Outfit of the Day!

Here's my horsey outfit choice for today.
Everything is from New Look, the theme is a take on the American-Indian style. All links below:

Jeans
Necklace
Scarf/ Snood
Jacket
Top
Boots

Another Product Review

This isn't a standard tack cleaner review as, funnily enough, I haven't yet tried it out on any tack!
  I recently won a bottle of Net-Tex Traditional Tack Conditioner in a competition, and so far have only used it on some of my leather riding gear.

Firstly, I used it to polish up my rather worn-looking Dublin Daily Jodhpur boots, and they ended up looking like new despite having braved mud , dust, and worse! The solution is easy to use and apply, smells nice and fresh, and leaves a good shine when buffed. It also worked just as well on my Leather Half-Chaps, leaving them soft and nourished.
      This is what the manufacturer claims; "Traditional Tack Conditioner contains a blend of natural oils to nourish & protect tack & leave the leather with a lustrous shine. Used regularly it will protect leather from every day wear & tear leaving it in a soft & supple condition."

 Overall, I would say that it lives up to expectations, and the scent is an added bonus (especially as it contains natural ingredients). Definitely a great gain for a freebie!

Find out more here: Net-Tex Website

Vivacious Veterans!

Some people are quick to write off a veteran, but they have a lot more to offer than you might think.
For anyone who's unsure, the definition of a veteran varies a little, but any horse or pony who is aged 15 or over is generally considered to be a veteran. In other words, they're 'over the hill'.
  In the same way that elderly humans may suffer from various health problems, equine OAP's can be prone to dental, weight and general wellbeing issues, therefore they require special care.

For example, there are specific guidelines to follow regarding the feeding of your veteran. Many owners choose to give joint supplements to ward off arthritis. This could be a confusing subject, but luckily there is always help available from equine nutritionists, your vet, and websites dedicated to the topic. Similarly, there is a wide range of ready-made mixes created for aged ponies.

They may require a replacement for hay as they find it harder to chew with age. This can result in 'quidding'- when your horse drops food out of their mouth whilst eating. Therefore, regular dental checks are very important.

Some veterans also find it hard to keep weight on, especially in the winter months, so it is important to keep your horse warm. You'll need plenty of rugs, extra bedding and a draft-free stable in order to prevent excessive shivering, as this burns calories and contributes to weight loss.

So what's in it for me?

Yes, veterans need a lot of TLC, but it's worth it! Lots of people are under the impression that they are no longer able to ride their older horses, and so retire them to be field companions (or, even more sadly, end their lives early). But, in fact, they often have so much more to give. Depending on their health and age, they may even be up for a blast across the fields, as most veterans will have a plentiful energy supply that needs using up somehow. If they're not quite that peppy, they'll still be great for little kids to be around and ride, as they know their stuff and will take care of a beginner.

So don't give up on your veteran just yet. They'll be a life-long friend, and deserve a peaceful exit after all they have done for their owners throughout their lives.

Horsey Fact of the Day: The oldest ever horse lived to the age of 62. His name was 'Old Billy', and he was an English Barge horse.

Product Review

Mountain Horse Gloves:

I got a pair of these from my local Tack Shop, after falling in love with the look of them. I'd only bought simple, cheap, pimple-palm gloves before, so I decided to try these for a bit of a change. They're around £14.99, available in plenty of different colours (mine are olive-brown) and sold at most equestrian retailers. I'm pretty happy with them, after using them for around a year and a half now. They're still in pretty good condition, smart and supple, and the crochet style means that they are breathable to wear- perfect in summer. The only downside is that the pigskin leather palm does not provide much grip, but other than that, these have quickly become one of my favourite pairs of gloves.

Buy online

Equestrian Essentials

New Look

Whether you're on or off the yard, if you, like me, are truly horse mad, then chances are you will want to be a fabulous filly at all times. So I've picked out a few of my favourite high street horsey fashions, for those on a budget (after all, more money saved means more left over to spend on your favourite horse!) New Look has a good selection of horse print goodies,such as this sheer printed shirt. It's elegant and versatile, and a steal at just £8.00 in the sales.

Find out more

Topshop 

I also loved these cute Unicorn print PJ's from Topshop, for £26.00. At 100% cotton, they should be soft and comfortable, plus easy to wash. Add a pair of fluffy socks or slippers and you're ready to face the rest of the winter!

More info on PJ's



  Lastly, for a more subtle look is this nude bowler bag with a gold horse embellishment. It's a little bit more pricey at £35.00 from Asos, but it will go with just about anything, and add that finishing touch to your outfit.

Buy it here