Thursday's Threads

 

Outfit Day! And once again, I've half dropped the ball. I'm so excited to have the kiddos home so I can be better about proper posts again. But anyway, I have half of my outfit and half of Shiny's.... so that's something. Sorta.

We'll start with Shiny. I forgot to snap a face pic so enjoy this recycled photo:

Bridle: Camelot RCS Gold
Browband: Boy O'Boy Bridleworks

She wears a full cheek now, so this photo isn't completely accurate... but it's close.

Saddle: Custom Saddlery
Saddle Pad: FFS 
Stirrups: MDC

I still need new billets on this saddle, but I switched to a different girth which fits better on them, so I'm making it work. I'm thinking about hunting down a local rep, so maybe they could flock it to fit her the best it can and then also help me out with the billets. Now that I have this saddle, I don't want to be without it for too long! (I imagine billets will take a bit of time. But I guess that's why I have the Brockamp pad.)

Boots: Premier Equine

I honestly think Shiny size boots are the absolute cutest things ever. Look at them!

Okay, my turn. Helmet and boot photos are recycled. The others are accurate!

Helmet: One K CCS MIPS

I went with the green one since neither were really a match to this outfit. They finally came out with rose gold pieces for this helmet though, so I should have a better match eventually!

Tee: BitKeepers

Lol! Get it? Oh Crop! Instead of crap? I think it's punny. Unfortunately, the shop I got it from is out of business so you can't have one if you also think it's punny.

Belt: Mane Jane

I chose a dark gray strap with the rose gold buckle for this outfit. 

Breeches: Tailored Sportsman

I found these breeches on Poshmark of all places! The seller had these and one other pair in my size for sale, so I jumped on them. As much as I wish it wasn't so, I am the most comfortable in this brand. So anytime I can find a pre owned pair for a low price, I get pretty excited!

Socks: Dreamers & Schemers

This is another pair of spares. Those Dreamers and Schemers peeps are so creative! I think they're adorable.

Boots: Celeris UK

Next week we'll have different boots, PROMISE!!!

And that's it for today! Any favorite items?

What's Up Wednesday

 

It's been a good week around here! Most notable is that I got Pfizer shot #2 on Friday.

So in about a week and a half I will be done marinating and can maybe start getting back to normal life. Not that I want to really... The hermit life really does suit me. Either way, it's feels nice to be protected.  Thanks science! (Fun fact, Pfizer has a location here in CT, and one of my friends/barn mates actually worked on developing the vaccine. I think that's pretty awesome.)

I was fortunate to have pretty much no side effects after number two, though I prepared for the worst by stocking up on Tylenol and chicken soup. None of it was needed! My arm was sore the day I got it, but felt better the next day. I felt maybe a little achy, but not as bad as after a tough flat lesson.  Seriously, thank you science!

Okay, enough about vaccines, let's talk about horses! I decided to fit in a lesson for Eros on Friday. We were stuck indoors due to rain, which I think was helpful in him being less of a runaway train. He was actually quite good, and I was excited that maybe we were turning the corner... 

Something pretty great about a 
freshly dragged arena...

But alas. Tuesday's lesson was a hot mess. I really don't like jumping after a day off (barn is closed Mondays). Originally the Tuesday lesson was a flat lesson, but the instructor's switched schedules and it turned into a jumping one. I figured I'd stick it out until Eros comes home, but I probably shouldn't have. We're just both kind of a disaster in that time slot! Nothing terrible happened, he jumped everything, but I never found a rhythm and just had no idea where I was. Normally I can come through the corner and even if I don't see the spot right away, I have an inkling where it will turn up. But last night, I was like three strides out and still not sure. It was kind of unsettling. He still wanted to run away after the fences, but I had more bit so was able to shut that down sooner at least. Kind of a crummy last lesson with him, but I'm sure I can find someone to come help me at home this summer. I think what Eros really needs is to just start working jumps in here and there while we're flatting. Let it get a little boring for him. We can't jump outside of lessons at the boarding barn so I can't do that with him there. I'm not discouraged, just a little disappointed. But that's riding right? Always plenty to work on!

Pammony is still plugging along just doing flat work. He finally had his biopsy sample taken on Monday, so now I just have to wait for the results and then figure where we go from there. Fingers crossed it actually tells us something! I'm taking him off full board now that the other two are coming home. So I'm excited to spend more time with him. I feel like I don't know him quite as well as the others since I haven't been caring for him. 

And princess Shiny has been, well... herself! Haha! She's been great honestly, but there are days she really makes me work for her greatness. That's fine though, if she has to work hard, I suppose I should also. Fair is fair. We had our last Sunday lesson and she was fantastic. It wound up being a private so we got to do a lot of jumping. Our instructor even made my jump a long run oxer. Ew. Definitely chocolate chipped it the first time, but it was perfect the next time. When the vet was out Monday, I had him recheck that back leg of hers. We had though last time it was a little cellulitis, but once the swelling was gone, there was definitely a lump in the tendon area. Doc felt it and said "Yep. You have a lump on the tendon." Thanks Doc. Glad we agree. Ha! Anyway, we did an ultrasound to see what was going on (she's been completely sound so I wasn't freaking out, but definitely didn't want to keep pushing forward if there's a problem brewing.) Fortunately, the ultrasound showed it was a thickening of the fascia and not the tendon. So a little topical steroid and it should be good as new soon. No need for vacation. PHEW!

All in all, the horses had a mostly good week. I'm excited to have Shiny and Eros home, especially now that I get to ride during the day. Though it remains to be seen how that's going to go with the a-hole neighbor... Send good thoughts for that... Oye.

And in other non horse news, my niece had a google meet piano recital on Saturday morning. Which was nice because I got to "see" my dad and stepmom who are still in Florida. (And my mom too, but I just saw her the other weekend, she's up here.)

My brother (said niece's dad) runs a youtube channel that reviews tech items so this production was pretty legit. 

Several camera angles and everything. The best part was that it was a solo recital so I didn't have to hang around listening to stranger kids play. I know that sounds mean, but let's be real. That can make for a very long morning. 

And lastly, probably as payback for thinking things like that, I managed to absolutely cook my face yesterday morning because I was sitting outside without sunscreen. I always seem to forget early in the season...

ouch. Also, my hair is gray. #oldlady

And now we're all caught up! Anything exciting happen for you guys this week?

Truthful Tuesday

 

Oh man. Guys. Here I was all proud of myself for being super organized ahead of the horses coming home... But I forgot to check on the Gator! Poor Gus. I went to make sure he had fuel only to discover two flat tires and a dead battery. Oops. 

Now to be honest, I don't take the best care of the Gator. He doesn't have a hard job (mostly just brings poop buckets back and forth to the dumpster, and drags the ring once or twice a week). So I'm not always that good at remembering to get him serviced. He's a good worker, he does is thing. If a light goes on or he stops working I get him tended to. 

Fortunately, I was able to get him picked up yesterday and hopefully he'll be all patched up with new tires, a new battery, and fresh oil by the weekend. And if not? Well, I guess I'll figure that out when the time comes. At least I noticed BEFORE the horses actually got here? Right?

Thursday's Threads

 

Outfit Day! It's winter here again... New England is ridiculous! There were even snow flurries this morning! I hope the weather calms itself down before the horses come home. Sheesh. Anyway, here's what Pammon and I wore to ride this morning (We're starting with Pammon):

Bridle: Camelot RCS Gold
Browband: Boy O'Boy Bridleworks
Helmet: One K MIPS

He's such a nugget. These bridles really look a lot nicer than they are, don't you think?

Saddle: Butet
Saddle Pad: Lettia
Half Pad: Ippolito

I got this baby pad a long while ago, but never got around to using it. Tie dye is definitely having a moment though, so it was time to bust it out! It looks cute on him!

Boots: Premier Equine

These could probably use a washing... but so far they're holding up great to everyday use. Would definitely get these again.

Okay, my turn! Here's what I have on:

Yep. It's back to winter weight clothes. Brrrr.

Sweatshirt: Herd of Zebras

I think the Herd of Zebras mascot is adorable, so I wanted this hoodie when it went on sale. It's ridiculously soft too. 

Belt: Ugh, I can't remember the brand on this...

Sorry guys, I can't remember who made these, but I do know that they have gone out of business, so I guess it's kind of a moot point anyway. It's a nice 2" wide belt, perfect for breeches with wide waist bands. I also love the fancy stitching.

Breeches: Dover Wellesley

Thicker breeches are a necessity today. It's effing cold out you guys! And the wind! UGH. Miserable.

Socks: Dreamers and Schemers

Got a pair of spares on today! I think these are adorable. They are so creative over there at D&S.

Boots: Celeris UK

I ALMOST wore my navy De Niro boots today, but then I signed up for an extra lesson. I have a rule about not breaking in boots for a lesson. That's just a disaster waiting to happen! So I stuck with these. They're super pretty anyway.

And that's it for today! Any favorites? Are you having another dose of winter where you are?

What's Up Wednesday

 

I don't have anything especially exciting to report this week. Just plugging along! 

My boys coming in from turnout with one of their favorite people!

The horses got worked on by our body worker this week, and Eros got a pretty good report! The new saddle is agreeing with him (phew) and the only real issue of note was a little less mobility in his right front, which I expected to see. I think he's coming due for a little maintenance on that. Pammon on the other hand... well she agreed that the biopsy is a good next step. His back is just kind of a mess, but she thinks mostly a muscular issue. And Shiny was MUCH better than the last time she was worked on. The new saddle is definitely better, though not quite perfect. Doc agreed though that it's probably the best we'll get without going custom. We talked some about the impingement in her neck and she thinks that the tripping is likely related to that. She said just to keep doing what we're doing and try to get her stronger everywhere else to compensate. But overall, she thought Shiny was doing well. So that's good news! Also, my tack sale paid for all three to get worked on, so yay for that!

Shiny had her lesson on Sunday, and was in a pretty funny mood. I think she was a little fresh (it had been cold again in these parts, making the ponies a little spicy) but it's hard to tell with her. She jumped around well, with no refusals even when we jumped that scary oxer from the horse show. She did surprise me with a big spook in one of the corners though! We landed off a diagonal jump, and as we came through the corner after it, she spun 90 degrees and bounced away. She's pretty honest with her spooks though, and takes me with her. Silly girl. She was a little extra trippy that day, so we quit after a couple courses. No need to tempt fate. 

Eros had his lesson last night, and I think I need to accept that the leather pelham might not be the best bit for jumping him. As much as I hate to do it, I think next lesson I'm going to use the segunda. I hate that bit. I'm constantly worried I'm going to hit him in the face with it. But I need him to stop running away with me after the fences. It's gone on too long. Hopefully it can be a one lesson and done with that bit. We shall see. Next week is the last week I'll have Eros and Shiny at the boarding barn, so I may try and do a second lesson this week and maybe next too. Try and get us in a better place before we're on our own. He's not being bad, just a little excited, and I need him to be more adjustable. The victory gallops need to stop! 

In other news, I had someone reach out to me on a very old video of Jampy on Youtube. She has one of his babies somewhere in Europe! This is the second time that's happened, and each time, I get really excited. It's so fun to see his kids out there doing good things. This horse is named Jampion and he's owned by an amateur that events him. He's 15, and he's her first horse that she bought on her own as an adult. I think it's a great story. And look how handsome he is:

Reminds me a lot of his dad!

And in other, other news, remember that pad I found last week? As I was shampooing it, this revealed itself:

That effing mouse chewed right through the sheepskin. It wasn't at all apparent before I got it wet. And once dry the fluff covers it up. 

Shown here not dry, but covered up

But I'm not convinced Shiny won't be able to feel it. I guess it will be an okay spare show pad? I dunno. What do you guys think? Is it trash? Okay for short rides? Ugh. I dunno. I hate to throw it out because otherwise it's so nice! But I don't want to hurt my horse. 

Anyway, that's about it from here this week. Anything exciting happening with you guys?

Truthful Tuesday

 

Guys. I'm getting itchy for more fun boots. I realize this is crazy. I have SO MANY boots. But I dunno. I think I just like designing them. I have a couple ideas in mind even... But I am not allowed to buy more boots. Unless they fund themselves. Which brings me to how I spent my Monday. 

My helper spends his work hours in the winter when the horses are away giving my barn a good deep cleaning. In the process though, he has to move all my stuff around. And being that he's not as detail oriented as some, nothing goes back where it was. So I spent my Monday putting the barn back together since the horses will be home soon. Once that was done, I did something I've been saying I needed to do for awhile. I cleaned out the boot cabinet.

I pulled out all the pairs I never wear, except for one which I do want to wear but just always forget about. And I listed them all for sale on my personal Facebook page. IF I can sell them then I can order new boots! Problem is, I have such a weird foot/leg size I'm not sure I'll get any of them moved. I'm going to leave them on my page for a couple weeks and if that is unsuccessful I'll reach out to a consignment shop. 

ALL FOR SALE!!!

I'm really sad to sell those purple ones. but they are ridiculously short. Someone who fits in them better should enjoy them. 

So today's confession is that I'm trying be responsible in my irresponsibility. That has to count for something! 

Thursday's Threads

 

Outfit Day! I failed at snapping a photo of Shiny in her outfit, but I did take pics of what she wore. So it's only a half miss on that. Instead here's a cute photo of her from the show in which she is not wearing the same outfit as yesterday.

Photo by Chelsea Lothrop Photography

In case you're interested though, at the show she wore her Joseph Sterling bridle and martingale, and I cannot remember the brand on the pad. I wore Parlanti boots, TS breeches, my Rio belt, an Essex shirt, my BEAUTIFUL Winston coat, and the matte black Samshield. (Which costs about the same as a One K if you get it from Equiport.)

Anyway, back to the regular post! Here's what Shiny wore yesterday:

Saddle: Custom Saddlery
Saddle Pad: Hufglocken

I'm not sure if this Hufglocken pad is actually made by Mattes or another manufacturer, but it's REALLY nice and I got it for a great deal at holiday time in their black Friday sale. 

Bridle: Camelot RCS Gold

I switched her to a full cheek a few weeks ago, and it's made a big difference with her steering. Not sure why I didn't do that sooner! It's funny though, when she's standing around she tries to grab the bottom of the cheeks sometimes. She can't reach them... it's pretty hilarious.

Boots: Punk Ponies

Glitter boots! They could use a wash...

And here's what I wore yesterday:

I went with Spring in Nantucket for my theme.

Helmet: One K

Recycled photo... which is unfortunate, I actually had a cute matching mask on yesterday... sorry.

Top: Nantucket Gift Shop

I love this quarter zip! I didn't do a very good job of showing it in this photo (wow I was a bad blogger yesterday...) but the print across and over the shoulders is Nantucket island in a pretty mint green.

Belt: C4

I think these might be Cape Cod lighthouses and not Nantucket lighthouses... but they all look very similar so I thought it worked. 

Breeches: ROMFH

I snagged these second hand quite a long time ago, but I wasn't fitting into them. I do now! They aren't as horribly stained in real life as they appear in this photo. But it isn't really the best color for playing with ponies if I'm being honest. But I LOVE the color, so it's quite the conundrum.

Socks: Mare Goods

Never a bad day for some Badass socks.

Boots: Celeris UK

Sorry... I didn't take boot photos either. I wore these again. I really do need to start wearing some others!

And that's it for today! Any favorites? What's your go to show outfit?