The Horsepower Homestead

I purchased this helmet over the summer from SmartPak Equine for $56.95.  The Troxel Liberty Riding helmet comes in various solid colors. I purchased the "Duratec" color in the Medium size. The Duratec color is a dark turquoise/teal shade. My previous Troxel helmets (Legacy model and the Rebel) were both size medium and fit me very well. This one has the dial system and fits well. I even have enough space to wear a slim beanie with it in the winter (on a larger dial setting than I normally wear it).  I wear this helmet 3-4 times each week and it is holding up well. The color is still vibrant. I keep my helmet in a hat box when I'm not wearing it and it looks almost new with minimal scratches, seems to be quite durable. I chose this particular style of helmet due to the fact that I'd be wearing it to lessons. It's appropriate for schooling shows and not as flashy as the Troxel Rebel, while still being available in fun colors.  Troxel Liberty...

Ariat Heritage Contour Field Zip Tall Riding boot. Size 8, Medium height, Wide Calf. Price at $195.95 Ariat Heritage Contour Purchased at the Dover store. My legs are 16.5 inches tall with 16.5 in calves. I'm square (Ha!). It took me a while to find a boot that fit. Fortunately, the only one in the store that did fit me was also on clearance! The Ariat Heritage Field boot is being re-designed for next season. (This likely means that by the time I need to replace these boots, the new Heritage Contours won't fit me, oh the joys of short round calves.) Regardless, in this moment, I'm in love with these boots. I'm still in the process of breaking them in. This is my first pair of tall riding boots. I've always worn paddock boots and half chaps before (or cowboy boots). I will also comment on Dover Saddlery's store. I went to the Dallas location for Dover Saddlery, on a Saturday, and it was a holiday weekend (New Year's). They were moderately busy....

I've worn the same pair of Ariat paddock boots since 2007. They're roughly 11 years old. The toes are finally starting to peel apart a little. Cold air and sometimes water leak in now, but on a dry day in the Texas heat, they're still perfect. The zippers still work. They're a perfect fit with my half chaps. Ariat Paddock boots, ~10 years of wear I've worn these boots at least twice a week every week for the past 10 years . Even when I wasn't riding much, I'd occasionally slip them on for some reason: rain, mud, winter slush, etc. When they're clean and polished the black leather looks sharp.  To be honest it's been so long sine I purchased these I'm not sure if they're the Scout or the Heritage or the Devon Pros models. They're 100% leather, with rubber soles, and metal zippers.  They're comfortable, and up until recently were water proof. I could likely get a few more years out of them if I got them re-soled.  T...

I've had these boots since 2012. They are snip toed cowboy boots. They feature full grain foot and shaft, with intricate embroidery. The color is listed as "washed out adobe". The Style number is 10009554. The outsole is rubber with "Goodyear" welt construction that allows for re-soling. These boots are quite beautiful. I use them as my "dress shoes". I have worn these to weddings, parties, and many vacations. People usually can tell that I'm a Texan. I like looking the part. Waiting to catch a plane, sporting my Ariats. These boots are also great for riding, if you can bear to get them dirty. The snip toe and slight heel fit great in a stirrup. The boot has a nice weight to it, aiding in keeping the heels down. The shaft is firm, and doesn't bunch up. The boot is a 13 inches tall, which allows it to sit properly while in the saddle without catching on anything.  I enjoy wearing these boots to the rodeo. People often thin they...

I purchase these boots in the summer of 2014 as a graduation gift to myself. They are the Tony Lama 3R Saddle Brown Travis boots (Style#  RR2015L ). When I purchased these, they were on clearance, so I paid $162.55. They tend to run about $190. These boots are quite tall, at least for me and my short shins. They come up to the bottom of my knee with maybe an inch or two of space between the top of the boot and my knee cap. The uppers measure 15 inches. It's a square toed boot with Mahogany leather welt, white double row stitching, and a pink flower design. The insole is orthotic and the outsole is made of rubber. My boots are an 8.5 B in size. This is pretty standard for me. I usually am a B in boots, and I wear an 8 to 9 depending on the brand. So I would say that these are true to fit. I have ridden in these boots twice. The rubber sole is a bit much for the stirrups in my opinion, but it does work and does not pinch. The upper part of the boot is too tall for long tra...

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...

 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...

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....

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...

Sponsored review of Barrister Custom Tack's stirrup line.   **Disclaimer: I am a part owner of Barrister Custom Tack, I helped fund their initial start up program. And continue to support their products online.   I have 3 pairs of stirrups from Barrister Custom Tack . I have a set of Korsteel standard fillis in BaseTeal. I use these stirrups on my Wintec. I have had them for 6 months, I jump with them, have performed hours of flat work, etc. The color remains flawless. They are easy to clean. Can wipe off with a damp cloth, and good as new. The finish is rust proof. And of course the color is fun. The powdercoat pigments that Barrister Custom tack use are UV resistant and high quality.   BaseTeal stirrups   I also have a set of stirrups in Blueberry Red. These stirrups were my own, and Barrister Custom Tack powder coated them for me. These stirrups were rusted and scratched. I decided that adding a pop of color to them was the perfe...

I obtained this saddle from a Flea Market for $45. It came without stirrup leathers, and it was quite dry. But after some oil and TLC, this saddle looked quite nice. I purchased this saddle for riding saddle seat. I was quite involved in Saddlebred shows at the time. It got a few good years of use and now sits in the guest bedroom on a saddle rack until I find my way back to saddle seat later in life. This saddle is quite old and still maintains its use. There's not much to it, but it's a flat saddle, so that's kind of the point. My mom calls it the pancake saddle, since it's so flat. Used Borelli saddles can be found rather cheap. Borelli makes AP and jumper saddles as well. All of them tend to range from $100 to $350 when purchased used. I've never come across any new Borelli saddles, so I suspect that they aren't made anymore. Not really sure about that though. They are an Argentinian brand, and the leather is medium quality. It isn't particularly s...

Let me preface this by saying I've had this saddle since I was 14 years old. If I didn't absolutely love this saddle, I would have sold it years ago because I primarily ride English. It's a 15 1/2 inch seat with a 7 inch gullet, high wither clearance, and full QH bars. I barrel raced in it for a few years but now it mostly gets used for cattle work and trails. This saddle is about 30 years old, but it's been meticulously cared for. Stored indoors on a stand for 100% of its life. Also, I got this saddle 100% for free. It was a gift from my riding instructor after I won my first barrel competition. New, these saddles cost upwards of $1000 depending on how "pretty" they are. Mine is fairly simply: no metal décor, some tooled leather, and minimal conchos. There are used TexTans floating around on Ebay that often run $300 to $800. In my opinion, they are very nice saddles. Sturdy, with high quality leather. My TexTan after a recent cleaning. Summary: ...

I purchased this item from Amazon.com for $20.90. Tractor Supply sells similar choices. The description as provided by Tough-1: Features 48" fiberglass shaft with grip handle and 66" removable lash with leather popper.               Aid can be used with or without lash Perfect for encouraging your horse at safe distances Ideal Training whip with popper and lash Training whip, Purple Zebra color selection     I purchased this item for lunging and round pen work. This whip is sturdy and easy to "pop". It pops in the air and does not require contact with the horse to facilitate the sound. For the record, if I ever do make "contact" with the horse using the whip, it is a gentle flick or a light touch, so that they know it is there. I am not cracking it down on them or acting like I'm Indiana Jones.   This whip is very similar to Clinton Anderson's Handy st...