you own a horse? If not, what do you do to get your horse fix? Tell me below in the comments and subscribe for more horsey tips!

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!

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

Everyone has different things that they always bring to a horse show from bobby pins to baking powder to a lucky penny. While most of the horse shows I attend are Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) and I do not bring my own horse, I still have staples that I will tote to the show grounds. This is by no means an exhaustive list and, if you are bringing your own horse, there are  probably tons of other things that can be brought. In the first part of the supplies posts, I will focus on supplies and tools that I bring. In the second, we will talk about apparel and other miscellaneous bring alongs.

The Bag
To have things in a bag, one must have a bag. Though I also own a Noble Outfitters Doubleheader(tm) day pack -- which I won in a Horse Illustrated contest, -- I usually bring my larger Noble Outfitters Ringside Pack to hold all of my things.

The Ringside Pack has a convenient pouch to hold my helmet, two large compartments and one smaller one. Additionally, there are bottle holders, crop holders and smaller pouches on the side.

Cleaning Supplies
These "keep clean" supplies are usually in high demand because everyone tends to forget them... except you!

• Rag -- I always bring at least one rag to a show, if not more. Rags are great for all sorts of tasks. From dusting off boots to wiping off benches to getting people's attention my rag is a coveted item that comes to every show.

• Lint Roller - A lint roller aids the rag in the cleaning realm at a horse show. Getting horse hairs and dust off your show clothes helps to bring class and finesse to your ride.

• Wrinkle/ Stain remover -- Stains and wrinkles are inevitable, when working with horses. These items help keep you and those that are showing spot on (or off) in the ring.

• Boot Polish -- Though you probably should have cleaned your boots the night before, having your boot polish with you can help when the unexpected happens to you or your friends.

Show Related Trinkets
Keeping these things in my bag ensures that I don't forget them on those early show mornings. Also, if you carry spares you can lend them as well as have back ups if somethings breaks or gets lost (I'm looking at you hair nets).

• Crop
• Hair Nets
• Gloves
• Bobby Pins
• Safety Pins
• String
• Sewing Kit 
• Scissors
• Hair Bands
• Your Number-- In IHSA, you have one number your entire show career so I make it a point to keep it in my bag so I don't forget or lose it.

First Aid/ Hygiene Items
I don't bring everything that you would find in a traditional kit but I try to bring most of the things that are needed for minor injuries and ailments. Also, personal hygiene items are great to keep in your show bag in case you (or someone else) forgets. Here is a basic list of things that I keep in a Ziploc bag for every show.

• Band Aids
• Ibuprofen
• Neosporen
• Cough drops
• Cotton balls
• Nail clippers
• Lotion
• Hand Sanitizer
• Bio Freeze
• Tissues
• Super Glue
• Masking/Duct Tape

• Chapstick
• Deodorant
• Brush
• Hair Spray
• Rubber Bands (I didn't know where else to put them)

Information Supplies
Having supplies that help keep everything straight is essential at a horse show, especially IHSA, but can often be overlooked. Bringing extra of all these things can be super helpful to you, your team mates and your coaches/instructors.

• Pens
• Notepad -- for recording placings, writing down class lists and courses, jotting down thoughts on horses and more.
• Video recorder of some sort -- Whether on your phone, iPad or actual recorder (gasp) it is always helpful to record your rides and review them for future reference.
• Watch -- I always have a watch on me but having one strapped to you is especially helpful at a horse show.
• Phone -- Communication is key and yelling is frowned upon at most shows.

Food
I always get hungry at horse shows and, if I'm not careful, will spend way to much money at the concession stand. Here are some snacks that I usually bring to shows to keep energized and not broke.

• Apples (I love to make dried apples to bring to shows)
• Bananas
• Dried fruit
• Carrot sticks
• Nuts
• Candy, Cookies, Junk food--for quick energy (insert furtive glance)
• Bread and lunch meat/peanut butter
• Water
• Caffeine of some sort
• Plastic utensils
• Napkins
• Horse Treats

A Smile and Good Attitude

So, ... I don't always bring these to a show but when I do, the day just seems to go a little better.

So what you keep in your show bag? Do you have any things to add to my list? Let me know in the comments and subscribe for more posts on all things equine!

See part two of "What's in my show bag" here!