Proviz Sports: Get ready for a giveaway!

I'm all about riding safety -- ready with the helmet, bucking strap, and all of the standard safety practices. But if you can be safe AND stylish, why wouldn't you? I know people that trail ride wearing getup like the vest shown left. Good for them, safety first.

That said, there is a company that makes stylish and innovative Hi Visability safety gear for equestrians and their horses. Proviz Sports helps riders and horses to stand out on the trail, in the pasture, or on the road, or wherever. They  have an online shop (http://www.provizsports.com/) and a whole section of  hi viz horse and rider wear. All of the products featured online can be shipped to anywhere in the States (delivery should usually take between 7-10 working days).

So... Get ready for a giveaway, from ProvizSports. In the meantime, what hi viz item do you like?

Ariat Performers and hint at a giveaway!

At the last Horseman's Outlet (NJ) sale I bought new Ariat Performer color block breeches that I just adore -- the contrasting seat color is different enough to be fun without making my backside look needlessly large :-) and they feel more like a $300 breech than the $300 breeches I have tried on! Very stretchy but lots of structure and a forgiving fabric. The photos are a little dark as photographer Bob Smith warned but it is what it is. The color is a rich indigo, not exactly navy but not too bright.  And coming soon -- an Ariat Giveaway valued at over $80!!!!

Etsy Woven Browbands: Gotta be Foolin' April 1 sale

One of my favorite Etsy stores -- Woven Beads Browbands -- will have a big sale starting April 1 and going on until thirty browbands are sold (approximately). All in-stock browbands will be 40% off the regular price using coupon code BTB40 at checkout. 

Here are some of the price reductions: 

$95.00 @ 40% off = $57.00

$90.00 @ 40% off = $54.00

$80.00 @ 40% off = $48.00

$75.00 @ 40% off = $45.00

$65.00 @ 40% off = $39.00

Side by Side: Rodrigo Pessoa VS. Jessica Springsteen

Interesting to see where time is gained and lost in this jump-off...

Tina Konyot & Calecto V Freestyle

I have seen this pair at Gladstone -- this may be a great test, but it is not the best I've seen them together. The year I saw them was truly magical. Maybe it's unfair to compare...

"Chelsea" Riding Boots from Old Navy, now in brown -- $11.49

I got mine at the Center Valley Promenade Shops in Lehigh Valley, PA. Butter soft.

Cavalor feed: Trying it out

I have been buying a bag or so of Cavalor feed for Harvey - he loves the feed! It's available at our local Agway. If you look at it, it looks like it would be delicious. We may start Ri on a tiny bit of the Fiber Force as well.

Caroline Roffman & Her Highness Freestyle in Wellington

Note hot pink accents. In case someone has not seen:

Equestrian fashion show: "Crystals are conservative"

I had the fun experience of attending an equestrian fashion show last week. The theme of the night was "don't be afraid." Don't be afraid of color, of pattern, and certainly don't be afraid of crystals. In Europe, the styles are far more "out there" than here in the U.S., and we learned that many S judges are ordering show coats, shirts, and even boots in non-traditional colors. The rules are changing, ladies.

My favorite comment of the night...

 "Crystals are conservative." 

 You heard it here!

Thanks to Skylands Saddlery for a fun and informative night. 

"Happy Cows" will make you smile

Probably many of you on Facebook have seen this video. How many times have you been asked "Does your horse has any personality, like dogs have?" Aaargh! Both my horses are expressive, personable, and attention seeking in the tradition of doted-on spoiled, pets :-) They communicate! Not all horses are like this -- some are quieter and more distant -- they may seem dull. I think it is because they don't expect much (good) from humans or have never been rewarded for interacting with them. They learn to ignore us. What I love about this video is that I think it shows us all that all animals have capacity for joy. When I see these cows I am reminded that all animals deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. I just love watching these cows and hearing their story...

If you are wondering about spectator comments...

Spectator comments are priceless...

The Equestrian Athlete Plan: Stretches for riders

 Another good one.

 

The Equestrian Athlete Plan | Stretching Matrix from matt on Vimeo.

Do you need a reminder that spring is coming? Here ya go!

Matrix - 2013 Pinto Friesian Colt! ***FOR SALE***

Two Horse Tack Giveaway! English bridle of your choice!

Two Horse Tack (twohorsetack.com) is graciously offering one if its English bridle line as a giveaway this week! I have one of their halters, and it is easy to clean, beautiful, and fun (orange accents of course).

I have direct experience with their products, and Riley is rocking his brown biothane halter right now! See my other blog article about Two Horse Tack.

Two Horse Tack makes its bridles from beta biothane, and there are many options for colors and styles.

TO ENTER
To enter, go to this web site form and provide your information. You get a $5 promo code just for entering.

Two horse tack offers a wide range of bridles, harnesses, halters, and accessories. Check out their full line of offerings.

Quarter horse in 2014 USDF Region 1 clinic!

Zan's Blue Frost and Katherine Abrams will be among the horse/riders pairs in the the 2014 USDF Region 1 Adult Clinic with Hilda Gurney in Boyd, Maryland. Blue is a Quarter Horse. Adorable, yes? Congrats to them.

 

Rah Rah for Rolex: #9 is Pony Club!

Pony Club Games (another other events) 
 The Pony Club mounted games, the Young Event Horse demo, the Friesian driving and riding exhibits, and the mounted police presentation offer fund and educational breaks from the high level competition. Bob loves watching the Pony Club mounted games. He may not remember who won Rolex, he remembers that the Tootsie Pops edged out the Hyperactives in 2013.

Bob update: Doin' pretty good

I think the cats are fond of me -- but, as you can see in the photos below, they adore Bob. Bob is doing well. His bloodwork is good, the Interferon G is helping, and the Neurontin is reducing the itch. The one drawback that we think/hope is related to the chemo is that he is losing his hair -- it is a side effect, and perhaps reversible, but still slightly alarming. Bob is not too concerned. I'm sorry.

Mustang Tooka Chance Dressage ride by Matt Trynoski, Beginner Novice , 2...

What a poster child for mustang versatility, and what a lovely ride from Matt Trynoski! This little guy is all business (the horse that is). I was tickled by the background conversation, which will be the subject of an upcoming blog post.

 

Why don't I ride like Ula Salzgeber???

Ula Salzgeber is my idol. Look at that position! She is tall, she has a lot of leg and upper body, but look at her! Effortless.

So  why don't I ride like her? 

Recently someone took candid photos of my workplace. I did not know anyone was taking pix.

This is why I do not ride like US, or anyone else. Apparently my posture has been bad for so long, my spine has just given up.  

Insulated buckete update: They work, with a suggested modification

Remember my insulated bucket test? I blogged about it and promised to do an update. This is the update -- too bad the season is almost over!

The bubble-wrap bucket works great. I have this bucket and another bucket fitted with a bucket cozy, which cost $40. The insulation properties are comparable, especially considering the bubble wrap bucket has no "topper." But to give my bubblewrap bucket a fair playing field, I cut a piece of cardboard to fit the top 2/3 of the bucket, wrapped it with bubble wrap and duct tape, and voila -- identical performance.  I use the topper when it is under 20 degrees at night.

Another strategy
I like to help with Harv's care when I can, and I usually fill water buckets while the horses are out. On days that are super cold, this does not work so well (water freezes). Then I started filling his buckets with hot water, then covering the buckets with a stadium seat cushion to keep them warm. This works great, and the buckets are still steaming hot when Harv comes in 3-5 hours later.

The cozy has some advantages -- like you can use it on different buckets.  But the bubble buckets are easy-peasy -- easy to handle, easy to clean, lightweight, and of course, cheap.

Rah Rah for Rolex #10: The Thoroughbreds for all event

Coinciding with Rolex is a wonderful program celebrating thoroughbreds in sport -- Thoroughbreds for All has been featured in Eventing Nation and elsewhere. Featured speakers and exhibitors have included Phillip Dutton, Bruce Davidson, Steuart Pittman, Dorothy Crowell, and well known eventers, veterinarians, jockeys, and even famous horses! I got to see Molokai, Rolex winner, in his retirement (he has since passed). Held at West Wind Farm on the Friday of Rolex, TFA is a cheap, good meal and a fascinating edu-tainment event and fundraiser.  It has more than doubled in size in the years since it was first held. You've just gotta go. Read about this year's lineup below, which includes dressage luminary Linda Zang and OTTB dressage star Ken's Kitten (read about him at offtrackthoroughbreds.com!

Thoroughbreds For All Kentucky

Retired Racehorse Training Project

Friday, April 25, 2014 from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)

Lexington, KY

This year’s Thoroughbreds For All event star line up will include: Olympic dressage rider Linda Zang, Pan American Games eventing gold medalist Lynn Symansky, and Kentucky Oaks winning jockey Rosie Napravnik.  All three will share their experience in working with retired racehorses to an expected crowd of over 600 Thoroughbred enthusiasts. The evening event begins at 5:30pm, following the Rolex cross country on Friday, April 25, just fifteen miles from the Kentucky Horse Park in the covered arena at New Vocation’s Lexington facility at West Wind Farm.  A southern style dinner and cash bar will be included in the evening festivities.

This year’s event will focus on the versatility of the Thoroughbred by incorporating a variety of riding disciplines throughout the evening. Linda Zang, who is best known as America’s most respected international dressage judge and a veteran of the 1980 Olympics, will lead a session on retraining the Thoroughbred for dressage. During her session Nuno Santos will ride one of America’s most promising and best-bred dressage horses, Ken’s Kitten, by leading sire Kitten’s Joy.

Rosie Napravnik, who currently sits at the top of the jockey standings at Fair Grounds Race Course, is ranked fifth on the North American leader board. She became the first woman in history to win the Kentucky Oaks in 2012 and broke Hall of Fame jockey, Julie Krone’s 20 year standing year end earnings record that same year.  She will not only share her experience but will also demonstrate it with her own retired racehorse, “Sugar”. Napravnik’s demonstration will include a tack change to showcase the versatility and athletic ability of the Thoroughbred.

Lastly, Lynn Symansky, who with her retired racehorse Donner, helped the United States win gold at the  2011 Pan American Games Eventing Competition and placed fifth at last year’s Rolex CCI**** will share her experience in retraining Thoroughbreds for eventing. Lynn will use one of New Vocations’ horses during her session as well as an advanced horse to demonstrate different training tips.

All sessions will be moderated by Steuart Pittman of RRTP and Anna Ford of New Vocations.The event will run from 5:30pm to 9pm and will include a southern style dinner and cash bar. Tickets are available for purchase online at http://thoroughbredsforall.eventbrite.com for $35 each. Proceeds from the event will benefit New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program and Retired Racehorse Training Project, both are 501(c) 3 charitable organizations.

Browbands: easier said than done

My browband experiment has concluded. After searching for unique browbands online I had decided I really need to make my own. I wanted to do an orange browband, a millefiori browband, and a white/pink browband for horse shows.

Supplies
I got my empty browbands from delfinasaddlery.com and Ebay, using instructions that Delfina provides gratis. Delfina's browbands are quite nice, in a variety of colors and sizes. I got full size black in the curved style, and some 8mm beads and 3mm spacers from Etsy.com.

Craft marathon
I did the browband in one sitting on Saturday night. I made some mistakes, both in the selection of spacers and in the construction of the browband. But, I like it for all of its flaws!

I LOVE the beads!!!! And I like the spacers.

Caveats
If you think that there is something magical about the empty channel browbands that makes it easier to work with hard leather, think again. I bent three leather needles and impaled my fingers twice. I was not 100% happy with the instructions from Delfina, but I'm not especially crafty. An experienced craftsperson would probably do fine.

I will make more, but need to give my hands a rest!

I think it looks good from the standard distance most people will see your horse

The spacers have very big holes, and they were not terribly stable in the strand.
The instructions said to use an extra bead to accommodate the curvature. This caused the beads to "jam" in places.

Jamming continued. Plus I tried to follow the "finishing" instructions and did not succeed.
Notice the beadwork angles up at the end? It's partly the jammed beads, but also improper finishing.

Harvey: 27 years, bah!

27 years and 51 degrees! The day we celebrated Harv's birthday was almost hot, and he was sleepy. He

did consent to a few photos...

26 Sohn der Sonne | Sir Donnerhall I - Sion - Pik Bube I

Oldenburg auction horse. Love the color, love the movement.

 

More sitting trot

Many moons ago, riding the Harvster

I have barely attempted sitting trot since they took that requirement out of the First Level USDF tests. Still, I read this series of articles of great interest: Thanks horsenation.com!

http://www.horsenation.com/2012/04/2...-sitting-trot/
http://www.horsenation.com/2012/05/0...-trot-part-ii/
http://www.horsenation.com/2012/05/0...trot-part-iii/

Rah Rah for Rolex: Reason #11 to go to Rolex

Reason #11 is Dressage 
While the horses in eventing are increasingly bred for all three phases of the sport, the Rolex dressage tests are performed by horses not necessarily bred or built to do dressage work. You won’t see Totilas out there, but there are lovely rides.You’ll walk away with an appreciation for what these riders achieve in the ring. And every year, at least one horse shows his or her disdain for the whole “enter at C” thing--this can be entertaining in a  whole ‘nuther way.

Browband sale: My favorite Etsy store has a birthday sale

 Pat of Woven Beads Browbands is having a sale in honor of her horse Dolly's 18th birthday! Dolly is 18 on March 7 and the sale is on her birthday.  I'm showing one of her sale items, a copper hematite mix browband.  Dolly is the model.  

THE SALE IS FRIDAY MARCH 7 ONLY! Dolly items in a special section, called "Dolly's Birthday Sale", and then add a percent coupon off on everything, good for the day.  The coupon would apply to all the sale items too, making them even less expensive.

They look delicate but they are very sturdy, washable, and even more impressive in "real life"!

The Harvster turns 27!

Harv enjoys a molasses ball.

Born in 1987, Harv is the Sean Connery of the equine world -- Looking Great Harv! He is doing so well -- the new barn agrees with him and some of the minor ailments of age have improved or gone away.

 We will be celebrating Harv's birthday on Saturday. I'll likely scale back this year on the carrot cake. Only four horses/boarders at Harv's barn, and Riley's barn is a crew of "healthy eaters."

I wanted to point out Harv's birthday gift -- a "head bumper" at the top of his stall. I ordered from an athletic manufacturer -- not expensive and doing the job of protecting his noggin!

DIY Beaded browband: Can a non-crafty person do this?

We will soon find out! I bought an "empty" browband for $20, about $10 worth of tools and supplies, and maybe $10 worth of (orange jasper) beads. I have a booklet on how to do the beading and fastening. I have been an abject failure at most crafts. Even in eighth grade Home Economics, I was exempted from wearing the mandatory a-line skirt that I made. Even the teacher recognized it was  just too awful to wear.

The browband, however, is motivating. If this works I can make cool browbands for less than $50 (far less!).

 I'll let you know what happens.

Advice to horse show spectators: Audio awareness!

 I've seen it happen over and over. Someone is videotaping a ride at a horse show -- dressage, jumping, whatever -- and people nearby are too busy watching and chit-chatting with buddies.  Later, at home, the videographer and/or rider find that there is unexpected commentary captured on the video. It has happened to me, and to friends of mine.

Two things to keep in mind while the ringside banter is going on:

• Someone may be videotaping. Out of courtesy, and to avoid embarrassment, remember that videotaping is also audiotaping. You don't want casual comments on the ride, on your boyfriend, on your finances, whatever, captured for eternity and possibly posted to Youtube.
• If you are commenting on a ride, remember that friends and family may be nearby. Zip it.

Years ago, I almost got myself in a pickle over this very issue. I was watching a lovely tall, thin, high-necked horse at a schooling show. The horse's ears tipped toward each other and I exclaimed, probably a bit too loudly: "Oh, is that a SADDLEBRED??? How cool!" A woman next to me -- a total stranger -- took me aside and said emphatically, "That horse is a Dutch warmblood by Contucci, and the rider's family is right next to you. They would not appreciate that comment."

I am Bob's liver

And apparently, the myriad of pharmaceuticals Bob is exposing me to is not doing me serious harm. 

That's what blood tests appear to show (we're awaiting confirmation from the doctor). So that's good news! For the time being he can stay on the Interferon A that is helping his skin. His white blood cell count is a little low, but overall his bloodwork look a whole lot better.

Better than mine, ironically.

I've been anemic since I can remember, and my test results show cell count highs and lows all over the map.

Oh -- Bob wants to mention that I was originally going to show an image of his brain, but it was too enormous to fit on the page.

Ha Ha Ha...

The Equestrian Athlete Plan: Mobility

Great for loosening the hips!

Equestrian Athlete Plan | Mobility Circuit 3 from matt on Vimeo.