Thursdays Threads: Thanksgiving edition

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! While I did dress like a semi mature adult for dinner today, I definitely did not to ride last night. Cause let's be real. I can't be a mature adult too often. So we'll start with the riding outfit.

Told ya. Not a mature adult.

Helmet: One K

That's the navy snakeskin helmet up there, and also yes, that's my sweater in Pammon's mouth. Everything goes in his mouth. All the time.

Sweater: Tipsy Elves

So yeah... Tipsy Elves and Taco Bell collaborated on this utterly ridiculous sweater, and I bought it. But I mean, there's a turkey taco on it! Seems like a solid investment to me.

Belt: Hipsi

This is a nice little elastic belt with a super flat buckle.

Breeches: SmarkPak Piper

I had a tough time figuring out what breeches to wear with this sweater... I finally settled on dark meat brown. Logical, yes?

Boots: De Niro

I haven't worn the navy De Niro's in awhile, and figured Wednesday was a good day. So here they are!

So that's what I rode in for Thursday's Threads, and here's what I wore to Thanksgiving dinner:

Sorta mature adult... sorta looks like riding clothes. I am who I am.

Sweater: Kenneth Cole
Long sleeve: Haley and the Hound

I'm kind of into these weird vest like sweaters layered with a long sleeve top.

Belt: Ponylocks

This is my first Thanksgiving without Rio and Jampy, so I included them both in today's outfit. This is Jampy's belt. (I also wore my amazing necklace from all of you, but it's under the sweater. That neckline is a little tough to work with a necklace.)

Pants: Kut from the Kloth

I could NOT get these to photograph accurately. They are a chocolate brown corduroy. You'll just have to trust me on that.

Boots: Made in Italy

These are from Marshalls and their no name Italian brand. I found them on clearance last year, and I absolutely love them. They're SO comfortable, and I love the color.

Arm Party!
Lefty:

Lefty is donning the wrap bracelet made from Rio's hair from Celia's Horse Hair Creations, then the fitbit, the Apple watch, and lastly the cuff bracelet from Ponylocks made with Jampy's tail.

Righty:

Righty is wearing Rio's ring from Celia, along with cuffs with both boy's hair, and the leather one of Jampy's from the Sugar Lady.

It was nice having my boys sort of with me today. I really missed them this morning. But other than that Thanksgiving was lovely and spent with family. I ate enough for several grown men. So I'd call that a successful dinner.
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'm thankful for all of you!

What's up Wednesday

Before talking about last week, I just want to thank all of you for everything! First, for all the kind comments on yesterday's post. It really helps to have a network to talk about these things with. Your support means the world. And secondly for these:

incredible artistry from www.byandbyart.com

I'm not sure yet who all was involved getting these made for me, but you guys! They are beautiful. Rio's crooked face was captured perfectly, and so were Jampy's (ex)stallion cheeks! I just love them, they are so SO special! I decided to wear them together on one chain and don't plan to take them off ever.

So thank you all, for everything. It means so much. I swear the blogger community is really something special that I hold very close.

And so now... on to the past week!
As you already know from Thursday's Threads last week, I had half of a lesson on Shiny on Wednesday. We were getting toward the end of the flat portion when she stumbled and wiped out. Neither of us were very hurt, though she had a bit of a stiff neck for a few days after, and I still have a sore ankle and knee. Oddly enough, on different legs. I have no idea what parts of me hit the ground, or if she maybe landed on me someplace. I completely lost track of where she was when it happened which was kind of scary. When I finally stopped falling I thought my back was against her, and my neck was on the ground, but it turned out that my back was on the ground, and I have no idea what my neck was touching. Very weird. I was riding with the assistant trainer that evening, and though she and I have asked, head trainer has been too busy to pull up the video from the security camera.
Once the initial sting of all that subsided, I climbed back on and we just did a little walk/trot to finish our ride. We were both a little shaken! I gave Eros a very light hack that evening too, and then hobbled around the indoor with Pammon. I swear he was more sound than I. He thought so, and decided to walk me instead:

Thursday I had my lesson on Eros. I was surprisingly not as sore as I expected to be. Sore for sure, but not so much that I couldn't ride in my lesson. Thank goodness because we had a lovely ride. I think Eros and I are starting to find our groove again. Though the lesson started out with head trainer telling me how much she hates teaching at night. How she's already worked 14 hours (which probably isn't true, because they start around 7 there and my lesson was at 6:15, but whatever...) and she's over it. Um. Ok? Sorry?
(On a separate note, I keep seeing that essay in the plaid horse being shared everywhere about not being a PIA boarder, and I KINDA want to write a response about not being an entitled barn owner... but not so sure how that would be received. Also, maybe my offense to that means I AM a PIA boarder?) I think I may switch weekday lessons to ride with AT. I'm not sure how long I can smile sweetly before I say something to get me kicked out... Like sorry I have to work for a living during the day?
I wish I had some lesson media to share with you guys. I need to get one of the kids to video next time. I always forget. But anyway, despite being an inconvenience to the trainer, it was a good lesson.
I gave Shiny a light hack that evening, and she felt quite good surprisingly. She seemed acutely aware of where her feet were, and never stumbled at all. She's generally a pretty lazy pony, and it's not uncommon for her to stumble once or twice during a ride. But that evening she was like nope, not falling today! I was relieved she felt sound.
Friday was the day the vet was out. We already talked about how that went for Pammon. (Ugh.) But I had Doc look at Shiny also, just to be on the safe side. He had me ride her for him, and then did some flexions. He said she was tight on the left side in her neck which wasn't surprising after the tumble. Otherwise he thought she looked great. So that was good news. We did pull some blood to check for lyme and EPM exposure. Just in case. Given my history... Fingers crossed she just has a case of the lazies. Farrier is coming out this Friday and said he would check her feet and roll her toes over a bit which should help too.
I had to go back to work after vet stuff for a couple of hours, and then was back to the barn to ride Eros and give Pammon his walk. I figured the short ride for the vet was enough for Shiny. She could get back to real work over the weekend.
Saturday was just a flatting day for Shiny and Eros and they were both good kids. Pammon had his walk and was also a good kid. But the MANE event (you'll see what I did there...) was getting Shiny and Eros' manes back under control. They had both gotten a bit feral.

Much better! Shiny's before and after have to wait a bit as I didn't finish hers. She's not the most patient but also, it was feeding time. I decided it wasn't worth the battle. No time line on when she needs her mane to be perfect. But it is at least better than it was!
Sunday I got to have another lesson with Eros which also went great. I struggle a little with fitness in my lessons. The instructor there likes to warm us up usually on a figure 8 over two jumps, but she likes you to just keep going and going. It's tough for me with Eros because he takes both a lot of leg, and also a lot of arm and core strength. Homeboy is pretty perfect in most ways, but he is a workout! So I usually run out of strength and oxygen after the third figure eight. It's definitely challenging, and I know I just need to keep doing it to get more fit. Despite my exhaustion, it was a good ride. Eros is really listening well and helping me out when I need it. I really enjoy him! Some of the fences even got up to 2'9" so you know, things are getting pretty serious... Ha. Baby steps my friends.
I gave Shiny a bit more of a real ride on Sunday, asking her to come onto the bit and up from behind. She felt great and gave me some really nice work. And Pammon had his walk of course!
Mondays the barn is closed, and I have to be honest.... it's kind of nice having one early night during the week. I got my errands run right after work, and was home with the puggers by 7:30! So nice!
Which leads us to last night and one more rant from me... (Sorry, I think I'm starting to get annoying. I'll try to bring more sunshine and glitter to the blog next week.)
I got to the barn normal time Tuesday, but would have an early night because my stepmom is home for Thanksgiving and she is riding Eros for a couple days. So I got on Shiny straight away and had a nice ride with her. Once she was tucked back in, I got Pammon out for a grooming and his walk. Trainer decided to drag the ring after her lesson was done though and turn her three dogs loose in the ring, so that's obviously not ideal conditions for handwalking a stall resting horse. I figured she wouldn't be too long (the ring isn't all that big) so I took my time grooming him, and then started walking in the aisle while I waited. When she came back in the barn, I asked if she was done with the drag, she said yes, so I asked if it was okay to walk in there. She said, "I guess... but the lights have to go out sometime at night." Um? What? It was 7:30 you guys. 7:30! I'm usually still riding then! So I just continued to walk in the aisle. I'm not going to lie. I was PISSED. Really pissed. Like if I was my mother (who speaks before thinking on the regular) I probably would have been asked to leave. How am I supposed to give my horse the best care I can, when she's imposing a 7:30 lights out? Does my board not cover lighting the arena for the times I'm there? I swear, I'm a good boarder. I turn everything off at night when I leave. I always sweep up after myself.  I do everything they require and always ask if I'm not sure about anything at all. And I say thank you EVERYDAY to the staff and trainers. I'm not sure what more is expected of me, but boy do I feel unwelcome. So glad this is just for the winter, and I'll have my kids back home in a few months.
Sigh. End rant. Thanks for listening guys!
To lighten the mood, my socks from Dreamers and Schemers came the other day and they are AMAZING!

I think the floating Shiny face is my favorite.

So how was your week? Did you get some lessons in? Do anything exciting? Anything you're eyeing for black Friday? Thoughts on my boarding situation?

Truthful Tuesday: Pammon update

Well guys, the vet was out Friday for a few horses at the barn including Pammon (and I had him check on Shiny too after her stumble). Shiny seems to be just fine, with no real reason for her fall that he could find. We drew some blood to check her exposure to Lyme and EPM just in case though. He thinks probably we just need to have her toes rolled over a bit more. Hoping it's an isolated incident!

Pammon however, is another story. It actually seems that the area on his check that he initially injured has healed up pretty well. That's the good news. The bad news is that the meatier part of the check is completely (in my vet's actual words) shredded. SHREDDED. In other words, he really effed up his leg. It's a pretty big mystery as to how since he's been on stall rest and wrapped. But we all know horses will find a way.

 I asked if this is career ending, and doc said "I'm not saying that." But he also didn't offer up a time frame or prognosis for return to a job as 1.3 meter jumper. I don't think the future is bright in that area to be honest. I mean, I have zero plans of jumping 1.3 meters, but I did hope to do the high adults. I don't think that will be in his future. And if it is, we're looking at next year at the earliest. As in 2021. Maybe I really need to step back and reevaluate my riding life you guys. I'm not sure I can keep getting my hopes to get back into the show ring, and then have my horse break down before I even get started. None of them have had the same injuries or even same types of injuries, so I can't for the life of me pinpoint what I'm doing wrong in their care.
This is going to sound SUPER WHINY but I am so tired of nursing and rehabbing horses. I feel like it's been nonstop for the last five years. I guess we'll see what Shiny wants to do with her life, and she'll just have to be my focus. Who would have thought my showing dreams would land on the back of a large pony as an almost 40 year old? Ha! Good thing I like ponies.

Thursday's Threads

Outfit day! And I remembered to take riding outfit photos... but I took them after I rode, so well... they're really dirty. Because Shiny and I ate a little dirt last night. But fear not, we're both fine. Just a little sore and bruised. Anyway... we'll start there.

I didn't get a helmet pic, but it's the same One K as last week. So... we'll just skip ahead.

Vest: Old Navy

Our barn jackets and vests are from Old Navy, and honestly, I really like them! I wish they made them in hunter as I would definitely have Winthrop Corner ones made. You can't see it  because the top is folded over funny here, but my name is on the collar.

Top: HKM

The Connected Rider had these tops super cheap when I was ordering something else (I can't remember what, sorry) so I grabbed one. I like it, it's a nice sort of midweight top. Heavier than a sunshirt, but lighter than a fleece lined shirt.

Belt: Mane Jane

I wore my navy strap with the gunmetal buckle to bring out both colors in the breeches.

Breeches: Smartpak Pipers

I think these checked breeches are super fun. I just wish they were Hadleys instead of Pipers.

Boots: De Niro

This side looks pretty good...

This side not so much... Lol. I need to clean them up. Poor boots.

So that's what I wore to roll around in the dirt ride in last night! I have a cozy work outfit to share too:

I feel like I may have worn this sweater recently for Thursday's threads... if I did, sorry! But it's cold out and the sweater is warm, so here we are!

Top: Cabi

I'm not sure why, but I really love when they stick cable knit sleeves on things other than cable knit sweaters. I have a fuzzy lined flannel shirt with similar sleeves too, and I love it.

Belt: Mane Jane

I kept it neutral with this light gray strap and the gunmetal buckle again.

Jeans: Lucky Brand

I wanted a wider leg jean to wear with this outfit, but my clothes are all over the place and I couldn't find what I was looking for. But hey, at least I have pants on!

Shoes: Tom's

I found cable knit shoes to match my cable knit sleeves. In my defense, they were closeouts. Also, they are fuzzy inside.

Arm Party!
Lefty:

Lefty kept it simple and is wearing what I wear most days on that arm. My dee bit bracelet and apple watch.

Righty:

Righty:
My Rio tail stuff from Celia's Horse Hair Creations arrived on Monday, and I couldn't wait to share them with you guys! I wanted them to be a little different than what I got for Jampy so I could tell them apart (they both had black tails!). So the cuff is basically the same (it has horse shoes on the tips like Jampy's, but instead of a gold horse shoe in the center, I got his named engraved on a gold plate. Celia helped me design the wraparound cuff, so it's a little different than what she had on her site. I had the end caps done in silver with gold horse shoes to match both Rio's and Jampy's cuff bracelets. And then we did a ring to match too! I absolutely love how they came out! I'm still waiting on Rio's belt and leather bracelets. They're coming from the Sugar Lady on Etsy.

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

What's Up Wednesday

Since I was away for a few days, it wasn't a very horsey weekend! I was able to ride Thursday and Friday last week. I had a lesson on Eros on Thursday which went well. We were in a group with some younger kids, so the jumps stayed small, but we worked on lengthening and shortening within a line and did some nice bending lines too. He was perfect as usual!
Friday I had taken a half day from work so I could have plenty of time to ride and get packed for TX. We also thought the vet was coming, but turns out, that will be this Friday. So I'll have to see if I can be there for that. The nice thing about boarding though, is it's not the end of the world if I can't be. Plus this will just be an ultrasound I'm assuming, so it's not like Pammon will need to be ridden. Just held. I do hope to be there though, I much prefer getting my time with the vet face to face. In case you're wondering, the leg still looks horrifying. Ugh. Maybe it's one of those things that looks worse than it is? One can only hope. He continues to walk soundly on it. Horses are so weird.
Anyway, back to the recap! So Friday I flatted Shiny and Eros, and hand walked Pammon. Then went home to get packed. Such a chore packing! I always bring too much. Except this time! I wore everything I brought! (Pats self on back.)
We left at 8:30 Saturday morning, so no pony time that day unfortunately. Arrival in Cleburne, TX was around 2:30 I think.... I can't remember, but there's an hour difference which I had forgotten about and was really quite confused.

Pit stop in Portland, TN. I don't know what time it is. No idea.

We went straight to lunch since we were all starving. Food is good in TX you guys. Everything is hearty. From there we checked into the hotel, relaxed for a bit, and then were off to my cousin's house for the "rehearsal dinner". Which was really just all of us family catching up and eating catered BBQ. SO GOOD. Seriously. I ate so much in TX.
The person getting married (my reason for the trip) was my second cousin. His mom is my dad's niece. Up until MY nieces were born, she and I were the only girl cousins in the family. So we are like long lost sisters really. I haven't seen her in FOREVER, nor her brothers, so it was lots of fun to catch up. They're all hilarious. All of them. Being that we had the girls with us, we didn't stay too late, and I was in my bed by 9:45. I really know how to vacation you guys. #iamold
The wedding wasn't until 4 pm on Sunday, so we had some free time for the first half of the day. My one niece seems to be getting her molars in, so she was grumpy and they all stayed at the hotel. The older one enjoyed the pool with her mom, while the cranky one stayed in the room with my (generally also cranky) brother. That left me, dad, and stepmom. We did what any good tourists would do in TX. Went looking for tack stores. Tough thing was most places are closed Sunday morning for church. We finally found a place that sold western wear and boots, so we settled on that.

 My dad got himself a cowboy hat (those things are expensive you guys, like in the ballpark with my DeNiro boots expensive). He even wore it to the wedding, and yet somehow I forgot to take any photos. He looked great though. And I got myself these:

I can't wait to feature them on Thursday's threads one day soon! I mean... look at them! They're so pretty. Anyway, then it was time to eat again, and eventually get ready for the wedding. So this wedding... It was labeled as formal on the invite, BUT it was also outdoors. Not sure if you know, but it hasn't exactly been warm in TX lately. So I wasn't really sure how to dress. I finally decided to dress more cocktail attire, and bring layers. The ceremony was beautiful, and actually wasn't too cold, it made into the 60's thankfully before the sun went down!

Cousin photo! Missing was the bride and groom... details.

But you know... Then the sun went down. My layers helped, as did the wine, but truthfully everyone but wedding party was exiting by 9. I was a little bummed as I was looking forward to hanging with the family some more, but also just as happy to climb into bed at a reasonable hour. Overall, it was a lovely time, despite being outside in 48 degrees and a cocktail dress.
We had breakfast in the morning, and then flew home. It was a Monday, so instead of immediately going to check on my ponies (which took some restraint, believe me...) I instead headed home to unpack and straighten up the mess I left in my packing wake. Then picked up the pups and that was that. Last night I flatted Eros and Shiny and hand walked Pammon.

Pretty sure this will be how I go. Strangulation via equine.

He likes to help. He also made a friend through the window:

Tonight I have my first lesson (ever!) on Shiny. I signed up to ride with an older adult who jumps pretty small, so hopefully it's the right group. It's with the assistant trainer, so it should be lots of fun!
So that's it for me for the past week. What have all of you been up to? Any lessons or shows? Do any shopping? Let's catch up in the comments!

Truthful Tuesday

Today's confessions is that I went away for the weekend, and it was kind of a million times easier now that I have the horses boarded. I wasn't in a mad rush to prepare meals and make sure legs were re-wrapped the morning before I left. And honestly? It was kind of nice. I returned on Monday which is the day the barn was closed, so all I had to do was unpack and pick the pups up at my mom's. So simple! I could get used to it... I mean I won't fully. I'm not sure I could go back to boarding year round for lots of reasons. All I'm saying is, I really appreciate it at certain times, like when I'm traveling.

But I really missed all the fur kids (like usual). I'm pretty confident the tall kids were appropriately cared for while I was away. I'll find out for sure tonight I guess... And the short kids were just fine with their grandma.
So that's it for today. Nothing too exciting. What about you? Anything you need to confess today?

Thursday's Threads

Outfit Day! Admittedly, I totally spaced and didn't get riding outfit photos last night. To make up for that, I will show you what I'm planning to ride in tonight. But first, we'll start with my work outfit since it's actually on me.

I've worn nothing but fuzzy things this week. It's effing cold out! Today is considerably warmer, in the mid 40's, but I'm still not happy about it. Where did fall go? It's supposed to be in the 50's. Grr. Anyway, at least I have this fuzzy cardigan to snuggle up in.

Cardigan: Twelfth Love
Tee shirt: Back On Track

I just got this at Marshalls, and I'm completely in love with it. It's like wearing a snuggly blanket. It's not quite as washed out as it looks in these photos, it's actually a bit more minty green.
I layered it over a plain white Back on Track tee. They are my favorite.

Belt: Mane Jane

I wore the birch looking Mane Jane strap with the gunmetal buckle today.

Pants: Joe's Jeans

These are coated denim and the coating is a super fun metallic silver. I'm all for winter pastels, and these are perfect for that sort of outfit.

Shoes: Joe's Jeans

I'm not sure I love these shoes with this outfit, but they were accessible so here they are! I think I have a pair of slip on sneakery shoes that match the sweater better, but I have some organizing I need to do, and wasn't sure exactly where they were this morning.

Arm Party!
Lefty:

Lefty is donning a cuff and a wrap bracelet that I made awhile back along with my apple watch.

Righty:

Righty is also donning a cuff and a wrap that I made awhile ago, but with the Fitbit rather than the watch.

So that's what I wore to work today, and here's what I am going to wear at the barn tonight:

Kind of muted today... I have a lesson so decided to skip my usual (of late anyway) giant sweatshirt and go for something more fitted so I don't look like a complete hot mess express.

Helmet: One K

I'll be wearing this matte black one K helmet. It's the only one that lives at the barn, but don't worry, I'll still bring others over!

Outerwear: Eddie Bauer

I'll be wearing this down vest and jacket from Eddie Bauer. You've seen them a million times. I still love them.

Top: FOAL

This is a winter weight quarter zip from FOAL. I snagged it from a store closing sale a bit ago for super cheap. I like the colors and the little jumping horses!

Belt: Mane Jane

This will have the same gunmetal buckle on it that I'm wearing at work.

Breeches: Ovation Aqua X

I'll probably freeze in these, but I've already worn all my winter breeches this week. I need to get a few more pairs!

Boots: DeNiro

And I'll be wearing these too most likely. I also have my crazy winter boots at the barn, but I'd rather lesson in these as I can feel everything a lot better. Unless it's really cold. And then I'll go with the winter boots.

So that's it for today! Sorry for the flat Stacie riding outfit. Hopefully next week I'll be better prepared!