Written by guest Sydney Flashman
Like many young riders on the west coast, I have been fortunate enough to attend the almost legendary HITS Thermal show for at least one week a year over the course of the past three years. This is my fourth year showing, and while I am not an expert, and will never say that I am, I do feel like a Thermal veteran of sorts. However, this year, I attended on a mount that had never ever been to Thermal; in fact, this is only her second show in America. Karamel, my 9 year old mare, was imported from Belgium about three months ago. Since she's been in America, I've taken her to one small show at the Hansen Dam Equestrian Center, which is a good show to begin the season with, but is nowhere near as big or exciting as Thermal. As a rider who mostly competes on the greener mounts, I have taken horses and ponies who have never been to Thermal before into the competition. But as the animals are green, it is to be expected that they spook, shy, or take interest at certain things- they've never seen anything like it before. However, Kara, while not super old, is more of a seasoned competitor, and competed often in Europe with her previous rider. I have never been to Europe, so aside from watching the Grand Prixs on television, I have no idea how shows work there, or what can be found around the grounds (golf carts, motorcycles, etc.) It was really interesting to see what Kara spooked at, and what she didn't care about, and I had fun guessing whether she disliked things because she's never seen them, or for some other reason. For example, she was terrified of motorized vehicles. Golf carts, motorcycles, electric bikes terrified her, but she wasn't fazed by water trucks or tractors, which was probably due to seeing those at horse shows for such a long time. She also didn't like the regular bikes, but only if they were not being ridden-she was fine with them if they passed by her. I was wondering if she'd spook at the flapping tents and setups in the wind, but she didn't seem to care about that sort of thing at all. She really was a very good girl. All in all, it was interesting to see what she spooked at, and what didn't bother her. When I compared it to what fazed the little ones, it was pretty much what I expected- all of them looked at different things, based on their personalities, pasts, and level of experience. (Although, none of them seemed to enjoy the beeping noises that the golf carts made while backing up. I don't blame them.)
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Written by guest Pearl Bensimoun SKM Designs is a small monogram and decal small based around the everyday equestrian. From logos to even custom silhouettes, they truly have something to suit everyone's tastes and needs. Any equestrian knows that anything and everything monogrammed is the way to go! These decals add a nice personalized touch to almost everything. One of our favorite uses for monograms are on crops and Equifit boots. I received two stickers with my horses names in a super cute bold light purple font. One said "Opie 10" and the other said "Easy to Spot." I frequently take my iPad to horse shows and barns to video my trips and lessons, so I am obsessed with personalizing and decorating the case to make it original! I placed these on my iPad's case and it looked wonderful. I've had a lot of experience with decals of this type, and I personally think that these are the easiest to apply. They make a great addition to almost anything you can think of! They stuck right on and have been very durable upon my use of them. I also received a gorgeous monogram sticker in the same light purple color (which I'm obsessed with!). This monogram is perfect for anything, especially electronic cases to personalize them! This came in a cursive font that looked super classy but chic at the same time. As well as the stickers with my horses names, I put this on the front of the iPad case, and it looked stunning against the slate grey. It was also simple and quick to put on. A tip that I have found to help secure your decal is to use a coin as you apply it to the surface. I show in the hunters, so when I saw a sticker in a fun blue color with a hunter on it saying "#hunter", I fell in LOVE! This was definitely my favorite. It was a bit on the bigger size to my liking so as opposed to placing it on my phone case, I applied it to my iPad case. This sleek blue also looked gorgeous against the grey. Last but not least, I received a smaller light purple sticker of a horse jumping on it. At first, I was worried about it getting air bubbles because I made a small mistake when applying it, but to my surprise there were none! I put this in between the two stickers of my horses names, and it looked great! All in all, I highly recommend ordering from SKM Designs for all of your decal needs. They ship super quickly, and come right on time! On top of all that, they're also very affordable with a simple order process! To order, email them at [email protected]. You can also contact SKM through Facebook by searching "SKM Designs." Give Savannah a follow on Instagram at @skm.designs. Written by guest Pearl Bensimoun Kendall Schuler is an eleven year old rider from Great Falls, Virginia. She has been riding for three and a half years, and has had five ponies and horses so far. She currently shows in the Large Childrens Pony Hunters aboard her pony Blue Moon's Glass Slipper, and rides with Jenny Graham. Kendall's advice for riders who get scared or lose confidence to jump is that "not all animals don't jump. It sounds stupid, but when my ponies did that to me, that helped me get the courage to get on another horse and jump." "What I love about showing so much is the excitement you get when you finish your course and do really well. I just feel so complete and happy." "I would like to stay riding for most of my life or just be around horses." Said Schuler. Kendall's riding goals are to someday show in the Grand Prixs. "I would love to become a professional and one day teach people how to ride." "I hope that someday I can show at Devon. I also hope that someday soon I can get a clean sweep. I have been very close many times. My advice for people wanting to show at a big shows and big jump heights is to always get back on." Written by guest Sydney Flashman
I'm a pony kid. I've been doing the ponies for three years, competing around the country, and loving it. I've done big shows, little shows, medal finals, zone finals, even National Pony Finals. I've ridden horses, and shown them occasionally, but my focus has always been ponies. However, last week I attended Week 3 of HITS Thermal Winter Circuit, with the intention of showing my medium pony and my trainer's large pony. Maybe I would hack a horse for a friend or barn mate, or jump one that wasn't showing out in the warm up rings when I finished. I never imagined that I'd get to show a horse. But on the first day of the division, the large pony came out a little sore, and I couldn't show her. I was disappointed, of course, but that's how it goes in the horse world. Later that day, my trainer asked me to sit on a grey mare that had come in for a barn mate to try but she didn't get along with. I hopped on and took it to the warm up ring. We started jumping, and I eventually jumped it 4ft (1.20m for the jumpers out there) and fell in love. The next thing I knew, I was sent to ask my trainer's assistant if I was allowed to show it. That's how I found myself outside the ring where the CPHA Foundation medal was to take place, nervously walking my course, going over the course for the Taylor Harris medal next door, and wondering how on earth I was supposed to get the ex-jumper to slow down enough to do a trot fence, or whether she would even hold the counter lead, because I had little experience counter cantering jumps. (They don't usually ask for that in the pony medals). I warmed up, practiced a trot and counter canter jump, and walked up to the in gate. I was super nervous, and I felt like I had something to prove. Nevertheless, I went in the ring and completed both rounds. We didn't trot the trot jump and had trouble holding the counter lead, but I had a great time. It was so much fun. And though I thought that I would not be having this conversation for at least another six months, my family and trainer and I are discussing getting me, the pony kid, an eq horse, and I'm so, so excited. Written by guest Isabella Anderson OTTB Outfitters is a unique business dedicated to off the track thoroughbred owners and horses. They sell stylish apparel, beanies, stickers and more. Owning an off the track thoroughbred myself, I am biased towards apparel and items with the OTTB Outfitters logo because it goes to show that horses can go from being racehorses to top hunters, jumpers, and equitation horses, and even a George Morris favorite! The OTTB Outfitters beanie is a classic item, and can be worn with any outfit. It's perfect for chilly days, especially here in Wellington where it doesn't get too cold, but chilly enough! I wear mine around the showgrounds and at the barn when it dips into the lower temperatures, and it always keeps my head warm and looks great. The black color with white logo is perfect to pair with any outfit, and it comes in other colors as well. You can purchase these in one of four colors, each look good with nearly any outfit. The warmth and classic look it provides is ideal for the barn and at showgrounds! If you're like me and love seeing OTTBs transform into amazing horses, then OTTB Outfitters is an amazing place to purchase OTTB apparel to support the transformations. Everything from OTTB Outfitters can support the racehorse turned Hunter, jumper, equitation horse, and dressage, depending on your discipline. The unique designs and saying "So nice we use them twice" looks adorable and elegant on their saddle pads, long sleeves, beanies, and more. If you're an OTTB lover, stop by http://ottboutfitters.storenvy.com! Written by guest Geena Levitt
Photographing a horse show is a very different experience from actually showing. Every show is so different in the way it’s run as well as in how the grounds look. Being able to capture an image of someone having the fastest time or their best round is super rewarding. A smile stretched across a riders face as they pat their horse when they leave the ring. A candid moment between groom and horse or the moment before someone goes into the ring. Being able to capture raw beauty of a flashy mover. The thrill I get when I capture a moment that is just so raw without having control of my subjects. Horse shows are a different atmosphere, you have to work around those you’re shooting. There are no poses. There is no part of it that is predictable except for the courses. What if a horse takes the long spot? What if there’s a refusal? You’re eyes and your fingers have to be able to work together to capture something you were not expecting. I love the rush this gives me. What’s even better than capturing a beautiful moment? Posting on Instagram and having the rider find it and being thankful for capturing such a raw moment. That’s why I love taking pictures at shows. This is what I live for. Written by guest Isabella Anderson On the Bit Boutique sells unique and stunning jewelry, classy bridle charms, and adorable apparel. OTB has many beautiful designs, and the prices are phenomenal! Her designs and products are everywhere from simple and classic to sophisticated and classy! The jewelry looks great at the barn and around town, whether it's dinner or shopping! The "Bays Before Boys" tee is such an adorable shirt to wear both at the barn and away. The lightweight material is perfect for warmer temperatures and doesn't feel heavy, which is always great while riding. The pink and black colors compliment the design well, with "Bays" and "Boys" in black, and the silhouette of a horse head and "Before" in black. This is the perfect shirt to show off your love for the sport and lifestyle! I've worn it riding several times, and it looks great paired with tan breeches and my black snakeskin belt, as a simple outfit. The design of the shirt allows it to also be worn with a fun color belt, as well. I've received several compliments on it, and everyone can relate to the saying! In addition, the bridle charms are small and simple, yet classy. Some charms can be large and distracting, however these are super subtle and elegant. I put this charm on my leather halter, and it looks great! My charm, the Crystal Horseshoe charm, is an OTB favorite, and for good reasons. The size is perfect, and can be put tack other than just bridles and halters. I've also seen some riders put one on their Equifit equitation boots, and it looked great! In addition to their apparel and bridle charms, they sell beautiful jewelry and watches, as well as belts. Their products are of great quality at such reasonable prices. OTB products are great to wear outside of the barn, as well as at the barn, as mentioned before. The classic look is great for anywhere! Be sure to check out On the Bit Boutique here and purchase your "Bays Before Boys" tee today, and check out their other products and jewelry! |
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September 2016
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