Truthful Tuesday

 

Okay, so normally for Truthful Tuesday I confess things I haven't done but should have. Or something equally lazy. But NOT TODAY! Today I am confessing that I did productive things this weekend! More than one! Yay me!

First, and this one has been a long time coming... I finally turned my trailer around and unhooked it! Imagine that? Been so long. It's cleaned out and ready to go for pickup in the spring too. 

But my real accomplishment came on Monday. I finally went through the tack shed and pulled out allllll the stuff I need to sell. I finally accepted that I should sell all the old blankets I'm not using anymore. I had held on to them because they're really nice blankets, but honestly, if I'm not using them, and I keep finding new ones I like better, than it's time to let them go. I didn't find much tack to part with this time, but there are some saddle pads and some grooming items. Everything will be on my Facebook page once I get to photographing everything. It took me all day to go through everything on Monday and with the earlier sunset I ran out of daylight. I moved everything into an empty stall in the barn though, so later this week I'm hoping to get done with photos and get it all priced and listed. Please buy my stuff! Eros wants his own saddle. He'd be most appreciative. 

So that's today's confession. I finally got my shit together and did some things I've been wanting to get done. How about you? Did you have a productive weekend? Do something fun with your horse?

Thursday's Threads: Navy is back!

 

It's our first outfit day back at the winter barn, but it's been weirdly warm here so it's not a bulky outfit at all. No complaints here! I love this beautiful weather! Eros was meant to be our model this week, but I kept not remember to take photos of him in his outfit so Shiny is stepping in. 

Here's what she had on this week:

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

I packed these bridles away for the summer, so it's nice to see them again! Shiny looks really cute in it. 

Saddle: Custom Saddlery

Saddle Pad: Premier Equine

Belly Band: Horze/Equinavia

I really think they do a nice job with these pads. Especially for the price. They aren't as inexpensive as they used to be, but still reasonable. And honestly, nothing is as inexpensive as it used to be! (Except the Arizona Iced Tea Big Cans. They're still .99 in the US. Unless you order them online... then they are more. Of course.)

Boots: Eskadron

These boots are such a great fit for her. I think the newer Eskadron boots are a touch taller as they aren't quite as good of a fit on her as these are. 

That's what Shiny had on, and here's what I wore:

I'm kind of happy about the navy. It feels like all new stuff since I haven't worn most of it in quite awhile! 

Helmet: One K CCS MIPS

Pardon my tired face. I stayed up too late for no reason doing nothing really the night before this photo. I might be an adult, but no one's accused me of being responsible. Anyway, welcome back into the rotation to my navy One K!

Shirt: Riding Sport

I have a love/hate relationship with this top. It's a merino blend which I love, and houndstooth, also love! But it's kind of clingy and unflattering around my belly. Hate. I like it best as a layer under something else. The other day when I had this on, I initially had a vest over it, but it warmed up so much I had to take it off. Oh well. I have a spare tire. Now you all know.

Belt: Mane Jane

I paired the navy belt strap with this color shifting buckle. It is purple or blue depending which angle you look at it. I always hoped that Mane Jane would release a buckle that matched the rainbow bits, but they never did. So I took up my beat up old gold color one and spray painted it with color shifting paint. I'm not sure how well it will hold up, but I like it for now!

Breeches: Tailored Sportsman

You all have seen these before. They are the color "black and blue". A nice dark navy.

Boots: Celeris

Okay, yeah. You haven't seen these. But before you get start judging me (again) let me tell you how this happened. It all started many months ago when Leah made me aware of the Facebook group Dressage Boots Anonymous. I should never have been allowed in this group. Anyway, I saw a post recently about Celeris sample boots on sale on a legit web site in Germany called Reiten-Leder. Being that I have zero self control, I found myself scrolling through all the boots on there. There were TONS. And this pair... happened to be almost exactly my measurements. Like nearly identical. And they were under $300 US. So how would I not get them? It would be like ignoring a gift from the boot gods. I couldn't do a thing like that! It might bring bad boot juju to my life for who knows how long! Can't have that. So here they are! You may ask why they were so inexpensive. And I think it's because they do not have a zipper. Probably no one wanted to deal with the laces everyday. I don't mind though. I can lace them pretty quickly. I should have snapped a photo from the back, but they have the same little rhinestone strip up the back spine as you can see up on the top. They're really fun! They're a true dressage boot though, and the outer panel is stiff. I don't really notice when I'm riding, but I'm reminded when I crouch down to wrap legs or put on horse boots. For the price though? No complaints here! There's a small chance I also snagged a pair of sheepskin lined boots for the winter... but you'll have to wait and see if that actually happened.

So that's it for today! Welcome back to the land of navy and baby blue! Any favorites from today? 

What's Up Wednesday

 

The weather is kind of amazing here right now, and I am here for it! The leaves are mostly done falling which is depressing, but it's been close to 70 degrees here the last few days. So we've been able to ride outside at the winter home. The ring is enormous, and I think Eros and Shiny really are appreciating that extra space. Especially during warm up time. I rode Al today mostly at the walk with a little trot thrown in, but since it was our first ride there, I opted to not use the entire ring. We have to work on refilling that trust bank. Baby steps. He was a very good boy though. But that's today. Let's catch up on our last week at home!

I mentioned last week that the Gator needed to go in for a new drive belt. It took a few days, and then it came back like this:

I think its cushion blew off while it was getting towed. Oops. So on top of the mechanic bill I also had to order a new seat. Boo. What can you do though? These things happen. Seat should arrive I think tomorrow. Hopefully it won't be too difficult to change. Looks easy enough. (Famous last words.)

The horses had a fairly easy last week at home. We got a lot of rain early in the week, and the footing was pretty squishy until Friday. Eros did squeeze in a jump day though!

I was somewhat noncommittal about whether I was going to jump, so I left everything at Shiny's height. It was a fun no pressure bop around and Eros was perfect. (Of course!) I didn't end up jumping Shiny. She's just been super sluggish and I didn't feel like begging her to jump around. She's been more forward the last two days, so I think having more space is helping her warm up better. I haven't yet gotten on the lesson schedule, but I plan to for next week. Let them settle in some and also, let's me see which lessons might be a good fit. Lots of new people over there, so I just have to see who rides at what levels/heights. 

Al is looking pretty good and he'll be getting his feet trimmed in the next few days so hopefully we can get back to work. I may let the trainer enjoy him for the first few real rides while I'm riding the struggle bus with my trust issues. We'll see how things play out. I'm not too proud to ask for help when I need it!

I was super happy that Sunday, though overcast, was a nice day, and we were able to have our last Sunday Funday at home! Al enjoyed a light hack and then hand grazed after because he's not mature enough for mounted snackies. 

Eros and Shiny both enjoyed a bareback hack and then mounted snackies in the yard. 

Perfect last rides at home! Monday they had off as usual, but they got fall shots. I didn't want to do them right before moving but my vet was tough to schedule this month. That's the only day that worked. It was fine though, the horses didn't seem at all uncomfortable the next day. No harm no foul! 

That's really about it from here. Once we start lessons again I'm sure there will be much more to talk about! Did you all have a good week and weekend? Anything fun and exciting coming up? 

Truthful Tuesday

 

MOVING DAY! I nearly forgot to write this post because I've been all encompassed emotionally with this move. But everything went smoothly and the horses are all settled in at the boarding barn for the winter. For the very first time EVER I shipped all three at the same time. I wasn't sure how Shiny would feel about being in the middle part of the trailer, but she seemed to do okay. It's a very short trip (7 miles) so even is she wasn't happy, it wouldn't be an extended strain for her. (My trailer is a 2+1 but I had it made 2' short because when I ordered it, I didn't have so many horses and only intended to use the extra space for unloading and some extra storage. But it is big enough for lil' Shine so yay! I tied her this time, but if we take longer trips, I think I may leave her loose so she can find her own comfortable place in there. 

Anyway, none of that is a confession. My confession is that I nearly went out to do night check... three times. Because I kept thinking I forgot. Ha! It always takes me a little bit of time to adjust to them not being here. The bright side though? No shavings stuck to my jammies after evening blanket changes!

Thursday's Threads: The last one at home

 

Outfit Day! Since this is the last one before we move for the winter, and since Halloween is approaching, of course we had to wear our candy corn outfits! 

Not today's actual outfit, but the doggos wanted in too...
(The dogs did not, in fact, want in. But they appeased their mom.)
(Also, this is some really high quality photo editing work.)

I have a few changes from years past, but really, there's not much left to alter. Al is our model today because he hasn't had a turn in awhile. Plus, his coloring is perfect for our outfit.

He actually did have his lil ears up for this photo... and he also has hooves on his back legs... But I was too lazy to fix this poor photo edit. We're not exactly looking professional in head to toe candy corn anyway. 

Bridle: Pinnacle
Browband: Repurposed by me

I hadn't planned on making Al his own candy corn bridle, I was just going to share browbands with Eros. But I have some extra bridles now that Pammon is sold and I also had this browband laying around. I just had to get some more ribbon. So for a few dollars Al gets his own after all. Less work especially since Eros' candy corn browband doesn't snap on and off. (This one does though!)

Saddle: Butet
Saddle Pad: The Barn Closet (Etsy)
Half Pad: Ippico

I ordered these a bit ago after moving the weird shaped one Shiny wore last year into the for sale pile. These are baby pad thickness, and so well made! I highly recommend The Barn Closet for fun pads. She does a beautiful job. I also have wrap holders for the stall front from her (for if and when I ever get to an away horse show again). 

Boots: Ride Now
Bell boots: Riding Gears

I was going to splurge for Al and get him some orange Eskadron dressage boots, but then I found these on Amazon for very little money. They also came with hind boots but they seemed like overkill for a tack walk... I used what's almost the last of my candy corn duct tape to embellish the velcro. I like it with the orange!

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

Ha! I can't even. It's a lot even for me. Let's look closer!

Helmet: One K

Last year I covered that center piece with the duct tape. But this year, I splurged and got orange rails and the front shield. I couldn't resist. Love how it all looks together!

Hoodie: Tee Public

I got this awhile ago, but I still think it's so cure! The candy corn horn... the pumpkin cutie mark... All of it! Adorable.

Belt: C4

Yep, still love it! You've all seen it many times by now.

Breeches: Dover Wellesley

I found these orange breeches on sale back in the beginning of the summer, and for $40 I figured I should add them to the collection. I like the Wellesleys they're comfortable and can't beat the sale prices!

Boots: TuffRider Regal, embellished by duct tape.

Why yes, those are duct tape spur straps! I made them last year, and so far they're holding up. I obviously don't use them much, but still. I'm impressed! This pair of boots is about shot, so I only wear them once a year for this outfit. Hey, it's better than adding them to the landfill, right?

Watch Band: Unbranded from Amazon
Crop: Embellished by me and duct tape

That crop was all hideous and totally beat up so this was the perfect use for it! I love how ridiculous this outfit is, but I also like it because I found uses for so many things I was going to have to throw away. 

And that's it for today! Next week we'll probably be back in the navy again. Fortunately, with plenty of holidays coming up, we'll still have some fun outfits! Any favorite pieces of ridiculousness from today?

What's Up Wednesday

 

Phew, another late one. This should be the last really late What's up Wednesday for awhile. We had our last family dinner on the boat tonight as my dad and stepmom head down to Florida tomorrow for the winter. Which means we're getting VERY close to moving the horses over to the boarding barn. Always a bittersweet time of year. I love having them home and getting to make all the decisions. I love being able to do late night check when the weather is all over the place so I can change blankets. But it's also nice when it's ten degrees outside to NOT have to do night check... And the weather is making me want to ride indoors, so it will be nice to have that option again. Anyway, let's talk about the last week!

First the bummer news. Al's saddle came Friday which should be exciting and happy, but alas... Al has filled out a lot this summer. Like, a LOT. 

It is not obvious from this angle. 

The saddle was no where close to fitting him. Fortunately, they have a guarantee and will make me a new one. Hopefully he won't change much more. The saddle is gorgeous though. If anyone's looking, it's at RIDE Bedford for sale. (SOB!) The loaner saddle is still working for him, so we're sticking with that for the next 16 weeks. (It's not exactly the same as what I had ordered which is why it is okay and the new one was not.) While I had the rep here, I had her check my saddles on Eros. In a crazy and unexpected turn of events, the best fitting one in my possession is actually the loaner. If you look at Eros' back and Al's back you would not expect this to be the case. But I've been using it on both of them, and both seem quite happy. So now I have four saddles I need to sell. But that's good. More money toward this new one, right? And if I can sell all four then I can find a used one for Eros or buy this demo maybe. Anyone need a saddle?

You can kinda tell here. Also this cooler/sheet is like a 
fluffy teddy bear on the inside and I want one for my bed.

The last two weeks we've been getting a lot of rain. Oddly enough, both weeks it rained around Sunday/Monday/Tuesday. I haven't missed any riding days either week, but we've had a few days of only riding on half of the ring. The far end of my ring doesn't drain as well as the front half and it's been a little squishy the first half of the week. Which unfortunately means less opportunity for jumping. Which is really fine. These guys don't need to jump all the time and Al isn't jumping right now anyway. 

Eros did finally get to jump around on Saturday though, and he was wonderful! I mentioned last week that he struggled to get down the outside line the last time we schooled. Well not this week! I don't think it's all the saddle though I'm sure it helped. Most likely it was the body work they had last Monday. Whatever the reason, I'm glad he was feeling better. He cracks me up though. We jumped around a bit, then took a walk break before jumping a few more. And in true Eros fashion, he let me know exactly what time my quarter was up. He never does anything particularly naughty, he just starts dragging me around like a small child. I let him quit after he agreed to canter nicely to a single fence. Compromise! It's what keeps good relationships good! Ha! Look how cute he was jumping around:

I think he's the toughest to have in the program at the other barn. He's just not made for group lessons. Hopefully I'll be able to do a private like last year with him. We shall see soon enough!

I lunged Al on Saturday to see how things were looking. He looked pretty good, and his crack didn't bleed at all despite some of his antics. So I figured I'd get on Sunday and see how he felt. He felt okay... Not perfect, but significantly better than the last time I sat on him. Yesterday I got on again, but we just walked. It went well, and we worked on some lateral work and remembering that when the human is in the saddle we're supposed to pay attention to her... It's not something he's really mastered yet. Today we did a few laps of trot each way in addition to our walking. He actually felt great today, so I'm hopeful we're moving in the right direction. And for the record, when I say laps, I mean circles on half the ring. I still haven't quite mastered my fear of the scary long side with Al... but also the squishy end of the ring just made it so I didn't feel guilty about not going down there. Thanks mother nature!

Missed this view!

I'm still going to take it really easy with him until he sees the farrier again. I also plan to have him seen by the vet next time he's out. I just want to make sure there isn't anything else going on, though I really don't think there is. Doesn't hurt to have the whole team involved anyway.

Shiny has grown back all the hair I clipped off her a few weeks ago. Which is really unfortunate given it's warmed up here the last few days. I planned to give her a nice rinse today after our ride, but my hose exploded when I was rinsing Eros before her, so then I couldn't do that. (It was a fabric hose, once they go, it's all over. Literally. I ordered two new ones, so next time I'll have a backup.)

Other than being hairy, she's still doing okay. I can't get the engine revving though. I tried jumping her Saturday and just couldn't get her in front of my leg so abandoned that after a couple fences. I rode her first on Sunday and tried again. She was still a little sluggy, but much better than the evening before. I had her add in the line which was the right choice for her energy level, but otherwise she went around fine. Pivo was struggling to follow her in the light that day though, which was annoying. It never works as well in the fall, and I think it's because the lighting is weird with the sun at a different angle. Still managed a few cute screen shots though!

In other news, I had a busy Friday last week! I had a 4:15 wake up call to braid a horse that was heading up to New England Finals. I've braided her a bunch this summer, and I wanted to get there a little extra early because she can be a little tricky about the top of her neck AND her neck is super long. So is her tail bone. She's a big mare! She was very well behaved until I had the last two braids to tie up. I generally start at the ears and braid down all the way to the withers. Then I pull up starting at the withers and finishing at the poll. It's more efficient; less ladder movement. This mare was really funny about her forelock and the top couple of braids when I first started braiding her in the spring, but she'd gotten over it this summer. I'm now thinking maybe she's funny about getting her ears clipped, and maybe that carries over to braiding if she's done immediately before. So anyway, I had two braids yet to tie, and she was being a total weirdo about it. She's got to be about 17.2 if not taller, so when she puts her head in the air and tilts it away from me, I absolutely cannot reach. (I'm only 5'2"! I need a bigger ladder I think.) Eventually though, we worked it out. Phew. 

This was her kid's first time at this finals (and I think the mare's also). I watched them on the livestream. The kid rode great, and was really confident. The mare was really impressed by the venue, and got a little wiggly. But they made it around respectably. It's fun to get to see your customers out there being successful!

So I finished the Mare around 7 am. I had a 9 am hair appointment nearby, so I stopped at Starbucks for an overpriced and deliciously sweet coffee and waited around for that. I haven't had my hair done in over a year. I just kept not remembering during office hours to make an appointment. I've had a lot of gray in my hair since I was in my twenties so at this point, it's a real mess if I don't get it colored. I like to tell people my age is showing. Also it grows like a weed even if it's super thin now. (I used to have really thick hair, but thanks to a thyroid condition, I no longer do. Total bummer.) As you can imagine, my hair was a mess. Like, legit wicked witch vibes:

I wasn't kidding. 

I was REALLY excited for this appointment. Even when I looked like this:

So excited! You like my foil hat? 

I feel so much better now that my age is hidden again. 

My hairdresser is amazing.

I hurried home after this appointment because I thought the saddle rep was coming at 12:30. She didn't end up getting there until 2 (her other appointment in the area didn't go as planned). Since I wasn't sure when she'd get there, I hand walked Al in the meantime, but didn't get around to riding the others until afterwards. So it was a ridiculously long day. But a good one! 

And that about brings you all up to speed. OH! One other thing, I did finally unhook the trailer today and got the truck out for a ride. (I took it to dinner, so it had to go someplace, turn off, then get me back home. I've learned to never trust an initial test drive. They can be full of lies.) But I'm still me so I didn't turn the trailer around and put it in it's spot. Instead, I just backed it up to my house and left it there. Sorry for the eye sore neighbors. I'll hook it back up this weekend. 

I mean, I think she's pretty... 

Okay, that's really all I've got. How was your week/weekend?