The Horsepower Homestead

This is a review for Ariat Half Chaps, the "Breeze" model. Material: Leather/Suede Size: Large Priced at: $89.99 (at time of purchase). Current pricing is $129.95 Available at Dover Saddlery and Ariat.com I’ve had these half chaps forever. They were my dad’s but he gave them to me when I started riding more than him. This should also give you an idea about my leg size. These half chaps fit the both of us, however, I probably could have benefited from a shorter length. (But free is free). I was probably about 15 years old at the time I got my half chaps from him. He had used them for about a year. I wore these half chaps a few times a week up through my first year of college, about 4 years of continuous use. Then they got tucked away in a closet. They have been back in use for the past 2 years. Now 12 years old with about 7 years of good use on them, and they still look fantastic. They are described as: "Exceptionally soft, these unisex chaps work wit...

Most equestrians when they picture the perfect show horse, they see something bright, flashy. Lots of socks, perhaps a big white blaze. Not me. I think of Precious. Solid brown. The tiniest single speck of white, a penny sized bird catcher spot on her cheek. She was a liver chestnut, brown like a chocolate bar. Only turning the slightest hint of red in the summer sun by mid July. Precious was my favorite lesson horse. She was flawless. Built like an athlete. She'd carry you over anything you pointed her at. Sturdy and fearless. Extremely versatile. She taught me how to jump. She never refused a fence. I also did play-days with her and once did a local pole bending completion with her. I was convinced she could do anything. She wasn't anything special. Very plain to look at. No special blood lines. Not a special breed. Just a simple colored Appendix Quarter horse. But she was special to me. Precious   And now, as an adult re-rider, I wish she was still around. ...

For Christmas, I had a bracelet and keychain made from Apache and Sonny's tail hairs. I ordered these items from Equine Keepsakes. The turnaround on these items was quite fast. I mailed my tail hair out the day after I placed my order and then received my items about 10 days later. The bracelet is beautiful, high quality materials. I wear it frequently and it looks as good as new.   Bracelet, Style Chancellor Inlay with Chevron braid Price $30 The Keychain was a gift, and it has been much loved.  Loop Keychain, Rope style braid $17 The prices at Equine Keepsakes are reasonable. She offers a ton of options: bracelets, necklaces, keychains, etc. The owner, Aimee, also offers custom design consultations. She also does other pet related keepsake jewelry as well. Another plus, all her items are covered by a Warranty, which is a great deal. You can learn more about that here . Her website is detailed, and easy to navigate. I recommend anyon...

As this year comes to a close, I find myself grateful for its events. I find myself looking forward to 2018, eager to see what wonderful new adventures it may hold. I have spent much of 2017 surrounded by horses and doing what I absolutely love. And Although 2018 will likely involve some big changes for me, I know that in the end, it's all going to be worth it. That it's all a step in the right direction, leading me to my goals and dreams. After all, the horse nose best.   Apache nose Sonny nose

**This entry was transcribed from my handwritten journal, dated from December 11th, 2016. I thought it would provide interesting contrast to how things have turned out now. Enjoy. There are days when Apache is so perfect, that I imagine that she must be my soul mate. That no person or thing could complete my life more than she does. They say when you find your heart horse, you'll know.  And I would swear, that I knew it from the moment I saw her. Which, ironically, is more than I can say about any man that's ever been in my life. I've never looked at one of them and decided "yup, that's the one." Maybe that's part of the problem.  Apache isn't perfect. But we know how to communicate. I've learned her language. And she's learned mine. We respect each other.  I trust her. She trusts me too. Trust is a hard one for me. I find her easier to trust than I find most people. Even though she's an 1000 pound animal with the e...

My horseback riding instructor was old when he started teaching me. I don't say that lightly or to be mean. Nor am I exaggerating. It's simply fact. He was in his 60s when I started riding with him. And now, he's mid 70s. He's funny though, you wouldn't know he's old. He refuses to age. He has however come to terms with the fact that he can't ride anymore. Although it's not so much that he isn't mentally capable, more like his two metal hips, and metal knee making mounting up very challenging. He can't break colts like he used to. He still starts them, but he needs someone else in the saddle these days. That's where I come in. He's had some health issues and family stuff the past few years. We haven't seen each other much. But I always call around Christmas. So I called him last weekend. And he was so happy to hear from me. Because he'd been thinking of calling me. But he wasn't sure I had time for "an old man and hi...

 I purchased these reins on Amazon for $12. Tractor supply sells the same brand for a similar price in a variety of colors as well. The online listing describes the item as: "Exciting color combinations give this poly roper rein a fashionable look you'll love! This quality roper rein features durable, weather resistant russet harness leather water loops at both ends with alum tanned leather laces and nickel plated scissor snaps. You'll appreciate the great feel this rein has in your hands. Measures 3/8" x 8'."   Roper reins     I purchased these reins after watching a string of training videos by Little Red Cowgirl . She uses a very similar set when she is colt starting. She also appears to have a set that she uses on her horse, Chobit, on occasion. These reins, despite being made out of what appears to be colorful rope, are quite soft. They are also durable and effective. I like the length of these reins, not too short and not too long....

I purchased this helmet somewhat recently from SmartPak Equine for $54.95. The Troxel Rebel helmet comes in 4 different color patterns. I purchased the "Arrow" design in the Medium size. My previous Troxel helmet (Legacy model) was a size medium and fit me very well. This one fits a tad snugger but it still feels comfortable and secure. There is no dial adjustment on the rebel helmets. There are some adjustable flaps on the side and back. The listing describes the helmet as: The Troxel® Rebel Helmet makes a bold style statement—ideal for the fashion-conscious rider both in and out of the arena! With its edgy, rocker-style graphics, the Rebel offers exceptional performance and comfort, plus high-end features that make it perfect for the rebellious rider. The SureFit™ Pro system incorporates EverFlex™ straps that self adjust to the size and shape of the rider’s head. With ultra-plush padding, SureFit Pro provides an unmatched level of comfort and stability. Troxel’s Matte Du...

It started off as one thing. Then it took root. It grew and blossomed and spread into something else. First, I just wanted a horse of my own. I was a little kid. The typical little girl who always asked for a pony for Christmas. I never got one. My parents never faltered on taking me to lessons though. I remember when my "dream horse" went up for sale at our barn. I cried and cried when my parents didn't buy her for me. In the long run, they did me a favor. But it was hard for me to see it that way as a teenager. As an adult, with a job and my own money, I though I could finally pull it off. Buy my own horse. I didn't want to rush into it. I wanted the perfect horse and to find a good facility to keep it at. I researched and planned, budgeted and saved. Researched boarding facilities and discussed with my parents until I was blue in the face. I even found some really nice horses for sale in the area. But in the end, I didn't buy the horse. I went back ...

I purchased these from my local feed shop for $16.50. They can be ordered online from Amazon.com for $15 to $18. The listing describes them as: "These nickel plated spurs features a 3/4" band. Ladies' size." Weaver Leather Women's Barrel Spur     I've had these spurs for a few years. I used to wear them more frequently when I was barrel racing, or when I was first riding Sonny. He required a little more effort to get going then. I like these spurs because they have minimal "dig". It would be very challenging to break the skin or rub a horse raw with these. They mostly just make your kicks and squeezes more meaningful. They're not very long spurs, so they are easy for beginners to use if spurring is a new concept for the rider. My spurs are still shiny and fairly untarnished despite years of use. However, I do take the time to clean the every now and again.     As for the fit of these spurs, I wear a standard width size 8 boot....

As the winter season blows in stronger than ever this week, with lows of 17 degrees and threats of snow and sleet, I am trying to make the most of my time with the horses. My riding lesson the other night was canceled when the wind chill made the temperature dip below freezing. Even with my gloves, beanies and winter coat; it just wasn't worth it to fight the cold. Winter is my least favorite season. Too much darkness, which equals decreased riding opportunities for an adult like myself, who spends Monday through Friday at the office. Add to that the increasingly cold weather, which either makes riding unsafe or uncomfortable. Pick your poison. To try and keep my spirits up, I often find myself watching Dressage or Hunter videos on Youtube. Listening to fantastic riders give out pointers on maintaining better posture, perfecting the two-point, stride counting between jumps, etc. I also hit the gym in an attempt to fill my riding void with endorphins. I'll be happy when...

The Troxel Legacy Helmet was the first helmet I ever rode in. I had one from 2003 until 2007. And then purchased another, which I wore from 2008 to 2012. I also, at one point, was wearing this helmet when I picked up riding again as an adult. But then realized how old the helmet was and replaced it with a Troxel Rebel.   Side note: It is recommended to replace your helmet every 5 years and/or after a fall impacting your head. This recommendation is in place because the materials in helmets can deteriorate over time, especially if exposed to extreme temperatures.   I quite liked my Legacy helmet with the exception that it made me look like a marshmallow head. But it was comfortable and served me well. I even showed with it, using a shiny black helmet cover that stretched over it.   My Troxel Legacy was a medium size. I have a 22 inch head circumference.   The visor is attached by Velcro, but I never had a problem with it falling off or not stayin...

As Christmas nears, I've compiled some gift ideas for the Equestrian in your life, and some advice to help you get through the holidays with them. As far as tack and those types of "fitted" items goes, sizing can be a challenge. So I recommend gift cards. If you'd like to be more thoughtful than A VISA money card, cash, or check, try a gift card for their favorite feed store, tack store, or Equestrian clothing line. (Examples may include: Tractor Supply, Atwoods, Dover, Ovation, StatelineTack, Kerrits, etc.) If you're feeling brave, go ahead and buy the fitted items. Good gift ideas can be: protective gear, such as vests and helmets, safety stirrups, etc. For items that may not fit, make sure there's a good returns/exchange policy in place. SmartPak is a good site for animal lovers as they sell many top of the line items an Equestrian would love. Personalized items. Magic's Customized Tack  offers beautiful custom headsets and other items if you wan...

This weekend I was fortunate enough to participate in my standard weekend adventure. I had a fantastic ride with Apache. We took a peaceful trail ride through the pasture. She jumped the creek easily this weekend, which is a subtle improvement. Sonny was his normal "old man" self. As for me, I was reminded that horses are great perceivers of emotion. They can sense your fear, your sadness, your frustration, your desperation. And I think Apache could tell that I was not feeling like myself. She was quiet, patient, and let me hug all over her neck. She seemed softer than normal. I felt like she was listening to me, and not from a rider and horse standpoint but as if to ask me, "friend, what's wrong?". It reminded me of those times in high school, when my feelings would be so wounded that I would show up to the barn and spend 10 minutes sobbing into the mane of my favorite horse. They can make fantastic listeners, friends, and therapists. And I'm happy to ...

As the Holidays roll in and the cold starts to stick, depending on where you are, your saddle time might start to decline during this season. I compiled a list of my favorite horse shows and movies to help ease you through the Wintertime blues. TV shows: Heartland - Available on Netflix, 9 season. This show is very family friendly. It follows Amy Fleming and her family through their adventures on the Heartland Ranch in Canada. There is Trick riding, Western riding, Rodeos, English/show jumping, etc. It's beautifully filmed with great horses, and lovely scenery. Godless - Available on Netflix, 1 season. This show is more appropriate for adult audiences. It's a typical western with gun, thieves, and horses. There's some very strong willed women on this show and lots of pretty horses. This show had a Limited run and has concluded but the last episode wraps things up. Free Rein- Available on Netflix. Family friendly. Movies: Black Beauty- Family friendly Seabis...

  I didn't show much as a kid. I did one play day type show at a neighboring barn when I was 12. But my first real show wasn't until I was 15 years old. We went to a county level show. My trainer, a few of his other lesson kids, and myself. My parents came along to help. We brought four horses. Barrister, Chesapeake, Precious, and Nip. I was signed up to ride Ches in a Walk-Trot class and Working equitation. She had never been shown before, and needed the experience. Precious, a veteran in the show ring, was my mount for Hunt seat and Hunter. Barrister, also a show veteran, would be in the English Pleasure and my working equitation class as well, ridden by Alex. Nip was doing a few classes for our under 12 years old age group.   The day started off early. We loaded Nip, Barrister, and Precious without a single issue. But then Ches decided that she didn't want to load. We had practiced a million times. She had been trailered in the past. But today, today she di...

For the holidays, I like to give my horse friends special treats, different from they're normal variety of things. So for Thanksgiving, I tried a "mash" for Sonny and Apache. They absolutely loved it, so I thought I would share it with you. It's fairly simple. This recipe can be duplicated for Christmas, birthdays, etc. I will note that I would not feed this mixture daily as it does provide more sugar than desired for a daily diet due to the apples and juice. This mash is also not a replacement for regular feed. Horse's Holiday Mash Ingredients: 1 cup of Shredded Beet pulp (I used the kind that did not have molasses in it and added my own molasses, you can skip that step by purchasing Beet pulp that already has molasses mixed in.) 1 cup of chopped carrots 1 small Granny smith apple, chopped. 1 Tablespoon of Molasses (to add taste, optional) 1 Tablespoon of Coconut oil (optional) Organic Unsweetened Apple juice and/or water (for soaking the Beet pulp) ...