Thursday, November 27, 2014

Thanks

I'm thankful for this guy


who lets me keep this guy at a super awesome barn


and supports me jumping over sticks, going to shows and nursing my bruises.


Thanks and love to my husband for making it possible to have this guy, 
even while I'm unemployed (again) because I don't know what I'd do without this special horse
that I'm super thankful for and lucky to have.


Have a lovely Thanksgiving everyone!

Friday, November 21, 2014

FS Pipers replace KP Pipers

Remember all my cute breeches I posted about last month?

I can't stand wearing the same ol', same ol'. Must have variety!

I originally switched all my FITS Beka breeches to Piper breeches in the spring. I love the knee patch Pipers. They fit me well (I do have to wear a belt to keep the crotch where it's supposed to be) and are super flattering on my big butt.

Well... Where the seam meets in the back looks all smooth and to the touch is pretty smooth. However, maybe it's the way my ass is shaped, or the it's the shape of my saddle seat, but I was rubbing a spot in my saddle all summer. It happens while sitting mostly.

New saddle purchased in Dec '13. Rubbed right through outer finish. My saddle is otherwise perfect.
See how the fabric of the euro cut 'full seat' section actually meets UNDER the top pocket area, creating a overhanging ridge? They don't meet flush like full seats do. So that center spot where it's thickest is the culprit. Tho, honestly by the touch, they feel pretty smooth, so you would't think there would be any damage.

Piper KP: giant arch of ridge - so cute! so naughty!

Piper FS: flush meeting of fabric, slightly less flattering on butt.

So, after looking around online and ruling out other cute KP brands like Equine Couture for the same reason, and trying a few other brands via SmartPak, I decided to go to full seats of Pipers. They are just so cute on me with the color stitching and often contrast seat. Even though I totally don't need fullseats. They weren't annoying or even sticky. So it's really like they aren't there for me. I did have to order up a size from the knee patch though (big thighs, less stretch with the seat). 

So in under 90mins, I sold all my knee patches on FB and ordered a few new pairs of fullseats!

I super duper loved the way the KPs fit my butt. I basically looked like the butt in the navy pair above, that's how cute. The location/size of the euro seat probably has a lot of do with it as it is wider and more of a giant arc, where as TS for example is like a tiny patch in my crack and more narrow - and no cool stitching or POCKETS! My iPhone 4s LIVES in the right pocket, even while riding. The FS will just have to be cool enough. And hopefully not hot in the summer. Cross that bridge when I get there.

So, buyer beware. Hopefully SP will fix the error of their ways - or it's just totally my body and saddle combination.

And if you haven't tried the new Piper sidezip tan show breeches, make sure you super squat in 2-point in front of a mirror. Remember that lovely arc that the regular Pipers create on your butt that is flattering? Well, the show breech is a lighter fabric, so that euro stitching line makes a nice slice into your cheeks and over fences you'll have a nice horizontal disected butt. UGLY! You have been warned.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Monday, November 3, 2014

10 more things...

Thanks Viva Carlos for the hop.

  1. Is there something you don’t like about your riding? That I'm super lazy and quit trotting long before i should.
  2. Does your horse buck? No. He definitely has a hump in there but we've seemed to fix that issue. 
  3. Is your horse head shy? Not at all. I can even spray his face for baths if I'm thoughtful about it.
  4. Favorite barn chore to do? Cleaning tack. Rather do that then curry my horse. o0
  5. How many times do you ride a week? always minimum 3x/week. Typically 4-6x/week. Winters, I usually stick to just the 3 days. My horse can do any combiniation and I always get the same horse.
  6. Who is your favorite pro rider? Right now I'm loving Lillie Keenan. 
  7. If one pro rider could train you for one day who would it be? I bet I would enjoy Dom Schramm :)
  8. Favorite Facial Marking? Love a nice wide blaze.
  9. Leg Markings or No Leg Markings? I super love stockings.
  10. Ever broken anything falling off? Nope, knock on wood. Never had a broken bone, except when my 9yo aunt dropped my 9mo self and my arm broke and they had to wrap the cast around my torso because I kept whacking my arm on the table leg at the doctor office after the original cast.