Speedy to Get Some Bling?

1/12/2014

Really?!

I know, hard to fathom. I am the queen of very plain black and white. My pal, Cha Ching's mom, laughed at my Nike Fuel band (definitely a blog post coming about THAT). Of course it's the black one, she teased. It comes in many colors and styles, but Hubby (smartly) chose the unobtrusive black one for me.

So why the bling now?

Well, I had a crappy day. Really crappy. Some retail therapy was in order, and a reader (Okay, it was AMANDA!) simply stated that Speedy needed some bling. Except she used much cooler vernacular and basically proved that I am clearly a dodgy old lady … and a conservative one at that!

So after boo-hooing for a bit, remember that I had had a very bad day, I decided to order Speedy some BLING in the form of a browband. But since this is me, dodgy old lady, I chose the most conservative one that I could find. But, bling is bling. Right?

Plymouth Decorated Browband by SmartPak - "Funky Clincher in Black"

I had to start with clinchers. There was no way I could go for crystals. Nope. Ain't happening. Yet. The day may come, but for now, this is the best I can do.

I mentioned the other day that I had bought Speedy his own Micklem Bridle. I should have been a bit more clear. I ordered him a Micklem. It has yet to arrive. So, my thinking is that if I am doing a new bridle, maybe I should bling it up a bit at the same time. Hopefully, the new Micklem will arrive at the same time as the quasi-blingy brow band.

Watch out world - I am getting my crazy ON!

Hillary link

1/12/2014 01:29:38 am

I can totally lament with the traditional conservative style. I started out in hunterland so the fact that I have colored saddle pads (who says white, navy, and black aren't colors?!) and breeches that aren't only tan and have segmented leather on the butt (talk about wild-FITS) was a huge step. I'm not quite ready for bling though. I'm not sure if that's ever going to happen but if it does I'll only do it when I have have one of those awesome brow bands that this lady on COTH some of them are drool worthy. But for now plain leather it is because 200+ for a browband is just absurd. Maybe if I ever graduate from beginner novice ha. Sorry for the novel. Basically the point is I'm 23 and I can be a part of the fuddy dud old lady clan if avoiding bling is a requirement ;)

Interested to see how speedy likes his new bridle!

Bakersfield Dressage link

1/12/2014 02:03:35 am

Very funny stuff, Hillary! Welcome to the club?!

I am also QUITE conservative with money, not just in my tack choices, hence, the brow band for under $25. I may get what I paid for, but it came highly reviewed.

No WAY I was going to pay $100 - $200 for a really ritzy browband. Besides, Speedy scratches his face ferociously on his legs when I hop off. I didn't like the picture of me digging through arena sand to find my missing bling!

Amanda link

1/12/2014 09:16:54 am

I like the clincher brow bands. I don't really have any bling either but as an eventer I do have some color to my gear.

Btw, is the Micklem dressage legal? I've read conflicting reports.

1/12/2014 09:27:39 am

Even when I rode endurance, I didn't get too crazy with my colors. My riding clothes, yes, but my tack was all electric blue and black until it was all eventually black. A precursor to what was to come? :0)

Yes, the Micklem is FEI and USEF approved. Here is the text from the USEF dressage portion of the rule book (there is even a picture of the bridle): DR121.6 - Micklem Bridle. Permitted for use at any level where snaffles are permitted. Not permitted for use as a double bridle. Bit clips may not be used with this bridle.

I've heard that it's not legal for the hunter/jumpers, but I don't know under which rule book they operate. I am FASTIDIOUS about the dressage rules so I keep a current PDF copy on my website.

Tori link

1/12/2014 09:48:55 am

Nice! I love the bling...I have a swaravski browband on my Micklem and I love the look. I am a big fan of clinchers too!

1/12/2014 09:57:16 am

I looked through your year end post and saw a photo of a horse in the snow (wearing a Micklem that looks to be pretty sparkly). Is that your brow band? If so, how do you keep it from getting banged up?

Jessica @ The Georgia Horse link

1/12/2014 10:21:55 am

Bling IS bling! Who knows... Speedy might enjoy it. Bling can be contagious if you're not careful :)

1/12/2014 10:28:17 am

Funny thing … the new bridle and browband prompted me to order tee new monogrammed dressage pads this afternoon. I asked Cha Ching's Mom if that counted as "bling." She laughed, but hey! For me, it's forward progress. You're right … there might be a contagious factor indeed. :0)

Amanda

1/12/2014 11:59:09 am

Hah! I am *always* up for encouraging (peer pressuring) peeps to spend some cash. And I do love spending money on things that sparkle. I know this was a big step for you, lol. Just wait. Next year I'll have Speedy G in some REAL bling and maybe some for you, too ;-) For now, I'm proud.

1/13/2014 09:18:27 pm

But wait, there's more! I then ordered two monogrammed dressage pads. That was another big step for me. I usually hate the whole matchy-matchy thing, but … more to come! :0)

SprinklerBandit

1/13/2014 03:50:45 am

I love rice clinchers! Very good choice.

1/13/2014 09:19:50 pm

I hope they actually last as I am using the browband on my everyday bridle. If they start falling off, I'll have to investigate "sturdier" bling!

1/14/2014 01:37:19 am

I am relatively conservative, though happy to add color when I spy something fun. I love the look of those clincher browbands - the first horse I leased had one, and it looked so great on him. It was brass, and he was a brown/seal bay with reddish highlights. Tris has so much going on with this coat color that I tend to avoid bling now but maybe someday I will have a plain horse that I can pretty up!

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Not-So-Speedy Dressage