Thursday's Threads

 

Outfit Day! And this one is real. As in it's nothing special and I don't even fully match. Because sometimes you just wear what's quickest to grab and the most comfortable. And I realize you're probably expecting a fourth of July outfit, but honestly, I'm just not feeling celebrating this country too hard this year. Maybe next year. Al wanted to model today since he missed his chance last week. Here's what he was wearing:

He's just the cutest thing. And so long as his photos still make me smile, I still believe there's hope for us! 

Bridle: Joseph Sterling

Brow Band: Dark Jewel Designs

You may notice a different bit than he usually wears. (Or you may not because really who pays that close attention?) After our first lesson with our new trainer he suggested trying a full cheek. Which I was on board for since he actually shows in one. But I didn't want to change the mouthpiece because he seems to really like what we've been using. So I ordered the same mouthpiece but in the full cheek version. When it arrived I noticed the cheeks were... well they're weird. They're really short, and they don't have a little ball on the end like most to secure the keepers. So the keepers have to sit lower on the cheep piece to stay on. And it's weird. But for now it's fine. I was reading Leah's blog about the roller bits she was trying for Pyro and I had a hmmmm moment. I've noticed that Al exhibits some behaviors that are very similar to what some humans do called stimming. It's more or less a behavior that someone may do for comfort, like rocking back and forth, flapping hands, or touching finger tips. Al sometimes sucks on the crossties. Or when we're riding he will chomp on the bit, but not in a way that's resistant to the contact. In fact, when he's chomping on the bit, it's the rare time when he's actually got his focus on me. If I can get him to chomp, I know our ride will be lovely. Or at least the moments while he will keep chomping... I KNOW this sounds wrong. But you'll just have to trust me on this. And yes, good thing he's not a dressage horse. So anyway, the reason for my rambling, I think he might like a copper roller to play with. Like a fidget spinner for horses! Of course, the only roller bits I have are the ones that are three piece with a roller in the center. But Al doesn't like a three piece mouth. I ordered one of the ones with a single joint which should be here early next week. Can't wait to try it out! Fingers crossed I've had an epiphany. (Thanks Leah!) And if not, at least those bits are inexpensive! Lol. Okay back to our outfits.

Saddle: Butet
Saddle Pad: Ogilvy
Half Pad: Mattes

Just a simple set up this week. My saddle looks so light in this photo! I think it needs oil. 

Boots: Anky

I think these might be my favorite every day front boots. It's a bummer they were a seasonal color, but hopefully they'll last forever. So far so good!

That's what Al wore today, and here's what I had on:

Barn colors-ish. And my boots don't match my outfit. And I'm not sad about it.

Helmet: One K Avance CCS MIPS

It's surprising how dry and dusty things got after all the rain we've been getting. Hence my dirty helmet. But we had a very quick storm blow through a little bit ago, so hopefully no dust tomorrow!

Top: FitEq

I'm bummed this brand went out of business, I was hoping they'd make more colors of these tops. They're really comfy and quick drying.

Belt: Zazzle

The buckle is a little beat up, but I still love this belt so much. They STILL don't have these in stock at Zazzle which makes me sad. I hope they aren't gone forever. 

Breeches: Tailored Sportsman

I'm pretty sure this color is Dark Teal. I actually paid retail for these a couple of years ago because I loved the color so much. I rarely do such crazy things! But it was worth it I think for these. 

Boots: Celeris UK

I haven't ordered custom boots in many years at this point, but this pair of demo's happened to be exactly my measurements so I couldn't say no to them. I've had them since last summer, and I'm pretty sure I've shared them before a few times. They're a navy color so I don't wear them a ton what with my boycott of all things blue there for awhile... But they're lovely boots and so comfy and I will definitely be wearing them more. 

And that's it for today! Sorry it wasn't an exciting outfit, but they can't all be crazy!

Thursday's Threads

 

Outfit Day! And we brought some fun color to today's post. Shiny is our model because I haven't worn these boots yet and she's least likely to take advantage of me in a fragile new boot state. #MVP 

Here's what we had on:

Turquoise! It turns out I need to source some additional pieces for this outfit... like some kind of turquoise brow band and maybe something to do with the helmet. One K doesn't have turquoise inserts which is pretty lame. But I'm sure I can craft something for next time. So let's consider this outfit a work in progress.

We'll start with Shiny's outfit:

Do you guys notice how much better she's standing? She's not camped under herself anymore. Must have been tough to support that belly she used to have. She looks a lot more like a quarter horse these days than welsh. 

Bridle: Joseph Sterling

Brow Band: Dark Jewel Designs

I figured the spike brow band was the best match for our turquoise look. Because it's pretty neutral as far as color goes.

Saddle: Custom Saddlery

Saddle Pad: Ogilvy
Half Pad: Le Mieux

I do have a half pad with gray fleece that might have worked a little better here, but it's not shimmable so won't work for Shiny until she gets a better fitting saddle. But the natural ones looks fine too. 

Boots: Punk Ponies

I thought I had silver boots for her, but turns out I only have horse sized in silver. So we went with the iridescent ones. They did the job.

So that's what Shiny is wearing this week, and here's what I had on:

The helmet definitely needs some turquoise. Next time.

Helmet: One K Avance CCS MIPS

I left the lavender inserts in out of laziness, but I do acknowledge it would have worked better if I just made it all gray. 

Shirt: Luyaa

Finally back to short sleeves weather! Yay! You all know I like these tops a lot. 

Belt: Mane Jane

My belt collection has become a jumbled mess (next rainy Monday project is to fix that) and while I would have preferred a gray belt with this look, I went with this one because it was accessible. The gray one is... hiding somewhere. 

Breeches: Tailored Sportsman

I've had these breeches awhile now, and they were such a find! Someone was selling them pretty cheaply on Marketplace and they are my favorite combo of mid rise, size zip, and boot sock. Best find!

Boots: Celeris UK

It's been years since I've designed any boots with Celeris which makes me really sad because I have a wish list. But I have been very lucky to score some samples the last few years. This pair wasn't a sample but rather a second. They had some kind of imperfection, but I've forgotten what it was and I don't really see anything glaringly wrong about them. They fit pretty perfectly though, so I'm happy! They're not my favorite design in that they zip inside and are reinforced. But I just loved the color so much I figured I'd cope. And they are fine! Definitely need more ride time because new boots are the worst, but the ankle is already softening up after one ride, so no complaints! Also, can you believe how exact the breeches color is to the boots? And the saddle pad is really close too. It's pretty impressive because it's easy to have shades like this not match at all. (Like the belt...) 

This was a fun one! Even if I didn't take it too far this time. I'm sure the next time it comes around it will be turned up a notch. 

Thursday's Threads

 

Outfit Day! And I made it fun! Not over the top fun, just the right amount of fun. Shiny is our model today and here's what she had on:

Also enjoy these photos with her fuzzy ears, because I finished clipping her head tonight. She's finally ditched that fur hat she's been sporting!

Bridle: Nunn Finer
Browband: Dark Jewel Designs

Bit: Punk Ponies cheeks and Sweet Billie's mouth

I need to go through my tack again, because I think I have extra bridles that I like more than this one. It looks nice enough, but the leather is meh. 

Saddle: Butet
Saddle Pad: Mattes

I did a second trial ride with Eros' saddle on Shiny today with a different pad set up than I used yesterday. I don't think this saddle will work for her even temporarily. It slides way back as we ride and I feel like I'm getting bounced all over the place in it on her. So she'll be back in her old saddle until I find something that works for her. But hey, it was worth a shot! 

Boots: Punk Ponies

I couldn't get my camera to pick up the colors in these boots. They're color shifting so depending on how the light hits them they're either purple or blue. So fun! 

That's what Shiny was wearing, and here's what I had on:

Bright pants!!! And rainbow boots! See? FUN!

Helmet: Samshield

This helmet officially turns five in December and thus I'm getting all the wears out of it before it's time to retire it. But also, since it's purple now it matches my outfit nicely!

Shirt: Luyaa

I love these shirts from Amazon. They're exactly the same as the TKEQ ones. I imagine they come from the same factory. But these are like $20 or less so I like them better. 

Belt: Handmade by me

I made this belt during the dark times of Covid and I love it so much. Like Shiny's boots, I couldn't get the camera to pick up the colors in the fabric. It's similar to the boot fabric but this one is purple or green depending on which way the light hits it. And the hardware matches Shiny's bit. 

Breeches: Equiline

I don't really wear my fun Equiline's in the winter because they're not warm at all. But now that it's spring time, they're back in rotation! They fit better than they did last year, so that feels nice. Not so stuffed sausage like. Not sure why because I've gained some weight, but whatever, I'll take it!

Boots: Celeris UK

I love these boots so much. They're ridiculously comfortable and so fun! I still can't decide where the rank, but they're definitely near the top. I think the cow ones are still my favorites though.

That's it for today! A little more fun than the last few weeks! Hope you enjoyed!

Thursday's Threads

 

Outfit day again! I know we've been a little boring lately. But fear not, Valentine's day is coming! In the meantime, we're a little boring again today. Eros is our model though, and he looks as handsome as ever! Here's what we wore for today:

Thanks to the mirror for our fab photo. And also for somehow making my leg look long and lean rather than stubby as they actually are in real life. 

Bridle: Joseph Sterling

Brow Band: Dark Jewel Designs

He wore his D bit this week for outfit day because we did some "jumping" yesterday over that little raised cavalletti you can see in the corner of this photo. 

Saddle: Butet
Saddle Pad: Ogilvy
Half Pad: Mattes

Exciting news here friends! Eros' saddle should arrive back to us THIS WEEKEND fully re-paneled and ready to make his back happy again. Hopefully that means this is the last Thursday's Threads in which Eros will be using his brother's saddle. We are all very excited.

Wraps: Eskadron

Forgive all the dirt on there... The ring here has Travel-Lite footing which is lovely, but it's wax and sticks to everything. Comes off in the wash easily but I don't wash these every ride, so they're a little dirty. 

That's what Eros was wearing this week, and here's what I had on:

I also wore a vest from Columbia in a cognac color which you saw in the first photo. They make my favorite outer wear, but it's hit and miss if they have any good colors in a given season. 

Helmet: One K Avance CCS with MIPS

Yep, still wearing this guy with the same color set up. I actually had to go in my emails and see how long I've had this one as it seems like it's been a really long time. Fortunately, it still has a good year or so left before I need to replace it. 

Sweater: THML

I forget if I got this from 2nd Round Equestrian or Chagrin Saddlery, but I think they both carried it. It's from last year, and I'm so glad I got it! I wear it all the time, and I just think it's adorable. 

Belt: Zazzle

I've done a real number on the buckle part of this belt, but otherwise it's holding up nicely! I love these belts and really hope Zazzle brings them back at some point. They've been out of stock for awhile now.

Breeches: Dover Wellesley

These have a cute leopard piping and I'm really sad that Dover isn't doing cute piping on these pants anymore. Or even cute colors. How boring. 

Half Chaps and Boots: Celeris UK

It got above freezing a couple times this week so I traded the full chaps for my sheepskin lined half chaps. The mirror photo isn't showing the colors very well, that light part is rose gold. I'm a fan of these. Definitely recommend sheepskin lining if you live where it gets cold. Which is pretty much everywhere these days.

That's it for this week! Any favorites? 

Thursday's Threads: 4th of July Edition

 

Outfit day on a HOLIDAY! My favorite. You all know I love a theme. To be real though, I'm a little worried about America and I'm not sure how festive I'm feeling. So I didn't get too crazy today. We kept it fairly classy. FAIRLY. It's Shiny's turn to model, so let's start with her. 

She looks oddly unfestive here which I didn't realize... I guess you need us together to get the actual theme. Maybe next year I'll come up with something more festive for the equine to wear. Anyway... You'll see in the close ups that is wearing blue.

Bridle: Joseph Sterling
Brow Band: Dark Jewel Designs

I felt like the spiked brow band gave firework vibes. Maybe it's a stretch... But I'm going with it!

Saddle: Custom Saddlery
Saddle Pad: Premier Equine
Belly band is from Horze

I'm still really happy with the Premier Equine pads. I wish they'd come out with fun colors again... but specifically like good combos, maybe not so much the crazy combos they had before. But also... like bring back the crazy good prices too. They're stuff is pretty pricey these days. 

Boots: Horze

You guys have seen these before. I like them a lot for the horses, but for Shiny, the straps are really long. They work, the velcro isn't too long, but there's a lot of strap left hanging. And you can't really cut it off because of how they're designed. That aside, they're nicely made, and fit well otherwise.

That's what Shiny wore today, and here's what I had on:

There we go. That's more festive! I told you we kept it pretty classy today. Maybe next year we'll get more festive. We'll have to see how things go...

Helmet: One K Avance Mips

I haven't worn this navy hat much lately. I like it with the shiny gold shield. 

Top: Ralph Lauren

I thought I had a couple of cute festive tee shirts, but turns out, I only have tank tops. I had to do barn chores this morning since it's a holiday, and I don't really like to do chores in a tank top. I get too itchy. Thankfully I discovered this perfect top in the tee shirt drawer! The Pony is even red!

Belt: Equetech

I wore my pink version of this belt a few weeks ago, and here's the white one. I got this one also in a Forelock and Fringe box, and have been so happy with it. I've had it a couple years now, and it gets a decent amount of use, and still looks lovely which is saying something for a white belt! This one is a bigger size than the pink one though and I had to punch some holes in it. 

Breeches: Tailored Sportsman

Red generally isn't my color, but I like having a red pair of breeches around for Fourth of July and Christmas. I snagged these from consignment since it really didn't make sense to pay full price for pants I wear twice a year. 

Boots: Pioneer

Okay, well MAYBE navy and gold isn't really USA colors, but I think the way the gold is painted on these it kind of looks like fireworks. So I'm allowing it. Plus they match the helmet perfectly with the gold shield. I snagged these a year or two ago from the Dressage Boots Addicts Anonymous Facebook group for an absolute steal. They're a little too tall, so I stuck some heel lifts in there and that seems to be working well. They're not even broken in yet, so that kind of makes me not want to wear them a lot. But they were actually feeling pretty good by my last ride today. So maybe I'll use them more. I don't think Pioneer boots are the best quality, but they do have some fun designs. 

So that's what we wore today for America's birthday. We stayed on theme without getting too crazy this time. I'm not sure what we're going to wear next week... Any suggestions?