Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
I caved. I've heard so much about the C4 Belts that I finally had to try one (or two!) for myself. I find it hilariously funny that I am willing to spend "so much" on a belt when just last year I only used a belt when showing. And that's really stupid because when you have a coat on, the judge can't even see your belt. Thanks to the suggestion of a friend, I now wear a belt every time I slip into a pair of breeches, and I even tuck in my shirt. I was alternating between two belts: a brown leather job that I've owned for years, but it must have been a a quality item when I bought it because the leather is buttery soft and the belt has taken on a curve to match my shape. I also use the Embrazio Curva Belt which I love as it came with that wonderful shape out of the box. I recently purchased a white Tackbox Silicone Belt that I really like. I ordered that particular belt while my C4 was on backorder, but I am glad to have it. It's actually a really comfortable belt. If it hasn't crossed your radar yet, C4 is one of those hip, online stores that all the cool kids know about. Although if I am shopping with them, they're probably not as cool as they used to be. Because really, I am 45 ... I don't exactly roll with a hip crowd. This company has landed on an extraordinarily clever sales gimmick. Every belt they sell is a "custom" order. If you visit their home page, you'll land on their "build a belt" page rather than a traditional home page. You can't help but click on one of the cool designs. What???? Bacon? Be honest, you checked it out. How can you resist pairing your favorite color belt with a coordinating, or not-so-coordinating buckle? The build-your-own-belt-and-buckle-combo is like crack for both fashionistas and the um ... less inspired, like me. I tried out EVERY combination possible. That California Bear Flag design? I am all over that thing. Only slightly better is the strap with the Texas flag. That thing is AWESOME! I went completely out of my comfort zone with my first purchase - orange with a white buckle. The belt is totally Walowitz worthy - Big Bang Theory for those of you that don't get the reference. The belt is a lot of fun, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting. Number one, it's a lot taller/thicker than I thought it would be. Since it's a unisex belt, this shouldn't have been such a surprise. The buckle is also huge. And plastic. And huge AND plastic. It's almost cartoonish. This belt takes a bit of an attitude to wear. It feels like something Superman would wear. Initially, I couldn't figure out how the heck to assemble the thing, but once I saw that the buckle has teeth that flip open, I felt stupid. It's quite simple to attach if you're not an idiot. I know some people feel hesitant about cutting it to size, but I found it quite easy to make the first cut. I may actually cut it again as it seems like it needs to be a bit shorter. As soon as I dumped it out of the box and strapped it on, I heard my computer calling me over to check out even more colors. I don't even know how well the buckles last. Apparently my wallet does not care as a second belt should be arriving any day. I went sightly more conservative for the second choice - khaki plaid with a black buckle. You can see it pictured above.
I was so enamored by the belt that I wore it to work on Friday with jeans. That's not such a big deal as I can dress pretty casually, but I was sorely disappointed that my colleagues didn't point and laugh, or at least beg to know where I had purchased such a HIP and fashionable accessory. Once Khaki Plaid arrives, California Bear Flag is totally qeued up! Come on, tell the truth: which combo is calling your name, or which ones do you already own? 1/16/2016 07:56:23 am
Lotus flowers + transparent grey 1/16/2016 08:50:14 am
Ooh ... pretty combination! 1/23/2016 10:36:12 am
More buckles than belts? I feel compelled to order them together. Do you switch your buckles out a lot? Comments are closed.
|
About the Writer and RiderI 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. About Speedy GSpeedy 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.
About IzzyIzzy 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 the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
National Rider AwardsState Rider Awards
State Horse Awards
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
|