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The Equestrian Thread.
- Thread starter Lorelei
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omieluv
Ideal_Rock
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Dover is carries several types of Ariat boots + chaps. My friend and I both have these: http://www.doversaddlery.com/ariat-hanover-lace-paddock-boots/p/X1-38327/cn/2154/; here they are as pull-ons: http://www.doversaddlery.com/ariat-hanover-zip-paddock-boots/p/X1-38328/cn/2154/
Miller's has these for a bit less, but they do not have the elastic at the top: http://www.millerharness.com/product.asp?pn=X4%2D38342; these are zip-ups: http://www.millerharness.com/product.asp?pn=X4%2D38343
Her Chaps: http://www.doversaddlery.com/ariat-close-contact-half-chaps/p/X1-35115/cn/2154/ or these, I cannot remember: http://www.doversaddlery.com/ariat-crowne-pro-half-chaps/p/X1-35112/cn/2154/
Miller's has these for a bit less: http://www.millerharness.com/product.asp?pn=X4%2D35125
Are you looking for tall boots? If so, are they going to be more for show or are you looking for an all around boot to ride in and do some showing in?
Miller's has these for a bit less, but they do not have the elastic at the top: http://www.millerharness.com/product.asp?pn=X4%2D38342; these are zip-ups: http://www.millerharness.com/product.asp?pn=X4%2D38343
Her Chaps: http://www.doversaddlery.com/ariat-close-contact-half-chaps/p/X1-35115/cn/2154/ or these, I cannot remember: http://www.doversaddlery.com/ariat-crowne-pro-half-chaps/p/X1-35112/cn/2154/
Miller's has these for a bit less: http://www.millerharness.com/product.asp?pn=X4%2D35125
Are you looking for tall boots? If so, are they going to be more for show or are you looking for an all around boot to ride in and do some showing in?
NewEnglandLady
Ideal_Rock
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It's great to see some horse-lovers here, all the pictures were gorgeous!!
I grew up on a farm, but we never owned any horses (much to my disappointment). My best friend had them, though, and I would ride as often as possible. I hadn't ridden since the day I left to go to college and have taken up a slew of new hobbies in the past decade.
Because DH and I have a bunch of shared hobbies, one of my new year's resolutions was to get back to do doing some things I love on my own. Most importantly, horseback riding. So I'm taking lessons now and I am really, really loving it. For me, there are very few sensations that compare to being on a horse, it's wonderful.
Expensive as all get out, but wonderful, haha. I'm going to Dover to buy some boots tomorrow and I cannot believe how much they cost!
I grew up on a farm, but we never owned any horses (much to my disappointment). My best friend had them, though, and I would ride as often as possible. I hadn't ridden since the day I left to go to college and have taken up a slew of new hobbies in the past decade.
Because DH and I have a bunch of shared hobbies, one of my new year's resolutions was to get back to do doing some things I love on my own. Most importantly, horseback riding. So I'm taking lessons now and I am really, really loving it. For me, there are very few sensations that compare to being on a horse, it's wonderful.
Expensive as all get out, but wonderful, haha. I'm going to Dover to buy some boots tomorrow and I cannot believe how much they cost!
omieluv
Ideal_Rock
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So jealous, I have never been to Dover - the best I have been able to do is order from them. Boots can be very expensive, depending on the type you buy. For many years, I wore a simple pair of rubber riding boots that were like $20. They were not the greatest, but they got the job done. When I rode, I ordered most of my stuff from State Line Tack, they always had great prices! Check them out at http://www.statelinetack.com/
You can also get a pair of paddock boots and get a pair of basic half chaps, which will be nicer than a cheap pair of rubber riding boots, but cheaper than a pair of leather ones.
NewEnglandLady
Ideal_Rock
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Thanks for the suggestion, omie. I might just get the paddock shoes and half chaps for now, that''s what most of them use.
I haven''t been to Dover, but found one in the Boston area and they seem to have the biggest selection. I''m excited to go. Would it be weird if I just sat in a saddle and pretended to be riding for a couple of hours? I used to do that as a kid. Some things you just don''t outgrow!
I haven''t been to Dover, but found one in the Boston area and they seem to have the biggest selection. I''m excited to go. Would it be weird if I just sat in a saddle and pretended to be riding for a couple of hours? I used to do that as a kid. Some things you just don''t outgrow!
EricaR
Ideal_Rock
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Don''t forget to check Sierra Trading Post for boots! Just do a search for Ariat and/or Dansko. I find them on there frequently.
I love my jodphur boots and half chaps, but if you are going to do any recognized showing they will get you disqualified. I used the boot/half chap combo for every day and kept my tall boots for the show ring.
I love my jodphur boots and half chaps, but if you are going to do any recognized showing they will get you disqualified. I used the boot/half chap combo for every day and kept my tall boots for the show ring.
omieluv
Ideal_Rock
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Not necessarily, it really depends on the show itself and the class level. A friend of mine is able to ride in locally recognized shows with her paddock boots & half chaps (her Ariat chaps look very close to the shape of a leather boot). She did not even wear a show coat and placed at least 3rd in classes she rode in. This might not be the norm, but it is worth checking into before making an investment in dress boots. However, I do agree in that saving your tall dress boots for showing is best, otherwise, they will show much wear from every day riding.
Yes, Sierra outpost does have a nice selection, check out zappos too, they sell Ariat & Dansko.
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Thanks so much for the links Omie and Erica! I love those paddock boots! At the moment, I am looking for a substantial country longboot as I am not showing, something with a sturdy ridged sole that will protect me from the interminable mud! I saw some lovely boots but they had suede inlets, those would get ruined in a day so I need all leather! My last boots served me well for 3 years, it is such a shame they cracked as they are finally comfortable!
somethingshiny
Ideal_Rock
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I've always worn Ariats, too. I love them. They break in quickly. I've gone through 3 pairs in 14 years. They really last. And, when the sole wears through, it's really inexpensive to get them resoled. I do soften them with oil occasionally (neatsfoot oil), and they've never cracked. (ripped for sure, but not cracked)
Our local TSC store carries them, so if you have them, it might be worth the trip. Another good place is RCC Western stores.
And, HERE is a link to Sheplers. This page has the bombers which have a great work sole, waterproof boots, and my favorite lacers (cobalt). They have more brands too, but Ariats are my favorite!
ETA- I just love THESE. Only I'd know they're pink, and it'd make me happy!!
Our local TSC store carries them, so if you have them, it might be worth the trip. Another good place is RCC Western stores.
And, HERE is a link to Sheplers. This page has the bombers which have a great work sole, waterproof boots, and my favorite lacers (cobalt). They have more brands too, but Ariats are my favorite!
ETA- I just love THESE. Only I'd know they're pink, and it'd make me happy!!
omieluv
Ideal_Rock
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Not strange at all! After my riding lesson, I would take my saddle home and set it on the stand and try to practice. Of course it never worked out because the saddle stand is nothing like a horse. However, at my local tack shop, they have several saddles out on display for you to sit on when trying on boots & boots just so you can get an idea of how you will feel.
royalasscherlover
Shiny_Rock
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hehehe, i hate ariats! they are well made, but for whatever reason i find them extremely uncomfortable for my particular foot shape. to each his own!
i know lorelei has been nudging me to post on this thread...i have been riding since i was 7 years old and have a very sweet chestnut arabian gelding. i''m a dressage rider, though due to work and other obligations these days i only ride once or twice a week. i ride strictly for pleasure and my own sense of accomplishment, no showing.
i know lorelei has been nudging me to post on this thread...i have been riding since i was 7 years old and have a very sweet chestnut arabian gelding. i''m a dressage rider, though due to work and other obligations these days i only ride once or twice a week. i ride strictly for pleasure and my own sense of accomplishment, no showing.
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Elmorton
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Hello everyone! So, I left riding when I was 13 (big mistake of course), and have always missed it. I''m now working part-time and I''d just come to the conclusion with DH that for my sanity, we were going to try to scrape by on just my pt teaching and his job for the next couple months. Then this morning I saw an ad in the paper for stable help.
I couldn''t stop thinking about it all morning - literally, I have no clue what was said in church! So I called, talked to the owner of the stable, and I''m going to go out there next week. I''m thrilled.
I didn''t ask a lot of questions on the phone, I was just so surprised that the owner didn''t seem thrown off by a crazy part-time professional who loved riding as a kid answering her ad! So now I''m wondering all sorts of things - like, other than mucking out stables/feeding, what kind of work would I be doing? What is the pay like? Do stables often offer free lessons or anything fun like that??
Thanks!!
I couldn''t stop thinking about it all morning - literally, I have no clue what was said in church! So I called, talked to the owner of the stable, and I''m going to go out there next week. I''m thrilled.
I didn''t ask a lot of questions on the phone, I was just so surprised that the owner didn''t seem thrown off by a crazy part-time professional who loved riding as a kid answering her ad! So now I''m wondering all sorts of things - like, other than mucking out stables/feeding, what kind of work would I be doing? What is the pay like? Do stables often offer free lessons or anything fun like that??
Thanks!!
somethingshiny
Ideal_Rock
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Elmorton~
When I worked at a stable (which was an open trail riding and lessons stable), my duties included:
--shoveling the open paddock (where the guests came in)
--cleaning stalls (and actually CLEANING, not just mucking--because the guests sometimes wanted to go in there.)
--cleaning the office, stocking the vending machines
--answering phones, setting up appts for rides, lessons, bonfires, etc.
--taking payments
--figuring who would ride who (we had weight/height, experience for each visitor--then we''d match them up to their horse.)
--basic riding safety instruction
--basic reigning instruction (ours didn''t neck reign)
--leading trails
--pointing out wildlife (the property was part of a Nature Preserve and had lots of deer, a few buffalo, turkey, pheasants, along with all your regular coons, skunks, groundhogs, etc.)
--driving the carts, wagons for hayrack rides
--setting up bonfires
--breaking/training (I usually just lunged and saddle broke, not the actual training)
--instruct lessons for kids
Then on our slow days, we''d all grab our favorite fella or gal and go bareback riding through the creeks that were all over the property. (we had this big Percheron named Bob. He was our "big guy" horse. I loved him so much...I would only ride him bareback and my legs would be so far out...and I had to lay flat against him to get out of the stable.)
Like I said, this was a trail and lessons facility, so depending on what kind of stable you''re looking at, you could end up doing all of this, or none of it.
Either way, it sounds like it could be really fun!!
Oh, when I worked (I stopped 10 years ago), I started at $7-$8 and when I left I made $10/hr.
When I worked at a stable (which was an open trail riding and lessons stable), my duties included:
--shoveling the open paddock (where the guests came in)
--cleaning stalls (and actually CLEANING, not just mucking--because the guests sometimes wanted to go in there.)
--cleaning the office, stocking the vending machines
--answering phones, setting up appts for rides, lessons, bonfires, etc.
--taking payments
--figuring who would ride who (we had weight/height, experience for each visitor--then we''d match them up to their horse.)
--basic riding safety instruction
--basic reigning instruction (ours didn''t neck reign)
--leading trails
--pointing out wildlife (the property was part of a Nature Preserve and had lots of deer, a few buffalo, turkey, pheasants, along with all your regular coons, skunks, groundhogs, etc.)
--driving the carts, wagons for hayrack rides
--setting up bonfires
--breaking/training (I usually just lunged and saddle broke, not the actual training)
--instruct lessons for kids
Then on our slow days, we''d all grab our favorite fella or gal and go bareback riding through the creeks that were all over the property. (we had this big Percheron named Bob. He was our "big guy" horse. I loved him so much...I would only ride him bareback and my legs would be so far out...and I had to lay flat against him to get out of the stable.)
Like I said, this was a trail and lessons facility, so depending on what kind of stable you''re looking at, you could end up doing all of this, or none of it.
Either way, it sounds like it could be really fun!!
Oh, when I worked (I stopped 10 years ago), I started at $7-$8 and when I left I made $10/hr.
dragonfly411
Ideal_Rock
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HI all - just wanted to introduce myself as an equestrian. I have been riding since I was 4 (21 now). I''m involved with arabian horses, and own two purebred geldings. I owned 2 mares as well but sold both (not breeding ready yet, need to stabilize my finances first). I do mainly dressage but also western pleasure, reining, trail riding, a little jumping, and barrel racing. My 18 year old arabian gelding is a winner in western pleasure halter, english pleasure, equitation, showmanship, western horsemanship, training, 1st and 2nd level dressage, pole bending, barrel racing, show hack, team penning, dollar race and egg and spoon lol. He''s also an accomplished trail horse and jumps 2 feet. My 4 year old is greeen lol that''s about all for him, he''s gorgeous, and a grandson of a US national champion, though I''m still working on getting the stallion owner to answer the phone so she can sign his papers, but papers or not I love him and he is gorgeous. My SO and I enjoy riding on the trails together. ummmmm yah, that''s me.
EricaR
Ideal_Rock
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Welcome dragonfly!!!
As I''ve posted elsewhere, my FI did indeed propose while we were out horseback riding. He is the sweetest, most romantic man in the entire world.
If you want to actually improve your riding ability outside of the saddle there are a few things you can do.
1. Get a bit yoga/exercise ball along with a book or video of exercises. They do wonders for your posture, your flexibility and your core strength.
2. Pick up a Balimo Stool: Balimo Stool Site I have friends that SWEAR by these when it comes to helping building strength and balance outside of riding.
3. My favorite is The Core Program book of exercises. They teach you the fine muscle control you need in order to work with your horse, not against it, while riding.
As I''ve posted elsewhere, my FI did indeed propose while we were out horseback riding. He is the sweetest, most romantic man in the entire world.
If you want to actually improve your riding ability outside of the saddle there are a few things you can do.
1. Get a bit yoga/exercise ball along with a book or video of exercises. They do wonders for your posture, your flexibility and your core strength.
2. Pick up a Balimo Stool: Balimo Stool Site I have friends that SWEAR by these when it comes to helping building strength and balance outside of riding.
3. My favorite is The Core Program book of exercises. They teach you the fine muscle control you need in order to work with your horse, not against it, while riding.
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Welcome also Dragonfly!
I still haven't found my boots yet, I am getting grumpy about finding a style I like that will also be practical...sigh. I really need chunky ridged soles due to the ground here, but then the boots look too clumpy....I will have to look again. I really loved those pink ropers, but Hubby said no!
Congrats on your proposal Erica!!
I still haven't found my boots yet, I am getting grumpy about finding a style I like that will also be practical...sigh. I really need chunky ridged soles due to the ground here, but then the boots look too clumpy....I will have to look again. I really loved those pink ropers, but Hubby said no!
Congrats on your proposal Erica!!
somethingshiny
Ideal_Rock
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Date: 2/19/2008 10:03:27 AM
Author: Lorelei
Welcome also Dragonfly!
I still haven''t found my boots yet, I am getting grumpy about finding a style I like that will also be practical...sigh. I really need chunky ridged soles due to the ground here, but then the boots look too clumpy....I will have to look again. I really loved those pink ropers, but Hubby said no!
Congrats on your proposal Erica!!
He would never know they''re pink! They''ll be under your jeans!!
And, they are SUPER comfortable.....I''m just sayin...
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Would you be doin'' a spot of enabling SS?Date: 2/19/2008 6:47:02 PM
Author: somethingshiny
Date: 2/19/2008 10:03:27 AM
Author: Lorelei
Welcome also Dragonfly!
I still haven''t found my boots yet, I am getting grumpy about finding a style I like that will also be practical...sigh. I really need chunky ridged soles due to the ground here, but then the boots look too clumpy....I will have to look again. I really loved those pink ropers, but Hubby said no!
Congrats on your proposal Erica!!
He would never know they''re pink! They''ll be under your jeans!!
And, they are SUPER comfortable.....I''m just sayin...
dragonfly411
Ideal_Rock
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Maybe you could find a pair that just have pink on the top half?
LOL That being said, Ariat has a nice line of western boots out that are a bit decorative on the top. I''m saving my money for new tall boots or I''d grab some up.
Thanks for the fitness advice btw, though not directed at me. I haven''t ridden as regularly in the past year and my tone is waaaayyyy down. I''m floppy to say the least. I do have yoga equipment and have also been doing other yoga regularly and it is amazing for your core.
I have a question for others. MY greenie is having a fall back, where he doesn''t want to move forward off of my leg.... I think it''s mainly a laziness issue, but he isn''t responding to the leg or the whip? What should I do? Go back to ground driving until he recognizes forward cues again? Maybe try riding behind another? Right now we''re having to use my sister''s horse when we want to ride together because of this issue. He wasn''t ridden regularly for about two months while I was working on getting moved back up and settled, and I''m thinking this was the trigger....
LOL That being said, Ariat has a nice line of western boots out that are a bit decorative on the top. I''m saving my money for new tall boots or I''d grab some up.
Thanks for the fitness advice btw, though not directed at me. I haven''t ridden as regularly in the past year and my tone is waaaayyyy down. I''m floppy to say the least. I do have yoga equipment and have also been doing other yoga regularly and it is amazing for your core.
I have a question for others. MY greenie is having a fall back, where he doesn''t want to move forward off of my leg.... I think it''s mainly a laziness issue, but he isn''t responding to the leg or the whip? What should I do? Go back to ground driving until he recognizes forward cues again? Maybe try riding behind another? Right now we''re having to use my sister''s horse when we want to ride together because of this issue. He wasn''t ridden regularly for about two months while I was working on getting moved back up and settled, and I''m thinking this was the trigger....
Delster
Ideal_Rock
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With some serious prompting from BF the past couple of weeks I''ve just gone back to taking riding lessons after about a two year break. I rode for a few years as a child and then again for maybe a couple of years as an adult, but I never did any serious training, they kind of just swung you up there and the instructions were fairly rudimentary! The place I''ve found now is pretty serious about their methods and the instructor won''t let me join a group lesson until he''s happy that I''ve broken all my bad habits, and I have a lot of those... He says he uses the Caprilli system, is anyone familiar with it? Today''s lesson was demoralising but he swears I''m making progress and only need one more solo lesson (I''ve had two so far). Anyone have any tips or advice? It feels so good to be riding again but also shocking to realise how little I know!
somethingshiny
Ideal_Rock
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Lorelei~ yes, I''m an enabler!!
Dragonfly~ Sorry, I just saw your post. You might be doing better by now, but I''d lunge him for a while. If you let him trail another horse, he''s going to want that security in future. I''d just lunge him for a while in both directions just by voice command then see what happens. It should take the laziness or the forgetfulness right out of him.
Dragonfly~ Sorry, I just saw your post. You might be doing better by now, but I''d lunge him for a while. If you let him trail another horse, he''s going to want that security in future. I''d just lunge him for a while in both directions just by voice command then see what happens. It should take the laziness or the forgetfulness right out of him.
dragonfly411
Ideal_Rock
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Delster - I have never heard of that system. But I''m glad you found something that works!
Shiny - I plan to do that and to take him to visit a friend of mine for a day, she started him and wants to see if maybe he might be having some confusion with signals.
I plan to start back in lessons in the next few months with a new barn. They specialize in hunters and eventing which is what I really want to do , so I''m super excited!! I did 3 lessons with the trainer when I was younger, and she is amazing, she''ll transform you in a week lol.
Shiny - I plan to do that and to take him to visit a friend of mine for a day, she started him and wants to see if maybe he might be having some confusion with signals.
I plan to start back in lessons in the next few months with a new barn. They specialize in hunters and eventing which is what I really want to do , so I''m super excited!! I did 3 lessons with the trainer when I was younger, and she is amazing, she''ll transform you in a week lol.
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