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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

A Tiny Obsession

5/5/2017

 
Hi. My name is Karen, and I am addicted to buying belts. It started with regular belts, but my obsession is now firmly fixed on C4 Belts.
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She was so cute with her football that I couldn't resist!
Since I ordered that first orange belt directly from C4, many tack stores have started carrying them. Even Riding Warehouse has jumped on board. 
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If you're new to C4 Belts, it works like this: you pick your width - skinny belts (3/4") or classic (1 1/4"). The belt straps come in one length; you just cut it to the length you want. Finally, pick your buckle. The buckles are interchangeable and come off just by flipping open "the grabber."

When you buy your belt and buckle directly from C4, you have about 1,000 options, but you'll pay more. Solid colored belts run $29.99 while prints will cost $34.99, although C4 runs tons of specials (I just took advantage of a BOGO deal). Buckles are $8.00 for the regular plastic and $12.00 for the plastic "chrome" version.
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Riding Warehouse has the solid belts for $17.95 and a small selection of prints for $22.95. Buckles are $6.95 or $9.95. I have the Fox Hunt belt in my cart right now (why not?), and with my usual discount, it's listed at $19.51. With a buckle added, my total is $25.42, well below the $42.99 that C4 would sell it to me for.

One small piece of advice: when you cut your belt to size, do it carefully. I may not have realized that some of my jeans and breeches are low rise while others sit higher on my waist. If you also plan on putting on a few winter pounds, that belt that was cut for a higher waisted breech might not fit your low rise pants any more. 

So yeah ... I have four belts that I am now using on the very last hole and only with certain pairs of breeches. Cut wisely people, and stay out of the fridge!
emma link
5/5/2017 07:10:49 am

while i personally have grown quite attached to the adjustability of Mango Bay's canvas belts, my C4 Space Cats belt is mayyyyyyyybe among my favorite things ever haha

Bakersfield Dressage link
5/5/2017 08:38:06 am

That is a funny belt! I don't have any mango bay belts, but I hear they're pretty fabulous. :0)

Stephanie link
5/5/2017 12:25:50 pm

Hello, my name is Stephanie - I'm too lazy to wear belts... but I am becoming obsessed with browbands. Eek!!! I HAVE looked at the C4's before but can't justify wearing something I will probably be hiding because I don't generally tuck in my shirts, lol!

Bakersfield Dressage link
5/12/2017 05:34:37 am

Browbands are BEAUTIFUL, and I wish I wasn't so lazy. I HATE changing them, but I am always envious of beautiful ones. And truthfully? I worry about using the "loud" ones as I don't want people to think that I think my horses are so fantastically wild. Weird though because I NEVER think that about anyone using a beautiful browband. I just think they have good taste. LOL

lytha
5/5/2017 11:42:45 pm

I like your California one best.

You know what they remind me of? Swatches. Swatches and C4 belts should coordinate designs, but I'm sure a lot of Swatches would match the belts you have.

I want all of these:

http://www.tiptopwatches.com/watches/swatch-art-watches-rankins-watch.html

(I have one but I have a hard time choosing.)

Bakersfield Dressage link
5/12/2017 05:35:29 am

OMG - too funny. I had a Swatch in high school, maybe that's why I like the C4s so much! HAHAHAHA


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
    ​Welcome to my dressage journey.
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    Photo by Lori Ovanessian
    Email Karen

    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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    July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)

    About Izzy

    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at Second Level. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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    October 2020

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    Bakersfield Dressage approved!
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    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
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    I love her stuff!

    National Rider Awards

    • USDF Bronze Medal - 2020 
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    • CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018
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    Ruby Rider Award, 2018
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    2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

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  • Home
  • About
  • Horses
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Imperioso
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2021
    • 2020
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    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
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    • Shopping List