Bridles & Baubles

Beauty and The Beast ~ Smooth Skin & Shiny Haircoat

If the harsh winter has left your skin and your horse's coat dull, rough and dry then you will want to add my current favorite lotion to your beauty routine and a newly discovered shine spray to your horse's grooming routine.

Beauty: 

For some reason this winter was tough on my skin and after trying what seemed like a million different lotions and potions, I actually found one that worked wonders turning my dry skin into is normal smooth, moisturized self. Used in combination CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion and CeraVe Moisturizing Cream instantly re-hydrated my parched skin. They provide all-day moisturization with a single application and are clinically proven to increase skin hydration. They also contain ceramides, naturally occurring components of the skin that play a key role in enhancing and restoring the skin's protective function. They are relatively scent free and sink in instantly leaving your skin soft and never greasy. Plus, they are relatively inexpensive and available at your local Target or drugstore.

Beast:

Winter can also be tough on your horse's hair coat wether they stay in under lights and blankets or stay out and fur up. My horses's don't grow a winter coat so the shedding is minimal but after months of dry air and lack of baths they can lose a bit of their show sheen. I believe the best way to develop and maintain a healthy shine is to curry comb, brush with a stiff brush and then follow up with a moisturizing shine spray that is brushed in with a soft finishing brush (preferably horse hair). I recently tried a new finishing spray that yielded amazing results. Carr & Day & Martin's Dreamcoat Shine Spray produces a high gloss finish that is never greasy. This lightweight spray (with a light citrus scent) conditions the coat leaving it smooth and glossy. It also contains a no-slip formula that allows you to spray it where the saddles goes as well as be able to braid the mane and tail afterwards with no problems. Available online at Dover Saddlery.

My filly Scout and gelding Woody showing off their Dreamcoat shine:

Is It The Weekend Yet?

Riding High - The Best Riding Jeans

I am back from a short blogging hiatus that I took to spend some time working on a fiction book that has been floating around my head! In that short time I also had the opportunity to bring my new horse home from the trainer in Texas to a trainer close to home. Since I bought my horse, Tyler, in January I have probably spent a total of 2 hours with him. Needless to say, I am glad to have him close to me!

With his close proximity also comes the ability to get back to riding on a regular basis and since my last horse was strictly english and my new horse is strictly western I have had to switch from breeches and riding tights to jeans. Thru a system of trial and error and many hours spent online researching as well as in the dressing room trying on jeans, I have found the perfect riding jeans! 

The first pair is an old favorite of mine, Joe's Jeans Honey. I discovered Joe's Jeans when they first started during a market trip. I was the first store in Oklahoma to carry Joe's and they became an instant success with their variety of different, amazing fits. The Honey (booty/curvy fit) have a higher rise in the back that accommodates curves as well as making them perfect for riding. They are also cut a tad more generous in the thighs so you don't get pinched when sitting in the saddle. They are made from soft, stretchy denim with a slight bootcut that easily fits over cowboy boots and their extra long length is the perfect length for riding. Add to that, they come in flattering dark rinses, look amazing on and are super stylish. Available at Zappos and Joe's Jeans.

My other pair of go-to riding jeans comes from the legendary western denim maker Wrangler. I decided to give these a try after a repeated search for "the best riding jeans" kept coming up with the Q Baby Cowboy Cut Ultimate Riding Jean. Now, being a bit of a fashionista and designer denim snob I was leery or trying something from Wrangler but I bit the bullet and I can honestly say I love them! Besides the fact that they look great on, they are the ultimate riding jean. Designed specifically for riding with the input from riders, they nailed it. They, like the Honey, have a mid-rise in the front and a higher rise in the back that prevents gaping, holds you in and stays put while riding. Their flat seams never rub while riding and their cotton to spandex ratio makes them oh so comfortable allowing you great flexibility. I am fond of the Dark Dynasty color because it makes them look high-end. Available at Wrangler.

My new baby Tyler:

Have Sparkling Weekend

Tickle Time Sunblock

With spring and summer on the horizon, the sun is getting stronger and hanging around longer and if you like me, tend to spend more time outside riding your horse then you will want to add Tickle Time Sunblock to your morning routine.

Tickle Time Sunblock was invented by actress Anne Heche as a way to provide safe, all-natural, easy to apply sunblock for her kids. This mineral powder sunblock only contains 4 ingredients that create a natural barrier to the sun and it's easy-to-use brush applicator allows you to quickly dust on the protection that lasts all day. But beyond children, this tube of powdered sunscreen is brilliant for riders (and all non-riders) because it floats on, rather than needing to be rubbed in, does not leave you looking like a ghost and no matter how hot or sweaty you get it never melts, separates of devolves. You can leave in a hot car, beach bag or tack room and easily swipe it on as you head to the ring for a ride.

Just The Facts:

1. Tickle Time doesn't contain any FD&C dyes, oils, fragrance, talc, alcohol, parabens, cornstarch, or other chemicals. This product acts as a natural barrier on the skin. It's a product that is not absorbed into the skin.

2. Tickle Time provides complete UVA/UVB protection from the sun and the environment.

3. Soothing and calming, Tickle Time can be used on rash-prone skin, eczema, allergy-prone skin (with a near-zero allergy rate), and sensitive skin. This pure mineral sunblock naturally keeps the skin cool, and reduces perspiration on the skin. Tickle Time doesn't irritate like chemical sunscreens do.

4. Available online at TickleTimeSunblock.com.

Happy Weekend

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Educate Yourself

An issue that every horse lover should learn about and help however you can!

To learn more and get involved please go to http://wildhorsepreservation.org.

Treat Me Right

After a disastrous attempt at making homemade horse treats (that I had hoped to share with you) I decided I better stick to the basics; apples, carrots and peppermints. However, from time to time I like to mix it up and give my ponies an extra special treat especially after a hard, rewarding workout. This weekend my local feed store was handing out samples of these gorgeously packaged horse treats called Equus Magnificus German Horse Muffins. Never to shy away from free horse products, I happily took my sample straight to the barn. 

Needless to say, they were a huge hit with my gelding Woody. He eagerly waited while I tore open the package to reveal two round moist muffins that smelled like sweet molasses and peppermint. They looked like dark, rich, exotic brownie bites and one was even topped with a peppermint. He immediately devoured the first one and anxiously nudged my hand for the second. Their moist, chewy texture did allow the treat to last a bit longer. Woody chewed on them a little slower than he does with other treats, almost like he was savoring it. This seductive blend of sweet feed and molasses contains no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. I will definitely add these to my regular rotation of treats!

Available in German Horse Muffins and German Minty Muffins in a wide variety of sizes at EquusMagnificus.com.

Woody patiently waiting while I take a picture.

Workhorse Jewelry

I am currently obsessed with everything from artisan jewelry maker Workhorse. Each piece is delicate yet powerful and make a statement when layered together. Drawing from the vintage inspired world of archives they unearth antiques and transform them into modern, provocative pieces intended to act as the "workhorses" in your jewelry box. Each piece is hand-made with love and have a rustic, western, victorian vibe that will appeal to the romantic cowgirl in us all.

Available at workhorsejewelry.com.

I literally want every piece in this picture!

Necklaces, Bracelets, Rings Oh My!

Fun Fact: The horseshoe necklace above has a really cool hidden message. Victorians adored sending hidden messages to their loved ones in the gifts they gave. Acrostic jewelry, where the first letter of each gemstone spelled out a particular term of endearment, was one way they accomplished this clandestine task. Spoiler alert...This little beauty spells out "dearest".

Rainy Weekend