New Helmet, New Pad ... And Oh, So pretty!

Four years ago, I bought the Ovation Glitz helmet. Back then, I was worried that the bling would just be too much. I need not have worried. ​I loved this helmet from the second I saw it.

Current helmet when it was new - the Ovation Glitz

I have the Romfh Bling Show Coat in navy (which I LOVE) and have been hankering for a navy helmet to wear with it. As luck would have it, Riding Warehouse started carrying the Ovation Glitz helmets in both black and navy. I had to order one. ​

New helmet with black buckles and straps.

A few weeks ago, a friend shared a Riding Warehouse coupon code for 20% off (RWJA - good through 9/1/18). That's a big savings for something that you already want. The list price of the helmet was $99.95, but with the discount and free shipping, the price dropped to around $80. For a helmet this pretty, that's a steal!

It fits perfectly in the helmet bag that I won from my CDS chapter (Thanks, Tracy!).

As I was looking at my cart however, I decided to maximize the 20% discount and toss in something else that I've wanted to try - a gray pad for my "dingy" grey Arab. Moderately priced gray pads are not easy to find. I opted for the Horze Bristol Dressage Pad. At just under $20, it's no big deal if I don't love it for Speedy.

The jury is still out on whether I like it or not.

Ultimately, I want to replace my current gray show coat (ahem ... shrinkage?) with another one. The Montar Ava Show Coat has been calling my name for a while, but I've resisted. At $138.95, it strikes me as a bargain. In styling, it is nearly identical to the Romfh, but it's missing a feature that I am not sure I can live without - the hidden front zipper.

It's not that the jacket is that expensive, but I did just buy the helmet and pad. On top of that, I am cramming in four shows in the next month:

• A CDS show on Sunday ($100 for the entry plus gas)
• A two-day USDF show the next weekend ($481 for the entry plus gas, a lesson, and a coaching fee).
• The Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) which came out to $560 plus gas, a lesson, two days of coaching, and my share of the house we're renting (super fun, but $$$$$).
• I am doing another CDS show two weeks after RAAC ($100 for the entry plus gas and coaching).

​Like every equestrian, I need a money tree. Or, I could quit shopping online. Nah.