Thursday's Threads

I know, it's super late. It was a crazy day at work. Monday on a Thursday, ya know? Yuck. Thursday's threads is pretty weak today, and it's nearly identical to last weeks. Oops.

It's not the exact same shirt as last week... but it's practically the same. Just a different color. Fashion was low on the priority list today I'm afraid.

Top: Ralph Lauren

Last week's was lilac stripes, but this one is blue! So different, right? Ha.

Belt: Mane Jane

Not the best angle to show the color, but this is the navy strap. And yes, I do have a Mane Jane for almost every outfit.

Jeans: True Religion

Nothing too special about these pants, but they're stretchy and comfy! I like the lighter color for summer too.

Shoes: Ariat

You've seen these before too... They are so comfy, I'm sure you'll see them again.

Arm Party!
Lefty:

Left is donning this BEAUTIFUL bracelet I had made by an artist named Celia on Etsy. It's silver, with Jampy's tail braided in the center. There's a gold horse shoe there in the middle, and then the tabs on the ends have gold horse shoes also. I'll share again with better photos another time. It's really gorgeous! Along with Jampy's bracelet, I'm wearing my favorite bit bracelet and my trusty watch.

Righty:

Righty kept it simple today with just my fitbit.

So that's what I wore to work, and here's what I wore to ride tonight:

Blue again!

Helmet: Charles Owen

I wore this sparkler again! This helmet is so cute! I think it might sit up a little high on my head, but it stays put nicely.

Top: Ralph Lauren

Haha! Look familiar?! Yeah, I didn't bother to change my shirt. But I have regrets because Rio spit green slobber all over it. RIP shirt probably...

Belt: Mane Jane

Why yes that IS the same belt I wore to work. And also, it's too big with breeches. I will have to punch another hole, I was too lazy tonight.

Breeches: Ovation

These are just cheapie schooling breeches. But they're quite comfy, and I like the shade of blue.

Boots: DeNiro

True story, I kind of want to collect more of these boots. They're just so ridiculously comfy! AND they're fun. That's a good mix.

Spurs: Centaur
Straps: Mane Jane

I can't get over how close these spur straps are to the boot color. Considering they're entirely different brands, that's impressive. I love the little sparkly crowns too.

And that's it for this week! Nothing too exciting, but not bad considering it's fake Monday. I'm so glad tomorrow is Friday, because I'm ready for the weekend.

What's Up Wednesday

And I'm home! Fact finding went well. More info next week! In the meantime, let's revisit the last week. It was busy and full of pony time!
I decided after Shiny's opinions last week not to ride her again in the ill fitting saddle. And thus, that meant not riding her until something else found its way to me. Boo. Fortunately, I arranged a trial and a deal with someone on Ebay. It's a lovely Butet, 17" with short flaps and a wide tree. Unfortunately, the seller shipped it USPS instead of UPS so it didn't get here before I left for Florida. Anyway, the point is, I decided to go ride Eros on Thursday instead of fussing with the kids at home. Eros was perfect of course, and the kids at home were perfectly happy to be left alone for an evening.

Friday they actually let us leave a little early to kick off our long weekend. (Kinda digging the new boss... she also supplied an ice cream sundae bar on Thursday.) Due to the short work day I think, I was feeling all kinds of motivated. It was also GORGEOUS out which is pretty rare around here. Generally it seems to rain for at least part of every day. I decided to throw Rio on the lunge line and see how unsound he was feeling.

He was feeling quite sassy! Aside from that though, he's not terrible tracking left. Going right, he's super unsound. At his age though, there's really no need anymore to be overly concerned with keeping things even both ways. Especially with his neurological state. So maybe we'll just keep our lunge work tracking left.  I was happy to see him feeling sassy though. His little bucks are so cute. (Especially since I don't have to sit them...)

I put Shiny on the lunge line too. She very much thinks lunging is unnecessary if she's not feeling wild, but I did get her to walk and trot out on the circle at least.

She was basically asleep. She might be my spirit animal.

Saturday I headed out to Eros after running a few errands. He had some body work done Friday, so we took it easy, but he was feeling great. I don't always really feel much difference after they get worked on, but I could tell in the last few rides that he might benefit from a session. And he definitely did. He was much easier to get put together than the last several rides. And I got to ride with step mom on Fefe!

It was pretty cute to have both the Seidman kids getting tubbies at the same time:

The kids at home each got extra good groomies and an extended hand grazing session. It was another beautiful day, and since I was flying out the next day, I knew they wouldn't get as much time outside while I was away.

I even had a little time to hang out outside with the puggers before I had to finish packing and straightening up the house.
My flight Sunday wasn't until the late afternoon, so I had time to get a quick lesson on Eros. But first I dropped the short kids off with grandma.

I was in a semi private with one of the junior eq kids and trainer was really into no stirrup work on the flat. I totally pulled the ammy card though. It's not that I'm not willing to put in the work, but I really didn't want to be crippled sore for my fact finding mission in Florida. Once the torture was over we moved on to jumping. I tried the two ring bit in my lesson that day. I had used it once before when we first got Eros and didn't like it, but since we've evolved quite a bit, I thought it might work now. It is the bit I flat him in most of the time. But turns out, it's still very much the wrong bit to jump him. At one point, based on his actions, I thought he had gotten his tongue over the bit. Nope. He just hates it. Ah well. Don't know if you don't try. Other than the bit complaints, he was pretty good. We definitely need to do more lessons though. Hopefully I'll get a schedule figured out soon. It's tough to ride all the horses when they're in two locations and I have to adult at the full time job too. But I'll get it figured out. Eventually.

And then I had time to feed the tall kids lunch, grab a quick shower, and drive myself up to the airport. The flight was probably half empty which was lovely and arrived on time. I had checked into the airport on Facebook and a good friend of mine from college saw. So when I turned my phone back on in Florida, I had a text from her asking if I was in Florida. I said I was, and she said she was too! Turns out she and her hubs just bought a condo about twenty minutes from my dad's place. Yay more Florida friends! They were flying home to CT the next day, but we wound up meeting for dinner.

Such a nice unplanned evening! I swear, I think I see more of her out of state than in, which is funny. We met in NY in college, but both are from CT (then and now). Yet we almost always catch up in random other states. We should probably work on that.
Traveling for some reason really wears me out, so I was happy to head right to bed when I got back from dinner.
Monday morning I met up with my trainer and watched her ride her horses. And then we set out on our adventure. After which we tried to have a nice lunch but everything was closed so we wound up at Five Guys. Honestly? It was so delicious in that moment! I was starving!
I didn't have any plans for the rest of the day. I really am running low on extra funds, so I didn't want to go shop. It was in the 90's so going for a run wasn't on my list of fun things either. I decided to really embrace vacation. I put on a bathing suit (and some sunscreen) and laid on a chair by the pool (in the shade, cause 90 degrees). I finished the book I've been reading and was otherwise a complete sloth.

It was lovely! Before the damn bugs came out I made myself get up and shower so I could go out for some dinner. I had my eating schedule planned out weeks ago. It was Thai that night! Yummmm!
Tuesday was similar, but trainer and I got to have that nice lunch this time. I couldn't be a total sloth two days in a row, so I did wind up walking around the mall. Not to shop, I just wanted to be on my feet and out of the heat. I love hot weather, don't get me wrong, but I'm not used to it yet. It's been mostly chilly in CT. (Still is, 50's and raining upon my return.) I was pretty well behaved at the mall. And headed out for dinner once I had walked the entire thing. It was TooJay's that night which is like a cross between a Jewish deli and a diner. They've added some things to the menu, and I tried something new. Potato latkes topped with sour cream and smoke salmon. It was indulgent, AND delicious. Highly recommend. And then it was time to do a load of laundry and pack up to come home. It was a really quick trip, but it was great, and I'm hoping successful.
The airport was a total cluster this morning. They had only two of four computers working to print boarding passes and even those two kept freezing. Then it was another long line to get a baggage tag because the kiosks weren't printing those. What a mess. Made it on time though. And I'm pretty sure the dude in the row behind me had Tuberculosis. So if I die of a lung condition next week, y'all know why. So gross. Why do people fly like that?
I didn't really do anything with the horses tonight. I might have had time, but rain was coming. And I wanted to get unpacked and pick up the puggers. The saddle had arrived for Shiny though, so I did toss it on her quick to see how the fit was. It's a thousand times better than the PJ. There's still a tiny bit of bridging but it's slight, and I think a half pad will help, maybe with some shims. I'll ride in it hopefully tomorrow and make a decision about it. I'm pretty sure it will stay though. The price is certainly right and it's in beautiful condition.
That's what's up this Wednesday! Kind of a lot. I'm not looking forward to work tomorrow. My stand in decided at 2 pm not to help me anymore, so it's going to be a ridiculous day. Yay. Rumor has it the ice cream truck is coming though, so there's that.
How was your week and weekend? Do anything fun for the holiday weekend? Are you all safe from the crazy weather out west?? Been thinking about all of you westerners!

Truthful Tuesday: the one where I don't really tell you anything...

Sooo... I'm in Florida for a few days on a fact finding mission. Hopefully more to share soon! So basically, today's confession is that I have a secret. Sorry friends!
To make up for the lack of transparency, please enjoy this photo of an adorable piggy named Olive that I met this weekend:

She does tricks, but blogger isn't letting me upload the video... Check out my IG (@stacieseidman) for the video. It's pretty cute.

Thursday's Threads

Outfit Day! It's kind of a dreary day here. Supposed to be some weather this evening, so I'm thinking I may go ride Eros and give the kids at home a night in. Nice thing about having an indoor where Eros is! We'll see how the day goes. Anyway, though it's dreary, it's not freezing, which is nice. Should be in the 60's. Not warm, but not too cold. So long sleeves it is! Also, I was running super late this morning and totally forgot to grab outfit photos. So these are... interesting.

Me in my work environment. #deskjob

Long sleeves, but no socks. Cause it's springtime now.

Top: Ralph Lauren

I bought a few of these button down shirts last year at the outlet. They were super on sale, and I just love them! They're knit, so they don't wrinkle that easily, and they have plenty of give to them. Big fan of the lilac color too.

Belt: Mane Jane

I don't have a lilac belt strap. I should probably work on that situation. So I went with this cream colored one since that's basically a neutral. And added the rose gold buckle because pink and purple work.

Jeans: Lucky Brand

Stretchy, light colored denim. Perfect.

Shoes: Sperry

These are a little darker than the top. I do think I have a pair that matches better, but as I said earlier, I was running super late. And these were accessible. Good enough!

Arm Party!
Lefty:

Lefty kept it pretty simple with this Hermes bracelet and the apple watch. These little clasps came with two straps each, and I didn't think I'd wear this white one. But here it is!

Righty:

I had to have some sparkle somewhere, obviously. Righty is donning the fitbit in front. The middle is a wrap bracelet and the last is a cuff. I made those two awhile back. Love me some glitter!

I also have a riding outfit to share! AND it's from riding at my HOUSE! So excited to get back to my old normal.

Do you see Rio back there?

I wore this Tuesday. It was a beautiful evening, but breezy. And that breeze was CHILLY. So more long sleeves. And also... yes, blue again!

Helmet: Charles Owen Elumenayr

I was never that happy with the fit of my navy Charles Owen Jr8. Just after the holidays Carousel Tack had these eLumenAyr helmets super on sale, so I decided to replace the old sparkly blue helmet. I really like this one! You can't see it in the photo, but it has an interesting clasp on the harness. Seems very secure.

Top: Ariat

I was really into the Ariat tops with bits on them. I think I own all the different ones they made last year. This one is great because I can wear it to work too. Also it has elbow patches which is super cute.

Belt: Mane Jane

I went with the navy belt strap to match the bits on the top. And that's the gunmetal buckle, which matches the breeches pretty nicely.

Breeches: Equine Couture

I have mixed feelings about these pants. I love the bit and ribbon detail there on the bum. And they are super soft, like a knit material. But they run pretty small, and I feel like a stuffed sausage in them. I probably should have sized up. They stay put though, so that's nice!

Boots: DeNiro

So real talk  here. I dug out a new pair of Regals to use until I can get the zipper fixed on the broken pair, and they gave me a blister! Can you believe it? Regals?! So rude. So I needed to go with the most comfy boots in the closet while that heals itself up. Which is definitely these.But they're also so cute, so I'm sure you all don't mind seeing them frequently.

So that's it for today! Any favorites? What are you wearing?

What's Up Wednesday

What. A. Week. Seriously. Let's just get right to it. As you already knew, my saddle wasn't going to even pretend to work for Shiny, so I didn't plan to ride her until the weekend when I could pick up my old saddle at the barn. (I had it there to attempt to sell.) Which was really a good plan, because Friday I had to have an endoscopy anyway. Just a let's make sure everything is good in there kind of thing, nothing to worry about! And all is good, so glad that's over.

Anesthesia always leaves me pretty exhausted afterwards, so I took the rest of the day pretty easy. I wasn't allowed to drive myself anywhere, but my mom stuck around and we ran some errands and had a nice lunch together. The horses got fed and that was about all I did with them that day.
Saturday was a big, busy day though! I was up fairly early because Fefe would be arriving, and I had to get all of her stuff set up at the barn.

I rode Eros first, and he was a good boy, as usual! And then my stepmom and I got busy putting away all of Fefe's stuff while awaiting her arrival. She got there around noon time, and unloaded like a perfect lady.

We really didn't fuss with her Saturday, since she had a long trailer ride up from Florida. Andrea went back later in the day to groom and hand walk her.
I spent the rest of my day with the kids at home. Rio had a nice groom and a graze. And I finally got to ride Shiny!

I'm big on her, but not TOO big at least. This saddle fits her  better than my regular one, but it doesn't actually fit her, so I have something with a wide tree coming on trial. Hopefully soon.
As for the ride, she was exactly as advertised. Very quiet, and very green. But she went around fine, despite my neighbor being noisy and dropping tools every so often... (Seriously, that guy.) I had a really hard time getting her to canter, but when I did, her canter was a dream! So smooth!
I had to rush a bit after getting her put away. They got fed, and I hopped in the shower super fast. I had to pick my mom up for a 6:45 dinner reservation at the casino. My mom turned 70 on Tuesday, so we were celebrating over the weekend. My brother and sister-in-law got a sitter, so it was just us grown ups for a REALLY nice meal.

Why yes, that is three types of mashed potatoes. A flight if you will.

23 layers of delicious.

Happy Birthday Mom!

It was a late night, but mom had a great time. And I didn't lose all my money at the casino, so that was nice too.
Sunday was another BUSY day. But I guess I best get used to it! My barn helper had the day off, so I was up early to get the kids fed, turned out, and their stalls cleaned.

Photo not actually from that morning. But Rio is the cutest in his walkout.

Once chores were done, I headed over to the barn. I met up with stepmom so we could see how Fefe was feeling about the new barn. The plan was to throw her on a lunge line and I would ride her that day. I opted to stay indoors as they were having jumping lessons outside. They don't like us to lunge during those. It worked out great, and Fefe seems like a pretty cool girl. She wanted to look around, but she wasn't wild nor spooky. She seems like she can maybe getting rolling along a bit at the canter, but if you ask her to slow down, she does. We didn't do too much for that first day. I just wanted to see what we were working with, and let her stretch her legs a little.

I rode Eros next, and he was wonderful. No more of the complaints he had last week!
Next I went home to tend to the other kids. Shiny was a good girl again, though I really feel like I'm fighting the saddle more than I'm riding the pony. Can't wait to try something else on her! Fingers crossed the first one will work, because this one isn't!

Rio had some more good groomies, and a little grass eating too.

Last Thursday, before I had a saddle to use, I gave Shiny an extra evening turnout. While she was out, I took Rio out for grass. And they met face to face for the first time.

You guys. He LOVES her. Probably too much. And I think he put her into heat. Sheesh. Mares. Now I remember why I have a no mares rule. They're so gross! But it's pretty cute that they love each other, and get along. I do fear she'll get a little clingy, as she does call to him when I take him out for grass. I'm not sure if that's about him though. Probably she just wants grass too.

After work Monday, I fed my kids, but gave them the night off. Instead, I headed over to ride my old buddy Big Brad!

He was really good, and even got round at the canter! Something that's been hard for him in the past. Not only that, but he even gave me some nice bend both directions at the canter too! Not easy things when you're as big as he is. It was a fun ride. I've missed him!

Which brings us to last night. I got on my pony last night, and well. She wasn't very good. She was snarky when I put my leg on, and a couple of times when I asked for trot, she sucked back, kicked out, and tossed her head up and down like she was contemplating a rear. I don't feel good about this, it reminded me very much of Ducky. But. Here's the thing. I really think it's the saddle. So I don't want to pick a big fight until I find a better fitting saddle for her. At the walk, I was able to get some really nice work out of her. She actually came up through her back onto the bit. But when I asked for the trot in that frame, I got the above behavior. And I think it's because she's uncomfortable. I hate to make excuses, and I don't want to let her get away with bad behavior. But I also don't want to punish her for telling me she's uncomfortable. If that's what's happening.

Still gives the snuggles though.

 This is the hardest thing about not knowing a horse. It's hard to judge when to be a trainer, and when to be a listener. I'm going to listen for right now, until I get a better fitting saddle. So tonight maybe we'll just lunge. Or have a turnout. And I'll see about getting that saddle shipped asap. I'm also not going to let naughty behavior linger. Once we have a saddle that fits, if I'm still having trouble, I will bring in a trainer to set everything straight. This is a lovely pony, and I don't want to mess her up.

And that's where we are at. Saddle limbo. Have you guys been through similar issues with a new horse? Think I'm taking the right approach? Any suggestions for deciphering bad behavior from uncomfortable behavior in a horse you don't know?