The Carousel Horse Blog

By Maggie Carty

It’s BAAAACK! The dreaded winter cold – snow, ice, below freezing temps. For most of us across the country, we will experience some of Mother Nature’s wintery impact. For the rest of you, who continue to bask in the sun – we are eternally jealous! To ease some of the winter pain, we offer you the following barn hacks:

1. Horses need on average about 12 gallons of water daily, regardless of the temperature outside, and unless you enjoy destroying your hands breaking ice you need to invest in a heated bucket. Would you rather spend 50$ or wonder if your horse has frozen water? Even if you break the ice, it will still refreeze – this bucket kicks on automatically when the temperature drops, and the cord tucks away easily on the bottom so your four-legged friend doesn’t find a wire as a snack.
2. One of the worst parts about tacking up in the winter is putting on a cold bridle. Wear yours under your jacket while grooming and tacking to warm your bit up.
3. Dedicate one jacket as “barn coat.” Keep your “human” clothes clean and buy one warm, water repellent, breathable coat for riding and working in the barn.  This one from Horseware opens in the back to sit comfortably in the saddle and has a striking diagonal zipper and red trim.
4. Wear panty hose or Under Armour beneath your breeches. It is an insulating layer that doesn’t add any bulk.
5. Spend extra time warming up before any intense flatwork or jumping, the cold temperatures can make muscles stiff and minor injuries or arthritis more painful.
6. Upgrade your horse’s turnout blanket to keep her warm and clean during the cold season. Weatherbeeta has many different color, pattern, and weight options.
7. Use old mate less socks as tail bags to keep mud and ice balls out of your horse’s tail.
8. The frigid temperatures put your tack at risk for cracking if it is not oiled properly, Fiebings Neatsfoot Oil keeps your leather soft and supple.
9. Finally – when you are frustrated and frozen, think about where you would like to be sixth months from now with your riding progress. Use this winter to finesse your skillset and set your summertime horse show goals!

About our guest blogger: Maggie Carty is a Senior at Seton Hill University, studying Communications. She is a member of their IHSA team, competing in the Intermediate division. Maggie is the Social Media Intern for The Carousel Horse.

By: Maggie Carty

Christmas is coming, and if you are like me you haven’t written a list or started shopping quite yet. To help with ideas for the equestrian in your life, here are my top 10 equine essentials for horse & rider this holiday season!

1. Noble Outfitters Warmup Quilted Vest

Perfect for layering and stylish enough for the barn or a day out and about. Sophisticated quilting and water repellent fabric lets you ride and work while still looking polished.

2. Ariat Womens Extreme Tall H2O Insulated Boot

I cant imagine my life without these boots, they are the best of both worlds. Whether I am working or riding they keep my feet dry and warm with the waterproof membrane and Thinsulate lining.

3. Tredstep Symphony Rosa Knee Patch Breech

The best new breech around, the Tredstep Symphony Rosa breech boasts a euroseat, four way stretch, and stain resistant technology.  They are perfect for schooling or showing!

4. Noble Outfitters Horseplay Backpack

This is an absolute must have for today's equestrian; there are specific helmet and crop friendly compartments! Plus it is made of 600 Denier and water repellent fabric to take on wear and weather wherever you go. 

5. Ogilvy Equestrian Jump Memory Foam Half Pad

 The leader in superior shock absorption, this half pad is made of memory foam to support the withers and back, distribute pressure and improve a saddles overall fit!  Bonus: this pad can be customized to match any color scheme!

6. Horze Leather Largo Halter

Its time to retire that old colorful nylon halter and upgrade to leather! This super soft leather with lining on the nose and neck strap, perfect gift to your four-legged friend!

7. Brass Scallop Halter Name Plate

 These are a great detail to add when personalizing a leather halter and labeling all your other tack.  Very easy to install nameplate, chose from script or block fonts, and you’ll never lose a halter again!

8. Belvoir Leather Balsam Intensive Conditioner

The cold weather can crack and dry out all of your tack, this conditioner will send it back to being soft and supple.

9. Brittanys Bran Mash

Another present for the equine companion is this all-natural bran mash! Bran mash is a perfect comfort food and is also great for hiding medicines/supplements.  The peppermint flavor is so festive and your horse will be thrilled!

10. My Barn Child Earrings

My Barn Child earrings are essential horse show and every day earring, comes in tons of colors to match everything!  Adds the right amount of sparkle to any riding outfit.

The Carousel Horse would like to wish everyone a happy holiday season!

About our guest blogger:
Maggie Carty is a Senior at Seton Hill University, studying Communications. She is a member of their IHSA team, competing in the Intermediate division. Maggie is the Social Media Intern for The Carousel Horse.

Click on the video below for a sneak peek of what we have in store for our local Pennsylvania shoppers! Be sure to follow our social media pages and sign up for our newsletter for details and announcements about the Grand Opening of our brick and mortar location! 

In the meantime, keep shopping online - www.carouselhorsetack.com.

By: Maggie Carty

All equestrians have been asked the question: “What do you ACTUALLY do?

The horse does all the work.’’ Once we take a deep breath and push aside the annoyance, we begin the long explanation of the different disciplines and what is required for each. For me, in the English riding discipline, I often explain that in “hunters” and “equitation,” the horse and rider are being judged on how pretty and effortless their rides appear – working together as a partnership, but the “jumpers” are not judged on appearance whatsoever; instead are scored on time and  jumping faults. Fact is, regardless of the style, riders are doing a TON of work up there, all while trying to look poised and confident, even though your insides are screaming “cowgirl up!”

Now, as a collegiate rider, reality has been more of a slap in the face, as it has become difficult to withstand the pressures of looking perfect while also putting in a decent trip, and not looking like a hot mess upon a horse you barely even know. What is even more difficult to accept is when you are riding really well, have an awesome trip, but not pin in the class. “Was I a hot mess? I didn’t feel like a hot mess. My coach wasn’t even yelling at me!” - my thoughts while leaving the ring without a ribbon.

Over the years, I have dabbled in all three rings and I enjoy all three tasks equally.  I love the thrill of the jumpers, the precision in hunters, and the effortlessness of equitation.  What I don’t enjoy, however, is not knowing what I could have done better for my next round. 

Is it solely because my 15.1-hand, little paint mare is not as visually appealing as a 17-hand warmblood or thoroughbred?  If it’s not the horse, is it me? Do I have to grow 4 inches and wear size 24 breeches? I will never know. As a collegiate rider, it’s hard not to let these pressures get to you. Would I have won or pinned higher with a different draw? Possibly. Would I have won or pinned higher with the same horse, different judge? Possibly. But we know this walking into the ring – it is part of the sport. It’s one person’s opinion, and to them, I may be riding like a hot mess that day – or not.

Keep in mind that the only person you have to compete against is yourself – and when you walk into the ring, think about that – put in the best ride you can with the draw you were given. With that being said, there is something very satisfying about being an equestrian and that is the love of the sport.  The friendships that are made with coaches, teammates, and of course the horse.

About our guest blogger: Maggie Carty is a Senior at Seton Hill University, studying Communications. She is a member of their IHSA team, competing in the Intermediate division. Maggie is the Social Media Intern for The Carousel Horse.

Our 2015 Halloween Costume Contest has begun! Today through October 27, submit photos of you and your horse in costume to contests@carouselhorsetack.com. We will post submitted photos on October 28, to a Facebook album, and you and your friends will be able to 'like' your favorite photos through Halloween, October 31. Only photos sent to the above email address will be eligible. Be sure to include your name and contact information in your email. One winner will receive a Horze Quality Base Fleece Rug! **Any photograph that you submit for this contest must be your own original work and otherwise free from third-party copyright restrictions.

By: Corinne Schnur I grew up in the 80s.  Not really too long ago, but my how the times have changed!  I’ve been riding all of my life, and my mother insisted that I wear a riding helmet even before all of the fancy life-saving data and statistics were there to support it.  Helmets back then were pretty much just for looks… a plastic shaped hat covered in velveteen (or real velvet for the hoity-toity riders). The helmet itself was probably no thicker than that of a nickel. The chin strap was a piece of elastic that went under your chin. Of course, I was just a pee-wee and my helmet was as small as my mom could find at the local tack shop, but still too big for my head so I had to wear a tussle cap underneath, and to make it more secure, my mother pulled the elastic as tight as she could and knotted it under the chin.  Yep, that thing was not going anywhere (sarcasm). So back in the day we did A LOT of trail riding… like pack your saddlebags with food and drinks. The horse I rode was 3 years old and I was 5.  There was a hill on the trail that our whole group would race up, and the winner got bragging rights.  And then there was the poor soul that had to hold their horse back and wait on me… not because my horse was the slowest, but because my horse always knew how to buck me off before the race, and run to the top of the hill – without me.  And EVERY time I got bucked off, my helmet was never attached to my head by the time I hit the ground. Yet, my mother insisted on putting that helmet back on. I never questioned why and never argued with her. At 8 years old, I joined the United States Pony Club (USPC). First and foremost, no rider was ever allowed to be mounted without a helmet. If you were caught on a horse without a helmet, or even mounted without the chinstrap fastened, you were eliminated from the competition.  Of course, my mother already had that same rule at home, and I was more afraid of my mom than getting disqualified from a competition. By this time, there were harnesses that fit over the plastic dress cap helmet, and had a chin cup, which made the helmet stay in place in the event of a fall. I no longer had to chase my helmet when I got bucked off at the bottom of race hill, and that was victory enough at the time. By the time the 90s rolled around, helmets had greatly improved in fit and comfort; however, they were HUGE! The cost of these new “approved” safety helmets ran between $75-$100, but my mom never skimped and bought me the best helmet money could buy.  When I was in 4H, they began to require all kids to show with an approved helmet, but ironically didn’t care if they rode around the show grounds or schooled their horse without a helmet. I was one of the lucky kids that had my own helmet.  Other parents complained about the expense. There were a few clubs that had a community helmet that was passed from kid to kid as they entered their various classes for the day.  I was never allowed to share my helmet, because my mom’s rule had always been, if I’m on a horse I had to wear my helmet. When I was about 17 or 18, the only “made” horse we ever bought was a skilled barrel horse named Jack Daniels. He ran competitively on the rodeo circuit, and he was pretty darn fast!  Helmets were allowed in competition at this time, however, were not yet being used by the cowgirls on the rodeo circuit. I went to a Don Martin rodeo and asked if I could wear my helmet, and was told I was not allowed – I had to wear a western hat as the rules called for. So in the 2000s, when the rodeo circuit started buzz about wearing helmets in barrel racing, I was not as “wowed” as everyone else because I had been doing this my whole life, but I was pleased to see people take notice (and hopefully put on a helmet – every ride). Helmets today are quite fashionable.  They are part of the attire and most people don’t give it a second thought.  Even though some folks might only wear a helmet because they find it to be stylish, I’ll take it.  At least they’re wearing one, right? I wear my helmet every ride. The best part of the experience is going to open shows or breed shows.  I’m easy to spot:  the adult wearing the helmet. I’ve had people stop and ask me if this was my first horse show or how long I’ve been riding because they thought I was doing very well.  It cracks me up when someone assumes that I’m a beginner because I choose to wear a helmet.  Well, I'd like to say I've done a bit of everything:  team penning, eventing, barrel racing, etc. I have to bite my tongue, but I’d love to answer, “No, actually I’m quite experienced – you’re obviously the beginner or you’d know better than to mount up without your helmet.  Mind your melon!” The last fall I took from my horse was one of the dumbest moments I’ve ever had. I was riding around the pasture checking the fence. I leaned over to fix a plastic cap on top of the post, and a critter ran through the brush, spooking my horse. She ran out from underneath me and I landed on the back of my head. It was the easiest fall I’ve ever taken. Nothing hurt – not even sore. The only thing that hurt was my pride. After collecting my horse and untacking, I discovered that my Troxel schooling helmet, was cracked and split right up the back, where I had landed on my head. Thanks to my helmet, I was perfectly fine. No concussion, no pain.   That helmet was worth every penny when I saw the impact it took for me that day. And with all of the fun styles and colors out there, I was not upset to throw the helmet away and get a new. (And thanks to The Carousel Horse, I am sporting a new Charles Owen JR8, and I love it!) So you’re probably wondering why I feel like Superman when I’m wearing my helmet?  Because with my helmet I am braver. I try things outside of my comfort zone. I know if I fall off, I’ve got my head covered, and odds are in my favor that I’ll get up, walk away and try again.  I hope the next time you tack up, you’ll think about what your brain is worth, and I hope that an investment in a helmet is one that you don't want to skimp on. I guess my mother really did know best. Mind. Your. Melon. About our guest blogger: Corinne Schnur is all-around competitor, competing in AQHA breed shows, mini-trials and hunters. Corinne is a Carousel Horse Brand Ambassador.

By: Corinne Schnur We all have our horse show pet peeves…these are mine. I’m sure everyone can relate to more than one on this list.

10. COST

Well no surprise here, it’s probably on most everyone’s list. I understand it costs money to put the shows on, but why all the “extra fees?” Office fee, drug fee, trailer fee (since you didn’t get a stall!), number fee, administrative fee (how does it differ from the office fee?) What you think will be a fairly inexpensive show ends up not so much.

9. WEATHER

Perhaps I’m showing my age by saying if it isn’t between 65 and 78 degrees it is either too hot or too cold to horse show. And rain, forget it!

8. TIME

If the show starts at 8 a.m., I have to be up before 6 a.m. This is just too early because the prep the night before is exhausting! And for me, the worst part are shows that go late into Sunday evening – then the long drive home, unpack the trailer and horses and get to bed for work the next day. Of course, my classes always seem to be the last ones on a Sunday…

7. FOOTING

This is definitely a valid complaint. There are very few arenas that I would say are exceptional. I don’t like when it is too deep, or too hard, or lumpy and uneven - good way to twist your ankle during showmanship.

6. BACK NUMBERS

Speaking of showmanship, I really despise when people put their back numbers on the small of their backs. It is a back number, not a butt number! Put it on your back. That’s really all I have to say on that.

5. RING HOGS

Ring hogs come in different varieties. You have hogs that just longe to death (see also my song “Why You Gotta Longe to Death”, a parody of Taylor Swift’s song, “Mean”). Then, you have the jump hogs that ride in front of a jump you’re trying to school, or the trainer who ignores your request and continues to send their students to the same jump over and over again. You also have pattern hogs – those who set up cones and practice in prime ring space – and get angry when you ride through! I’m all for trying to steer clear, but sometimes there is only so much you can do!

4. FOOD BOOTH

Why is it that when you don’t have any cash, the show has a great food booth, and when you do have cash all they have are hot dogs? Oh, and if you’re going to have a food booth, spring for Heinz ketchup. I live in Western PA, for crying out loud. Your food booth will make more money if you spend the extra 57 cents and buy Heinz. Trust me. And no worries if you skimp; I travel with my own Heinz ketchup.

3. HAND GALLOP

When patterns call for hand gallop, let’s see a hand gallop! This typically is not an issue at hunter shows, but at open shows and AQHA, I personally find it to be a joke. Standing up in your stirrups (that are probably 3 holes too long) makes it near impossible to achieve a good two-point position, and posing by tipping your butt out and pushing your hands forward, is not a hand gallop. At least show a change in speed/stride during that part of the pattern.

2. POOR JUDGING

It’s not about who wins, it’s about placing the horses fairly. I totally understand the judges cannot see everyone at all times and some people get lucky by having a bad moment that the judge doesn’t see. And, unless you show in contest classes, you’re paying for someone’s opinion and everyone has their own tastes. However, my biggest beef is poor judging during pattern classes. These are classes that the judge has to watch each individual. When riders go off pattern, or have a major mistake (missed lead, diagonal, etc.) they should not place over riders that had a clean go. Oh, and one more thing: Just because a horse is the tallest in the ring doesn’t automatically make it a good mover. I commend AQHA on this point; I think the judges are doing a great job rewarding movement over size.

1. CHATTING UP THE JUDGE

Number one on my list is when trainers and exhibitors find excuses or use every free moment to go chat with the judge. I have not and would not approach a judge during a show about anything. Most association rules even tell you this is unacceptable, and I personally find it quite distasteful. So these are my biggest pet peeves; please comment below with yours. Happy horse showing to all (as long as it is 75 and sunny!) About our guest blogger: Corinne Schnur is all-around competitor, competing in AQHA breed shows, mini-trials and hunters. Corinne is a Carousel Horse Brand Ambassador.

By: Maggie Carty It is safe to say that every horse or pony in the world deserves to be loved by a little girl at least once in his or her life. If they are extremely lucky, the little girl gets to grow with them and be their life partner. I caught the “horse bug” when I was about three or four years old, had some lessons with a few different instructors, but eventually ended up where I started first. I rode the lesson horses but decided that I wanted to be serious about riding, so my trainer brought me my four-year-old little paint horse. She knew we would have a great partnership much before I did. Paige and I could not have met at a more perfect time. I was 12 and I had enough riding experience to “finish” her with the help of my trainer, but we were both “green” enough that we still had some adventures to learn from down the road. From middle school through college I had a best friend to help me along the way. Paige and I moved from 18-inch cross-rails to reserve champion in 3’ equitation and schooling comfortably 3’6 courses. I am so thankful that I am able to share my life with someone who has been able to teach me so much. In addition to riding Paige for much of the last ten years, I also am fortunate enough to ride within the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. Riding horses other than Paige has taught me to appreciate what I have in front of me, but has also helped me improve when we head into the show ring.  I love riding IHSA because it gives me the opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals while still getting to show on a higher level.  I love that the IHSA has an individual and team riding aspect. We work together to encourage each other toward team points but when it comes down to it, we are accountable for our own success in the ring. Looking back on the past few years, I am so appreciative to have had Paige by my side. Paige has traveled with me to college, across the state, and into the woods, waited for me to heal from surgery, and has supported me for ten years. It’s safe to say she will follow me throughout the rest of my life. I can only hope that as we both get older we can still go on adventures and that another little girl can help love her too. About our guest blogger: Maggie Carty is a Senior at Seton Hill University, studying Communications. She is a member of their IHSA team, competing in the Intermediate division. Maggie is the Social Media Intern for The Carousel Horse.

Whether for schooling or for show, our Brand Ambassadors, Intern and some friends have chosen outfits that represent their style, discipline and personalities! Click on the images below to watch videos from these ladies and learn more about these great styles and brands!

Are you interested in becoming a Brand Ambassador and joining the Carousel Horse team? We are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for driven, enthusiastic equestrians who want to support and be supported by our company. Click here for all the information and the application. Applications are due June 20!

               

 

                     

[caption id="attachment_317" align="aligncenter" width="263"] Charles Owen AYR8 Helment, RJ Classics Ladies Linden Navy White Show Shirt , RJ Classics Ladies Xtreme Collection Green Soft Shell Coat, Tredstep Symphony Rosa Side Zip Breeches, Tredstep Ladies Donatello Boots[/caption] [caption id="attachment_314" align="aligncenter" width="263"] Horseware Nola Check Shirt, USG Breeches, Ariat Challenge Contour Field Boot in Cognac[/caption]

 

Green grass, warmer temps and longer days. This is my favorite time of the year. In fact, our horses love it too! But give it a few more weeks when those pesky flies and mosquitoes take over, and your ponies will be at the gate begging to come in by mid-day. So I ask you – do you use a fly sheet? If not, it is certainly something to think about…

• Make summer turnout more pleasant – Not all farms offer night turnout for the summer, which means your horse may have to take in the heat of the day out in a field. The extra head shaking, body twitching, foot stomping and tail swishing can cause a lot of unnecessary stress and less grazing. A fly sheet helps create a barrier to bugs and lessens bug bites.
• Sunblock – Today, many fly sheets come with UV protection. This can be important in lighter-colored and pink-skinned horses who are prone to sunburn. Additionally, if you have a darker show horse, UV fly sheets can keep their coats from fading.
• Cut down on allergens – There is always that one horse in the barn who seems to have an allergic reaction to bug bites, developing itchy welts, and in turn spends the day biting and scratching themselves, again, resulting in less grazing. Using a fly sheet can help prevent bugs from getting to the skin and lessen allergic reactions.
• Cleanliness – Grass stains and excess dust and dirt are a common part of summer turnout, but a fly sheet can help you keep your horse much cleaner! Fly sheets are even a great option for summer horse shows.
• Keeping cool – Fly sheets come in different fabrics, but are primarily made of mesh that lets air circulate freely. This helps keep your horse cool even on the hottest days!
• Less fly spray – Let’s be honest, you spray your horse in the morning before he goes out, but within the hour, he is stomping and swishing. He is sweating, he has rolled, and now your fly spray is no longer effective. A fly sheet is a great alternative! And, you don’t have to continue to spay all day

My advice to you… before summer kicks into high gear, consider investing in a fly sheet. There is practically one for every budget, and your horse will thank you! Check out all these great fly sheet options from The Carousel Horse.

Make a Run for the Roses! If you successfully pick the 2015 Kentucky Derby Winner, you will be entered into a random drawing for a $50 gift certificate to The Carousel Horse! Here are the details: 1. LIKE our Facebook page! www.facebook.com/CarouselHorseTack  2. Thursday through Saturday, May 2, at Post Time (6:25 pm, Eastern), pick your winner and post it in the comments section of the Facebook post. 3. SHARE the post on your Facebook page and encourage your friends to take part in the fun! 4. Fill out this form so that we can contact you if you win! http://www.carouselhorsetack.com/pages/Kentucky-Derby-Contest-.html 5. Watch the Kentucky Derby and cheer on your favorite horse! 6. At the conclusion of The Derby, those who have chosen the winning horse will be entered into a random drawing for a $50 gift certificate to The Carousel Horse! 8. Any horses chosen after Post Time (6:25 pm, Eastern) will not be eligible. Find the complete list of horses running in the Kentucky Derby here: http://www.kentuckyderby.com/horses

It’s that time of the year, the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event is here! It has easily become one of the most notable equestrian events. Cross country, dressage, show jumping – not to mention all the demos and exhibitions, this event has something for every equestrian. Here are some of our favorite things about Rolex:

1. Kentucky – have you ever been to the Bluegrass State? If not, it should quickly make its way to the top of your bucket list. The Kentucky setting is everything you can imagine; green grass and perfect fences as far as you can see, beautiful barns, beautiful horses and welcoming individuals. The bourbon isn’t too bad either ;)
2. The Kentucky Horse Park – hands down one of the most beautiful venues in the country. To show, visit, take a tour and more. Where else can you meet Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide, take a trail ride, and watch mini horses trot alongside golf carts all in one day?
3. The horses – some of the world’s best athletes take the stage on Rolex weekend. They aren’t just masters of one discipline, but they are masters at three. Some days, I’m not even a master at trot poles!
4. The competitors – 75 riders who have dedicated every minute of their lives to getting to this event. Their grooms, trainers and support systems – every member of their team. It’s awesome! How can you not admire these riders? They are jumping fences taller than the average man! That takes some serious guts!
5. The shopping – no horse event is complete without shopping! Almost 200 vendors fill the Covered Arena. If you are there, be sure to visit some of our friends, including Annie’s Equestrienne Apparel!
6. Live streaming - if you can’t make it to the event this year, technology will allow those of us who have to work to watch it at our desks! The USEF Network has us covered! Just be sure your boss isn’t hovering… or, if they like horses too, maybe you can stream it in your conference room!
7. The fans – everyone is like you! Love the horses, love the sport, have a favorite horse/rider! More than 7,200 fans took in dressage on the first day, and the excitement will only build through the weekend! You can literally talk horses to anyone, everywhere you go!
8. The fashion – casual to classy, equestrians are dressed the part! Big hats, boots, fancy belts and bags, the people watching is great! On jog day, our favorite riders were dressed to the nines! But as always, don’t forget the sunscreen – it gets bright out there on the XC course!

Good luck to all the riders this weekend! What are your favorite things about Rolex??