Is It Show Season Yet?

1/9/2019

With all this talk about flying changes and half pass, my "Let's Show!" motor got revving. Forget that just a few months ago I was exhausted and grateful to be done showing for the year. What's wrong with me?

Last week, I got a couple of long anticipated packages delivered which inspired me to dig out my show coats from the trailer. Once I had those home, I pulled out all of my whites and laid everything out on my bed. I gave what needed it a good laundering, which was most of it, and then set to work reevaluating fit and style.

But first .. this is what came in the mail.

Oh my gosh is it ever DIVINE!

You might remember that post where I listed the things I would like for Christmas. Sure enough, my mother-in-law felt compelled to send a little cash my way for Christmas. I don't think the money even made it into my wallet before I had my order placed.

Once it arrived and I tried it on, my level of satisfaction shot way past my original expectations. This thing is just WOW! I liked it so much that I turned around and ordered it in maroon. With two new show shirts waiting in the wings, I re-examined my three show coats and breeches.

Oh yes I did!

I may have mentioned this before, but I just got through losing almost 35 pounds. It took me six months, but I feel so much better. Being thinner is a bit of a double-edged sword however. I lost two to three sizes, which is great, but it also means that most of my clothes no longer fit. That includes my breeches. Two pair of my white breeches fit, but I use that term loosely (haha - see what I did there? Loosely!). I have already ordered a white pair for showing, and two for schooling.

On the other hand, things that I had long grown out of, now fit! Things like my black and gray show coats. It has almost been like getting to go shopping for free!

Although quite suitable for an intro level rider, I don't think the black coat will be making an appearance at Third Level.

All last season I shopped for a gray coat, but I couldn't find anything that I liked as well as the one I already had (which didn't fit). While it doesn't have any technical features like vented fabric or breathable material, it's still attractive, and best of all, it fits!

I think that 2015 was the last season that it fit me.

I tried it on with the maroon shirt and knew I had a winning combo. With my black helmet - although I may order another black Ovation Glitz, I think it will be a good option for two-day shows, particularly once coats are waived.

I'd rather have a gray coat with technical features, but this one will do.

My favorite combo is of course my Romfh coat with my navy Ovation Glitz helmet and the new navy Romfh show shirt. What's not to like? The jacket is loaded with technical features: it's stretchy, vented, lightweight, and as an added bonus, it sparkles.

LOVE it!

Before I even washed any of my clothes though, I gave my boots a good cleaning. I had found them discarded on the floor of my trailer caked in dirt from this past August. I am a little embarrassed about that. Good news though, after losing a bit of weight, they zipped right up!

So, let's get to showing. I am ready! ... well ready might be over-stating things as my trainer would probably say. How about just looking good?

lytha

1/9/2019 07:45:15 am

I wanted to say that I'm pleased with my purchase of that super expensive 12 foot lead line that you recommended. I got it filthy recently (by using it as a harness and letting the donkey pull me and Mag up hills - really, she was that motivated and he was that lazy). Then my husband removed the snap and I washed it in the washing machine. It looks great!

I am very upset about Irideon's new model of Wind Pro breeches - I have only worn them this Winter and they already have a hole in the knee patch, cuz the knee patch material is this weird fuzz that collects all things (hay). Also they tried to save money by having a thin material below the knee, so you must wear tall boots or half chaps all the time, or else your lower legs freeze. I wrote Riding Warehouse a review - hopefully Irideon will realize its error - the last Wind Pros I had lasted 10 Winters.

Bakersfield Dressage link

1/31/2019 05:37:34 pm

Glad you liked the lead rope. I love mine and have at least half a dozen of them. About the breeches. Almost all of the newer breaches here have what is called a sock bottom. As you described the part below the knee is of a thinner material. Most riders, myself included, like this better because it creates less bulk under tall boots. Do you think that's what the WindPros have done?

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Not-So-Speedy Dressage