The Carousel Horse Blog

Spring is here, and summer will be upon us before we know it! Get ready to bust some bugs by entering our WeatherBeeta Airflow Detach-A-Neck Fly Sheet Giveaway Contest! Three easy steps to enter: 1. Be sure you have LIKED our Facebook page 2. SHARE this post on your page 3. FILL OUT this form

Comfort and performance. Two words that have attached themselves to almost every riding apparel product out there. But what exactly does all this “technology” do for us as riders? Are my breeches today really better than the breeches I rode in as a teen? Yes, yes, they are. So, let’s talk technology – apparel technology!

• Show Coats – I still have my very first show coat from when I was about 7. It’s heavy, it’s boxy, it’s wool. Thank goodness that in the last 20+ years, designers have taken the hint from other athletic apparel companies and have transformed the show coat industry! Today, fabrics are light and cool (hello summer sun and heat), stretchy (won’t be busting out of those seams when you get left behind at that fence), machine washable (SAY-WHAT?!) and figure flattering (nope, that’s not a Lego riding that horse). Each brand has their own special blend of “comfort and performance,” check out what’s new here:
  • RJ Classics – Their XTREME show coat collection includes softshell materials that contain washable ingredients, and are stain resistant and water repellant.
  • Romfh - Made with a lightweight breathable microfiber softshell fabric, their coats are easy care and machine washable.

• Schooling Breeches – Growing up, I typically lessoned in jeans and half chaps. My schooling breeches were cotton, hot in the summer, easily stained, and always ripped when out on a trail riding adventure. Today, I still wear jeans a majority of the time, but I have a handful of schooling breeches that have certainly withstood the tests of time.
  • Kerrits – are one of the best schooling brands out there, and their technology has come a LONG way. Ice Fil® fabric lowers your skin’s temperature up to 5 degrees and contains UPF 50+ sun protection. Easy wash and dry!

• Show Breeches - Show breeches have improved vastly. No more heavy, scratchy dry-clean only options. You can get the classic style with all the tech bells and whistles.
  • Tredstep - lightweight yet flattering TS Evolution fabric provides 4-way stretch and NanoSphere technology naturally repels water, dirt, and oil to keep your breeches looking great and reduce the need for frequent washing.

• Show Shirts – Advanced fabrics now block UV rays, are moisture-wicking and cooling. MUCH different from the typical boxy cotton button-downs from a few years back.
  • RJ Classics - breathable, stretch fabric and underarm mesh panels will keep you cool and comfortable even during the toughest of competition.

Take advantage of these new technologies, whether for schooling or show. You can be comfortable and cool, protected from the elements and withstand the wear and tear of being at the barn. What do you look for in riding attire?

“The Horse Show Hiatus” - that time in your life between college, finding a real job, getting married and starting a family. Many of us go through it. Its life’s slap in the face that you are now an adult and your parents no longer pay for the pastime that consumed much of your childhood and teen years. Of course, you could potentially count on one hand how many times you have actually shown during the “Horse Show Hiatus” – you’ve hacked your friend’s horse in the under saddle, or you had a catch-ride opportunity from an old trainer. Heck, you may have even been the leader in a lead line class, but needless to say, your showing days slowed immensely. Jump ahead a few years, and you become “The Returning Amateur.” You have your life in order (somewhat), which gives you enough free time to get a couple lessons a week or lease a horse. If you are feeling ambitious, perhaps you have even bought your child their first pony. Yay, let’s get back in the show ring! Unfortunately, the trending styles when you were showing are now gone, and you feel like you stick out like a sore thumb! So, it is time to get you outfitted on a budget! Helmet – For safety reasons, you are supposed to replace your helmet every five years. For fashion reasons, your old-school IRH or original Charles Owen just look amiss in a sea of GPA Speed Airs, Charles Owen AYR8s, One K Defenders and Samshields. There is a new, fashionable, safe helmet for every budget. Show coat – If it has been a few years since you have shown, you likely have a wool or wool-blend show coat. Sure, it still looks great, but we all know how quickly they can raise your body temperature while standing at the in-gate, and let’s not even talk about the costs around getting them dry cleaned after.every.show! Well, since your have been on your “Horse Show Hiatus” technology has taken over! Soft-shell show coats are offered by almost all of your favorite brands! Light weight, stretchy, breathable AND machine washable! Again, you can find one of these great coats to fit your budget. Breeches – Technology has taken over here too! No more scratchy, thick, dry-clean-only options. Today’s breeches no longer cover your bellybutton or make your butt look five miles long, but you now have low-rise and mid-rise options for optimum comfort! Oh, and did we mention, some of these breeches are stain-proof? Yep – watch this video! Boots – If you haven’t noticed, most riders wear custom, semi-custom, or custom-looking boots. If you are still rocking the saggy-ankle, leather-look-a-like boot in the show ring, you need to upgrade. The great thing is, many of your favorite, trusted brands now make a fitted boot that looks custom, without the custom price tag! Comfort, style, real leather, and a boot for every budget! Show shirt – if you haven’t yet discovered the awesomeness of the IceFill, moisture-wicking, cooling, fitted, tailored show shirt, PLEASE do yourself a favor and make that be one of your first purchases. Furthermore, gone are the days of lost ratcatchers – welcome to the world of wrap-collars. So, for all of you “Returning Amateurs,” we wish you great success getting back into the show ring this spring. Now you can do it in style!

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This week, most of the United States is experiencing a deep freeze. Even places in Florida have reached the freezing mark, while some of us Northerners are struggling with below zero temps and crazy winds. Unfortunately, for equestrians, this can halt your riding and training routines, and it makes barn work a pure struggle. Through the winter we hear – How cold is too cold to ride? Are lessons on today? Will my horse be turned out? And while it is often times a personal choice (my ‘too cold’ is different than your ‘too cold’), one thing is for certain – we have to keep in mind the comfort and health of our four-footed friends. And honestly, a day off here or there won’t hurt (you may just need an extra lunge before your next lesson). So today, because it is actually 0º, not including the wind-chill, I think we should all treat our ponies and horses to a delicious, warm bran mash. Here is one of my favorite recipes. Give it a try for an afternoon snack! I like to use beet pulp – mainly because we have it regularly available at the barn, and it is a better fiber source than bran itself.

• ¼ - ½ bucket of dehydrated beet pulp, cover with boiling water (use about twice as much water as you have beet pulp) and let it soak an hour or two – it will still be warm, especially if you keep it covered with a towel in the tack room or feed room.
• Cut up carrots and apples and add them to the warm beet pulp mixture.
• Have some mints or left over candy canes from Christmas? Drop those into the bucket as well!
• I also add a handful of oats or sweet feed to the bucket.
• Mix! (a LARGE wooden spoon or sweat scraper will do the trick)
• Serve! This will make about a bucket, so there is PLENTY to share throughout the barn. I usually give about a scoop per horse.

Stay warm, friends!

Dear Santa, I’ve been a very good horse this year. I’ve won blue ribbons, I’ve played well with my friends – I didn’t even ruin the Chestnut’s halter this year! I loaded on and off the trailer quietly and only pooped in my water bucket a FEW times. I think I am very deserving of the items I have mentioned below. A new Weatherbeeta Turnout would be great. My current blanket has a few rips in tears from the Paint horse down the aisle. He is probably on your naughty list. This leather halter from Thinline is pretty fancy. Mine broke at a horse show this summer, when I may have mistaken the hose in the wash-rack for a snake. I would love a new pair of front boots. Word in the field is that the Carbon Gel Open Fronts from Veredus are extra comfortable and supportive! I’m a Gray, and I tend to stain easily. But I have to tell you, the EquiFUSE Shampoo scrubs the dirt stains right out. I look fabulous and smell GREAT! Santa, I would even ask you to drop a container of this off at all of the stalls in our barn. My friends could benefit too! It gets cold here in Western Pennsylvania, and my mom gave me a really funny haircut. She told me it will help me cool out faster after we ride and keep me looking presentable at horse shows this winter. I’ve seen some of my pasture-mates wear quarter sheets to the arena when they head for their daily workout. I really like this fancy striped one from Horsewear! And last, but not least, I can always use more treats! I’ll even share! I can’t wait to see you here in a few weeks! I will leave some extra carrots for your reindeer! Sincerely, The Gray in stall 3!

The holiday season is upon us. As much as I wished 2014 would hold its horses (pun intended), we are finishing up the year… And Christmas will be here before I know it. If you still haven’t started your holiday shopping, or yet made your Christmas list, here are some of my top picks for the equestrian in 2014! Noble Outfitters On the Bit Bracelet – love it! It’s fashionable with that hint of, “why yes, I do ride horses.” Perfect stocking stuffer! While we are on the topic of stocking stuffers, put this on your list, or pick one up for your favorite equestrian/wine connoisseur - Noble Outfitters Wine Down Hoof Pick Kit! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been stuck at a horse show with a bottle of wine and no way to open it! Problem solved with this gift! I have a thing for long, down coats, and this one for sure made my Christmas list - Mountain Horse Belvedere Coat. The fur hood is just an added bonus! Tredstep Symphony Argenta Knee Patch Breech – have you seen the video for the Tredstep breeches? EVERY horse owner needs a pair of these! Honestly, watch the video – they sell themselves! Ariat Womens Kenna H20 Leather Boot – A wonderful casual boot. One of my favorites from Ariat this season! The Horze Chione Knitted Headband would go great with the Mountain Horse Coat! Plus, it would be another perfect stocking stuffer! I wear knee socks year round to ride, but the Kerrits Bit of Wool Sock, is PERFECT for cooler months. For casual wear or to ride, the Goode Rider Polo Sweater should make its way under your tree. The Italian wool is amazing! Lastly, an equestrian’s Christmas wouldn’t be complete without this year’s Breyer ornament! Be sure to grab one of those! Click here for part two of our holiday gift blog series - what should make your horse's Christmas list! The Carousel Horse would like to wish all of our friends Happy Holidays!

December 5-6, 2014, The Carousel Horse will host our annual Holiday Preview Event! So, if you are local or traveling through Western Pennsylvania for the holidays, stop by! And watch our preview video below for more details! Hope to see you here in two weeks! [youtube=http://youtu.be/yFLZNa-i2Ts]

November is the month we take to reflect on and give thanks to all the people, places and things that have helped mold us into who we are today. This horse life has shaped us. We are forever in debt to these amazing animals who have galloped through our dreams and left hoof prints on our hearts. Give thanks. Thank your horse – he is your best friend, your confidant, and the one who can undeniably put a smile on your face even after the worst day. You are a team. You work together – not as individuals. Thank him for keeping you safe while on his back. Thank him for giving his all with each and every step. Thank him for trusting you. Thank him for everything he brings to your life to make it whole. Thank your trainers – daily, weekly or monthly your trainer works with you to help you achieve your goals. They want you to succeed just as much as you do. They instill their knowledge and skills upon you to not only grow you as riders, but as quality horsemen. Thank them for all they do to help you end every ride on a good note. Thank your parents – for those of us who got “hooked” on this equestrian drug at a young age, there is no one more deserving of a ‘thank you’ than your parents. They have supported you and helped fund this sport from the beginning. They are your biggest cheerleaders and support system. We would absolutely be nowhere if it wasn’t for them. Thank your barn pals – these people accept and contribute to your ‘horse crazy’ personality. They are 100% OK with your OCD quirks and look out for the well-being of your horse when you aren’t around. Horse people are good people. They are some of the best friends I have ever made. They make group lessons fun! They make horse showing memorable! Your barn friends do not compare to any others. Thank your barn owner and manager – for those of us who board our horse, we rely on others to provide the best care possible for our four-footed friends. Their jobs aren’t easy. Early mornings and late nights coupled with keeping ALL owners happy makes for long days, every day. Thank them. They put up with a lot. Thank your farrier – as the old saying goes ‘no hoof, no horse.’ Thank these hard working men and women for putting up with crazy horses and crazy owners. Thank them for fitting you in first thing in the morning when your horse loses a shoe the day before an event. Thank them for keeping your horse’s feet happy and keeping you in the saddle. Thank your veterinarian – on-call nearly 24 hours a day, these individuals have dedicated their lives to the care and well-being of horses. Thank them. Their job isn’t easy, and at times, as horse owners, we make their job seem impossible. But they help us. They respond when an emergency occurs. They answer our unknowing, and sometimes downright silly questions. They guide us on the right care path for our horse. We need them, our horses need them. Thank your lucky stars – not everyone has the chance to experience this life. Not everyone will get to feel the distinct tickle of the horse’s whiskers on their cheek. Not everyone will know the freedom of galloping through an open field. It is a privilege to be an equestrian. Remember that when you are having an ‘off’ day. Count your blessings and remember that horses are one of them. They complete us like no person or thing ever will.

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Trail riding – it is certainly one of my favorite equine-related activities, especially in the fall! Honestly, nothing beats a Saturday morning ride in October: crisp air, colorful trees, leaves crunching beneath the horse’s feet, and the dew on the grass. And although for equestrians, this may be a favorite time to ride, for hunters, this is also a favorite time to, well, hunt. So before you tack up and ride out, keep in mind these few safety tips: Dress your horse brightly – even though the hunter/jumper world is often about conservative colors, fall trail riding should be the exception to this rule. Choose brightly colored saddle pads and protective boots to dress your horse. Quarter sheets often come in brighter colors, and can be useful on cooler days as well. You can even add a colorful ribbon to their tails. Choose your outfit wisely – your brown insulated jacket or vest will certainly keep you warm, but it will not keep you visible. Swap out your super conservative schooling attire for something bright! If you don’t have another option, you may even consider purchasing a reflective, pull-over vest, specifically for trail riding.

Keep a calendar – ask your barn manager to post a calendar of the dates hunting season runs in your area. There is likely a safe day of the week (usually Sunday) or time of the day for riders to head out. Stay on marked trails – as fun as it is to go “trail-blazing,” fall is not the time to do it. Stay on cleared trails that you are familiar with. This lessens your chance of running across a hunter in a tree-stand who will likely be less than thrilled you are there. In addition, and this should go without saying, watch for signage. If an area of your woods is clearly marked “No Trespassing,” avoid it. Haul out – if the property around your barn is not trail-friendly, or your concern during hunting season is heightened, consider hauling out to a local park where hunting is not permitted. This is a great way to enjoy the weather and your colorful surroundings safely. Ride smart. Ride safe. Fall is a wonderful season that we as horse owners need to soak up, because it only means the dreaded winter is around the corner. Take advantage of all the fall riding activities around you; hunter paces, fox hunting, trail riding, and more!

It’s August, that means the summer show season is beginning to wrap up, and finals and indoor shows will soon be upon us – crazy to think! It is also this time of year my traveling tack trunk begins to feel a little lighter, which makes sense, because I’ve used my fly spray, show sheen, shampoo and other grooming essentials all season long. August is a good restocking month – first, because you can prepare for fall and winter shows by taking an inventory of all your grooming and tack supplies, and second, because all the tack shops are having end of season sales (SAVINGS!) Fly spray – the bottle is almost empty, that’s for sure. The good news is, you won’t need fly spray in the fall! But, this is the best time to buy it! It doesn’t go bad, often it’s ON SALE, and you can keep it for next show season. Hoof polish – I feel like this is the item that I waste the most of, and I always need to refill at the end of summer. Globbed on, knocked over, lid leaks. You just use a ton of it at horse shows. But, shiny feet never go out of style! You need it, even for indoors! Shampoo – yes, I have probably bought more shampoo this summer than last! And for those of you with colorful, gray and light-colored horses, you might as well take stock in Quic Silver! But there is nothing worse than realizing you are out of shampoo while you are at the show! Snag up a bottle or two now! Coat products – It doesn’t matter which brand you prefer, but this is certainly a good time to check the status on your hair polish and detanglers. As you prepare for the winter months, you can’t have enough of the green spot remover for those quick touch-ups at the show when a full bath is just not feasible. Restock this month. First aid – whether its ointment, vet wrap or liniment, check your supply. I know I go through a TON of Vetrolin through the summer, but it is also one of my favorite products to use in the winter as well. August is also a great month to check your tack and show clothes. Need new hairnets? Have you lost a glove? Did your horse eat through your reins at some point? It is certainly better to be safe than sorry! Pick a nice day to empty your tack trunk like I recently did in the photo above. Take inventory and get to your favorite tack shop to help you replenish. Good luck to everyone heading to finals and as you start the indoor circuit! [polldaddy poll=8246764]