Fall Must Have's

The leaves are changing, the air is crisp and Pumpkin Spice is everywhere... It is fall! There are a lot of things I love about Fall but also a lot of things I dislike. It signals the end of show season, blanketing begins and layering up to go to the barn is a must. Here is my list of 5 must haves for Fall to make it easier for all us equestrians.

1. A Jacket and Vest
It's getting cold so some warmer clothes are necessary for crisp fall rides and a few hours cleaning stalls. I love to wear a light fleece with a vest or a light soft shell jacket in the fall. Not too warm but enough to keep the chill out. Love these styles from Noble Outfitters - comfortable, functional and pretty: the trifecta for barn clothes!! Love all their products!

2. Mid-Weight Sheet
Not cold enough for blankets yet but sometimes a light sheet just isn't enough to keep those show hair coats. I absolutely love this sheet. I use it all through fall and as a liner under the heavyweights during winter. It is nylon outside to resist stains and fleece inside to keep them toasty warm.

3. Grooming/Bathing Supplies
Trying to keep a show hair coat in the fall can be tough. Good grooming products can make or break that hair coat. A good, stiff, sharp curry comb and a soft but firm brush are classic and simple but you can't beat them. I also use EquiFUSE Shine spray every other day to keep my ponies coats healthy and shining even as their winter hair starts to come in. As for bathing, fall is the time to get their manes and tails in tip-top shape because bathing is a rare occurrence all winter. If your horse has a white mane or tail, get it sparkling in the fall. Condition the crap out of them. I only use EquiFUSE because it will get them super clean without striping their natural oils and health out of their skin and coat. Also, nothing is better for their manes and tails in my opinion. Gleam used with this brush is a LIFESAVER in the winter to keep those tangles at bay until they can get a good bath.

4. Coffee
Well not really horse related but if you know anything about me, you know I love coffee. Fall is the best time to take a travel mug full of rich coffee out to the barn to keep you warm and caffeinated. To each his own, but coffee is generally present in my tack room. (I promise this is the only random must have)

5. Hoof Oil
Winter is DRY. Dry hooves are a bad thing. Start early in the fall with the hoof oil to get those hooves healthy and keep them hydrated all winter long. This is the best hoof oil I have found. I do this once a week during the Spring and Summer but every other day in the Fall and Winter. The more the better!

A Visitors Guide to the All American Quarter Horse Congress

The All American Quarter Horse Congress.... aka any horse persons personal shopping paradise and heaven nestled in downtown Columbus, OH for the entire month of October. I have heard it called the Superbowl of horse showing. So many of us visit simply to watch, shop, see the famous horses, learn from clinics or just to get a feel for the biggest horse show in the world.

For the last 10 years I have been living in Ohio, a mere 1.45 hours from the Congress, I have visited at least 1-2 weekends every Congress to shop and hang out and watch. With my experience and amount of time spent there, I have amassed a large knowledge base on navigating the Congress as a visitor not exhibitor and many shortcuts and tricks. Here I will be outlining my best tips and tricks for a fun trip to the legendary All American Quarter Horse Congress for those of us not showing.

1. Best Times To Go
 -The first weekend is the best for shopping. Everything is fully stocked, lots of sizes, not very busy. Store workers are fresh and happy and excited to help you. They haven't run out of free stuff at booths yet. Downside is the classes are mostly reining and cow horse and if you don't want to watch that then theres not much to watch. Also, Gilligan stall fronts aren't all set up yet and those are so worth seeing.
-The middle weekends is the best for watching the classes. This is pleasure, hunter under saddle, trail, showmanship, etc. Freestyle Reining is the second weekend and always a fun evening of big stops and good music. It is busy though so shopping and navigating the buildings can be hard.
-Last weekend is a time for deals. Stores don't want to haul it home so prices are often reduced. Also, less traffic this weekend.

What a beautiful sight

2. Best Places to Shop
Personally, I love Schneiders, Rods and Big Dee's. They are the biggest and mainstream and there is good reason for that. They have a great selection and quality products. Schneiders and Big Dee's have very reduced stores at the congress this year but they offer free shipping in. Some of my more hidden favorites include The Tack Room: great quality and selection of English apparel and quality halters, storage materials and little bits and pieces. I also love Kathy Williams Tail Extensions; in addition to great tails, she always has great show clothes in her booth. Chicks and HorseLoverz are also good destinations for little random things- you can't beat the prices.

3. Walk Through the Barns
Trust me- take at least one walk down the main aisle of Gilligan and see the amazing set ups of the trainers. They are pretty incredible. Also, you never know when you will be walking down the aisle and see a famous trainer or horse.

           

Building the Stall Fronts and one of my favorite set ups

4. FOOD
The food stands are seriously the best. You MUST get a cinnamon roll from the Sweet Shop. Also, the Stromboli is to die for. You can't shop on an empty stomach so eat. A lot. It is worth it and you will work off the calories walking around and carrying all your purchases :)

YUM!

5. Go sit at the Practice Arena
This is usually my dad and I's favorite congress pastime. We love to sit at the practice arena next to Congress Hall and just watch everybody ride. It's amazing how much you can learn just watching these great trainers ride and listening to what they tell clients warming up. I highly suggest taking even just 15 minutes to go watch- you never know what you will pick up.

6. Fun Events
Freestyle Reining = enough said. It is a super fun evening. The rides are great, the music is fun... defiantly one of the Congress's best events. Grab a Stromboli and sit yourself down in the Coliseum for a night of music, spins and stops. Also, sometimes you get to witness history... such as 2006 when I watched Stacy Westfall perform her legendary bareback and brideless ride LIVE. The Masters is also a really cool experience- it is awesome to see the upcoming great horses in their first class and witness the pinnacle of talent in the industry.

Few things a cooler then watching Stacy Westfall win the Congress... again

7. Clinic's and Product Information Sessions
Why not? If you are there during a clinic, go stop by. Just like the practice arena, you never know what you might pick up and learn. These are put on by highly skilled and successful professionals and I guarantee you could learn something from any of them. This is also a great opportunity to rest your feet and set your bags down for a few minutes. Also, stop and listen to the product demonstrations. There are always a million new products available here and someone who wants to tell you all about it. Sometimes they are silly and other times they might be your new favorite product. I would have never found EquiFUSE if I had not stopped and talked to the dealer at Congress. It doesn't hurt to stop and get the info and sometimes they give you free samples... and who doesn't like free samples?? (only crazy people)

8. GIVEAWAYS
Ah the giveaways.... they are everywhere at the congress. Free stuff, gift certificates, free breedings... they are endless. When and doubt take the second to fill out that little paper. You can't win unless you play. Smartpak always has a great giveaway for not only starting Smartpaks at the Congress but also a raffle. Farnum usually has one, AQHA usually has one, The University of Findlay gives away hats and t shirts.... I know I am missing a ton but seriously find the giveaways and sign up. More chances to eventually win something.

9. Deals, Deals, Deals
I am a huge bargain shopper. I love nothing more then to find a good deal. Congress is great for this. I always take advantage of the deals on Jeans at congress: this year it was buy 2 get 1 free on Wranglers and Cinch at Rods! Yay! Also, as I previously mentioned, Chicks and HorseLoverZ always seem to have little deals like the zip up Sleazy I got for $20 yesterday! The last weekend will have a lot of places giving even better sales and deals because they won't want to take it home. Bargain shoppers heaven!

Nothing better then new riding jeans :)

10. Watch the Show
After all, this is the reason for the whole shebang. Go sit and watch the best of the best compete for bronze trophies and bragging rights. At risk of sounding like a broken record, you can learn something from this also. Drool over the outfits, dream about the horses and be in awe of the incredible  level of the competition. The Congress is overall, first and foremost a horse show... the biggest in the world.

The Celeste Arena

The Congress is one of my favorite equine destinations... such a convergence of all things equine and it is just a blast. I was there yesterday for the day and it was as good as ever. I got some new jeans, stuff for my puppies, treats for my spoiled ponies, a new sleazy for Charles and some information on breeding... more on that at a later date ;). I love the Congress and I like to think I have it pretty well figured out as a visitor. I hope these tips help you out when visiting the legendary show.

A beautiful evening at the Congress before we left

Happy Shopping and I hope you learn something too :)

 ~ Brandy

- What are your favorite parts of the Congress???

Starting Fresh: Tips for Starting Over Showing with a Young Horse

It is a great feeling to have a horse that is 100% in tune with you, knows their job and does it successfully. You know all their in's and out's, all their quirks and how to ride them to their best. These are the horses that show all day and are competitive and successful in almost every class... the ones people sit back and say "wow, that horse sure knows it's job". These horses make showing easy because they know their job, you know how to show them and they make you successful. These horses are finished, broke, smart and to be honest, a little boring. It is usually when my horses reach this peak of training and performance that I start finding a young prospect. Don't get me wrong, I love a good, broke, easy show horse but sometimes it's fun to have one that challenges you, makes you think and teach them. I love nothing more then to take an unbroke 2 year old and turn them into that superstar all around horse we discussed above. This is not an easy transition. It's a long, frustrating journey from start to finish but one I have found to be most rewarding.

I am currently experiencing this transition. Charlie is broke to death; he is 7 years old, he knows his job, he is a piece of cake to show and he really only needs to be kept in shape in order to go to horse shows and be successful. I love having him so finished but at the same time, I have my younger project, Ella, a 3 year old filly who keeps me on my toes and is still completely in the process of learning to be a show horse. Though sometimes it can be frustrating, my wise father reminds me that they do not all start out "Charlie-broke". It takes time. About 4 years ago I was in the same situation except I had broke to death Slipper and was attempting to teach baby Charlie how to fill those big all around shoes. I remind myself daily that Ella will get there, I just need to be patient. Now that I have done this process once and I am starting it again, here are my top tips for starting fresh with a young horse.

Starting Fresh: 5 Tips for Teaching a Young Horse to be an All Arounder

1. Be Patient
Young horses require endless patience. They are young and they don't understand. You have to slow it down and TEACH them their job or they will never do it successfully and happily. They do not become machines overnight... even the super naturally talented ones take time. They still have to mentally understand all that they are physically capable of. If you are patient and kind throughout the training process and help them to UNDERSTAND, you will have a happier and longer lasting all around horse in the end.

2. Take Your Time
This process may take a year; it may take 3 years. You never know how long it will take to finish one. Every horse is different. You can't rush them- some horses pick things up seemingly overnight (Ella is a supergenius and only has to be taught things once) and others take constant repetition over long periods of time to grasp the concepts (Charlie took almost 3 months to learn to go over the trail bridge). Both types of horses can be amazing in the end but you need to take the time they require to learn and not rush them. Some horses are naturals at some classes and struggle with others and that is okay- they will get it in time. Just keep working little bits every day and I promise you they will get there. For example, Charlie was a natural at Western Riding from day one. He was finished and showing that class successfully by his 2nd year in the show pen. Showmanship however was a different story; it was a constant struggle. I did not consider him finished in Showmanship to my standards until his 4th year in the show pen.

3. Take the Good with the Bad
The Western Riding/Showmanship example from above brings me to my next point, take the good parts with the bad parts. I accepted that Charlie was not going to be a Showmanship World Champion overnight and just kept plugging away at it and having respectable, 3rd place type patterns at the shows. Meanwhile, he was winning the Western Pleasure, Equitation and Western Riding. Though I love Showmanship and it had previously been my best and favorite class with Slipper, I realized it was not going to be that way with Charlie and that was okay because he had other strengths she did not. Throughout the learning process you should celebrate all the positives and not let the negatives get you down.

4. Teach them to Love their Job
All my other points all wrapped up into one: if you have patience, take your time and take the good with the bad, you will end up with a happier horse that loves their job. If you slow down and teach them, not scare them and give them confidence in what we are asking them to do, you are improving your chances of creating an all around horse that will be out there packing Novices around with their ears perked when they are in their 20's. That is my goal with every horse; I want them to enjoy what they do and they will not do that unless they understand it, have confidence and trust you. Charlie was scared to death of all trail obstacles in the beginning. It was a slow, tedious process to get him to where he is today; for 3 months I fed him grain and treats off the bridge until he finally would walk over it. But, the time and patience paid off because he trusts me to keep him safe and as long as I tell him things are okay, generally he does whatever I ask (not the case with mailboxes- they apparently have monsters inside them made to eat little white horses and he is just not willing to take that chance and get too close... I have just accepted that the pony express will never be his calling). Charlie also loves trail now, his always has his little ears pricked throughout the whole class and focuses really well. Do it right and you will have the all around horse that everyone is jealous of.  

5. Don't Give Up
This is going to be a frustrating process. It's not easy. Going from broke to death to a blank slate is a large adjustment and it is going to be a while until you are competing at the same level again. But do not give up. Eventually they will get there and when they do, I can personally tell you it is the most rewarding experience. To start from the bottom with a blank slate 2 year old and work your way back up to the level of your previous broke horse is an amazing feeling. You will get back to the top, just not overnight. Don't give up after a frustrating ride or a bad horse show; those are just another step towards the end result. I wanted to give up so many times throughout the training process with Charlie... around month 2 of feeding him grain off the bridge and him still refusing to walk over it or the 10th time he moved his foot in showmanship pivots at horse shows... it was a tough process but my dad kept reminding me that no horse starts out finished and eventually they will get there. The day Charlie laid out a flawless trail pattern with no ticks at the Pinto World Show and tied for Reserve World Champion was one of the happiest and proudest days of my life. All those tedious hours trying to make him a good trail horse and all the days it seemed impossible were worth it in the end to know that we had overcame the struggles. No one else knew (besides my family) how truly important that lost tie for a buckle and that big yellow ribbon was to me: to take a horse that was once too scared to lope poles and walk over a bridge and used to literally hit every. single. pole. to that level  and succeed was so incredibly rewarding. Someone had to take that time to teach every one of those amazing all around horses to be what they are. If they can do it, so can you... and it will be so worth it in the end.

I am so glad I took the time to make Charlie into the all around horse he is today; the journey to get here was rough but it is so rewarding to say that I did it all and made him the all around superstar horse he is today; a horse that loves his job, does every event right down to the barrels and does it very well. Ella will get there too, I just keep reminding myself that they all start out as blank slates and you have to sculpt them into great horses. One day you can look back after winning high point and say wow, what a great horse I have created and all the frustrations will be irrelevant.

Baby 3yo Charlie

Finished All Around Charlie

~ What are your experiences with starting over fresh???

The Best Two Weeks of the Summer

Well long time no blog!! I was in Europe for 3 weeks in May and between getting ready to go and getting caught up back home I have just had no time to blog! But I am back now and have some great ideas!

As I sit at home watching the Pinto World Show go on without me, I realized just how much I miss it. This year I chose the once in a lifetime experience of studying abroad in London for 3 weeks over the world show. Though London was incredible and I do not regret the decision, I am having serious Tulsa withdrawal as this is the first year I have missed it since 2010. I miss the anticipation and preparation and the feeling of entering the arena for the first time each year... I miss listening to Ronnie call us allllllllllll down to the paddock area now please and getting the Pinto Press each morning along with my donut in the Hospitality room. I miss the expo square breakfast box and McCalisters. I miss catching up with old friends everywhere I go and making new friends in the arena lineups and holding pens. I miss days off at the water park, watching races at the track on early evenings and endless shopping in the trade show. For those who have been to Pinto Worlds, you will fondly recognize many of these memories and I am sure have your own different favorites. As I reminisce about my many amazing years at World Show I have realized that I may have gone down there the first time to show my horse and hope to win a ribbon and maybe even a buckle but it's the people and experience that keep me coming back year after year. I have won ribbons, buckles and saddles at the Pinto World Show and that is amazing. But more importantly, I have learned so many lessons of humility, gratitude, respect, friendship, hard work and if you ask me, that is the real "win".

THE Ford Truck Arena

The people who run the show, the friends we have made and maintained over the years and the memories made every year are the things that make me want to go back year after year. Spending two weeks with so many wonderful people who share your passion is amazing. The bonds you make can be for life. I personally owe the world show for giving me one of my best friends in the world: in 2008, Kaity Arthur and I attended the world show and competed together on a youth team and got to be very good friends those two weeks. 7 years later, she is a bridesmaid in my wedding and one of my best friends in the whole world. The show just brings people together as do the horses and the whole sport. Last year, the world show gave me even sweeter memories when my long time boyfriend proposed to me in the center of the arena during the charity walk trot class. The Ford Truck Arena is my engagement location and down the road when I take my kids to the world show they can still see the place where we got engaged. It is these bonds and memories that have so endeared the show to me and make me want to come back year after year.

Crazy World Show Best Friends from 2008-2014

Pinto World Engagement 

You will not find a world show with more friendly people, fun events and lasting memories anywhere. They have so many events such as the Challenged Riders Leadline and Dog Show that lets everyone relax and enjoy without thoughts of competition. The staff for the show are always so kind and helpful... it's like a mini-reunion every year when you see all those friends and people again back doing their jobs and making the show run so smoothly. I thought a year or two off would be fine and I wouldn't mind staying home for the 2 weeks in June. I was so wrong. I miss my Tulsa time so much... seems that you don't realize how much things mean until you're missing them. I miss the people, the friends, the heat, the city and, of course, the competition. Next year I get married and I will skip the world show again but watch out 2017- I will be trying my hardest to be back in Tulsa with the people I have made lifelong bonds with over love for the best world show there is and the best painted horses around.

Challenged Riders Leadline

If you have never been to Pinto Worlds, go, trust me. If you have been before, I am sure you know exactly how I feel and I will see you there again another year for the best two weeks of the summer in a little corner of Tulsa where dreams come true, lifelong friends come along and memories of a lifetime are made.

Until next time, I will be very busy watching the live feed and cheering on all my amazing friends competing!

What is your favorite memory from Pinto Worlds??? Comment with it :) 

My TOP 10 Favorite Products- Spring Edition 2015

SPRING is here!!! YAY! Shedding season and show season are finally upon us. Few things make me happier. Spring is a great season for us horse lovers but it also has its own challenges. Here are my favorite products to help make for a great spring season and starting the show season out right!

10. Schneider’s Fleece Cooler

            Spring requires using a cooler because I know my horses still have a touch of winter hair but it is warmer and they are getting worked harder so they are sweating a lot more: hence coolers are a must. I love this cooler, it is reasonably priced, very good for pulling the moisture away from the body and fits great with the body contour and surcingle (and it’s pretty). Also great for cool spring horse shows as a morning cover up before halter and through a chill show day. Must have in my barn year-round but especially important in the spring.

9. Tuffrider Fleece Lined Breeches

            Spring mornings are still pretty chilly and my breeches aren’t very warm. Fleece lined breeches are the way to go! They keep you warm without the bulk of long johns under your normal breeches. These are a must have for fall-spring.

8. Noble Equine Gloves

            The perfect barn gloves: warm, hardy and functional.

7. Tin Haul Boots

            I seriously have a love affair with my Tin Hauls. They are the only boots I have ever owned that I do not need an insole in. They are fun to look at, hold up great and the comfort is unsurpassed. These are a year round favorite.

6. Oster Grooming Supplies

            Two words: shedding season!!! These are great grooming products: I especially love the curry and the mane/tail brush. They hold up better than my other brushes and the OCD side of me loves that they all match.

5. Tailored Sportsman Breeches

            Worth every penny for that polished show ring look. They are the best breeches on the market. I have a pair going on 10 years old that still look great. A great spring “splurge” before show season.

4.  RS Training Saddles

            Seriously the best work saddle ever. It is light, comfortable and made to last. Did I mention comfortable? The seat is amazing. Oh and you don’t break your back lifting it on your horse because it is one of the lightest saddles you can find that still has the durability and comfort (and my horses probably like the lighter weight on their backs). It fits every horse I put it on and still looks great after all the hours I have logged in it. The best part: under $1000!!!!

3. Schneider’s Blankets

            The ONLY blankets and sheets I buy. The fit, durability and warmth is unsurpassed. Truly the best blankets and sheets on the market in my opinion and they don’t break the bank.

2. SmartPak Supplement Systems

            We all know I love SmartPak. Spring is the time for coat supplements and this is the BEST way to feed them. I have another whole post on my love for SmartPak so I will stop declaring my love here and let you go read that instead.

http://diyamateurrider.blogspot.com/2014/09/supplements.html

1. EquiFUSE Bathing and Grooming Products

Hail to the grooming gods: EquiFUSE has come to save us all. Spring is the time for shedding and honing that perfect shiny show coat. Baths and grooming are simplified, perfected and healthier thanks to my favorite products ever. This is the ONLY thing I will use to bath and groom my horses; especially the manes and tails. Once again, I have a whole post (or two) about my sheer love and dedication to EquiFUSE so I will let you read that and wrap up my spring must have list. (but seriously EquiFUSE is a necessity for spring bathing and grooming if you want your horse to look their best for the show season).

http://diyamateurrider.blogspot.com/2015/01/tips-for-growing-and-maintaining-long.html

http://diyamateurrider.blogspot.com/2014/11/equifuse.html

Well there it is, my favorite spring products! What are your favorite products for spring? Comment below and let me know what you must have in your barn this spring!

How to Stay on Top of the Show Ring Styles on a BUDGET

How to Stay on Top of the Show Ring Styles on a BUDGET

“This shirt is a steal at the price of $3,200”, “Custom Chaps start at $600”, “This gorgeous pad is only $550” and it goes on and on. This is what you usually see when shopping for top of the line show clothes. I realize there are people who can easily afford all these things but I am defiantly not one of them. I certainly do not need a showmanship outfit that costs more than my car. I will readily admit: I have an addiction for show clothes. I have way too many and I am always wanting to buy more. I insist on staying on top of the styles and I pride myself on always looking fashionable and presentable in the show arena. This is great and wonderful, however my bank account does not have funds to support this habit when show shirts that are suited to my high class tastes start at $3,000. I have people always complimenting my outfits and asking for advice on show clothes and people never believe me when they find out how much my outfits cost. SO, the real question is: How do I stay fashionable without breaking my bank? It really is not as hard as people think. There are so many options out there to save some money on show clothes; you just have to know where to look. With show season just around the corner, below are my 9 steps for looking your best and sticking to a budget to help you step into the show ring looking your best.

1.      Buy USED

You can save tons of money by buying clothes used. I never even consider buying new until I have searched extensively for something I like used first. Used clothes are usually still in great shape; maybe a stone or two missing but in the long run to me that doesn’t matter compared to the money I am saving. Also, don’t be afraid to alter the perfect outfit at the perfect price. It’s a size too big? Alter it! Alterations can be $25-35 for simply taking in seams or hemming a sleeve or bottom. Even cheaper, if your mother or grandmother is good with a sewing machine, they can probably do it as well. Alterations can be surprisingly simple sometimes. Sometimes they are too difficult and it is not worth the hassle (for example letting out an item is more difficult than taking it in). It is something to keep your mind open to when searching: don’t write it off if it needs a little alteration if the price is right and you love it.            

2.      Buy unstoned and BIY       

Buying shirts, vests, jackets unstoned can save you a ton of money. A large portion of designer’s prices resides in rhinestones and the time spent applying them. You can save a significant amount of money by doing it yourself. Some designers are willing to make a custom item unstoned and price accordingly and some are not. It is something to ask when exploring those designer options. One great resource for custom shirts you can bling yourself is KLS Designs. Kristin is happy to make your shirt, jacket or vest without stones for a reasonable price for a custom. She does fantastic work: very high quality and wonderful to work with. She is the only designer I use for customs. Another option is from Hobby Horse: they make unstoned jackets and shirts in a variety of colors. Stoning is easy once you figure out a system though it is still very time consuming and detail oriented. If you have the time and patience, go for it. There are many sites for ordering stones in mass such as Dreamtime Creations (this is what I use). I order the Czech Precoisa which are a little cheaper but look just as good in the arena. I have been stoning my own shirts since I was 14 years old and have saved thousands of dollars. The stones are still expensive themselves but at least you do not have the cost of the hours put in by a designer applying the stones.

Made by KLS unstoned

After Stoning this shirt sold for $600

3.      Buy Used and Add Stones

Find a reasonably priced used shirt with a nice design but few stones? No problem, buy it and add stones. Some people cannot see the potential in a design without all the bling but if you can, you can save thousands. I once bought a lightly stoned used shirt for $30, added $100 of stones and sold it for $500 after I had worn it for a season. You just have to be willing to see past it as it is and imagine the look after some stoning. A little visualization and elbow grease gives you a gorgeous shirt for a budget friendly price.  Swap Meets and online is a great resource for used shirts (see #6-7 for more info on swap meets and online shopping).

I bought this shirt online for $100 unstoned. After adding $100 of stones and wearing it for a season, it sold for $450. 

4.      Hobby Horse

Hobby Horse has some great budget friendly options. I personally LOVE their chaps. They are good quality, fit well and are budget friendly. They come in a variety of colors and have a variety of shirts, vests and jackets (even saddle pads and hats) to match. Also their other basics such as pants, belts and unstoned shirts are great and budget friendly. This is one of the best places to buy unstoned shirts and jackets and make sure you can find matching pants, chaps, etc. (see #2 for more info on stoning yourself). This makes outfit planning very simple as they do the color matching for you. This is a great option for someone new to show clothes in general looking for a simple system to get a well matching and classy outfit. The quality is good for the price and it is such a good starter option. I personally have bought many chaps, pants, belts and unstoned shirts/jackets from Hobby Horse and wear them in the arena right next to the top of the line, super expensive show clothing and look JUST as good for nowhere near the price.  

5.      Plain Shirts and Vests

Plain button down shirts: the best trend to hit the show arena EVER. I have a rainbow of colors. They run $15-30 at local department stores such as Macy’s, Kohls, JC Penney’s, Express and more. As long as it is a nice flattering fit, well ironed and a good color for your horse, plain button downs are such a classy option. They just look so classic and clean. Pair it with a nice patterned saddle pad and a matching scarf and it is such a beautiful look especially in classes such as horsemanship, trail and western riding. You honestly cannot go wrong with this option. Better to wear a plain shirt that fits well, is well ironed and is a good color on your horse then a fancy shirt that is out of style, not a good fit or a bad color on that horse. My father is a judge and he has said over and over he likes the look of the plain shirts in the arena so it is a judge approved trend. To play up a plain shirt on a budget, add a blinged vest over it. This look is great for the Pleasure, Trail and Western Riding. Vests generally run cheaper than jackets and shirts and can give you an extra pop of color or sparkle. A great option is have a plain black vest that matches you plain black chaps and changing the button up under it to create different looks. Bling a vest yourself and you will save even more money.

This vest was bought unstoned for $75 and I added all the stones and the fringe for $100. It is worn over a $17 shirt from JC Penney. 

Plain shirt from Kohls($18) paired with a plain black hat, scarf, chaps and a beautiful striped saddle pad makes for a classic look for horsemanship, trail or western riding classes. 

6.      Swap Meets

My favorite place to shop for budget friendly show clothes: SWAP MEETS. You can find amazing deals if you just roll your sleeves up and start flipping through the racks at the swap meets. They happen all over the country and are a great place to not only buy new but also sell your old show clothes to make some spending cash. I have bought shirts at swap meets for as low as $25 and worn them at the big shows and had millions of compliments. No one ever believes the price. One person’s trash is another’s treasure and swap meets are a great place for that. This is also the place to get clothes from people who have outgrown things, getting out of horses or just have too much (like me lol). This is probably the best way to find lightly stoned shirts cheap with the intention to add stones. Beyond show clothes, swap meets are great for anything and everything: tack, blankets, stable equipment, you name it they are selling it.

*FINDLAY TACK SWAP is on 2/15/15 located at University of Findlay. Link is at bottom*

Findlay Tack Swap is a great resource

7.      Online

Online Facebook groups are basically swap meets through the internet. All the same perks apply. You can find amazing deals. There are tons of Facebook groups: Western Pleasure, Show Clothes on a Budget, Show Clothes For Sale and many more. Some things to be careful of is measurement to make sure it is an accurate size and make sure you use PayPal- then you can get money back if it is fraudulent. Online is my second favorite place to get clothes reasonably behind swap meets. I have found some killer deals. This is also a great resource for selling your used stuff to get some spending cash for new.

8.      Learn to Sew

This is self-explanatory. Learn to sew and you can do it all on your own. This could even become a side business to make clothes for others and make money. I have begun to do my own show clothes and I find it fun to design it and go from a piece of fabric to my new world show outfit. This isn't the choice for everyone but if you have any interest in sewing you could save thousands of dollars and even make some money. 

9.      Be Creative with Store Bought Items

A pant suit from Kohls can be your new showmanship outfit, a fancy leather jacket with a few stones can be an edgy pleasure jacket, that old 80’s sequined vest could look sweet over a button down for trail. A little creativity can go a long way with store bought items. Thrift stores can also be a great resource for some unique jackets or button down shirts that could be a unique option for the show ring.

This is a $18 shirt from Kohls 

Business pant Suits from department stores look great in the Showmanship

Looking great on a budget is not always easy but it is possible. There are so many options available to save some money and still look great. It does not take a $3000 designer showmanship outfit to win: a well fitted, classic pant suit with nice boots and a good hat can be winning apparel as well… as long as you still have a great pattern. A little creativity, some elbow grease and a little time looking can save you tons of money and still get you compliments on your show clothes. I am proud to say that no piece of show clothing in my trailer has cost me more than $600 and I have a fashionable, classy wardrobe that still gets me noticed in the arena. I hope these tips help you look your best on a budget.

If you have any questions while trying to find your own show clothes on a budget using any of these tips please feel free to ask :)

Useful links

https://www.facebook.com/KLSDesignsShowClothing
http://www.hobbyhorseinc.com/
http://www.hobbyhorseinc.com/shopping/elements/
http://www.glaphc.com/#!swap-meet/c1vbr
http://www.dreamtimecreations.com/
http://www.dreamtimecreations.com/category/1442/preciosa-flat-back-rhinestones/flat-back-round-rhinestones/preciosa-viva12-flatback-rhinestones/

Twitter!!!

I finally joined the social media craze and created a twitter for my blog!!! This will be an easy place to follow to get instant updates on new Blog posts, related equestrian information, spotlights into my day to day life, pictures of my crazy yet adorable ponies and any other random things I deem necessary. Follow me :)

https://twitter.com/DIYamateurRider