Category: Shopping

Just Stop It!

5/25/2017

No, wait, don't!

Ack, Riding Warehouse is killing me. Right now they're having a 20% off sale on everything. EVERYTHING! I don't need anything, but I couldn't resist.

I might have mentioned something the other day about indulging in a wee bit of retail therapy. That stuff isn't even here yet, but after this week, I felt I deserved just a bit more. I am pretty sure my therapist ordered it. Dr. Buy-All-the-Things, that is!

My buy it finger showed some restraint though as I only bought another Union Hill Dressage Pad - man I love those pads, but really, at $14.36, how could I not buy one? Riding Warehouse is practically giving the thing away!

Oh, I also threw in a fresh bottle of fly spray because at this time of year, I buy fly spray no matter what else is in my cart. It was only $12.76, half what it would cost me here in town!

I guess if you're going to "self-medicate," a bottle of fly spray is probably a good route to go.

2 Comments

Fly Season

4/25/2017

4 Comments

I hate flies. Not that anyone likes them, but they drive me batty, and the truth is, our flies are nothing compared to yours (probably). I hear horror stories about the lethalness and cunningness of the flies around the country. Ours are just regular black flies that lazily hover around the manure pile and dive buzz our ears. My least favorite trick is how they like to land on my forearms while I ride because no amount of blowing will dislodge them. I hate the little boogers.

Speedy is pretty immune to them, maybe it's his white coat?, but not poor Izzy. The flies love him as much as they do me. It pains me to watch him do the fly shuffle - lift the right leg and shake, lift the left leg and shake, kick your belly with a back leg, repeat all day long. Fortunately, he's not a stomper, just a lazy lifter. I also hate to see the party going on in his eyeball goop. The flies practically swim in the corners of his eyes.

I don't know how fly season always sneaks up on me, you'd think I know it was coming, but it does, and it did. I have some old fly masks that are still in excellent condition, but they're way too small for Izzy. I am not sure why I have two Speedy-sized masks in storage, but he got one of them this weekend.

Riding Warehouse is running a fly control promotion right now that prooved very timely for me. I really want to get Izzy a fly sheet, but I know he'll just destroy it. Instead, he got a new fly mask and a fresh bottle of Pyranha. Riding Warehouse tossed a $10 gift card into my cart without me even needing to enter a promo number. Nice, right?!

For me, I tossed in a pair of Noble Outfitters Over the Calf Peddies, my favorite socks. I hate paying shipping if I don't have to, so socks are always my go-to for hitting the order minimum.

The Riding Warehouse's Fool the Flies promotion is good through May 11th. If you haven't stocked up on your summer fly defense, this might be a good time to start. Who doesn't love a gift card?

4 Comments

Cart It Around

1/8/2016

10 Comments

You know that adage, when it rains it pours? The holidays are like that for me when it comes to receiving gifts. You see, my birthday is just one week after Christmas which means that my yearly haul comes all once. I have all kinds of new stuff to share with you - like this ...

Where have you been all my life?

This item was on the wish list I gave my husband because of all the things that I could have received from my family, this was the one I most wanted. When I didn't get it for Christmas, I got a little worried that I was going to have to buy it myself, but I waited patiently for my birthday to roll around.

When I got up on Sunday, my birthday, I waited for my husband to pull out a giant box, instead, he handed me a card and said I'd get a gift later. I was a bit disappointed, but I figured the cart might have been back ordered.

Like we always do, I headed out to the barn to ride while my husband took the dog for a hike. It's not totally unusual for him to stop by the barn with the dog, so when I saw his truck pull in, I didn't think much of it. I was actually riding Speedy at the time, so I just shouted out a hello when he said the dog wanted to come and run around. When he dropped his tailgate however, I asked what was up. I am not very clever, obviously.

The sly dog had waited for me to go to the barn so that he could put the cart together and deliver it! It is totally awesome - far sturdier than I thought it would be. Once Speedy was back in his stall, I dropped a muck bucket in and wheeled it around the barn, giving it a test drive.

Many other bloggers have written about this cart claiming it is a must have for shows. I'm sold. No longer will I have to schlepp around my 100 pounds of ricketiness that I currently use at shows. While old cart is great for the barn, it can now stay at the barn while a newer, hipper generation takes over.

Interested in having one of your very own? Check it out at the Riding Warehouse.

10 Comments

Romfh Bling Coat

1/4/2016

12 Comments

I know I am hard to buy for. In many ways, I think I am easy - if it's got a horse on it, I am all in. But I understand that finding horsey gifts that are more specialized to what I do is not so easy. Unless you are in my barn every day, you wouldn't know which show pad I've been eyeballing (Steffen Peters Dressage Show Pad) or which leg boots I am currently coveting (DSB Dressage Boots, of course!).

My parents want to get me stuff that I really want though, so my step mom will often send me a gift card to the Riding Warehouse. To me, that's a pretty personalized gift because I want EVERYTHING in that store. This year, my Dad and stepmom sent a card loaded with $100. Holy cow - it's easy to do damage with that kind of moolah.

I have been drooling over several new show coats. I have two already, a black and a gray, but the black one is feeling a lot frumpy, and I get tired of wearing the gray one every time. I was wanting something a bit more high tech or with a bit of bling. Guess what? I got both, and this one is in navy!

The Riding Warehouse was having an amazing 20% off most everything after Christmas sale (ends today), and the Romfh Bling Coat was already on sale from its original price of over $200. With the sale price, the additional 20% off post-Christmas sale, and my gift card, I paid a mere $20.29.

Beyond my wildest expectations!

Had I known how wildly fantastic this coat is, I would have gladly paid full price. Even now I am considering getting it in black as well. It is seriously THAT nice.

Fit

First and foremost, a show coat needs to fit right to be fantastic. As soon as I slipped this one on, it felt like it was almost custom made for me. It's a tad bit long in the arms, but I suspect that once I am in the saddle, I am going to appreciate that extra bit of length.

Through the shoulders, it felt roomy without being boxy. And while my weight tends to go up and down every few years, I am at my heaviest again right now which means my 5'3 frame is carrying a few extra pounds. I chose a 10, and I am glad I did. If I were 15 pounds lighter, the 8 would have been fine, but I might have still wished for a bit more room.

love the blingy buttons!

Functionality

This coat has all kinds of little features that make it true athletic wear. First of all, the fabric is beyond awesome. It's 91% nylon and 9% Spandex, and it's machine washable. This is the stretchiest coat I have ever put on. It doesn't just give. It s-t-r-e-t-e-c-h-e-s. This is what athletic gear should feel like.

Hidden zipper ... LOVE

The second feature I love is the hidden zipper. Thank you, Romfh. There is nothing worse than having your buttons threatening to burst open as you're saluting the judge. And this zipper is thick and sturdy. I also love that it is short and hidden right behind the buttons.

This jacket doesn't stop there though. The armpits are also vented. I don't know if they will actually provide any relief on a hot day, but I appreciate the thought. And while they're easy to see in this photo, they are not obvious when the jacket is on.

Good-bye sweaty pits!

Style

This coat has all kinds of bling that brings the level of sophistication up a notch. The collar and the pockets are all lined with tiny Swarovski® crystals. All of the buttons are also embedded with little navy blue crystals.

Collar bling

True pockets with bling

Somehow, the coat is also quite slenderizing. I think it might be because of the little flare the coat has. It's ever so slightly fitted through the waist but then it has that tiny flare which gives the rider a nice silhouette.

The Riding Warehouse no longer lists the coat on their site, which is a shame as it is a lovely show coat. It is available at a number of other online retailers though. If you're in the market for a quality coat, this might be what you're looking for. It is completely worth the $200 price tag.

12 Comments

Thank You, SmartPak and USEF!

1/2/2016

5 Comments

SmartPak sent me this email the other day ...

Not bad ...

I am definitely a careful shopper, aren't we all?, but I don't shop at SmartPak just for the USEF savings. I go where the deals and best customer service can be found. Even so, SmartPak's prices are usually very competitive and that extra 5% often times makes the difference.

I looked over my 2015 purchases just to see how I saved so much. Most of the $28 bucks was saved on Izzy's SmartPak; he gets a daily dose of Quiessence, a magnesium supplement. But since shipping is so cheap (free) at SmartPak, I found myself adding various things to the monthly SmartPak shipment. Yes, I know that's part of SmartPak's sales campaign, but it works for me.

The number one add-on was fly spray. Pyranha Wipe N' Spray is only $14.20 at SmartPak; it's $24.95 at my local feed store. Now that I think about it, just buying my fly spray at SmartPak rather than at my local store more than pays for my $55 USEF membership.

Did anyone save more with their USEF discount than I did?

Now if only the Riding Warehouse would offer the same deal ...

5 Comments

Well, Hello There!

12/4/2015

8 Comments

Nothing gets my little heart pitter-pattering like a box at the front door, especially one with Riding Warehouse written on. It's even better when I've forgotten that I placed an order!

Always makes my day!

This was that little order I mentioned the other day - my Black Friday splurge. It would seem that I need some lessons in the meaning and application of "splurge."

My "haul."

When I was heaping things into my cart, it sure felt decadent, but to see my little pile in person leaves me wanting more. That's okay, the bell boots were needed, and the whip has a delightful spring to it unlike my current broken one that is more like a soggy noodle.

I have to admit to being a teensy bit disappointed by the Second Level Whinny Widgets book. I've been using these since riding Introductory Level. The thing I most love about them is the diagrams of the movements. I am guessing that by Second Level there are too many movements to diagram as this book just has a blank "court."

Something's missing ...

I have a whole pad of blank courts and know where I can get more. I guess I am going to have to sketch it out myself - I can be pretty visual when it comes to memorizing. Oh well.

Having a box at the door is a great way way to begin the weekend. TGIF everyone!

8 Comments

Christmas Wish List

11/29/2015

6 Comments

December's sales drive me nuts. Why can't all of my friends and family be equine enthusiasts? It would be so easy to get my shopping done if everyone just wanted a new dressage pad or a pair of glossy DSBs.

Since they don't, I had to fill my shopping cart with all of the things that I would like to have but don't need. I am not buying them of course. Well, I am not buying all of them, but there are a few things that I am allowing myself to splurge on.

Like a new dressage whip. I know I've put this on a Christmas wish list already, but I need more than one as I am prone to ditching it during the middle of the ride where it then gets stepped on and broken. With the Black Friday discount, it's only $7.10. There is a $12.00 shipping fee because it's over-sized, but since it's practically free, who cares! I am getting it.

Since it's practically free, I definitely need more than one!

I am also getting both boys some new bell boots although if you're looking for gift ideas, one cannot have too many pairs of bell boots. Speedy wears a medium and Izzy wears extra large. Speaking of which, the Raplast has worked as Izzy's boots are still intact and on his feet. Even so, they do wear out so I want a back up pair on hand. The Black Friday price for these boots is $10.36 - what a steal!

What a bargain!

I don't like to jinx myself by buying things ahead of when they're needed, (like show stuff - I am not buying a shadbelly, no matter how good the sale), but when I saw that the Second Level Whinny Widget was on sale, I didn't even hesitate. I have all of the USDF tests on one of my website's pages, but I am getting tired of having to open the page every time I want to know how a movement is ridden at Second Level. At $10.30, I think I can afford a bit of an impulse buy!

I actually need this.

And that's where I am stopping. I did have a bunch of other stuff in the cart, but I put it all back on the shelf and showed some restraint. Do you remember how I said that if I had money left at the end of the month I was going to upgrade Speedy's USDF Horse ID to a Lifetime Registration Number? Well, there's money left, but not if I blow it all on stuff that I don't actually NEED.

Besides that, my husband is looking for Christmas gift ideas and my birthday is a week after Christmas. I've already told my husband what I want, so hopefully these two things will be either under the tree or wrapped in birthday paper.

Merry Christmas?

The Black Friday sale price for the cart is $51.16 - I think I almost need two!

No explanation needed.

I shouldn't have to even explain why I want these. I mean look at them. Yes, I know that both Speedy and Izzy already have full sets, but these would be for the warm up ring at shows. And after much debate, I decided that I want black fleece with black gloss. These will look stunning against Speedy's white coat. He wears a small in front and mediums in the back. When you buy two or more, the Black Friday sale price is $28.76 - at that price I'd be tempted to also buy them in Silver with white fleece (hint hint!).

Can't have too many of these.

And of course, you can't have too many of these. Gift cards are always welcomed gifts, especially when they're for the Riding Warehouse.

Now I just need my friends and family to send me links for their own Black Friday wish lists. Did you resist, or is your cart full of awesome deals?

6 Comments

Spend and Get it Back!

11/6/2015

9 Comments

I wish my bank account's level of funds matched my level of enthusiasm for the Riding Warehouse. I truly love shopping with those ladies. The reality is that I only make so much money which means I can't have everything I want. And in truth, I already have everything that I need. That doesn't stop me from looking though.

How awesome is this deal?!?!?!

Sadly, I won't be participating in Riding Warehouse's current super cool deal. Womp, womp. I don't think I've mentioned this yet, but we're saving for next summer's vacation - two weeks in Italy. We've purchased our flights, but there are a lot of expenses still to cover.

Internet Photo

If I were going to shop right now, there are more than a few things I've been eye-balling such as ...

The Passport Double Back Fleece Dressage Saddle Pad features a plush fleece lining on the upper half of the pad underside that absorbs shock and relieves pressure points along the horse's back. A smooth quilted cotton top offers a traditional look while the ergonomic high wither design provides ample clearance for the natural shape of the horse's back and withers. $50 - black.

The Zephyr Mesh Show Coat, brought to you by FITS, is the most revolutionary show coat on the market! Constructed from FITS' unique Power Mesh fabric, this coat is a combination of breathable, stretchy, and opaque to keep you comfortable in the saddle. A single layer of mesh fabric is used along the underarm panels for extreme ventilation, two layers are used throughout the body to maximize air flow but keep you covered, and three layers are used on the collar and lapels to give a professional and tailored look. On sale for $265 - size medium.

The Original Patent Dressage Sport Boots offer technical features and materials to ensure that your horse's most important assets stay safe and sound all season. Lined with plush fleece for shock absorption and comfort, the Original DSB is built with a rugged vinyl exterior with a puncture and abrasion-resistant Coverlight™ strike plate. Coverlight™ also boasts full waterproof and anti-fungal qualities to maximize protection and durability. $35.95 a pair when you buy two pair - silver/small & medium.

There is more of course, so much more, but I am not greedy. Maybe Santa's a bit bored this morning and has been catching up on his blogroll. In any case, maybe you've got a bit of money to spend ... hope you find something you like!

9 Comments

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.

July 2017 - Photo by Sue Dockweiler

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:

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

USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award
Score 1 -
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 …
4/14-15/18 El Sueno (***)
5/12-13/18 El Sueno (***)
5/27/18 Tehachapi (*)
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)

Just Stop It!

Fly Season

Cart It Around

Romfh Bling Coat

Thank You, SmartPak and USEF!

Well, Hello There!

Christmas Wish List

Spend and Get it Back!

About the
Writer & Rider

About Speedy G

About Izzy

National Awards

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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