Thank You!

Earlier in the week I wrote about Izzy's Show Kit and about the new pad I wanted to order for schooling at shows. Almost immediately two of you jumped in and gave me some great tips. One of the reasons I enjoy blogging is that it provides such a great opportunity to connect with other riders. All of us have an experience or tip to share no matter our level of riding.

One of the things I mentioned wanting to try was lavender. Lucy, a rider that I met at Horse Expo in Sacramento, mentioned that she thought lavender was banned from USEF sanctioned events. We chatted via Messenger, but because of her ideas, I started investigating ways to utilize lavender that didn't involve actually putting any on Izzy's skin. That search led me to HorseScents.

HorseScents makes a product that attaches to a halter or noseband of the horse's bridle. Attached to the strap is a pouch filled with dried lavender. They offer a variety of designs and black or brown leather. Since the lavender doesn't come in contact with the skin, it won't show up on a blood draw or urine sample. Of course, if attached to the bridle, it would need to be removed before entering the show ring. Each pouch lasts for approximately a month. You can sign up for an auto-refill, but the re-fills are a bit pricey. The whole pouch is expensive actually.

Riding Warehouse carries this fleece noseband for $12.95.

Before spending a hundred bucks and then another $35 each month, I need to see if Izzy even responds to lavender. I'm thinking about giving the whole thing a try via a much cheaper, if slightly messier, option. I want to buy a fleece noseband, although I think I might already have one, and a small vial of lavender essential oil. A few drops on the noseband might tell me whether Izzy likes lavender or not. If he does, the ScentStrap might really be what we need.

So thank you, Lucy!

The second great tip I got came from Nikki. After reading my post about the out-of-stock LeMieux pad, she instantly shared that Schneiders had the pad in stock for a cheaper price! Not only was it cheaper, shipping was free, and I earned a $20 gift certificate to spend on a later purchase. Didn't I just say I wanted to buy a fleece noseband and an ear bonnet to muffle sound? Needless to say, the pad is on its way to Bakersfield, California, arriving sometime between November 30th and December3.

Thank you, Nikki!

And Schneiders? No worries, I can wait.