Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
Christmas brought lots of gift cards and special deals. The last of the orders have finally trickled in, and I am ready to start using a few new things.
My newest purchases (not my money, remember, gift cards!) were two new Kerrits shirts and a brush bag. I tore into the box, eager to try on my new riding shirts. Most of my tops are from Target's active wear section, which is fine, but they don't have the same style that Kerrits brings. The first shirt is very nice; it's a long sleeve Ventilator in wheat with a contrasting floral collar. It's going to the Christian Schacht Clinic. It fits perfectly and will look slightly better than my running shirts as it has a nice collar. The second shirt, a short sleeve Ventilator in black didn't fit. In fact, it was so small that I couldn't even get it over my head! My husband laughed when I held it up. Did you order a kid size? he asked. Fearing that he might be right, I quickly looked at the tag. Nope, it was right, but there was no way that it was really a medium. Serious disappointment. I got on the phone to Dover and explained the problem. After some back and forth, I decided that I didn't want to risk reordering the black one as maybe the whole batch was funky. I opted to get a white one, which I already have and like. I asked if Dover would cover the shipping as it seemed as though the product was defective. I kind of expected a bit of a hassle, but no, the customer service representative said he would send a shipping label with the replacement shirt. So just to make sure I understood, I said, so you'll charge my credit card for the replacement, but give me a credit once the first shirt has been received. The customer service rep said, no, we're just sending you the shirt. Try it on, and if it fits keep it. If it doesn't fit return it with the other one so you don't have to pay for shipping in the event that it doesn't fit either. Wow! That's great customer service. I know Smartpak pays shipping both ways, but I really appreciated that Dover stepped up to minimize my cost when the mistake wasn't even theirs. Good customer service is my number one criteria when shopping. I will even pay more if I know a company will treat me well and take care of me when I have a problem. Dover Saddlery, you are awesome! Click to enlarge.
Karen
1/17/2013 10:57:38 am
I need a sleeveless one, too! And yes, Dover is pretty easy to work with. I love Smartpak, but they don't always have the same selection as Dover. Dover is getting a lot, lot better. I bought a pair of tall boots from them in the $200 range that ended up falling apart in less than 3 months. They were in horrible shape (see falling apart) and I talked to customer service asking them if they would take them back. They took them back no questions asked and credited my account the full amount.
Karen
1/17/2013 11:02:22 am
Nice! But how frustrating to have such an expensive pair of "shoes" be so poorly made!
Karen
1/17/2013 11:03:09 am
I need an Icefil ... There's only so much money though. :0) Let me know if it is worth the price! Comments are closed.
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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
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