Artsy, Craftsy Equestrian

As a disclaimer, I love horses. So, when  it comes to arts and crafts, I often find my inspiration from the magnificent equine. When some people see my art they often make comments on how they wish they were crafty or artistic. To which I think, but you are! I started crafting and drawing at a young age and frankly was terrible at it. But, I loved horses and art so I kept at it, learned from others and (eventually) got better. Though I am certainly no expert on art and am still learning things myself, I have noticed a few tips that might help make the most of your horse inspired artistic endeavors.

1. Take a picture
    Sometimes there will be a moment or so of beauty that you would love to capture in a picture or art but just can't. Try to snap a photo and capture the moment for future reference. Even if the picture is blurry or not exactly as you imagined, you will have a jumping off point and can even search the internet for similar poses to inspire you.

2. Don't expect perfection
   The world isn't perfect so you have no reason to expect it from yourself! As imperfect as it is, the world is full of beauty and the occasional mistake can add to the beauty of your art. I find that the more I try to make a stroke of a pencil or dab of paint perfect, the more it becomes rigid and the picture less real. Don't be afraid to fix mistakes but don't be bothered by a misplaced speck either.

3. Learn from observation
    Everyone can teach you something. Even a child might have a different way of looking at the piece than you do. Being teachable and open to other's advice on technique and style can give your art the extra brilliance that makes it inspiring.

4. Be yourself
   Though slightly counterintuitive, if you are happy with your piece, don't change it to fit other people's standard of beauty. Art is subjective and if you have expressed yourself the way you had hoped, there is no need to change it to make someone else happy. You cannot please everyone and you might as well make your art your own.

5. Enjoy it
   Art inspires thought and gives pleasure. Though it is often hard work, completing a project is so rewarding and your horse will love it no matter what!

What type of art do you enjoy? Do your horses play a part in your creations? Tell me about it in the comments! If you liked any of the pieces you saw in this article, they are for sale. Just reach out through social media or in the comments!

Losing a Horse

 

  Leaving a horse because you sell, move, stop leasing or through various other reasons is always hard. But, having to put a horse down is the hardest. I have had many pets and understand the grief and loss that comes with losing a pet. However, the bond that one has built with a horse through riding and working with them often brings the loss to a different level. I have known a few horses that have had to be put down, however until recently I had not actually witnessed the process. This changed when a horse I had just started riding shattered her leg and needed to be euthanized. The circumstances were extenuating and the barn managers made the decision they thought was best.             Anyways, after we spent a little time with her and gave her all the treats she wanted, the vet and barn staff took her out and put her down. As she went down I felt a sadness that I hadn't felt since my first rabbit died. Though it was a somber day, I learned a few things along the way.

                                                                                                    morguefile.com

    Don't feel like you have to hold it in

 Everyone expresses sadness differently and everyone bonds with horses in their own way. Just because someone is not openly emotional does not mean you cannot shed tears and vice versa.

 Learn but don't dwell on it

There are so many ways which you could blame yourself for the loss of a horse.  Though you should learn from any mistakes and try your best to improve, you cannot dwell on the past and what could have happened. Learn and move on to the best of your ability.

Don't try to replace them.

You may feel the need to immediately get another or and feel frustrated when you can't seem to bond with one right away. More often than not, these things take time. Comparing every horse you come across with your old one won't help with the grieving process. Appreciate each horse for what they are.

                                                                                                    morguefile.com

Remember the good times

All things pass over the course of time. Every horse, show, and good experience often end in order to make way for the future. Even bad times help us grow and appreciate the good ones. The best way to handle your loss is to smile fondly on the good times and look forward to those that are ahead.

                                                                                       Devon -May 4 2015                   

Have you lost a horse that you loved? How did you deal with it? Tell me in the comments and please subscribe.

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!

Ten Reasons Why Winter is Better than Most Horse People Think

           As equestrians, the bad winter weather, increased hay consumption, mud and sludge can give the season a bad name. However, there are always things that we can be thankful for. Cold, muddy horses are better than no horses! When we look at the bright side of anything from winter riding to falls to bad lessons, we can learn and be motivated to keep going back to the barn for more.

1.     If your horse is blanketed, chances are that there is little dirt on the majority of his body! (If he’s not blanketed, he’s probably an adorable, fuzzy teddy bear!)

                                                                                                stalecheerios.com

2.     Because it is not as hot, you spend less time cooling down your  horse and more time in the saddle and having fun. (Just make sure they are totally cooled out and not sweaty before letting them loose.)

3.     Trail rides are beautiful in the snow.

4.    You get to spend quality time with your horse bonding, grooming and learning about his  personality when the ring is frozen and you are stuck in the barn.

5.      You can do all the things you don't have time for when the weather is too good for staying inside! Clipping, mane pulling, fixing the stalls, cleaning the feed and water buckets, tack cleaning etc...

6.       You finally get around to cleaning out all your old tack and supplies to sell, use or give away to make room for new stuff!

7.       When it is impossible to ride, you'll be motivated to work on your own fitness, whether at a gym or at home, to be ready to ride in the spring.

8.      If you fall, your bundles of clothes and/or the snow will cushion your tumble.

9.      You won't sweat as much meaning you can skip that post ride shower, ride longer and still get to places on time! (Or maybe don't forgo the shower).

10.     Your horse will always be there for you whether rain, snow, sludge or shine!

                                   morguefile.com

How do you chase off the Winter blues? I would love to know, so, comment and subscribe!

Horses and Writing and Blogs, Oh My! An Interview with Terise Cole

                                                                  Blogger Terise Cole

       I am a college student who loves horses and writing and is just starting a blog. Terise Cole is a college student who loves horses and has written a blog called Breeches and Boat Shoes for almost two years and has more than 480 followers. Cole seemed like a great person to learn from about how to start, write and maintain a blog about college life and horses. Cole goes to college at Becker College in Massachusetts. She has two horses, rides on her college’s riding team and enjoys equestrian fashion. Though there are marked differences between her life and mine, our passion for horses and writing seemed a good place to start.

            Cole said she has always loved writing and started riding at age seven.

            “The majority of my life revolves around my horses and riding, so it seemed natural to write about them,” Cole said. 

            Cole started her blog, after she bought a new horse named Southern Axcent. She had been contemplating a blog but the new horse helped push her into the blogosphere. Her blog was originally a way for her to share progress reports on her new horse with her family and friends. However, the blog soon grew to include equestrian fashion and product reviews, training stories, interviews and “all things equestrian.” Cole said that one thing she wished she had known to establish her social media presence early and have a clear idea of where the blog was headed before starting her blog. She said that how follower’s first view a blog is hard to reestablish once you start a certain niche of posts. Cole said that, since there are so many aspects of the equestrian world, a blogger should understand the audience that they are specifically writing for.

             Social media is the main venue that Cole uses to promote her blog. Having a strong presence on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram along with encouraging reader communication through comments and email helps to point potential followers to her blog. Another way Cole promotes her content is through product reviews or including a company name in a post.

             “If (the company) likes the post, they will probably share it with their followers,” Cole said.

             Cole tries to post “every other day or at least twice a week.” She said that posting much more than that can take away from the novelty of a blogger’s posts and that posting less can leave the readers hungry for new content. However, another factor of how often she posts is her school, horses and other parts of her busy life.

            “Sometimes it is hard managing a blog and classes, so my blog can be a bit neglected at times if my workload increases from school,” Cole said.

            Inspiration often eludes writers that want to post content regularly. However, Cole has found topics in her experience, opinions and creative blog hops from other bloggers.
          These “hops” consist of topics and questions sent from one blogger to others to explore different opinions, stories and experiences along the same subject lines.

            Cole is excited about how blogging has affected the horse community.

“It was surprising to see how many horse people actually read blogs. A lot of equestrians look to others' opinions or want their views on certain topics or products before trying them out themselves,” Cole said.

            I learned a lot from Cole and hope to use this knowledge well in my blog. One of the biggest things I gleaned was that I needed to make sure I know what the purpose of my blog is. That way I will create content that both my target audience and I will enjoy.

Check out Terise Cole’s blog here! Here are some other horse related blogs that I enjoy.

If Wishes Were Horses

Regarding Horses
The Savvy Equestrian
What blogs do you like to read? What types of posts are your favorite? Tell me below in the comments!