Category: Clothing

Should Have Worn a Helmet

6/4/2018

There are days when I think that I should wear a helmet the second I arrive at the barn - even when I am not riding. Saturday was one of those days.

After I had ridden both horses and they were both tucked away, I puttered around, finishing my chores. As I was rinsing feed buckets, the last thing I do before I leave for the day, I remembered that I wanted to daub a little Equiderma Skin Lotion on a one of Izzy's pasterns.

He was slurping up his beet pulp as I walked up to him. I shook the bottle a few times to mix it up and then leaned down to feel his pastern. The next thing I knew, the world went black. When I next opened my eyes, I was lying in the dirt rubbing my head.

This fence. The pole is right behind his butt.

It took me a minute to figure out what had happened. I think I startled Izzy when I touched him, and he must have spooked hard enough to knock me into the pipe fencing, bashing my head into the pole. I laid in the dirt for quite a few minutes boohooing as I checked my scalp for blood. My neck hurt and so did my head. Poor Izzy stared at me lying in the dirt with a very worried look on his face.

After making sure that nothing was broken, I sent a text to my husband explaining why I wouldn't be picking up lunch on my way home. When I walked in the front door, he had an ice pack and some ibuprofen waiting for me. After icing, I took a two hour nap and even went to bed early.

I spent the rest of the weekend gently probing my skull, checking on the tenderness. It hurts enough this morning that even my sun hat caused me some discomfort. I am on my way to the barn this morning. Before I saddle up, I am going to check to see if I can even wear my helmet. No helmet means no riding.

See what I mean about needing a helmet while not riding? Like they say, it's not if we'll get hurt but when ... Sheesh.

8 Comments

Spend Money to Save?

5/28/2018

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My husband just doesn't understand the whole Look how much money I saved! strategy. He doesn't get it because he doesn't realize that I am going to buy those things eventually which will be money spent, but when I find a deal on said items, I really have saved money. You follow this logic, right?

Riding Warehouse Memorial Day Sale

Not too long ago, I wrote about a pair of summer weight tights that I really liked. I definitely planned on ordering more, but I was waiting for a sale or more money to find my wallet. When I saw that Riding Warehouse was running their Memorial Day sale, I knew it was time to order.

The Horze Women's Juliet HyPer Flex Full Seat Tights go for $59.95, a good price for tights that you like. But, if you order two or more - and why not?, they go for $52.95. With the 20% off sale, the discount for buying two pairs, and free shipping, I only paid $80.86.

I now own all three colors.

The discount is automatically applied - I love not having to enter a promo code!. The sale end today though, so if there is something that you know you're going to be buying soon, you might as well spend it now and pay less than you might in a month or two.

See! Spend money to save. What's not to understand?

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Crazy Sock Day

4/27/2018

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The other day I told you about the Horze Juliet Hyper Flex Full Seat Tights. I am still just as happy with them. In fact, I am wearing them to work today with a particularly loud pair of Over the Calf Peddies from Noble Outfitters. Today is "crazy sock day" at school. I'm topping the whole thing off with a school t-shirt. It's great to work someplace where offbeat attire is expected.

You've heard me go on and on about my sock preference, see above. I pretty much wear Noble Outfitters Over the Calf Peddies to the exclusion of all else. They're the first socks that I've found that can stand up to my super destructive, but neatly pedicured, toenails. They also stay up.

Every once in a while though, a new sock will tempt me. The C4 socks are still in my rotation; they're not my favorites, but they made the cut. The Stance Compression Tall Boot Socks from the Riding Warehouse sounded interesting enough that I caved and decided to try them.

From the Riding Warehouse ...

Perfect to wear on the ground or in the irons, these socks feature air channeled cushioning for cooling comfort. The anatomically correct footbeds contour to your feet, ensuring customized support. A reinforced heel and toe offer durability for the long trek ahead and the sweat-wicking, breathable mesh material keeps feet going strong. Cut in a tall boot length, these socks are the perfect addition to any equestrian's sock drawer.

They're not kidding. These are pretty high tech socks. When I really want to see how well a product will perform, I like to wear it several days in a row doing my normal stuff without washing in between. These socks exceeded my expectations.

What I really liked about them was that they retained their shape and never got saggy even after wearing them for several days. My Over the Calf Peddies can't do that. The Stance socks had just as much compression on the third day as they had on the first. I wore them at a two-day show and found that my feet were less tired and a lot less sweaty than with my Noble Outfitters.

There is a left and a right.

There really wasn't anything that I didn't like about these socks. I will say that they are snug going on, but once you have them on, they compress in a friendly way. The only thing that will keep me from loading up on these socks is the price. At $25.88 a pair, I am not willing to buy more than a pair a year. The two pair that I do have are being reserved for shows only.

I'm going to be on the lookout for sales or discounts though; I liked them that much. Here's to "crazy sock" day!

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A Hot Weather Find

4/25/2018

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Back when I was endurance riding, I only wore tights. And frankly, the shinier and louder they were, the better.

Electric blue - Montoya DSA at the Cuyama Oaks XP Pioneer Ride (50 miles a day for 3 days) in March 2003.

I also needed them to be fairly cheap as they took a beating.

Big hole on top of thigh - Mickey Dee scouting out trail on the Lost Padres trail in May 2004.

Once I moved on to dressage, I realized that my loud and weird-colored tights looked out of place in a dressage court. I switched to sensibly colored breeches and simply endured them during our brutally hot summers. No more.

A few weeks ago, I discovered the Horze Juliet HyPer Flex Full Seat Tights from the Riding Warehouse. As soon as I put them on, I knew they were a winner. These things are much nicer than the tights I wore when endurance riding.

They actually felt like yoga pants. They were stretchy in all the right places without being baggy. I find that stretchy stuff tends to get stretched out. I figured the same thing would happen to the Hyper Flex Full Seats so I gave them a thorough test. I rode in them (and did barn chores) three days in a row on some pretty warm days.

Still brand new.

Each day that I scooped them off the floor, they fit snugly without bagging behind the knees like some tights will do. Not these babies. They kept their stretch and maintained their original shape. On top of being comfortable, they also kept me much cooler and drier.

Lately, it seems as though all of the breeches I look at have a silicone seat. I haven't been very interested in trying them out. I've touched a few pairs of them, and they seemed really sticky. Recently, a friend was wearing a pair, and I asked her how she liked them. She felt like they were so sticky that her pants stuck to the saddle so much that she was left sliding around on top of them. Uh, no thanks.

Not sticky.

I worried that the silicone on the Hyper Flex tights would have that same sticky feel to them. If you're looking for super grip, these aren't for you. The silicone on these tights feels more like suede rather than the plasticky stuff you sometimes see with silicone.

The first time I rode in them, I sat in the saddle with a bit of trepidation. I was concerned that they would mar the leather of my saddle. The second my butt hit the saddle, I completely forgot that I was wearing them until I hopped off. The silicone was never an issue.

There were two things about them that I wish could be changed. First, they are a bit of a high rise; they sit over my belly button. Frankly, with the extra fluffiness of my middle, it's probably good that they're keeping everything in place. Secondly, they only have one of those mini pockets on the inside. While I do barn chores, I like to shove my phone in a back pocket. These don't have a pocket. I don't hold it against them though as most tights don't usually have pockets.

I am definitely ordering at least one more pair of these, and probably two. They come in black, green, and gray. Riding Warehouse sells them for $59.95, but I always have a discount code that will knock them down to at least $50.95 which still gets me free shipping.

Since it's already in the mid-90s here, these tights are getting moved to the front of the rotation. I better get another pair soon!

4 Comments

TuffRider Belmont Dress Boots Review

4/4/2018

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I must be hard on boots. This is my third pair in less than five years. I do ride nearly every day, and our climate is very hot and dry, but still, you'd think they's make them last a little longer. Pair one were the Ariat Volants, loved them, but they fell apart much too fast for their $500 price tag. Pair two were the TuffRider Baroques, loved them as well, especially for under $200. In fact, I loved them so much that I decided to reorder them.

Love big boxes!

Big box in a big box!

I had the TuffRider Baroques in my shopping cart, but then I decided to see what else Riding Warehouse had in tall boots. The Baroques were in stock, but I figured it couldn't hurt just to look a bit more.

Well, hello there!

I didn't expect to see anything that I was willing to take a chance on. I knew what I was going to get with the Baroques, and I knew how they'd fit, but then I saw the Belmonts. They were the same brand, so I suspected the fit and quality would be similar.

What really sold me on the Belmonts were the little extras that the Baroques don't have: the punched toe cap, the zipper guard at the heel, and the textured look of the leather. The difference in price between the two boots was less than $20. I figured that the snap keeper along the heel was worth twenty bucks. I tossed the Baroques to the curb and ordered the Belmonts instead.

Not too bad for less than $200.

Right out of the box I liked the looks of them. The leather is super soft, and the boots have a fancier look than the more utilitarian Baroques. Understand though that these are budget-friendly boots, so they're not going to impress as much as a $900 pair. For the price though, they're pretty nice.

Snap keeper.

I don't know how well the snap keeper will protect the zipper, but since that's where my last two pairs of boots have failed, I figure it can't hurt to have a bit more protection there.

Branding

The Spanish top on these boots is more "finished" than on the Baroques, but it comes with the brand's logo placed front and center. I am not offended by brand logos, but if you are, you probably won't like how TuffRiders use their logo; it's everywhere. Like I said, I am not bothered by it especially since they're small.

Baroque on the left, Belmont on the right.

After checking out all of the bells and whistles on the Belmonts, I slipped them on. My first reaction was ... bummer. I didn't like the fit. Where the Baroques had a "sloppy" fit, the Belmonts were snug. Even though they're from the same company, the fit is not at all the same.

The foot of the Baroques is much wider. In fact, they were so big initially that I had to add gel inserts to make them more my size. The calf was also much more roomy than I needed. I always felt that the Baroques ran big. The Belmonts run true to size. I ordered an 8 with a wide calf. The fit is perfect without much wiggle room. I decided to send them back.

And then I tried them on again. Still no. And then I tried them on the next day. Nope again. After the third time, I realized that I could probably live with them, especially for the price, so I tossed them in my car hoping to scuff them up so that the decision would be made.

When I got to the barn, I slipped them on and completely forgot they were new. I've worn them several times for several hours and have not had a single issue. No rubs, no blisters, nothing.

The verdict? Budget-friendly boots that look good and feel great.

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TuffRider Baroque Dress Boots - Follow Up

3/28/2018

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Just over two years ago, I bought the TuffRider Baroque Dress Tall Boots. You can see my original review here. A few weeks ago, someone wondered how they were holding up and asked me to do a follow up review. I thought that was a great idea until I had a zipper blow out last week. Whomp whomp.

Zipper Blow Out

Even with the zipper failure, I would still buy these boots again. I ended up with the TuffRiders after my Ariat Volants fell apart. I paid nearly $500 for the Volants and got less than three years use out of them. You can see that post here. For $500, I expected more than two years and nine months of wear. The Volants literally fell apart.

On the other hand, the TuffRiders look good for a year and a half of wear. They're dirty in these photos, but they're completely undamaged with the exception of the zipper.

Would be show ready with a quick clean up.

Unlike the Volants, the sole has remained tightly attached, and there are no tears or splitting in the leather. They show plenty of wear of course, but I school in them nearly seven days a week. I don't put them on until I am ready to ride, but if I ride both horses on the same day, I don't take them off between rides.

The one area where I did notice some wear was in the color on the toes. Our summers are quite hot; last year we had nearly 70 days that were in the triple digits. Our winters are also quite mild with far more sunny days than rainy. My boots are in the sun far more often than not.

Slight fading

With all of that exposure to the sun, I wasn't that surprised to see the color fading slightly. And really, it's not terribly obvious. You have to look closely to see it.

I have enjoyed these boots, especially for $161.95. They were super comfy right out of the box, and they never gave me a single rub or blister. If you're looking for a budget friendly boot, I'd recommend the TuffRiders.

When I went back to the Riding Warehouse to buy them again, I saw that TuffRider still makes the Baroques, but they have since come out with a similar version that has a few more bells and whistles. That review coming soon!

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Show Prep

2/1/2018

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A few weeks ago, I shared a post about having some gift cards to spend at the Riding Warehouse. While I wanted everything on the list, I was having trouble justifying buying stuff that I didn't actually need. I am glad I waited because over the weekend, I found something that I do need, but I'll share that later.

Since I was placing an order, I went back and took a second look at the things that were on my list. I put a few items back (Sorry, Ovation Aqua X Breeches, you'll have to wait.). Since that post, I had also received a gift card for Dover which I used on a beautiful Kastel polo which will serve as a show shirt for when jackets are waived this summer. It was (and still is!) on sale for $29.99, and with my $4.95 shipping, it was a bargain.

Can't miss with a Kastel.

Since I bought the Kastel, I didn't need two more new show shirts, so I also put one of those back - you know I love you, Horze Women's Trista, and I'll be back for you. I decided to order the F.O.A.L. Competition Shirt. F.O.A.L. is not a brand I've bought before, but if this shirt is representative of their products, I'll be back for more. It's lovely!

The print is navy.

While the fabric isn't quite as luxurious as the Kastel's, it's still quite smooth. It's very form fitted, so go up a size if that bothers you. I ordered the large and don't have any extra room. The fold down collar is really cute with the navy print. When it's zipped up, it looks very clean and tidy. The magnetic clasp is a strong one, so I can't imagine having it fall open. While it doesn't have tie loop, my velcro tie wrapped around it easily.

Something that I did toss in the order which I hadn't considered before was a new stock tie. No matter how careful I am with my ties, they eventually get a dirt ring around the collar. I have more than several in my show box that I no longer wear (just get rid of them already!), and my one go-to is getting a bit dingy. I needed a new one.

From the photos, I couldn't tell how nice the Equetech ties were going to be. Riding Warehouse carries three of them. I took a chance and ordered the Amelia. Oh my gosh, is it pretty!

Can't wait to see this outside in the sun!

Our first show is in mid-March. With a new shirt and tie, I feel freshly attired for our move up to Second Level. Since we're still not confirmed at the level, the least we can do is look good!

4 Comments

Money to Burn

1/8/2018

9 Comments

What do you do when you have money to blow, but you don't need anything? My mom sent me an awesome gift card to the Riding Warehouse, but there isn't anything that I've been itching for.

I am spending it, no worries there, but I feel like I should really make my purchases count. I've been trying to look ahead at the upcoming show season, fly season, grooming season, and hot weather season to predict what I am going to need later this year.

So far, here's what I've got:

The Ovation Aqua X Lightweight & Cool UV Full Seat Breeches

Do I really NEED another pair?

The only reason I am even considering adding yet another pair of breeches to my already HUGE supply is because these are purported to be summer breeches which means quick drying and moisture-wicking. It gets damn hot in Bakersfield. And even though I have 5 pairs of breeches that I regularly rotate through, 4 others that I occasionally wear, and 7 additional pair that I can wear when desperate (I am not even counting the 10 - 15 stashed in a drawer), I could use a fresh looking pair.

DSB Dressage Boots

These I really do need.

Speedy has the black boots in white fleece, and they're still going strong after nearly three years. Izzy's white pairs have fallen apart, and that is no comment on the quality of the boots. He's just gross. He sweats more than any horse I've ever had which means his boots get laundered a lot more frequently. I try to do them by hand, but occasionally, they just need a good pounding in the washing machine. He needs fronts and backs.

Equiderma Neem & Aloe Fly Spray

Is it worth the risk?

I am a die hard Pyranha user - our flies hate it, and it actually works. The drawback is that it seems to exacerbate the coat fading with which Izzy struggles. Since moving to the ranch where he only has trees for shade, Izzy's coat really fades out. When he was at our last barn, he spent a lot more time inside which kept his coat dark and shiny. A friend speaks highly of this stuff, so I am willing to give it a try.

Andis UltraEdge Clipper Blades

My clippers are at least 20 years old.

My clippers are at least 20 years old. Over the years, I've replaced the blades when they seemed dull which means I have a small pile of old blades in my clipper bag. I am not sure why I've saved them. I only clip bridle paths, jaw hair, and fetlocks so my clippers don't get the same kind of workout as when you body clip, but bridle paths still dull the blades.

F.O.A.L. Competition SS Shirt

Pretty basic.

Since it is so hot here in the summer, jackets are commonly waived. I have at least six shows planned for this season, and four of them will be during the heat of summer. While I have two nice collared shirts, I get tired of seeing the same shirts in photo after photo. If I buy two new show shirts, I'll be able to tell from which show a photo came.

Horze Women's Trista Shirt

Adding to my collection.

I already have three of these, so I know without question that it will work. I showed in the gray one last year and loved how cool it kept me when jackets were waived.

If I bought every single thing on my list, I'd be at $268.00 which is about $58 over my limit. Something's going to have to go ... I am looking at you, breeches. I need to let my cart sit for a day or two. I just can't decided what I need or want the most.

Actually, I do know what I want ... more money!

Post Publish edit: I also need a new half pad. This one. And this stock tie.

9 Comments

Vest Update

12/28/2017

2 Comments

I was so excited about spending my fifty bucks yesterday that I shared what I ordered before it even had a chance to make it here. That's not the best kind of writing as I might not have liked it in real life, or it might not have fit. Not to worry; I love it, and it fits.

Can't wait to wear it today!

For well under $40, the Horseware Quilted Vest checks off most of my boxes. It has hand warmer pockets lined with fleece - one of my must haves. There's also an inside pocket at the chest perfect for smaller items like lip balm or car keys. While the collar is fluffy, it does fold down so that it won't interfere when unzipped. I also like that the collar is lined with the same fleece as the interior of the pockets.

Smooth interior lining.

If there was one thing that I would change about the vest, it would be to add either zippers or an elastic panel along the sides for a bit of stretch and give. But really, at this price point, that seems a lot to ask.

It also comes in navy.

Like I said yesterday, our winters are so warm that I never ride in a coat, and I frequently toss my vest to the fence once we start trotting. This vest feels like it will work from the saddle, but I won't know for sure unless I get out there pretty early. It was in the 60s yesterday!

And truthfully, the vest is so cute that if it becomes street wear, I'll be just as happy with it!

2 Comments

I Missed All the Sales ...

12/27/2017

6 Comments

Well, that's not entirely true. While I was stuck at home sick, my credit card got a workout, but it was all house stuff. I redid the bedding in two bedrooms, bought two arm chairs (and last night ordered a third), and topped it all off with two new tables - a side table and a sitting down for cocktails table. I must have had Noah on the brain - two of everything!

After spending all that "free" money, I was forced to resist every one of Riding Warehouse's 12 Days of Christmas deals. Believe me, it wasn't easy. And then, just when I thought I'd make it to the New Year, THIS showed up.

It's good until the end of the year.

This is my favorite kind of sale because the discount is automatically applied at check out. You don't have to remember to enter a promo code, which I have forgotten to do. Luckily for me, Santa delivered a $50 gift card to spend at the Riding Warehouse, so I was finally able to benefit from the post-Christmas sale.

Not that splurging requires any type of justification, but for the record, I did use my money for things that needed replacing such as ...

It was on sale for $11.16

It probably occurred to me to buy this because my last bottle ran out just yesterday. I use a variety of leather cleaners and conditioners, but I like this stuff for removing the gunk that builds up beneath my boot on my saddle's panels.

$31.90? I couldn't say no.

Our winters are too warm for jackets while riding, so my vests get a lot of wear. Since I already own two, I don't need a new one. Both of mine are fleece though, so when it's damp out, they get a bit damp as well. One of my vests is also on the small side (too much good food and wine?). The other has suffered some damage caused by equine teeth. The zipper is bent, and it has a large patch on the front. Like I said, the teeth are a problem. I'll still continue to wear it, but it will be nice to have a more weather proof version.

$7.96 earned me free shipping.

These need no justification. They're all I wear now, and they earned me free shipping. My final bill was $54.72 with free shipping. Aind since RW offers such fast shipping, it will probably get here today. Sometimes I wonder how Riding Warehouse can offer such great bargains.

If you're not a Riding Warehouse shopper, you must hate bargains, excellent customer service, and fast shipping. What's wrong with you?!?!? I am kidding of course. You're probably just as much a fan as I am. Speaking of which ... my birthday's coming up. I better start refilling my cart.

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About the
Writer & Rider

I am a lifetime 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.

Photo by Lori Ovanessian

Email Karen

About Speedy G

Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse and occasional trail horse. He is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.

May 2018

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 schooling the dressage basics. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand Zweibrücker gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.

Second Show - July 2016

Bakersfield Dressage approved!

National Awards

USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013

Stuff I'm Working On ...

Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Scores
Second Level Scores:
Score 1: 63.485%
Score 2: 61.282%
Score 3: 62.879%

CDS Championship Qualifying
Second Level Scores:
Score 1: 63.485%
Score 2: 61.282%
Score 3: 62.879%
Score 4:
Score 5:

CDS Ruby Rider Award
Training Level Scores:
Score 1: 70.179%
Score 2: 72.600%

First Level Scores:
Score 1: 66.093%
Score 2: 68.750%

Second Level Scores:
Score 1: 63.485%
Score 2: 62.879%

USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award
Score 1 - 62.879%
Score 2 -
Score 3 -
Score 4 -

2018 Show Season

Show Rating
(***) CDS/USDF/USE
(*) CDS
(s) Schooling
(c) Clinic
(t) Ride-a-Test Clinic
(Q) Must Qualify

2018 Pending …
6/16-17/18 El Sueno (***)
6/24/18 Tehachapi (*)
7/22/18 Tehachapi (*)
8/11-12/18 RAAC (Q ***)
8/26/18 Tehachapi (*)

2018 Completed …
1/14/18 Hurtado Clinic (c)
2/10/18 Hurtado Clinic (c)
2/24/18 Hurtado Clinic (c)
3/17/18 Hurtado Clinic (t)
3/18/18 GEAHS (*)
3/31/18 Hurtado Clinic (c)
4/14-15/18 El Sueno (***)
5/27/18 Tehachapi (*)

Should Have Worn a Helmet

Spend Money to Save?

Crazy Sock Day

A Hot Weather Find

TuffRider Belmont Dress Boots Review

TuffRider Baroque Dress Boots - Follow Up

Show Prep

Money to Burn

Vest Update

I Missed All the Sales ...

About the
Writer & Rider

About Speedy G

About Izzy

National Awards

Stuff I Read

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About the Writer & Rider

About Speedy G

About Izzy

National Awards

Stuff I Read

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About the
Writer & Rider