I am not one to offer a whole wardrobe of $200 & up breeches in all the latest and classic fits, but a girl has to splurge sometimes...right?
In finding the good breech, one must look for the following;
- Exceptional, flattering fit. Which enhances what you want to see and hides what you don't. - Quality and durability. - Exceptional comfort and cross-over fit while in the saddle.
I'm a fan of the fit of the Goode Rider breech and here is CS' top pick in breeches this week!
Featured is the lovely, Premier Rider Full Seat Breech. I am a fan of all the colours and think they all are classy. But I quite like the Espresso and Smoke (featured above).
This breech offers that signiatue Goode Rider fit. A four way stretch to add to the comfort and freedom while in the saddle, a low-rise fit for the modern equestrian, and of course those stylish side-pockets.
Another great thing about Goode Rider is that they not only offer sizes 24-34 (in most breeches) but they have some plus sizes as well.
You can learn more about the Goode Rider breeches as well as all their other fabulous equestrian clothing selections, by visiting their website; www.gooderider.com
**Above photo Copyright to Goode Rider. No copyright infringement intended.
This week's top pick, is this lovely 8 year old Dutch Warmblood gelding (sorry could not locate his name). It seems, this week's pattern is quiet horses, capable of the higher levels, yet suitable for amateurs!
Although I've put this horse under the jumper category, it seems he's pretty versatile and doubles as a nice Dressage horse!
Here is what his description says:
"Very quiet, very sweet and gentle and simply gorgeous imported Dutch Warmblood. Fourth level dressage, loads of show miles and 3.3 jumpers with plenty of scope for more.
If you are looking for a horse for you or your daughter that will take her from crossrails into the next levels and beyond, look no further. This Dutch Warmblood will never spook, bite, rear, panic or anything like that. He has seen it all, has been on the beach, in the forest, on the trails and in both dressage and jumper rings at the showgrounds and he is always consistently quiet and easy. Trot him over a cross rail, canter him over a 3.6 ft oxer or take him to a dressage show, he'll allow you to win Blue ribbons in every discipline.
In the video, the horse is ridden by a 14 year old junior amateur rider who has never ridden him before.
More information will be available at www.dutchroyalhorses.com
16.2 hands, Bay, 8 years old, Gelding, Dutch Warmblood (Goodtimes x Itens x Apple king ), Clean X rays.
He is expected to arrive in the US the end of May, 2010."
**Video copyright to rightful owner. YouTube video & description text, originally uploaded by: DutchRoyalHorses
This is the first Lusitano featured here on the blog. Meet, Universo de Bosque. This beautiful 2001 gelding appears to have a soft expression with a forgiving nature.
Here is what is said about him on his sale ad;
"...He is competing at third level dressage and has very easy lateral work and flying changes. With continous training, he will easily be a competitive prix st. george horse. Universo has been shown extensively in Brazil prior to being imported, and has since been ridden in various exhibitions in the US (his amateur owner rode him). He is also trained to cart and harness. He is very comfortable to sit, and is easy to put 'on the bit.' His fantastic work ethic and his wonderful temperment and disposition make him appropriate for any type of rider, including an amateur. Universo has no vices, and is a pleasure to work with and have in the barn. He loves to hack. He had a full vetting done prior to being imported, and has always been sound. Available to be seen in Wellington, Florida."
When you think of synthetic leather tack, you might think Wintec. Wintec, "The world's #1 Synthetic saddle," they say. But Wintec may have a competitor on the rise..
What is good about Synthetic saddles is that they are EASY to care for. Damp cloth and wipe, basically. Who could get more easy than that? It completely eliminates the need for 'spit, polish and shine.' Nevertheless, you can ride in inclement weather without the worry of ruining your saddle, or bridle. If you prefer that kind of riding..
I had the opportunity to touch and feel Tekna's products, while visiting the Western States Horse Expo. I personally, am not really into the synthetic thing. I do actually prefer the maintenance of leather and I like the look of leather much more. But I was really interested in what I was seeing with Tekna.
Here is what Tekna says;
TeknaTM is the ultimate illusion. On the surface this exquisite range of saddlery reflects all the elegance and craftsmanship forged over centuries of equestrian tradition, but concealed within is every conceivable advantage of modern manufacture.
At the core of each TeknaTM saddle is a light-weight synthetic tree which can be easily tailored to suit any horse or rider. The outer skin and structural elements of the saddle employ a suite of hi-tech, breathable materials designed to maximise performance, durability and comfort while minimising maintenance.
There is a TeknaTM saddle for every style of rider, from jumping to dressage, from pupil to professional. Every TeknaTM saddle is the ultimate hybrid of style, value and performance. Every TeknaTM customer is protected by a five year structural warranty. And your every need is fulfilled through a comp--rehensive catalogue of bridles, reins, girths, stirrup straps, horse boots and accessories, all manufactured to the same exacting TeknaTM standard.
So, if you're in the market for quality saddlery, choose TeknaTM....It's TeknaTM logical!
Above is the Tekna A4 Jumping saddle. For synthetic, doesn't it look smart?
What did I like about Tekna? Their products looked great and nicely made. Their bridles modeled well after a nice leather bridle, however un-comparable. They held their own. But they also felt nice and seemed like a comfortable wear for the horse.
You won't find Tekna every-where. They are offered in various countries, including the United States, so check out their list of places to buy. According to their site, the only place to buy in the US is English Riding Supply.
The price is affordable. In the brochure I obtained from their WSHE display, the A4 Jumping saddle retails at $675 while the A8 Dressage saddle (photo below) retails at $745.
**Above pictures by Tekna. All credit given to Tekna. TeknaTM
The voting portion for the Live From Lexington contest has begun as well as the 30 day blogging draw for the semi-finalists. So who are the semi-finalists?
Well, lets begin by introducing Country Sporthorse's top pick and the one person who by far won our vote; Kristine Oakhurst! Last week, we featured Kristine's entry video for the contest, here on the blog.
To review, lets just say it was a creative video and what an equally great approach!
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I watched various video entries. But they truth is the variety was lacking. Of course when you think of how to win this contest, you might automatically think that you need to out-do your fellow contestants. And to do that, then you might think how different you are and what you have to offer. - So many people spent; a bit talking about how great they think Purina is and how wonderful their horses do on their feed and then the remaining time basically talking about themselves and their education or talents that could or are great attributes for the Blog-O-Spondent position. - I'd be with them on Purina of course because I too, feed Purina and I too, love their stuff. But, to me it seemed like each video was delivered with the same concept, just with different wording, different faces and in different places.
Kristine's video was not only different but also it came out of no-where compared to the rest. It was like seeing a Fresian amongst a herd of seemingly similar Thoroughbreds. Like, wait, whoa, what IS that!? It was different! It was catchy! It was independent amongst the rest.
But why would this make her a great Blog-O-Spondent?
For starters, she's got a great approach to writing. Because after all that's one of the most important qualities these contestants need to posses. But, she's also extremely likable, fun, smart, knowledgeable equestrian and all that not only comes across in her writing but also in her video entry. Is it true most of the "blogging" at the WEG will be through video?
Looking at the other contestants, I find none coming across on camera like Kristine. Some appeared uncomfortable and personally, although their wording was good and would be excellent in writing, their delivery through the video was poor and un-interesting, almost at times uncomfortable to watch.
I also find Kristine's blogs (Citizen Horse & Road to Rolex) visually appealing. Awesome photographs taken by her husband as well as videos that are hard not to love and become enamored by. The first video that appeared on YouTube made by Kristine's husband, Josh Oakhurst became an instant favorite with YouTube's equestrian viewers (With 237,000 something views to date). I'd personally love to see this same creativity coming from the WEG through Team Oakhurst.
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In addition to Kristine is the following contestants: Sheri Israel, another blogger (Dressage Mom) who juggles riding full-time, being a mom, wife and all while holding a full time job! Go Sheri!
Finding an instructor, who's style of teaching and how it is delivered to not only make sense to you, but make you feel equally challenged and confident, is not always easy to find.
I'd like to introduce this long-term series on Country Sporthorse; The Dressage Lesson. Which will take emphasis on the various styles of teaching in the world of Dressage sport. Follow along as these instructors work with student and horse during their lesson. Note the various differences in teaching style and the connection between visual imagery and physical changes in both horse and rider.
I quite like this specific intstructor as he gives direction in a clear, correct, honest yet encouraging way.
Every year the Western States Horse Expo returns to Sacramento, CA. The Expo offers, a look into various breeds through their breed demonstrations, clinic demonstrations by some of the world's well-known clinicians (Gina Miles, Stephen Bradley, Sabine Rijssenbeek, Jec Ballou and Hilda Gurney. In addition to some great clinicians from the western world of horses and riding.) All of which is pulled together by some of the best collective horse-related shopping (Check out this year's vendor & exhibitor's list here; click)! From supplements to tack, the latest trends in rider fashion and newest inventions in safety, can be seen in the various areas and buildings at the Western States Horse Expo. Oh did I mention they have a special area dedicated to horse trailers, Rigs & Digs?
If you're in the market for a new equine they do offer the, WSHE Sale.
My to-do list includes watching the clinic demonstrations given by the ones listed above as well as looking and shopping around for all the latest exciting products.
