Written by guest Sydney Flashman
I cannot, and will not, pretend to be an expert on importing horses. When I imported my mare, my trainers set up most of it. But the experience on my end was really cool. When I first found out that Karamel was a possibility, I was psyched. I'd been dreaming of importing a horse for years, since my old barn mate was showing a European mare, and as the years progressed, more and more people in our barn started getting European horses, as my trainers both grew up in Belgium and are still in contact with old friends and trainers. My old pony, Lizzie, could do the meters, but it was difficult, and at 15, she wasn't getting any younger. We tried it for a show or two, but I just felt bad. I dropped into the .95s, but my trainer and family believed that I was ready to step up, and with this knowledge, we set a goal: Pony Jumper Finals 2016. My trainer, David, knew that it was unlikely that we'd find a pony in the US that was scopey enough to do the finals, so he began searching in Belgium. When I first saw the video of Kara, in which she was competing in the 1.20s, I fell in love. At that point, I was unsure if it was actually a possibility to import her, and I tried so hard not to fall in love (I failed. Miserably.). I heard my parents having many conversations about it, and there wasn't a single day that I didn't think about whether I would end up with Karamel. Finally, my mom and dad broke the news- if Kara passed the vet check, I would be allowed to get her. My mom was stating that this meant I would have to get good grades, do more chores, and the works, but I couldn't hear her over my screaming. I almost knocked my parents over with my hug, and afterwards I ran around the house, to the point that my mom had to ask me to stop, as I was scaring the dogs, and possibly the neighbors. The next week, I had my outdoor education trip with my school, to the Grand Canyon. Karamel was to be vetted thatWednesday, but because I wasn't allowed to bring my phone, I wouldn't know anything until Friday night, when I got home. The trip was fun, but the waiting was torture. Wednesday night, I came very close to asking a teacher to let me call home so that I could find out the results of the pre-purchase. Finally, I got home and heard the news- Karamel had passed the exam with flying colors. There was even a picture of her. I saved it onto my phone immediately. The next couple of weeks were a blur. We had to book a flight, make sure that she got to the airport in time, make sure someone was there when she landed to make sure everything was okay, and then make sure she got to quarantine. By the time she was scheduled to come, I was practically dying. I wanted my mare to just get here already! Everything went smoothly. She got to the airport fine, and boarded the flight with no complications. The flight went well, and she arrived in America looking healthy and happy. She stayed the night at the airport's mandatory quarantine, but because she's a mare, Kara had to go to a quarantine facility in Northern California for two weeks. She arrived at the quarantine facility fine, and they took very good care of her. Every day, they emailed, called, or texted to tell me how she was doing. She got turnouts, and was lunged every other day. They also sent me pictures, which made me really happy. She looked like she was settling in very well, and I was super excited. The night that she was to arrive was a Friday. I convinced my mom to let me stay after my lesson so that I could greet Karamel when she arrived at her new home. The trailer arrived at 8, and I speedwalked over to it in the dark, so exited that Kara was finally here. When our groom and trailer driver led her out of the trailer, I couldn't breathe. Kara looked beautiful. Her ears were pricked, her neck was arched, but when I walked over to her, she put her head near mine and nuzzled my face. I was so happy. I took her to her stall, which was freshly bedded and had water and hay waiting for her. I stayed with her for another half hour, and then went home, hoping my new baby would like her new home in America. I have now owned Kara for 3 months, and I couldn't be happier. I know not everyone's import story will be the same, or even similar to mine, but I thought it would be fun to share this story, especially because importing is getting more and more popular.
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Written by guest Pearl Bensimoun Although R.J. Classics is most well known for their show coats, they also sell breeches, show shirts, and even schooling shirts! I received a pair of their wonderful sand "Low Rise Front Zip" breeches in the "Gulf Model" style. The fit on these breeches is very flattering and looks great with any shirt. What I love the most about these breeches is that you can easily wear them in the show ring since they feature tan knee patches and a "Euro Seat." Not only are R.J. Classics' breeches great quality, they are also of a gorgeous design and very affordable compared to other top brands. At first, the breeches were a bit tight, but over the course of a few rides, they stretched out for a beautiful fit! The breeches seem to run a little small, so I would recommend sizing up if you prefer a more comfortable fit. I have stained these breeches quite a bit already with dirt and hoof oil, but they surprisingly washed right out! Another great thing about the quality of these breeches is that water and sweat dries quickly and easily with the very breathable material. All in all, I would highly recommend purchasing a pair of the "Gulf" breeches from R.J. Classics. Their customer support is phenomenal, and the quality never disappoints. Also, be sure to post on Instagram with your R.J. Classics item and tag them for a repost! Make sure to give them a follow @r.j.classics! Hermès belts and bracelets are a classic in the equestrian world. Hermès' luxury line of equestrian items ranges from saddles to brushes to polo wraps. This company is so iconic in the horse world and will always be! The bright orange color is not to be mistaken for anything else, and a picture of you and your horse over a Hermès jump makes an AWESOME Instagram post. Photo by R & B Photography (left) and Fanny Eaton Photography (right). The Rolex Jump The Rolex jump is seen everywhere. The watch company's contribution to the show jumping world is appreciated by many, Scott Brash said so himself after he won the Rolex Grand Slam. Photos by Fanny Eaton Photography (right) and Abby Biter (left) The CWD Jump Although CWD obviously isn't the only major saddle company, the jumps advertising these amazing saddles surely are not overlooked. The distinct red color and logo is classic and is seen at many major venues. The different variations of these jumps are still not to be confused with any other brand! Photo by Tori Weed The Longines Jump The Longines Global Champions Tour, or LGCT, is held in some of the most amazing locations across the globe. From Miami Beach to Paris, France, large audiences crowd the stands to get a glimpse of this event. One of the recurring jumps is, you guessed it, the Longines jump! This watch company has also contributed so much to the sport and has increased popularity and attendance. Photos by Isabella Anderson The Land Rover Jump Land Rovers and Range Rovers- the car of the equestrian. Its almost impossible to go to a show and not see a Range Rover. At small, local shows there may be one or two at the minimum, but at bigger venues such as WEF, theres many more owned by the riders and their families. Land Rover sponsors many events and often the lease of a car is the (or one of) prize. The Land Rover jump is iconic and will continue to be! Photo credits to Youtube and http://www.ijrc.org The Butterfly Jump Jumpers, equitation - everyone has jumped this. The butterfly jump may not be unique or uncommon, but it's known by everyone. Whether these jumps are yellow, blue, purple, or green, you are sure to see them at one point or another. They work for the big equitation perfectly, and can be seen in tons of jumper classes. Photo by Isabella Anderson (left) & Abby Biter (right). And yes, the Open Water Whether you're a junior jumper, Grand Prix rider, big eq rider, or other, you've probably jumped the open water at some point. This is often dreaded by many, and for good reasons. It is definitely not a favorite among horses, but this jump is seen everywhere! Photo by Isabella Anderson (left) & Abby Biter (right).
Written by guest Isabella Anderson Ogilvy: Ogilvy half pads are one of the biggest half pad names in the equestrian world currently. Many top riders use these and recommend them for many reasons. They offer a great amount of support to the horse and are fully customizable. The jumper half pads can have any base, piping, or binding colors and can be customized to barn colors or your personal preference. They also offer hunter half pads that can be used while showing to offer more support than your regular show pad! They're also machine washable and the gummy/memory foam can be removed. https://ogilvyequestrian.com/en Equifit: Equifit is known for their high quality and impact technology used in their boots and wraps. They have two half pads that are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reasons. The contoured no slip half pad is one of my favorites. The subtle appearance is perfect for those who prefer a simpler look. The pad is contoured and conforms to the horse and saddle for the perfect fit every time. http://www.equifit.net/saddle-pads/product/1410-non-slip-contour-pad/category_pathway-17 Sheepskin half pads: Sheepskin half pads are a classic when it comes to schooling jumpers, hunters, and equitation horses. The timeless look is perfect for schooling and showing in the jumpers, as they match any colors and are recognized by all. They offer protection and support, although not as much as gel and foam pads, and are used by everyone from pony riders to top Grand Prix riders. In addition, many are machine washable. |
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September 2016
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