Thursday's Threads

Outfit Day! Since my main reason for being here in Florida is to play with ponies, I have only a riding outfit today! Currently I'm in a bathing suit about to go lay by the pool and read my book club book. And I'm sorry, but I'm certain no one needs to see that image on the internet! So without further babbling, here's what I wore to ride this morning:

I know what you're thinking, a white polo?! Agree. Except down here I really play the part of spoiled amateur, so for the most part I stay pretty clean. Ok, let's break it all down!

Polo shirt: Joules

I think you've actually seen this one before. I got it when the Paddock was going out of business for stupid cheap. I LOVE it, though I kind of wish the colors were reversed so I could safely wear it more often.

Breeches: SmartPak

The lighting was a little funny on these, but they are a very dark blue denim. They were a closeout find last year, and they've held up great.

Belt: Rebecca Ray

Another one that was tricky to get the color right. This belt is a beautiful navy blue suede. I got it from Equestrilifestyle when they were having a big sale a few months back. It would be perfect to wear with side-zip breeches since the buckles are already on the sides, which you can't see here because I didn't think about that when snapping the photos... You can kind of see in the full length photo above though.

Socks: Dreamers and Schemers

I don't have any pony socks, but I thought these hearts and whales worked well enough with my outfit today!

Shoes: Sperry

After my last trip down, my barn shoes finally died. So when I got stuck here due to bad weather, I found my way to the Sperry outlet and got a new pair. They're perfect to wear when you're not on or working around a horse.

That's what I wore today! What do you have on? Any favorites from today?

What's up Wednesday!

I feel like it's been so long since last Wednesday, it's been THAT busy around here. As expected, it rained the second half of last week, so I didn't get to ride again until the weekend. But before the weekend happened, I finally went to my Dr for a follow up about my tummy troubles. He suspects ulcers, so switched me to Omeprazole (basically I'm on gastroguard). Life is enormously improved my friends! That stuff is amazing. So if you wonder if it really helps your horse, the answer is probably yes.
Thursday evening we had our monthly wine book club meeting. After that, I met up with my younger brother. He was in town just for the night, so we grabbed a quick drink.

Anyway, back to ponies.
Saturday was a long day. I had a first birthday to attend at 11, after running a few errands first.

It was very cute, with an alligator theme. Normally, I find these mid day parties a total drag during riding season, but it was raining still that morning, so it worked out ok. It was also still raining when I got home at 2, so I did some arts and crafts until it cleared up:

More pony bracelets!

Finally the rain stopped, and while half the ring was pretty wet, I had a solid half that was decent footing. So I got to work getting everyone out. Rio had a lunge, and I rode Jampy and Romey. Nothing too exciting to report from that day, since you know, puddles and 3 days off beforehand.
Ah but Sunday.... Sunday was BEAUTIFUL! Maybe a touch cool in the low 60's, but the sun was shining and the ring was dry. All good things, my friends.
I started Sunday riding Jamp. I climbed right on and started our walk around the ring. He seemed to be in a great frame of mind, and even willingly walked to the scary end with no drama. But then, on the way back toward the barn he saw IT. It was the bush next to the barn that had bloomed overnight. Apparently flowers are terrifying. You know, if you're Jamp. He paused mid step and had no idea how to proceed. He really wanted to whirl around and run the other way, but he also didn't want to run back to the scary end of the ring. So he just stood there like a deer in headlights, trembling. He is a special sort that Jampy. I decided to get off, walk him over to the flowers, and then toss him on a lunge line for minute. Definitely the right call. He was CRAZY! He actually bucked amidst his running around in circles. Finally he gave it up, and I was able to climb on and have a nice ride. We even "jumped" a few things!

totally ready for show season right?

After his ride, he had a nice warm shower, and sampled the spring grass. It really was the nicest weather!

The best thing about Sunday (besides the weather) was that it was Rio's 21st birthday! You all know how I feel about Rio's birthdays, so I was as usual, ridiculously excited to celebrate with him.
I decorated his stall and got him a delicious carrot cake:

And I may or may not have attached birthday tiaras to his halter and bridle.

Yep, looks like I did do that. He didn't seem to mind. I think he likes his birthday just as much as I do.  We had the BEST ride! Walk, trot, and canter BOTH ways!

Though I suppose these photos are both from the same direction. You'll just have to trust me. He felt fantastic! After "work" he too had a shower and then enjoyed the fresh grass for a bit.

Finally it was Romey's turn. He felt really good Sunday (finally). He even went forward for some of our ride. So miracles do happen!

Though clearly, not moving in this photo.

It was getting pretty cool by the time I got to him, so he skipped shower time and went straight to snack time.

Hey, if nothing else pans out, at least he looks great in the yard...

After pony time, I promised the short kids a walk. They were more interested in sniffing and peeing on everything than they were walking, but we got about a mile in.

Monday was a non exciting day. Work, then yoga, then more rain so no riding. I figured the kids were going to have a week off anyway while I'm in Florida, so what's one more day?
Tuesday I started my morning off dropping the short kids at Grandma's.

I had some free time, so I stopped at Starbucks for a coffee and my favorite sandwich shop for an egg and cheese:

Do I know how to start a vaca or what? So much yum in one meal.
Then it was time to finish up getting the boys ready for the week without me, and myself to the airport. Ugh, I got to the airport and there was no parking. They actually had to open up a special lot allllllll the way on the other side of the airport for people to park. I'm almost 100% sure my car will be stolen or broken into while I'm away. If I had to choose, I hope for stolen, it has a lot of miles on it. Anyway, finally I got to the airport, and got checked in. The flight was uneventful other than the guy behind me eating something that may or may not have died six weeks ago.
This morning I got up bright and early to see Badger!

We had a great ride today. I'm not sure if he's growing up, or if the 85 degrees had anything to do with it, but he was relaxed and listening the entire ride. Yay! I think tomorrow we may jump a little. I might get to ride some others too. I love vacation boot camp!
I also got to take Hermie out for her first ride since getting a new seat and billets. She feels amazing, and looks like a brand new saddle!

And that my friends, is what's up this Wednesday. I'm excited for some fun in the sun. I'm working in the afternoons (after pony time of course) but I can do that in the sunshine too.
What's up with you this Wednesday?

Truthful Tuesday

If you're Facebook friends with me, you already know what I'm confessing today. You guys... This is hilarious!
So I keep my contact lenses on my bathroom counter. I have the two boxes side by side, left on the left and right on the right. Makes sense, yes? Here's a visual:

alternative confession: That wallpaper!

A couple years ago, I finally splurged and started having my house cleaned professionally every other week. Between working full time, my longer commute, and three horses, (and no husband!) my housekeeping was really suffering. Money definitely well spent! Anyway, normally on cleaning day, I put the contact boxes in a drawer so they're not in the way. But last week I forgot to do that. They were as I left them though, so I didn't think much of it. Here they are, looking as they normally do:

Thing is, they weren't actually as they normally are. The lady who cleans for me had reversed them, and I had no idea. I never closed the lids to check or really looked carefully at which was which because I assumed they were as I left them.
Confession: I wore my contacts in the wrong eyes for a full week and had no idea. I though I was suffering from terrible dry eye and that's why my vision was a bit cloudy. Um, no moron. Your contacts were in the wrong eyes. Sheesh.
The only reason I even discovered the mix up was because I needed to pack contacts for my trip. When I grabbed the boxes to do that, I saw that they were reversed. Total facepalm.
Have you ever done anything this ridiculous? Please share your tales in the comments!

Thurday's Threads

Outfit Day! So you remember how I was all braggy about the summer like weather here? Yeah... I shouldn't have been so bold about that. Yesterday I'm not sure we ever hit 50. And today it's 51 and raining. So it's back to sweater weather. Boo. On the bright side I have some spring sweaters so at least it's not back to winter wear.

I figured this dark shadowy photo really captured the tone of the weather.

Sweater: Olive and Oak

I loved the different textures on this top. The body is all the same, but the sleeves are different. Kind of a fun twist to a simple sweater.

Jeans: Vigoss

You've seen these before. I have two pair and I wear them ALL THE TIME. Vigoss jeans fit me really well. They're just the right length and they have room for my butt.

Belt: C4

Umm... Did you know C4 had a BOGO sale? Did I not mention that? You can imagine how that went for my wallet. Anyway.... I got this pretty mint green belt with horse shoes all over it. It matches exactly with my sweater!

Shoes: Sperry

I figured I'd match my shoes to my belt buckle today. And no, I'm not wearing socks. And yes, I'm regretting that decision already.

Arm Party:
Left:

Lefty is sporting this awesome enamel bracelet from C-Wonder. It reminds me of those very fancy Hermes bracelets, but this one was $20.

Right:

Righty is wearing a spike bracelet from BaubleBar, a flower bracelet to contrast with the spikes (you know, badass, but still a lady), and another BaubleBar piece- an S bracelet. I'm excited that mint season is back, so I hope you're all ready for mint colored overload!

I have a riding outfit to share too, sort of. By the time I got home from work and got changed, it had started pouring. I will ride in the rain, but I kind of draw the line when it's only 45 degrees. So I put on breeches for nothing. Hey, at least I can share them on the blog!

Sorry, I forgot to edit this photo before posting. Let's just call it mood lighting.

Sweatshirt: Avalanche

I think you've seen this one before? I have it in four colors because it's the most perfect sweatshirt ever. It's fleece but looks like it's knit.

Breeches: Just Togs

These are from a British company called Just Togs. I ordered them from some place in England. I LOVE them! They also came in navy. Their very stretchy, but also a nice heavy material so they don't show any lumps. I really like the pocket details on the butt, and also around the knee area. They remind me of the much more expensive Ghodo breeches.

And that's it! I also wore my Tuffrider boots and hunter green helmet (which didn't match, but the other was in the house). You've seen them before so I didn't bother with photos of them today.

How's the weather where you are? What are you wearing? Any favorites from today?

What's Up Wednesday

You guys. It was such a nice week last week! It felt like summer over the weekend, which as you know is totally my weather! Of course today we're struggling to hit 50. Oh New England. You're so cruel.
I rode Jampy almost every day last week, and I alternated days with Rio and Romey, though Rio was just lunging not riding.
Jampy has been pretty good! He seems to be on a pretty consistent schedule of really good one day and leaving his brain in the stall the next. But even when he's having a bad brain day, he's still making an effort. And I can't fault that. Saturday we even started jumping a little!

I mean sort of... if you consider that little X and the pile of cavelleti's jumps. But after the whole winter off, I think it counts.
I'm trying really hard to keep my elbow loose to the jumps. I have this really terrible habit of locking up my elbows and opening my fingers to fake softness. And you know what? That's not soft and your horse knows it. You know what else? When you've ridden your horse that way for a solid seven years, he doesn't really know how to handle it when you don't. So the first time I came to the cross rail, and I didn't lock up and grab his face, he actually stopped at it because he had no idea what I wanted. Oops. I let him sniff it, though I knew he wasn't afraid, more to let him know I did mean for him to go over that thing in front of him, and we came around and tried again. He was perfect. We kind of figure eighted over the two little jumps a few times and called it a day.

He's still carrying that little bit of shortness on the turns that we've had since last year, but also not any worse for the wear. I'm excited for our vet appointment next month to see if we can make some progress with that. I'd love to do some shows with him this year if we can get him a little more even.

Romey is walk trotting along okay. I'm only doing him every other day so I don't hurt him. He's had some trouble with his one foot that has a low heel (farrier is working on that) and too much work seems to make him sore. And when Romey is sore, he's not a very nice guy. He also acts a lot like Ducky and throws a tantrum if I ask for trot. How do I keep getting these horses?!

Fortunately the current plan seems to be working out ok. He feels alright, not perfect, but better than last year. He will also get looked at when the vet comes in May.

And of course Rio... Rio's perfect. He's been lunging like the champ that he is and seems really happy.

I think switching his anti-inflammatory and giving him that steroid shot really did wonders for him. So much so that this happened on Saturday:

I lunged him first to see how he looked. It can kind of be day by day with him, and I'd rather see what he looks like before climbing aboard after the winter off. He looked pretty great, so I decided that was the day! I didn't do much; we walked for awhile both ways, and then we trotted around just one time going his preferred direction. It's hard to explain the feeling when I picked up the trot. It just feels like coming home when I get on him. No other horse has compared to him. His trot feels SO BIG, even with the little shuffle he has from the epm. He's very relaxed with a great big trot and happy perked up little ears. I don't ask him to get back on his hind end or come into a frame. He kind of does it anyway, but I leave that decision up to him. As long as he's not tripping or trying to kill me, he can do whatever he wants. I'm hoping to get on him again this weekend. MAYBE this week, but we have a lot of rain in the forecast, and it's pretty chilly. He's happiest when it's warm out, and I only want to ride him when he's happy. So we will see.

As for running, I haven't been doing it. I'd been feeling really tired, and caught a bit of a stomach bug Friday night. I had planned to get back to it on Saturday, but being up half the night Friday kind of killed that plan. Hopefully this weekend I'll get back out there. I just registered for a 5K on May 6th, and it would be nice to not walk the entire thing... I do have a little bit of pride. Just a little. Hopefully I'll actually go!

The puggers have been working really hard lately lounging around like a pile of bums lately. Which sounds like their sad or depressed, but really that's what they enjoy doing the most:

If reincarnation really happens, I think I want to come back as one of them.

I spent Easter Sunday with my dad, step mom, and my little brother's grandma. (Mom of my deceased step mom, not the current one. It's tough to follow.) While my dad (and my actual mom) and I are Jewish, my step mom and step grandma are both Catholic. So it was nice to share their holiday. Especially on such a beautiful summery day. I won't lie, I was wishing I was home riding for a lot of the time, but you gotta do those family things too. Occasionally.

Monday I went to yoga class which totally kicked my bum after missing last week for Passover. It felt great to get some good stretches in, but ugh, I'm still feeling it today! Note to self: even if you miss class, do the stuff! I drove home as fast as I could to squeeze a ride in on Jampy. The other boys got a second day off, but were back at it for Tuesday.

And that's all that's up this Wednesday. What's up with you? Anything exciting happening? Shows coming up? tell me all about it in the comments!
I'll try and get some media this weekend so you can see more of the ponies. In the meantime, I shall leave you with an adorable photo of the baby Badger getting curried in sunny Florida:

(No I'm not in Florida yet... Soon for the last trip! But not yet. I stole this photo from a Facebook friend.)