It is that time of year...again. It comes so fast I tell you! Black Friday, which I presumably avoid - a day of horses and riding seems much more appetizing - is just not my thing. But you have to admit, the news about deals, sales and merchandise priced below anything you'd see any other time of year, is sometimes eye-catching. But it's never that appealing, unless it's related to horses of course! ;)
In honor of the season upon us, I thought I'd share with you a slew of things I wouldn't mind adding to my "wish list."
Winter is here. Most of your horses have probably been wearing their blankets for about a month. If you're lucky, you have just went to your trusty storage bin and pulled out last years blanket. But if your like so many who are the lucky owners of blanket destroyers or that long-time blanket is reaching the end of it's life, you're probably looking or have looked at the many available, colorful, classy or new tech blankets on the market today.
I enjoy blanket shopping. The price, I am not a fan of. But in most cases you get what you pay for. And in most cases, Horseware (to name one of my favorite brands) owners are quick to point out their 3,4 or 5 year old blanket with pride. Maybe your horse (A) wears it's blanket like a dream. Kindly cradling it around, avoiding the tiniest part of fencing out of line within it's 10 acre pasture that any horse (B) would otherwise use to destroy and free itself of the confines of it's blanket.. So in that case you could probably tell me, "why buy such an expensive blanket?! This one (enter affordable brand here) has lasted me two winters so far!" If your horse is like example B, I am sure you would laugh and point to your trash bag filled with yet another "affordable" blanket down the drain..
I am not saying that you can't find an affordable blanket that is well-constructed. No, I am just saying that if you look at the long-term, affordable might not be realistic.
Enough with my blabbering. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite blankets.
One of my most favorites is the Rambo Wug. I'm not sure how long this blanket has been around, but I've seen it for at least a couple years. My most loved features are the high neck. It also has the two buckle closure, which I quite like. It now comes in three new colours; Plum(?) and silver, a blue and silver and soft chocolate with silver. It features all of the great quality and weather protection from the Rambo line of Horseware.
And now, for something different...
May I introduce you to TurtleNeck. Here is what their website says;
" The TurtleNeck® concept was developed by our founder Glen Hathcock because he wanted a better turnout for his own horses. His comments below give us an insight into his motivation.
“We had a genuine problem finding blankets for our show horses that fit properly and did not rub the shoulders or the withers. When we tried to use larger sizes for our horses they had gaping holes in the neck opening and they hung dangerously low. We once had a colt hang a hoof in a nylon belly strap while rolling and the ensuing panic it caused was the last straw. We were in a position to do something about it and we did.”
The company set out to create a turnout rug that would resolve these issues and provide a high degree of safety for horses. The first change was the installation of detachable elastic belly and leg straps to eliminate the possibility that any horse would ever be bound by unbreakable nylon straps. Our next change was redesigning the pattern with extra room in the shoulders and neck then we added heavy elastic binding in the neck to keep it from gaping open. The stretch in the neckline was tested and a ratio determined that kept the neckline snug against the horse yet comfortable. Finally we added the elastic binding in the shoulder gusset to allow it to stretch in conjunction with the elastic in the neckline and straps when the horse ran and played. The result was a blanket that moved and stretched with the horse in every direction but remained snug. An added benefit of the new snug design was that it kept the horse’s body heat inside the blanket and prevented wind, rain, sleet, or snow from entering through the neck opening. After extensive testing the first TurtleNeck was brought to the market in 2003. Our brand is now recognized by many horse owners and retailers as being a uniquely superior product that stands up to our motto “The Ultimate in Protection and Safety.”
So those are only two of my favorite blanket Top Picks for winter. What are yours?
Since we are on the subject of videos, I'd like to take a moment to talk about the video phenomenon. If you are familiar with YouTube, you will notice a significant amount of young riders taking part in documenting, if you will, their riding and horses and projecting it to the world. It's fascinating to see how dedicated some riders are to their editing and videotaping, just as much as they are dedicated to riding.
I'd like to share with you some of the riders and horses I've found through YouTube. They are all great riders - it has been a pleasure to watch their videos!
The following video is not actually to the music that Edward Gal used in this freestyle. It was edited by YouTube user, kendolling, as an experiment. The tempo is almost near perfect for the exhuberant and very expressive, Totilas!
Featured left, Ester Liano riding Ielke 382 (Sorry could not locate photo credit)
You may be familiar with the Friesian breed, also referred to as "Belgian Blacks". Often times noted as those fairy-tale, black beauties. People are often awe-struck when they see a Friesian. With their long, thick, flowing manes and tails, they sure are eye-catching.
Lets explore some of the history of this breed and view some stallions throughout the world!
This illustrious breed began in the province of Friesland, Northern Netherlands. During the medieval times these black beauties were used to carry knights to battle. As the medieval time set to a close, the breed was less popular as the need for war horses was no longer such a priority. The demand was now for a lighter, more agile horse which would be suitable for driving in addition to farm work. To influence the Friesian breed, for this new demand, Andalusian blood was then introduced.
During the 18th and 19th Century, a popular sport emerged, that which is known as trotting races. A new sport for the Friesian to take part in. However this created some disturbance in eyes of the Friesian breeders. The horses were being bred to be lighter for this sport and thus drifting from the true characteristics of this elder breed. During the end of the 19th Century, efforts were made to return the Friesian to it's true form of what is considered the breed standard.
In 1879 the Studbook Society was founded for the Friesian. When first published in 1800, this studbook allowed for registry some Heavy Warmblood breeds to be added in addition to the Friesian. The Bovenlander (Friesian/Oldenburg) was one of these, which during the time was a rather trig breed. This caused the Friesian to almost become obsolete to the Bovenlander. Although the original studbook introduced the Bovenlander to enhance it's overall appeal to the Friesian horse, it at the same time, caused dwindling numbers (eventually down to only three remaining Friesian stallions) and almost extinction of the breed itself. In 1907 the studbook was renamed Friesch Paarden Stamboek (FPS) and joined both these breeds.
In 1915, this group convinced the FPS to separate the two groups once again. During 1943, the non-Friesian breeders left the FPS to form their own registry which was later to be named; Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland (Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands (KWPN).
Today the modern Friesian is growing in popularity in the Dressage ring. Their dramatic, spring-like trot, swooping and dramatic canter, their evident and demanding presence as well as their curious, friendly and easy-going nature make them a desirable equine partner for both pleasure and sport.
Lets take a look at some examples of this breed!
Below we have a musical free-style, which is performed by Dressage rider Peter Spahn and Friesian Jasper 366.
Video Originally Uploaded by: JeverHart99 on YouTube.com
Below we have Friesian stallion Wander 352. The video is of his 2003 Keuring (Judging). He is one of very few Friesians within the registry that have been bred in the United States.
Video Originally Uploaded by: JeverHart99 on YouTube.com
Lets take a look at the tips and advice on purchasing a horse from top event rider, Lucinda Green. What are the important questions you should ask and what you should be looking for while on your horse hunt? Here is what Lucinda has to say..
**Above video uploaded by: yourstables on YouTube.com
Meredith Michaels Beerbaum is a well-known name in world of international level Show Jumping. Ms. Michaels Beerbaum is arguably one of the most talented in her sport. An impressive resume which includes being the first women to be ranked number one in Show Jumping in 2005 and numerous gold medals.
In 1998 Meredith married fellow Show Jumper, Markus Beerbaum. Although Meredith is American born (Los Angeles, 1969), upon marrying Mr. Beerbaum, Meredith attained citizenship to Germany. Mr. & Mrs. Beerbaum reside in Germany with their newly born daughter, Brianne Victoria Beerbaum.
Above Video Originally Uploaded By: Valux92 on Youtube.com
Merediths' impressive resume includes the following;
Gold Medal winner of the 2009 World Cup Final in Las Vegas, USA (Shutterfly); Winning all three rounds
Gold medal winner of the 2008 World Cup Final in Gothenburg, Sweden (Shutterfly) * The first woman to have reached the No. 1 position on the FEI show jumping world rankings (December 2004) * Ranked #1 in the world four consecutive months (February-May 2007) * Individual and team bronze at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany (Shutterfly) * Individual gold and team silver, European Championships, Mannheim 2007 (Shutterfly) * Gold medal team member at the 2005 European Championships in San Patrignano (Checkmate 4) * Gold medal team member, 9th individually, at the 1999 European Championships in Hickstead, England (Stella) * 5th place at the 2006 World Cup Final in Kuala Lumpur (Checkmate 4) * Gold medal winner of the 2005 World Cup Final in Las Vegas, NV (Shutterfly) * Silver medal at the 2004 World Cup Final in Milan, Italy (Shutterfly) * Nations Cup starts:27 Wins:8 * Ladies German Championships Gold Medal in 1999 and 2001, Silver medal in 2002, Bronze medal in 1998, 4th place in 2004 * German Championships Bronze Medal in 2004, 5th place in 2002 * German Championship Winner in 2008 at Balve Optimum * First woman to win the World Cup Finals three times (2005, 2008, 2009) * Ranked #1 in the world 11 straight months in 2008 (February thru December)
Each rider can attest to the fact that a good belt can surely complete the turn-out for riding. Or of course, anywhere else you'd like to flaunt your equestrian lifestyle. Whether you want something fresh or something a little more traditional, these belts by Ralph Lauren are sure to do the trick. Let's take a look..
You will recall, in 2008, when this blog was first started, a Top Pick was introduced in the name of Indoor Arenas. A series specifically designed to showcase some of the best indoor arenas throughout the world. The arenas to be featured all are different, offering various functional purposes as well as unique and traditional designs, appealing to a vast of tastes and disciplines. Every equestrian can appreciate a beautiful arena with excellent footing. There is nothing comparable! So let's continue on..
Now in 2010 (wow did time fly), I've found my second pick.
Our travels today, take us to the Pavillion Farm, a privately owned facility located in North Salem, New York in northern Westchester County, catering to Hunters and Jumpers. This farm is home to Eric Hasbrouck, an international show jumper who's career has spanned over 25 years. His career highlights include representing the United States in the World Championships in 1998 as well as serving on the Olympic Selection Committee.
In addition to viewing the arena, I found the barn at Pavillion Farm to be quite the sight. So I'm happy to introduce, combined within this, Indoor Arenas post, Brilliant Barns.
As we step into the barn at the lovely, Pavillion Farm, you will find an airy, 22 foot ceiling. The barn itself is constructed entirely of beautiful yellow pine and features black, exposed hardware and light fixtures to match. An old-world feel, with a modern, very distinguished look. The isle way is 16 feet wide, allowing ample room for horses and handle to comfortably move about. And they do so safely on the rubber inset floor.
Moving on to the arena, the yellow pine is continued as well as the hardware seen on the doors. The arena features Travel Light™ footing and at an ample 205' by 85' it's encompasses course work comfortably.
**Above Photos Copyright to Pavillion Farm. No copyright infringement intended.
I am not one to offer a whole wardrobe of $200 & up breeches in all the latest and classic fits, but a girl has to splurge sometimes...right?
In finding the good breech, one must look for the following;
- Exceptional, flattering fit. Which enhances what you want to see and hides what you don't. - Quality and durability. - Exceptional comfort and cross-over fit while in the saddle.
I'm a fan of the fit of the Goode Rider breech and here is CS' top pick in breeches this week!
Featured is the lovely, Premier Rider Full Seat Breech. I am a fan of all the colours and think they all are classy. But I quite like the Espresso and Smoke (featured above).
This breech offers that signiatue Goode Rider fit. A four way stretch to add to the comfort and freedom while in the saddle, a low-rise fit for the modern equestrian, and of course those stylish side-pockets.
Another great thing about Goode Rider is that they not only offer sizes 24-34 (in most breeches) but they have some plus sizes as well.
You can learn more about the Goode Rider breeches as well as all their other fabulous equestrian clothing selections, by visiting their website; www.gooderider.com
**Above photo Copyright to Goode Rider. No copyright infringement intended.
Finding an instructor, who's style of teaching and how it is delivered to not only make sense to you, but make you feel equally challenged and confident, is not always easy to find.
I'd like to introduce this long-term series on Country Sporthorse; The Dressage Lesson. Which will take emphasis on the various styles of teaching in the world of Dressage sport. Follow along as these instructors work with student and horse during their lesson. Note the various differences in teaching style and the connection between visual imagery and physical changes in both horse and rider.
I quite like this specific intstructor as he gives direction in a clear, correct, honest yet encouraging way.
