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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Money to Burn

1/8/2018

 
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
Amanda Chance link
1/8/2018 06:41:29 am

I just bought those breeches with my gift card! I've loved my aqua X knee patch, especially in the heat, so I decided it was time to try full seats again (I've always hated them before). I actually liked these! They're comfortable and I didn't feel super restricted like I've felt in some other brands.

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/8/2018 07:27:09 am

Good to know! I would really like to buy them, but I don't have enough money to buy everything I want. AND, I need a new stock tie, too. :0) I haven't completed the order because I can't figure out what has to go!!!!

Kelly link
1/8/2018 01:50:56 pm

I vote you nix the breeches. Sounds like they could wait for a later purchase. Maybe you keep an eye on them- I bet they go on a good sale at some point!

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/9/2018 05:05:39 am

I agree, Kelly, although I am trying to find a way to squeeze them in. :0)

Elinor link
1/8/2018 10:17:12 pm

If you buy the pants I want a review!!!
I'm thinking of the Romfh Isabella. Never tried silicon yet.... Must be cooler than full seat!!!

And, you DO sharpen the blades right?!!! No need to buy new all the time. Our feed store has a guy who does them and you pay a fee of some $14 Or so. Just slow turnaround time. Just saying :)
I only need two pairs, the 10, and then the really wide 20 ultra edge which is unbeatable for the body...

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/9/2018 05:08:10 am

"If" I get them, of course I'll share my thoughts. :0)

I can't find anyone around here who sharpens blades. And at $20 for blades, it doesn't seem worth it to sharpen them. I save them however in case I find a magical blade sharpener that makes it worth the cost. I've only ever needed the 10 blade because I rarely shave any body parts - just bridle paths, the jaw, and fetlocks. :0)

Elinor Yee link
1/9/2018 01:37:47 pm

Yep, the 10 is good for that.
Each year, I find I body clip a little more. This year, I did a second clip on New Years Eve, the largest trace clip yet. She seems a lot more comfortable as she is such a sweaty girl other wise. But phew,, getting off all that hair, what work! :)

nicko
1/16/2018 08:50:21 am

hi

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/17/2018 05:08:20 am

Hi, Nicko, but get back to work. :0)


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I 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.
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    Photo by Lori Ovanessian

    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy 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.
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    July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)

    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 showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

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    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
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    National Rider Awards

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    Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
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    Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

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Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home