Retail Therapy

It all started with the boots, oh the lovely, heavenly, soft as butter boots... I loves them so much.

No, not Dubarrys, I wish

Then I picked up a new halter and lead rope using a gift card to a local tack store. (and some new leather cleaner--more on that later!). Next came a nice like-new horse size (as opposed to my current inventory of Cob!) running martingale found on ebay.  Perfect.

And then, I got to go to Dover Saddlery down in Parker, Colorado.

Yes!

I picked up a new helmet (Charles Owen Pro II Skull Cap mind you--yes, I splurged) and a new dressage bridle that ended up ringing in at $10 off.  Works for me!  However, I was not too impressed with their customer service... I literally had to walk up to the lady and initiate the conversation "I'm looking for a helmet..." and then she stood there and stared at me while I tried various helmets on, didn't even offer any help, suggestions, or insight beyond a "well, it looks like it fits." Ummmm....  So, I will probably call in a complaint to Dover at some point, for a company that big, that's just crappy to provide a store with that kind of lackluster customer service.  If I was the manager I'd not be too happy with that employee....

But, I'm incredibly thrilled with my new purchases :D I will be calling SmartPak here soon to see if they will match the overseas price for the Airowear Outlyne body protector, if not I'll have to order it directly from the UK. And, then, my 2013 Wish List will be almost complete!! The other items that I will work to pick up over the summer are going to be a new set of open front and ankle boots, a new set of brushing/galloping boots, and some Oster A5 Turbo Clippers. 

I've not spent this much money in ages.... but then, I haven't had this much free money in ages.  It's nice, I'm not gonna lie.  Farrier comes on Monday, I've got a request in to schedule the saddle fitter to come out, and I'll probably see about getting Cash set up with a horsey chiropractor this summer.  It feels so good to be able to spoil my pony (and me!) and get him the attention he deserves. 

And then... I finally got the cart for the pony!! Woohoo!

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2013 Wish List

Since I already sorta did a Goals post with what I want to achieve in 2013 (although I should expand on them...), I thought it would be fun to do a 2013 Wish List and share with you some of the items I have my eye on that I want to buy within the next year.

AiroWear Ladies Outlyne Body Protector

I used to have a Tipperary Vest, you know, that one with the little foam pieces all placed in the fabric to make it super flexible and lego block type looking (what! it's what it looks like to me).  However, those iconic vests are most definitely not BETA approved. Umm, that's kinda a big deal. We won't ride in helmets that aren't properly approved, so why ride in a vest that falls substandard?  With the Outlyne Ladies Vest not only does it meet the BETA Level 3 standards, but it has received rave reviews, with users constantly mentioning how breathable and lightweight it is.  It's completely adjustable, and is designed to fit a ladies body shape (YAY NO SMASHED BOOBIES..... *ahem*), aaaannnnd you can get custom colored silks for it!!  Sweet.  While SmartPak and Dover both retail this vest, it's actually a lot cheaper to buy from a UK supplier, because, somehow, even after shipping overseas it still comes out at least $60 cheaper to buy that way.  This item is definitely at the top of my list.

Charles Owen Ultralite Euro

I have been wanting a skull cap style eventing helmet for a looooonnnng time (right alongside that awesome Yellow Watch!), I've also been wanting a Charles Owen for a looooonnng time.  I've had an IRH two tone velvet helmet for years, and while it looks nice (hey, it's a Charles Owen knock off pretty much), the fit just doesn't have that cooshy head hugging feel that a Charles Owen has.  While I would love to get the Charles Owen Pro II Skull, the $190 price point is a bit much for me for a helmet (although, Bit of Britain has it on sale for $150 right now, poop, wish I had $$ at the moment), this one will work just fine, and at $115 is much more affordable. Also another must have item!

A Dressage Bridle

I actually (surprisingly) don't have a specific bridle picked out for this.  All I know is I want (and need if I end up competing) a dressage bridle.  I have a (well, several) havana bridle for use when jumping, but I don't have a dressage bridle.  I used to have a lovely Passier crank bridle that I ended up selling it awhile back, sometimes I still wish I had it, buuuut it wouldn't have fit Cash anyway (it was a Cob size and he most definitely is not).  SmartPak puts out some decently nice (and very affordable) bridles, there are also some Nunn Finer bridles that Bit of Britain offers at a very reasonable price, like the Biko Bridle (love that clincher browband).  Oooor I could get brave and take a gamble on quality and pick up a bridle dirt cheap from Horze.com

Brushing Boots

My first pick in this category is the Nunn Finer Brushing Boots, which is another item that's been on my wish list for awhile.  I'd settle for a pair of Woof Boots as well.  In short, my current set of brushing boots are about to bite the dust.  One day, when I start to get serious about moving up the levels in eventing I'll pick up a sweet pair of fancy schmancy XC boots, but until then a pair of all around brushing boots are perfectly acceptable!

Aaannnd, that's about it.  I will probably poke around on Ebay and look for a pair of White Fullseat Breeches, since I long ago passed on the pair I had got when I was a still growing stick thin teenager.  I wouldn't be opposed to a Black Stretch Hunt or Dressage Coat, note the stretch, that is important, I so hate how restrictive mine is and I definitely notice a difference when I ride in it (as in I can't release properly due to the restrictive armscythe and end up throwing my upper body over fences instead of releasing, no bueno).  I got my Yellow Watch (YAY), and I really just can't think of anything else.... Oh yeah, I could use a Fleece or Wool Cooler, I'm still undecided if I want a big square one, or a fitted one... hmmm.  That'll probably be another Ebay item, since it'll get tossed around the tack room, stepped on, rained on, mudded on (yes, with my horse, that is a word and I'm using it lol), so I'm not about to spend big bucks on something I know will end up eventually trashed, so might as well buy second hand.  I love bargain shopping :)

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