Wednesday, June 26, 2019

all the things, shopping + a zebra

Summer is HERE, yo. Maryland very recently decided to get with the Heat+Humidity program, after what was honestly a pretty mild and enjoyable spring. We've had enough rain to keep the ground from being too too hard (and luckily not nearly as much rain as last year, dear god), but it's still pretty dry out there.

my pet cat + my pet turkey. guess which is which haha
Which, ya know. Is fine by me. It's been a quiet few days around here as Charlie worked through his brief mandated post-stifle-injections stall rest.

Every vet seems to be a little different in how much (if any) stall rest they want for the horses, and I think it depends on the exact formulation they used in the injections. This vet wanted roughly three days, but basically unlimited (controlled) hand walking and grazing during that period.

what do you do when you can't ride? obvi work on your gif editing #skillz lol
Which was perhaps a good thing. Charlie has historically been pretty good about stall rest. But he's also historically had stall rest for REASONS. Like, ya know, when he had surgery on that god forsaken splint. In retrospect, I'm guessing he understood that he didn't feel well or that he was hurting, and so the stall rest suited him at that time.

farewell trail ride for a longtime friend and young rider, off to pursue her dreams!
For this, tho, it's not like he was sick or injured or anything like that. Nothing felt bad. We just wanted to give the joint juice a chance to settle or something, I guess. So maybe from Charlie's perspective he couldn't understand his confinement. And homeboy was PISSED lol.

tho naturally it can't be a group trail ride through the overgrown jungle without at least a little fuckery haha
Thank god that's over haha, and we're getting back into business now. We even finally got the pads on up front earlier this week. Tho it was a bit early in the shoeing cycle so the trim is a bit short. My guess is Charlie might continue to be a little sore on those tootsies for perhaps a few more days, but that's ok.

They finally (FINALLY) got all our xc jumps moved back out into the fields this week too, after they'd been sitting in a pile out front since coming home from Shawan in May ugh. Charlie's happy to go wandering around on the relatively softer grassy fields while I scope everything out and fantasize about jumping all the things haha.

oooooooh is pretty Verhan!!! i'm all about those half blocks, yo
Meanwhile, I've done what every reasonable horse person does when their horse is laid up: SHOPPED!! Obviously, at first slightly ambitiously haha -- like when this gorgeous Verhan dressage saddle came home with me on trial from Maryland Saddlery.

The thing looks brand new, is 18", currently set at a medium tree but is apparently fully adjustable, plus has those half blocks that I love so much.

back before vet bills, when i was feeling good about making foolish choices haha
The actual trial ride tho was.... Meh, kinda disappointing. Probably not helped by the fact that it was one of our last rides before the vet appt and I was already feeling kinda blue about Charlie shuffling around in a massively uninspiring way.

But also, the twist on this saddle felt pretty wide. At first I thought that could be an advantage bc of how it helps me re-position my pelvis (sitting more back on my seat bones instead of perching forward). As the ride went on, tho, it became more clear that this saddle would be going back. Oh well, at least trying all the things is helping my butt get more educated!

ok these are more my price range now haha -- instead of plugging your stud holes you can use these screw-in caulks
Obviously tho, returning the saddle meant another trip to Maryland Saddlery. Where I continue to have an extremely plush store credit account after that whole "KonMari my tack trunk" thing wherein I consigned a fuck ton of old junk, basically all of which sold. Yasssss.

coulda sworn i picked up some small flat road studs a while ago, but either i didn't or i lost them, womp. got 'em now tho!
I'm always fascinated by little mechanical odds ends and gadgets, esp little pieces of hardware. So even tho I still feel like a complete newb when it comes to all things stud-related, I still love poring over the stuff.

The barn mate I went on that hunter trials with had those screw-in caulks plugging her mare's stud holes instead of the typical rubber or cotton plugs. Apparently they just go in and out with the included hex tool?

Anyway, I was intrigued, so when I saw them for like $2.50 at the consignment shop, obvi they came home with me. Ditto the set of simple small flat road studs. This kinda bugged me a bit bc I'm like 97.5% sure I bought a similar set last time I was there, but can't for the life of me find them. Oh well. They were also just like $2.50 so nbd. This style stud is good for riding on roads (per the name, obvi), but also in instances where the ground is rock hard.

the pink rubber nunn finer spur straps are fun, but for $6 a pair of simple brown leather straps were a no brainer
Next up was a standard pair of brown leather spur straps. When I first got my lovely new QHP Sophia brown tall boots, I thought maybe the above pink rubber Nunn Finer straps would be fun while also being kinda less visible on the light brown.

In reality, tho, they're kinda chunky and stood out more than I expected. So these brown straps will be better for shows and stuff, I think. I do like the rubber Nunn Finers tho - they are SUPER easy and require zero maintenance. So they'll stick around for fun, or if for whatever reason I ever decide to have a second pair of spurs aside from these nudgers.

would have preferred buckle ends, but it's not every day you find such a nice set of 60" rubber reins for $25
Last little bit of equipment was a new set of reins. I've been low key browsing new reins for a while now, but so far have resisted temptation. My giant rubber Stubbens on our competition jump bridle are slowly dying, but they're at that weird sticky rubbery phase that actually helps me hang on to them well right now haha. Plus they're CRAZY long.

My schooling bridle tho just has a pair of beat up laced reins that's missing a keeper on the hook end. Plus they're not quiiiiite long enough for Charlie's brontosaurus neck (neither are my dressage reins, for that matter). So anything I picked up would have to definitely be long enough. Hopefully these 60" brand new rubber reins will do the trick!

who is even shaped like this?? i tried them on for shits and giggles haha, but dear god, no pictures
Anyway. Moving right on along. I'm really not much of an apparel girl. Most of my tops I get from the active wear section of stores like Marshalls. You can get stuff that looks identical to the cute Noble Outfitters tops but at a fraction of the price. That's a no-brainer.

I do like browsing the sections tho, and am always on the look out for the perfect pair of whites. The above were, uh, NOT that haha. I think they're Kingslands or something euro like that? Lol..

assuming i ever go to a horse show again, i've got the clothes for it!
I've wanted a new sleeveless show shirt tho ever since I picked up the new RJ Essentials show coat with mesh sleeves. Again I hate spending a lot of money on stuff like this, esp white stuff that I'm probably going to ruin with stains and poor #laundryskills within the first four times of wearing it....

But this Kerrits ice fill shirt was reasonable enough (esp considering it was paid for by all that KonMari junk lol) plus I like the cute collar pattern. It's getting reserved exclusively for recognized shows tho. If, ahem, any ever happen. Sigh.

plus who could resist a brand new pair of full seats from consignment for $36!?!
Almost by mistake I spied these Devon Aire breeches in my size out of the corner of my eye. I like the pocket detailing, the full seats, plus the silicone knee grips. And the color - stony mossy mineral-y type colors are kinda my jam lol, esp if they're on the darker side of taupe.

These have a slightly lower rise than I quite prefer, but for the price, I'm fine with slapping a belt on them and calling it a day. Esp considering I'm still rebuilding my breeches collection after finally losing all the weight gained following breaking my leg.... Bleh.

anyway. i told you there would be a zebra, right? saw this on my evening barn commute haha
Anyway lol. There were a few other odds and ends I picked up. An actual Noble Outfitters top that is suuuuuuper cute, and brand new yet steeply discounted bc #consignment4lyfe. No pictures yet tho. Also a new pinny holder bc mine somehow vanished, womp. No pictures of that either. It's a pinny holder tho. Not super exciting lol.

grazing with the ponies <3
I'm excited to start putting some of this stuff to use tho. I'm thinking I'll put the stud caulks in Charlie's front shoes asap, since those shoes just got replaced and the threads are fresh. The farrier ran out of time for the hinds, but will do them in a couple days. Then I'll get the caulks in those too.

Has anyone else ever used them instead of more traditional plugs? Did you like them? Did they become a pain to get in and out if the hex holes get very clogged?

twu wuv!
The reins will hopefully go on my schooling bridle asap so I can start conditioning my poor fingers to fresh rubber nubs haha. For whatever reason I fell off the gloves bandwagon and prefer to ride bare handed now. Tho perhaps these will change my mind? We'll see.

The new schooling apparel will also obvi go into rotation immediately. The show stuff will have to wait tho, le sigh. I was so super stoked that they finally set up our home xc course ahead of the recognized HT a little later this summer. That event was sketched roughly into my plan for the year, but alas I just learned the course closes to competitors 6wks out from competition.

charlie may think this life ain't so bad.... but i think we're both missing the xc a little bit haha
That leaves me with the choice of either doing the home show OR being able to school to my heart's delight throughout the next month and a half. Considering the vet straight up told me I don't jump my horse often enough, more schooling is definitely a high priority. So.... Unfortunately I think the trade off isn't worth it to do the show. Bummer. We can do the starter trials later in the summer tho, maybe.

Of course this is all assuming my horse is ever sound again haha. One can dream, right?? Does anyone else like to go off the deep end with shopping whenever your horse is laid up? Do you like to try to keep things practical and reasonable, or would you have gone whole hog and bought the damn saddle too?? Lol...




45 comments:

  1. Cats <3
    I must fully come clean that I went off the deep end after a visit a couple weeks ago from a saddle fitter who said she could 'probably' fix my saddle to work for Bravo but to definitely NOT ride in it as it is... so naturally I did the smart, rational thing and went and bought a new used saddle that fits him but I've yet to ride in. I currently own 4 dressage saddles and I own 1 horse. Want an Albion SLK high head? I'd make ya a killer deal! lol ;)
    You made some pretty wise shopping decisions though, and resisted the temptation of the impulse saddle...teach me your ways!!

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    1. lolol solidarity girlfriend. i *also* own four saddles for one horse.... tho in fairness, two are jump saddles and two are dressage. my bates jump saddle i'm never ever ever selling for anything less than at least 4-5x what it's actually worth haha, bc to me it's basically solid gold. the bates dressage saddle tho is pitifully for neglected sale. womp, any takers?!?

      so. yea. in other words i fully support your decisions haha. and re: the albion, what are the specs??? asking #4afriend ;P

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  2. I tend to shop when I can't ride so winter is bad (or good, depending on your perspective). If Carmen was laid up right now I'd be a little crazy because the season is so damn short. I'm glad that Charlie has his feet protected now. I bet he'll feel his ol' self soon.

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    1. ugh right?? like time off is all relative depending on the time of year lol. which actually i don't really mind a quiet time in mid summer since it gets so hot and i'd rather be guns blazing when fall rolls around, since that's our best time of year.

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  3. I love the collar details on that shirt! Super cute.

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    1. me too - i'm eager for an excuse to wear it!! :D

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  4. Cats <3

    Nice haul! I love consignment stuff...some great deals to be had. We don't have many places around here any more for that. *sigh* I have a nice credit at my local tack shop from a blanket that I bought and returned #guilt #bucas... I've been good tho, using the credit for must-haves like fly spray and mini grazing muzzles!

    I tend to get a little crazy at Congress. I buy all kinds of show gear that I think I might need if I were to ever show riding classes again...lol

    And, I own 3 saddles for one horse and haven't ridden in a year. Yikes. I don't even know how many bridles I have. Should maybe do a clean-up/konmari on my stuff!

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    1. lol there's no shame in a big bridle game haha. i may or may not have 4 active bridles in regular rotation for my single horse!! bc obvi haha.

      agreed tho about trying to use that store credit for practical stuff. this particular tack shop unfortunately doesn't sell big ticket items like keratex otherwise probably all the credit would go to that LOL. still tho, it's fun to browse and pick up little things here and there, slowly but surely undoing all that progress i made with the KonMari clean up ;)

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  5. I have been dying to just fill my horsey life with new things. Thanks for letting me live vicariously through you. ;-)

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    1. ha i feel you. i don't do a ton of shopping but there's something very satisfying about picking up a couple new things here and there, even for my ruthlessly practical heart haha

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  6. I know it's probably just the angle but that second saddle photo (it by itself not the two side by side) makes it look like the blocks are like half the saddle lol

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    1. lol yea --- actually they *are* half blocks, if you are referring to them only coming halfway down the saddle. they're meant to stop above the rider's knee. my problem with full blocks is that while i'm not a tall rider, my thighs are perhaps a little disproportionately long. so i want to jam my knee into the block, pushing my seat out the back of the saddle. half blocks give me a lot more freedom to let my leg hang without bracing.

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  7. I've been shopping lately too, lol. Maybe it's the heat?

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    1. the heat and the time out of the saddle ;)

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  8. I've used the screw in plugs and love them! Use WD-40 to keep them from rusting into place. If that happens, nothing but the farrier can save you. Before you head out for a show, give them a test to make sure they will all come right out. At the show, they make life so easy. Take them out, stud goes right in. I never used rubber or cotton plugs.

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    1. oh nice! my barn mate felt equally passionate about them, but you know how it goes - ask two horse people, get three answers lol. good to know about the WD40 too. it's a key part of my stud kit and process already, but i actually hadn't considered the increased rust factor for caulks that stay in the shoe full-time, vs studs that are only ever in for no more than an hour or so.

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  9. I love vicarious shopping, especially as I have been not on a spending freeze but... I kinda actually have everything I need for right now. Which is boring.

    When I had Indy's SI's injected she said he could go on full turnout right away. I was kinda shocked; every time I've had hocks/coffins/etcetc done, there was at least 3 days stall rest. I asked her and she said it has more to do with they don't want the joint getting infected since they are kinda creating a big hole right into the joint. so SI's (on top of the ass) are low risk for getting poop germs up there.

    Or something.

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    1. see that's so interesting -- i've used two vets for hocks and both let charlie go back out either immediately, or after like half a day in. they've told me that the joint capsule seals back up after the injection usually in minutes if not faster, and definitely by the time the drugs wear off.

      one of the pros at my barn suggested the stall rest had more to do with what type of formula was used. like some more aggressive formulas might require extra time for the inflammation to go back down again? honestly tho i don't really know. i just figure, if i'm paying the vet the big bucks, i'm gonna follow their directions to a T. esp since my goal here is to make the injection last, vs trying to get back up to speed as quickly as possible.

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    2. why do they all say different shit????????? can we got some standardization on that ish.

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    3. in reply:

      https://xkcd.com/927/


      lololol......

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  10. Yay for shopping! All of those look good!

    It really is so true about injections! My vet usually says stall rest for the first 24 hrs after injection, then light movement (like walking and such) for 2 days and then get back to work. I guess everyone is really different!

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    1. in a way i kinda appreciate that there's often so much variability in what different professionals recommend - makes me feel a little more secure in the idea that i'm probably *not* going to fuck everything up by doing something wrong lol ;)

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  11. Ok so I am the most boring frugal person ever. I have 1 saddle and 1 bridle. And my favorite thing ever is the clearance section at the Smartpak retail store. My breeches are all hand-me-downs, consignment or clearance. I am just super frugal.... Buuut I do spend a buttload on board, shoes and lessons, sooooooo. There's that :)

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    1. omg i am 1,000% with you on the frugal / sales / clearance / used / consignment / hand-me-down lifestyle haha. that describes baaaaaasically everything i own, horse-wise. even everything above -- it always amazes me that Maryland Saddlery gets so much brand new stuff filtered into their consignment section, i guess it's all overstock? not entirely sure but they always have a ton of Kerrits and Irideon stuff. not all of it is so discounted but every now and then i get lucky.

      but yea, the board, lessons, shoes, feed, etc.... that's really where the money goes lol. the rest of this stuff is just fun. tho i admit to being pretty pleased that all the above was basically transformed out of my spring cleaning junk pile too haha - maybe Marie Kondo is onto something!

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    2. Best thing ever is the Smartpak Retail Store clearance section! You would love it!!! If you ever head up this way, let me know and we'll go bargain hunting ;)

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    3. omg YES haha i would love to see that store! honestly when i first found out there was an actual bricks and mortar smartpak store i kinda immediately got super jealous. i've trained myself to resist the impulsive temptation of online clearance sections but make zero promises when actually confronted with all that stuff in the flesh haha. plus, ya know, visiting would be cool too ;)

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  12. After the very long hiatus I had over the past few years, I now own like six pairs of custom boots... So yeah. Retail therapy is a thing!
    Good finds though! I wish we had a great consignment shop around here.
    Hope Charlie is all patched up and ready to go soon!

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    1. we are so lucky to have these awesome shops --- i love the Maryland Saddlery so so so so so much more than the local Dover and go there probably 4-5x more often (tho i do like our dover too). apparently their delaware location is even nicer since it's surrounded by a bit more of an upscale clientele too

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  13. Ohhhh great finds!! We don't have much of a consignment market around here and it makes me really sad. I'm ridiculously frugal in most ways and that would make life so much easier!

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    1. for sure - the consignment section really helps in multiple ways: esp in that i'm less likely to be impulsive shopping elsewhere bc i know there are such good deals to be had at this place. it's definitely an advantage!

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  14. I used to love the screw in caulk hole things. I kept a nail in my caulk it to use to pick out the stuff that accumulated in the hole so that I could get the hex key in. I tended to leave my caulk holes unplugged and would clean them and put the plugs in a couple of days before the show. I vaguely recall getting a small stone jammed in the little hole a couple of times and having a hard time getting it out so that I could use the hex key, so I don't know if I would leave them in full-time. But they were great at shows as they kept the holes nice and clean and tapped!

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    1. I kept the nail in my caulk kit! In the caulk would be very bad.

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    2. i've got a nail in my kit too -- actually Nunn Finer includes shoe nails with all their packages of stud plugs. it's such a nice touch haha, esp bc it's often obviously rolled up by hand in scrap paper that often has notes and stuff scrawled on it lol. i find tho that the nail doesn't give me the leverage i need, so i more often use the stabby jabby spike thing that has a handle.

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  15. Love the reins! I always love good reins! Also, WTF with the zebra? Why does someone have a zebra??? I was fully expecting a horse in a zebra fly sheet

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    1. lol nope it's an actually full on friggin ZEBRA. i've driven past the farm a few times and always admired the nice fences (#thingshorsepeopledo) but only just noticed the zebra a week or two ago haha. when i texted my friend in shock about it, she was like, "oh yea i knew about that bc actually Jim {the horsemanship pro i've used for trailer training} has worked with it before" LOL.... apparently there's also a kangaroo or two tucked back in there somewhere too?? i'm intensely curious at this point haha

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  16. Whoever has a thigh gap wide enough to fit in those breeches... well damn, power to them!

    Also- fun story, there used to be zebras at a venue we showed at, and my mare was so terrified of them that I had to trailer her back to the barns- she wouldn't go past them at all! #stripesarescary

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  17. I have those screw in plugs and initially was like these are awesome because they keep all the dirt out. But then one nearly rusted into place despite liberal use of WD40. Actually the hex hole rusted and I could almost not get the hex to stick to unscrew it out. I went back to the rubber ones after that.

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  18. I'm super jealous you have such an amazing tack shop near you! I would love to be able to buy and sell stuff on consignment! Looks like you found some really great deals!

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  19. Warning on the screw-ins -- DON'T leave them in all the time. Even with WD40, they can rust into the shoe. I only put my screw-ins on the day before I was going somewhere, so I'd have nice clean threads. I used the rubber plugs the rest of the time, which worked well for me.

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  20. Consignment tack shops are my FAV.

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  21. That gif, tho. I bow to your prowess.

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