Thursday's Threads: Peeps Edition

 

It's OUTFIT day! Did you think I skipped an Easter outfit since I'm Jewish and Passover overlapped this year? Well fear not. We have our Peeps finest for you today! Al is our main model today since he's well over due for a turn, but everyone got in on the fun so we'll have some extra photos at the end. 

Here's what Al had on for Peeps day:

I've been throwing a little extra hay because our new load of Timothy weighs a lot less than the grass mix we usually get... But he's looking a lil' chonky so I may have to step back a bit on the extra. I imagine though, that as we get going with more work his weight will even out.

Bridle: Joseph Sterling
Browband: Homemade by me

Cap: Back On Track
Bunnies: Peeps

Honestly. He's so cute. I love his messy star.

Saddle: Butet
Half Pad: Ippico
Baby pad: Ogilvy, embellished by me

It was no small task trying to find Peeps ribbon that had the chicks. I really can't say why, but I much prefer the Peeps chicks to the bunnies. It doesn't make any sense. If you offered me a real bunny or a real chick, I'd choose the bunny, no question. But marshmallow treats? Give me the chick. Every time. Yet for some reason, the vast majority of Peeps merch is in the form of the bunny. Thankfully someone out there made some chicks ribbon.

Boots: Premier Equine, embellished by me

I was less successful finding fabric with chicks. But I DID find pet bandanas that worked just as well for the boot straps.

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

Sadly, I couldn't ride with the bunnies because the wind was insane this day. They'd have blown right off. And I can't imagine Al would appreciate bunnies hitting him on the butt. 

Helmet: One K Avance CCS with MIPS

Bunnies: Peeps

I found this headband this year at Walmart, and it's definitely my favorite of our Peeps headbands. They're fuzzy!

Sweatshirt: Fun

I was disappointed when this arrived as it was advertised as a sweater, but it's not. I got over that though because it's so ridiculous and I love it. Also, it features CHICKS!

Belt: C4

C4 also came through with a chicks belt. I've had this a few years now, and I still love it so much!

Breeches: Dover Wellesley

Last year I paired this top with purple breeches, but I didn't love it. So I tried these this year, and I think it's much better. 

Socks: Dreamers and Schemers
Sneakers: Heelys

Had to wear the peeps sneakers out to the barn for today. But don't worry, I didn't get them dirty! Also, in this instance, the bunnies are definitely the appropriate choice for the tongue. But fear not, the chicks are featured on the sides. I've also accepted the bunnies on the socks. But if they made chicks next year, I'd defintely buy them. Just saying.

Boots: Celeris UK

I hummed and hawed about which boots to wear today. I almost chose the lilac ones, and I still think they'd be a great choice. But they are also still bleeding onto the saddle when I wear them, so I opted not to use them. I should find something to seal them with so I wear them more. Those and the mint ones. My pandemic boots. The only time my Celeris boots weren't perfect. Anyway. These pink ones work great for this outfit!

That's what we wore today! Here are some cute shots of Eros and Shiny with their bunnies too.

Shiny's bunnies are on springs, so I thought they might survive the wind. AND THEY DID!

What's Up Wednesday

 Ah spring... That time of year where you can make no outdoor plans because you never know what you're gonna get! One thing is a certain though. WIND. You will definitely get wind. So much wind. 

Our return work is coming along slowly though. Despite the challenges! We've had to miss a couple days due to weather but we've gotten far enough along to add cantering to our daily workouts. Rides are up to about 25-28 minutes (sometimes we walk out a little extra) which is getting close to regular work. Our daily rides are typically about 30-40 minutes. Though intensity for "regular" work is a lot more than where we are at right now. But that's okay. We'll get there!

The big thing happening over here the past week was work on the driveway. You probably remember that the dumpster truck (for the poo bin) sunk pretty deep when they came to empty it a few weeks back. I had a guy out to take a look and he said he could fix it same day. Great! But he didn't really fix it same day. (Does that ever actually happen?) They just semi filled in the deep spots, and suddenly I had standing water on the driveway which I've not had before. To be fair, the ground is absolutely saturated from all that snow melting so quickly, but still. No one wants standing water on a farm. (Flies, am I right?) Plus, if money is getting spent to fix it, we should really fix it right? So I had him back out to get it actually level and to re-dig the swale that had somehow been filled in on the edge. It looks much better now, though the swale still has water sitting in it. I'll see if it dries out, but the answer there may be to fill it with stone? I have no idea, I don't have an education in excavation. Anyway, it wound up being a three day project. Right next to the barn and ring. So you might think I didn't ride all those days. But you'd be wrong! I put on some big girl panties and rode my horses! 

Look at that mostly level driveway! 

Well kind of. The first day was the initial partial fix day and that happened on a cold, rainy day so I didn't ride then. But that was last week anyway so it doesn't count in this week's total ride days. For the two days they worked this week I did ride. The first day I only rode Shiny and Eros, Al did groundwork. Which I actually learned a little more about how Al's mind works with this project. He had very low pressure the first day (just working in hand, and honestly, we didn't do much more than walk around, stop intermittently and occasionally backing up). I think this helped him really take in what was going on around him (he likes when he can see what's making noise) so when I rode him the next day with the extra activity, he wasn't too distracted by it. Did I have his full attention on me? Oh no. I'm not sure I've ever achieved that with him. But he wasn't startled by or anxious about it. Which for Al is a big step. At least I think so. I think he just needs a little more time to acclimate than some horses do. Like, you know how sometimes you need a minute to transition from your work life to your barn life? Al needs that too. But from inside Al to outside Al. Or free time Al to work time Al. Whichever. 

Shiny, as you might expect, didn't care even a little about the work happening. In this photo, they are pulling rock out of that truck onto the driveway. Not a quiet task to say the least. And Shiny barely flicked an ear. She really is a gem. I'm so lucky to have her. She's been doing pretty well in her work this week. I do think she's due for maintenance on her neck so I haven't asked for too much in terms of connection, but I want them a little more fit before we get the vet out. Otherwise we end up treating things that are from lack of fitness more than actual ailments. 

She was the slowest to start shedding this year, and I was worried that maybe she was developing Cushings (when she was so overweight my vets considered her high risk, not sure now but I worry). But she's now shedding with a vengeance so I'm less concerned. Her light over her stall has something wrong with it and it only turns on when it's about 65, so I'm thinking that made a difference. Plus she's part welsh pony and they're just hairy little beasts! I will still discuss with the vet just to make note though. Also, she's always the last to start shedding, so maybe I should calm down. 

I actually think Eros has been more anxious than Al this spring. He's been a little spooky and worried about distant sounds. But he doesn't really follow through with his feelings and that's what makes him so much easier to manage. I've been applying some of the things I've learned from Al to my rides on Eros when he's having feelings, and not at all shockingly, they help him too. I've also used the Back On Track cap on him a few times with a noticeable difference in his softness. I swear, that stuff is magic. I have a poll cover too, but I think the cap is probably better since it covers more. He's feeling decent through his body though. He also could use some vet work, but he's not unsound, so I'm thrilled. He's 17 this year, and has never been the soundest of horses. I'll take any win I can get in that department!

Al's had a few less rides than his siblings, but he's still coming along nicely. I can't say he's as consistently forward as he was the first few weeks of rides, but I don't expect miracles. He IS responding when I ask for more though, and that is really all I can hope for. I haven't forced him to use the full ring just yet. We're mostly still staying to the inside/quarter line on that one spooky section of the ring. But I've started thinking of it as as accommodation rather than as being a weenie. Kids with special needs have accommodations at school to help them succeed, and that's what I'm doing for Al. Anytime that we get a day without ridiculous wind and the neighbor isn't outside, we start incorporating that area more. So it's like managing the stressors for him. We push the boundaries when it's safest, and we are more lenient about it when there are multiple distractions happening. So far, it's resulting in a more relaxed horse that's willing to listen to me. He's also allowed to look at the things he's concerned about, BUT he has to do it in proper shape. So if he wants to watch the tree line by the neighbor, he can, but he has to do it with contact and proper bend through his body. So like counter bend down that long side. Being able to keep him moving through his whole body, I have a better chance of keeping enough attention on me, and we're not fighting over where he's looking. Is it "proper" horse training? I dunno. Probably not. But if it's getting the end result I'm after, does it matter? I guess time will tell. Some of the things I've tried in the past have brought on new issues later, so I don't claim to know what I'm doing when it comes to this horse. He's definitely a challenging one! I just don't think most old school training techniques work for him either, so we do our trial and error and see where we end up. He's my horse so if I royally mess it all up, it's no one's problem but mine anyway. At the end of the day, I need to enjoy him. No one else does. 

That's where the horses are at currently! Something funny I noted during my rides with Al and Shiny on Saturday. While I rode them, the excavator was out there doing his thing, but also the neighbor was doing HIS thing (isn't he always). What was interesting, Shiny and Al both were pretty unbothered by the excavator. But they each were keeping an eyeball on the neighbor. I swear they trust that guy even less than I do. Especially Shiny. Which tracks because she has a great memory and it was her I was on when he had his temper tantrum about paying for his tree work. (Back story for anyone new: several years ago, the neighbor asked permission to do some tree work on our shared tree line. I told him he could do absolutely whatever he wanted but he was responsible for the bill as I had just had someone out to do trees. He said oh yes of course, just wanted to make sure I wouldn't be upset about anything taken down. This was in the fall. Like October maybe. Then one day in April he comes over and wants me to pay half the bill. SIX months later! Dude, pay your worker. I said no. I had told him from the get go I wasn't paying for it. He walks back home. I got on Shiny. Suddenly he starts pounding on his metal shed with like a bat or something. Like SUPER loud. And varying intensities. Scared the poop out of Shiny, I nearly came off.) I SWEAR she remembers this. The boys are distracted by him, but Shiny mare glares so hard at him anytime she sees him. And she doesn't really ever give her attention to anything (except food). 

That's really it from here. I'm debating whether or not to ride today. It's freaking freezing out there! Horses are back in heavies... Yuck. We shall see what happens when I get out there. 

Truthful Tuesday

 

Today's confession is that I spend a lot of time checking to see if the blankets I want for the horses are on sale. I'm not satisfied with our current wardrobe, and I'm slowly trying to get them replaced with better options. I'm nearly done with turnouts for next year. My current turnouts all fit well, but as this was the first winter home in awhile, I realized they aren't quite the weights and configurations that I want. I had a different set of blankets for the winter barn, but they also aren't exactly what I wanted either. So as tack stores were putting turnouts outs on sale this spring, I got what I think I wanted. I just have one more weight to find and also a set of liners. 

As for stables... I'm having a few issues with what we have. While I LOVE our heavies from Kentucky, they are very heavy literally. I would prefer something that's warm but a little lighter weight to handle. Also, the shavings just stick to them which is so messy. I have to brush them off before removing them or there are shavings just absolutely everywhere. I'll probably still use them for the coldest days since they are so cozy. The 100 grams we have just don't fit that well. They aren't long enough in the drop, so they tend to shift a lot. Poor Al some mornings has his whole right side hanging out! And then I have a lined sheet we use for when it's not quite warm enough for just sheets but 100 grams seem like too much. I love them, but they create SO MUCH static. Poor Eros is now terrified of having his blanket removed because of them. 

Amigo came out with green insulators which is what I'd like to replace what we have currently. They come in several weights. I want the 360 grams for heavies, the 100 grams, and the 50 grams for those in between days. Unfortunately, so far they've only had the heavies on sale, and it was a short window which I missed. So I may have to wait until fall blanket sales to start restocking blankets. Until then though, I'll keep wasting time stalking websites to see if there are any sales... 

Thursday's Threads: Passover Edition

 

Outfit day!!! AND it's a holiday, so you know we have something ridiculous today. I originally wanted to have Al model today, but since things were a little hectic around here recently I opted for a slightly more reliable ride option. So it's Eros today! Here's what he had on:

I know. From afar it looks quite tame. But don't worry. It gets better. 

Bridle: Jopseph Sterling
Brow band: Dark Jewel Designs

I need to make a Matzo brow band I think. Perhaps next year we will revamp this outfit a bit. 

Saddle: Butet
Saddle Pad: Equine Star
Half Pad: Mattes

My brown half pad isn't shimmable so we had to go with the black one. I think a natural or white one would be fun though because it would like matzo and cream cheese.

Boots: Equine Star

These just kill me. They really look like Matzo! And the fluff here does look like cream cheese!

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

Hahahaha! Matzo leggings! I told you. It's a lot. 

Helmet: One K

I went with the brown One K for this outfit. Not sure any particular helmet really give matzo vibes.

Sweatshirt: Menucha Co

I like that this has matzo details rather than all over print. Works better with the rest of the outfit.

Leggings: Modern Tribe

You know what's worse than riding leggings? Riding in regular leggings. I mean, they were fine for one day. But I had to tie up the waist to try and keep them in place and they were quite thin feeling. But it was fun for today because look at them! Hahaha!

Boots: Horka

It's been kind of rainy so brown distressed boots were the best choice for sure.

So that's it for today! Matzo! Happy Passover!

What's Up Wednesday

 

The weather has been all over the place up here in New England. But I did manage to ride more days than not the past week, so that's been wonderful. The horses had Friday off. And this is kind of a funny story why. I was kind of humming and hawing on if I wanted to ride or not that day. It was cold. Like never got to 40 and it was damp and overcast so it felt colder. And then I got a text that they were coming to take a look at the driveway that got torn up last week. And in a shocking event that never happens they were able to come back same day and get to work. I figured I didn't need to ride while there was heavy machinery here so I just didn't. But I was very grateful for the excuse, because I really was having a hard time motivating. 

The driveway isn't done getting fixed yet, but it is at least safe again. So I'll take that. 

I also wound up not riding Saturday because the high was 36. But I did spend a good long time dragging the ring and getting the footing just right. And it was LOVELY to ride on it all freshly dragged on Sunday! My helper usually drags once during the week, but he likes to see how fast he can do it which leaves speed bumps and sometimes even ruts if he picks up a rock. Not to mention all the jumps he hits... I may take this particular task off his plate going forward. Anyway, it was nice to spend the time really getting it just right. 

We've had some really nice days this week which has been much needed though. It's been windy, but more like gusty rather that sustained winds. I'll be honest though, I wasn't sure Monday or yesterday if I'd get on Al. Monday because the neighbor... And yesterday because despite my kicking my worker out in the afternoon, no sooner had he left that the state showed up on the road to do tree work. I know I've mentioned before Al gets very bothered by chainsaw noise. Like he can hear it miles away and will stare very bothered out his stall window until it stops. So with it so close by... I thought our day might be ruined. In the past, he'd still be bothered even when it stopped, but I got lucky yesterday. Since I was late getting started, I didn't get on him until 4, and the trucks had already finished for the day. After a little ground work, I climbed on and had a wonderful ride on him. The neighbor even came out and started doing who knows what outside (I swear, he waits until he sees the dark horse come out) and Al just did his job. Both days actually. Which isn't to say he give me all of his attention the entire ride. He doesn't. It IS Al after all. But he's making a good effort, and I'll take what I can get. I really think the Back on Track cap is helping, but maybe that's just me drinking the Kool Aid. Regardless, it's been nice!

Things are going well with all of them in terms of getting back to work. We're trotting ten minutes now, so probably this weekend we'll start adding in canter too. I'm probably taking things too slowly, but they're all getting older and I think slower is always better. I think my body appreciates it too. I mean they're doing ten minutes of trot, but that means I'm doing 30. Ya know? 

Today there's a chance we get rained out, but I'm going to try and get as many ridden as I can. I also have to be done on the earlier side for Passover dinner, so I we'll see what gets done. They're going to have tomorrow off. Temps are tanking again and it may also rain some more. So a good rest day for them. I think we've been doing five days a week pretty consistently the last three or so weeks, so the extra day off tomorrow fits into that. Friday and Saturday, though cooler should be decent riding days. Sunday might be another rain out. But it's spring, and that's just how it goes. I'm taking my Monday regardless of what happens! 

But also, I'm trying to get less worked up about the horses' schedules. Ideally I want to ride six days a week, but if that doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. The horses are fine. They don't gain or lose all their fitness in a day or two. Lots of horses get ridden three or four days a week and still do great. We're not training for the upper levels. We're just trying to have fun and be the best versions of ourselves we can be. And that includes not feeling stressed about things that don't actually matter that much. 

I am still, however, having big feelings about my own availability. I went on and on yesterday about feeling annoyed by my schedule being disrupted. Adding fuel to that fire, my mom had scheduled Passover dinner with my brother's family without ever talking to me about it. So they all decided it would be tonight at 5pm. No one ever told me until I asked if we were doing it. Guys. My mom is 20 minutes from me, and my horses get fed at 5. Or later. Never before. Which my family should know since I bring that up every time we schedule something. Guess I'll just be late. 

Then I just got a text that they are stopping by to go over what else I want done with the driveway today. Like really? How about, are you free? Can we meet today? I do not have time for that today. But no response, so I guess we'll just see what happens. It's just so frustrating. Like no one considers me. Which is maybe a selfish thought, but I'm just tired I guess of being at everyone's whim but my own. 

On the plus side, at least I don't have to figure out dinner tonight, right? Sigh. Anyway, I'm off to try and get these horses ridden and fed before our Seder. Guess who's gonna smell like a barn at the dinner I'm late for?? I guess that will make us even. Their penance for not considering me is that they have to smell me. Heehee. 

Truthful Tuesday

 

So last week was one of those weeks where I had something additional to do outside of the norm every single day. And I was SO looking forward to my Monday this week. I don't ride on Mondays. I have my helper in the morning for chores and turnout/in. All I have to do on Mondays is make Shiny's hay bags, feed all the meals, top off waters, and do night check. Since I have less to do in the barn that day, I usually tend to all the household chores, do my PT exercises, run errands, and clock some work for TurnoutHQ. Now that I'm HAPPILY back in the saddle, my weekend days in the barn are a solid 10-12 hours between riding and chores. Needless to say, I very much look forward to my Mondays. But alas, my worker called out this week. So after a crazy week and two very long weekend days, I had to do the barn Monday. And it was actually a really nice day so I decided to ride. Today, I figured I'd catch up on a few things I couldn't get to yesterday, and then go ride. And now comes my confession for today. 

My morning helper is also the lawn guy. After calling out yesterday, he thought he would stay late today and start spring cleanup outside. But without asking me first. And here's my confession. I was really frustrated by this. I just got really fed up with him just doing what he wants when he wants around here. And I'm not sure if that's entirely fair, but it was very much how I was feeling. Now, I'm not an asshole. I didn't tell him that. But I did tell him he needed to be done for the day when it was after noon and I needed to start riding. I probably would be less bothered if I'd had my Monday. But this was the second one in a row that turned out to not be truly my "day off" and I was just needing some peace and quiet. (Not that I really get that with the neighbor...) Anyway. That's my confession. I had big feelings today. 

Thursday's Threads

 

Outfit Day! We aren't getting too all in on outfits just yet thanks to all the mud required layers to stay warm... But we're getting there! Today's model is Shiny, and here's what she's wearing:

She's the cutest. 

Bridle: Pinnacle

Brow band: Dark Jewel Designs

Guess I should have shot this from the other side, I didn't realize it came out so dark! But anyway, this is our bitless bridle from Pinnacle that I really like. I've had a few over the years, and this is my favorite. 

Saddle:Butet
Saddle Pad: Smartpak
Half Pad: Stephens

I forgot I had these Smartkpak saddle pads, but I'm glad I rediscovered them because I like them a lot! They are kind of a baby pad hybrid. A little more structured that a regular baby pad, but not bulky like a saddle pad. This half pad was Pammon's, and the quilt barn is green. I only have two green mattes half pads, so this one is serving that purpose for Shiny. It's a hair big for this saddle, but good enough. She isn't wearing boots today because mud. 

Here's what I wore this week:

Yeah, it's still been chilly. But today might get to 60 so I'm pretty excited for that! Despite the cold, I'm trying to help spring along with some  pastels today. I thought about wearing the mint colored boots, but they aren't mud friendly so I went with these older ones instead. Still pastel adjacent! 

Helmet: One K

I had meant to pop some lavender accents into this helmet, but I forgot apparently. So it's just gray. But it matches my boots anyway!

Sweater: J Crew

Vest: Eddie Bauer

At the end of last winter I replaced my old black Eddie Bauer vest with this new one. The old one was probably ten years old. The pockets were all torn, it had a few small holes, and the zipper was only a few wears away from quitting completely. So it was time. And I'm glad I did it because Eddie Bauer is going out of business. I popped over to their nearby outlet the other day to try and snag some deals, but the deals weren't impressive so I didn't get anything. Aren't you proud of me?! 

Belt: C4

Fun fact, I had a dr's appointment in the morning, so I when I chose my outfit I picked the lightest items I could find that were still appropriate for the weather. C4 belts weigh much less than a leather belt, so it had to be one of those! 

Breeches: RJ Classics

Most of the newer breeches are VERY light weight, but they aren't warm enough when it's not even 40 degrees out. (Which is a big complaint of mine. I think breeches manufacturers are only catering to people who go to warm climates these days. Winter breeches exist yes, but mostly they are all full seat and tights. Neither of which are what I want.) But I digress, I chose these RJ's today for their light weight but still warm enough fabric.

Boots: Celeris UK

I left a little dirt on the heel to keep this real... Haha! This is actually the second pair of Celeris boots I ever ordered. They'll be seven years old this year, and are still going strong! My first pair which is about six months older than these are ready for a new zipper and for some stitching repairs, but otherwise still in good shape too. I am really impressed with the quality from this brand. I wear these a lot, so they really are durable. 

That's it for this week! Any colors or themes you're excited to see soon? Now that it's getting nice out I'm excited to have some fun with outfits again.