Revamp Old Boots / Fading Saddles for under £5!

There's nothing like buying a new pair of riding boots or saddle.
They often look so pretty you don't want to use them!
But, after a while, the colour fades leaving them looking...well, used!

I bought my dressage saddle second hand and the back especially was very faded, almost a greeny colour!
And my boots...I have worn them every single day for almost 3 years!

I decided to try Cherry Blossom Readywax Instant Shoe Shine Colour Enriching in Black.
It comes with a sponge on top, gently squeeze it and apply to saddle/boots - it dries within seconds too which is a bonus!
I applied one layer to the back of my saddle, let it dry and then applied another layer. I also applied two layers to the front of my knee rolls which were also faded.

I got a bit carried away and covered my boots in it - I am pleased to say it doesn't transfer and is waterproof!

(Unfortunately I got a bit carried away so didn't take a photo of my saddle before applying it, but believe me, as I said, it was a horrible greeny colour where it had got damp.)

As you can see my left boot looks almost new again!

Allow the first layer to dry before applying a second

 The colour of the seat was the colour of the knee rolls/back of saddle before applying

This brand retails for as little as £1! And has given my boots and saddle a new lease of life!

Happy shining!

Beth x

Retirement - Here's why I chose it!

I am lucky enough to have 4 horses - 2 of which are retired I often get asked why?

When I made the decision to retire Bentley, I was faced with the question "Why don't you just sell him? Make some money?" - Now, if I were selling horses as a business I could see this as a valid question, but I don't. The horses I own are my world, they're my universe.

Here's a little information on the two (very different horses) I have that are retired, for very different reasons.

Edd, The first of my horses I retired. A 15.2hh Irish Sports Horse gelding (in his heart, he was a stallion as he was gelded quite late.) I had the pleasure of owning him for 2 years, he's the first horse I felt I "understood." He was an avid head shaker and very "gung ho!" with the heart of a lion. Sometimes his speed got us into trouble, he would charge around a course of jumps faster than I'd like to think and despite my mum often refusing to watch me ride because it "scared her" I never felt scared because, despite his "gung ho" attitude, he took care of me and I really got to know him. Long story short, as he got older, a few injuries from his younger years surfaced - after consulting a vet, we were given a few options. 1) He'd be okay going for a plod every now and again, but nothing else. (This wasn't at all viable because plodding wasn't on of his gaits. 2) Sell him to someone that would take him for a plod. (Same as before) 3) PTS (This was never even considered) 4) Retirement

Retirement it was. I was unsure how he would "cope" with living out in a herd 24/7, 365 days a year as he was very selective of his fellow four legged friends.
Unloaded at his place of retirement, he took a deep breath with his ears pricked forward and trotted off to meet his new friends. (5 years later he is still his cheeky self!)

Bentley's story is a lot more complicated than Edd's.

Bentley is a 15.3 KWPN, who I got because the second I saw him, I fell in love with him.  He seriously underweight with a lot of physical and emotional problems.

After sorting out his physical problems (tilted pelvis, stomach ulcers, missing teeth) I began to see how parts of his past still haunted him.

He has the most incredible jump, one day we would be jumping 1.15 no problem, the next day he would see a pole and violently shake. So I thought the obvious thing would be to stop jumping him and concentrate more on dressage.
He would float round and I can't express in words the feeling he gave me, it was a feeling no other horse in the 20 years of riding has ever given me.
We were unable to take him out to competitions as travelling was another huge problem (he would often jump up and get his legs stuck!) But that didn't matter to me.
His problems would come and go, one day he would be calm and content and the next day he would be bucking and rearing.

One day I was practicing a dressage test and he reared vertically, twice. I landed on the fence on my back which resulted in a long night in hospital.
Usually i'd ignore his bucks and rears, I accepted that they happened, frequently and it was almost normal. But this wasn't, it seriously knocked my confidence and he was a horse that needed guidance and would pick up on any sort of nervousness. So I was left in a similar situation, a few choices to make about Bentley's future. 1) Sell him. (This was a hard one for me. Because of his quirkiness I was worried he'd hurt someone, and someone would hurt him.) Money didn't matter to me, despite people constantly reminding me that "he'd make a bit" - He was and still is my horse of a life time 2) Retire him (A no brainer for me. I can sleep at night knowing that, for the first time in his life he is living life as a horse. He gave me so much and it was time to give him something back. Again, the worry of "will he cope" struck (before we had him he had never been in a field)
Needless to say, in true Bentley style on his travel to his place of retirement, he got his legs over the partition.
After spending one night in a stable to make sure he was okay, the next day he met his new herd, his new family.

I am pleased to say both of them are doing incredibly well, and most importantly, are very, very happy.
I visit them as much as I can (they are a few hours away) but I get to see photos and updates everyday.
Yes, it still costs me, but I am a strong believer in giving these wonderful animals something back, after everything they have given me and it is totally worth the sacrifice of other, less important (to me) things.

Do you have a horse in retirement? Comment below! I'll upload some more photos in another post, Beth x

I have finally found replacement breeches!

My accident left me without my favourite breeches.
Well, I still have them, but they resemble something out of a horror movie...they're shredded! (I had to have them cut off, which broke my heart, but I am very thankful to be okay!)

They were my euro-star breeches which were a birthday present from my Mum, and I lived in them!
It's taken me a few months to find another pair I like (I didn't realise quite how picky I am!) But I finally have a replacement pair! (Until I can get my hands back on the pair I lost along with my favourite Spooks jumper -but that's another story!)

Here they are, Cavallo Grey Corvina Breeches with Swarovski Crystals and they are beautiful!
They are a great pair of everyday breeches and in my opinion, worth every penny!

• True to fit
• Comfortable
• Full Seat
• A little extra sparkle
• Smart looking
• Available in different colours!

RRP - Around £115-£125 depending on colour & style (UK)

Available here

Alex And Alexa

Exclusively Equestrian

Recovery - Regaining trust, confidence and getting back on!

I've been riding since I was 5, and in the 18 years I've been riding I've had my fair share of falls and confidence issues.

It's only recently I've had 3 life-threatening, serious falls which have knocked me physically and emotionally.

When I was younger, i'd fall off, laugh and get back on, no problem - and even recently when riding Aragorn when I landed on my feet, I laughed it off, got back on and in the space of 5 minutes I fell off (landing on my feet again!)

                               

It doesn't take a serious, life threatening fall/accident to affect your confidence.
It could be anything from your horse spooking, refusing, bolting, bucking, rearing...

I was competing my horse (who is now retired) at a competition, at the penultimate fence, he was unable to get his feet under him and I ended up in the public viewing gallery with him on top of me. After hours of scans and tests I was allowed back home on the agreement that for a week I wouldn't do anything stimulating as I'd knocked my head - badly. No reading, no writing, no TV no nothing.
In my heart I knew if I didn't get back on a horse soon, I wouldn't get back on at all. So, two days after being strapped down in hospital on a spinal board, against the doctors orders and against my mum's wishes, I decided to compete at a show I'd qualified for (we won our class but that's not the point!)
People have different ways of dealing with confidence issues, for some people getting back on as soon as possible is the best way of dealing with a confidence knock, and for others taking some time off is more effective.
For years I had issues with indoor arenas, and it was only when I moved to a yard where my trainer didn't want to teach in the pouring rain outdoors that I HAD to go indoors again. The more I did it, the less of an issue it was.



Last month I had two serious accidents in the space of a week.
(Bentley vertically reared and I smashed my back on the arena fence and a week after Aragorn got a pole stuck between his legs whilst jumping and landed on me) - If you knew Bentley you'd know that, more likely than not he'd have at least 2 bucks and a rear whilst warming him up and I'd usually ignore it and carry on. The same with jumping, if I fell off, i'd get back on and do it again. But it did knock my confidence. I started to panic when I got to the part of arena Bentley reared up in, and if Aragorn knocked a pole i'd just say "that's enough jumping today" - There's no shame or embarrassment in admitting when something's knocked your confidence, don't ever feel like a problem isn't big enough to be a problem.

If your confidence has taken a real knock, don't feel like you have to rush yourself to overcome the said problem to prove to yourself and others that "I can do it" - It doesn't matter how slow you take it, because confidence is shattered in seconds but takes weeks, months even years to build.
Don't feel under any sort of pressure to get back on or do something you don't feel confident enough or ready to do, because not only will your horse sense your uncertainty, you will also not fully enjoy your achievements!

Don't look at riding as a constant competition between others, it doesn't matter how big someone else is jumping or how fantastic someone else's medium trot is, set your own, achievable goals and feel proud of them!

• Find a trainer you trust - one that gives you confidence and doesn't try to rush you or your horse
• Take your time! You have all the time in the world
• Go back to basics - Go back to doing what makes you and your horse confidence, regain your trust in each other before tackling problems and progressing
• Breathe - We are all guilty of not breathing when something causes us to worry!
• Set your own achievable goals - Sometimes having things to aim for gives us focus, meaning we worry less!
• Enjoy yourself - There is nothing wrong with taking a step back and thinking "this is scaring me and I'm not enjoying myself anymore" 

Have fun and stay safe!

Capturing the moment! A few helpful tips and tricks!

Hello all! I have been so unorganised with keeping my blog up to date - apologies!
A few people have asked me for tips on equine photography.
Here's a little background info! I started working as a live music photographer, my first paid job was when I was 14. I loved it. I was exposed (no pun intended!) to a huge variety of music and artists, got to travel a lot and met some great people! But after 7 years I decided I needed a change.
A friend asked me to accompany her to a show she was competing at - and, by chance, I took my camera. Although I don't do it as often as I used to, I do it as much as I can!

Here are my top 10 tips for those of you who, like me, like taking photos of your horse or anything horse related!





10 Tips

1. Practice! - It seems obvious, but it's so underrated! I taught myself how to use my camera and it's only through constantly practicing that I learned how to get the best possible photo! Practice taking photos of your pets - whether you are lucky enough to have your own horse or if you ride at a barn/stables - ask people if they would mind if you took some photos from them! (You might even get a few clients!) With animals, you need to be quick, accurate and safe (e.g not using a really bright flash!) Take your camera / phone everywhere - you never know what you might capture!

2. Capture the moments that are often overlooked - simply meaning, some of the best photos aren't set up or posed. If you're taking photos at a show, capturing expressions etc look so much better when they're real!

3. Know your speed! - Make sure you know the shutter speed of your device! If it's slow, make sure you're prepared otherwise you might miss the moment!

4. Patience pays! - If there are horses in a field, have your camera ready and watch and wait. (Not only is it fascinating to watch horses being, well, horses, but you also capture things that you can't create!)

5. Perspective - Try things from different perspectives. It keeps things interesting!

6.  Capture relationships - Whether it's between horse and horse or horse and rider, there's something special about capturing relationships.

7. Think Outside The Box (Screen!) - This links in with number 2. When i've been asked to photograph someone's day at a show, their favourite photos are often the unusual ones. Try taking photos of tack, or boots, or even a portrait style photo of a rider!

8. Take as many as you can! - I found out the hard way, you can never take too many photos! Sometimes I look back and think "I wish I had ONE more like this" especially if you are taking action shots, keep your finger on the button! You can always delete the ones that are no good!

9. Smile! - If you're taking photos for someone, don't be afraid to get them to move about or change their position (or smile!) 

10. It's not all about the camera! - If you don't have a camera, don't worry! I almost always shoot in colour - you can always make a photo black and white, but you can't make a black and white photo colour! If you are taking photos for someone else, it is always better to give them their photos in black and white and colour - different people prefer different styles! 

Let me know if you find this post helpful!

Happy snapping!

Beth

It's Been A While! Injuries, moving...stress!

Hello! Hope everyone is well.

It has been a while since I have posted - a lot has happened in a short space of time!

Injuries, moving...stress!

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control, I decided to move the boys to a new yard in which we've been at for a week now.
They have both settled in well and I feel for the first time in a long time I can sleep well at night knowing they will be well looked after and cared for!

Jaw Dropping. An unlucky month indeed!

I am lucky enough to have found a trainer who works well for me and my horses.
The improvement in Bentley in particular is unbelievable. 

This week (Well, month), however, proved to be a very unlucky one for me.
What with shoulder injuries, a car accident and a (what seems to be) an endless list of other things, I managed to lose half a tooth, and fracture part of my jaw mid-training.

A total accident. (An unfortunate one at that!)
To summarise - came round to a jump on a bad stride, Aragorn (bless his heart) thought he'd have a go, then thought better of it, his head - my jaw...ouch!

A screenshot from the video!

I am now glued together, most of my teeth still intact and, today I was able to "eat" a muffin.
I also gave the boys a little ride - all is well.

What did you and your four-legged friend/s get up to this weekend?

Thankfully, it's nearly August - here's to a luckier month!

Beth

A quick update!

I haven't posted on here in a while!

Bentley had his final back treatment and his ulcers have now completely cleared which is fantastic news!

Both of the boys had their feet done today by our wonderful farrier, Jodhi Bheard - If anyone in the Essex area is on the lookout for a farrier, I cannot recommend her enough!

After months of hard work I have decided to pull out of Hickstead this weekend.
I am absolutely gutted (to say the least!) - It has always been a dream of mine to compete there but due to a badly timed shoulder injury, I haven't been able to ride as much/as well/keep Aragorn fit and ready, so the best option (the only option) was to pull out.
Who knows, maybe next year I will take both!

I will still be going to cheer all the other riders on - is anyone else attending/competing?

The Weekend is here!

The weekend is here at long last!
Do you have any shows/events planned? Or are you looking forward to a nice, chilled out weekend with your horse?
Let me know!
Enjoy your weekend!

The grass is always greener...

Hello everyone! Hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine! Here's a question - what living arrangements work best for your horse? I am lucky enough to have turnout everyday which I have found to be very beneficial both physically and mentally to the horses. I have only recently moved yards and the change in both horses is unbelievable. What arrangements work best for your horse?

Let's Get The Introductions Out Of The Way!

Hi! I'm Beth and welcome to my blog! Here I will be posting about all things...you've guessed it! Equestrian! We equestrians eat, sleep and breathe horses. I am to provide and share reviews of products (new and old!) From hoof oil to browbands! As well as some news and updates on my lovely boys! I am 22, and have been riding for as long as I can remember... I have just completed a 4 year long degree in Psychology and have decided to take a "year out" before beginning a full-time career to pursue my equestrian dream a little longer! I am lucky enough to have 3 lovely boys!

On the left is the newest addition to the family! His name is Bentley and I've only had him since December - he is a sensitive soul who has only recently started to show his personality - he is very cheeky! And on the right is Aragorn (or Jigsaw) who I have had a little over a year now! They both have 4 legs and that is where the similarities end! And here is my lovely boy Edd, who is now retired and living the dream in Devon! I try to see him at least twice a year (although I'm sure he doesn't miss me one bit!)

So, that's the introductions out of the way! I hope everyone is enjoying the lovely weather! Does anyone have any competitions coming up? Happy Reading, Beth