I’m reaching back into the archives again for this one. Two years ago at this time the hubby and I were traveling the UK, exploring new territories in Scotland and taking him to special family locales in England. Yesterday I spent some time thinking about that trip, as it was the anniversary of the Battle of Culloden, a date well known by all those obsessed (as I am) with the Outlander series. A somber reminder then of an otherwise wonderful trip.
White Rose and Thistle wreaths placed on the battlefield
Culloden Moor
Well of the Dead at Culloden
Cannons at Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Museum
Buckingham Palace
Yorkminster Cathedral
Clifford’s Tower, York
Yorkminster Cathedral
We’re so desperate to go back and explore more of the beautiful Scottish Highlands, and I love the idea of visiting the Lake District in England, but who knows when that may happen.
Last weekend I attended the Stoneybrook Steeplechase, held at the Carolina Horse Park. Ali decided to go all-or-nothing on decor for the tent competition, and created all sorts of wonderful crafts to really glam up our backstretch spot. I supplied the infamous white horse, which in general lives on my second floor landing looking out the window and creeping out the neighbors.
How cute are these horse head cupcakes??
Insanity in the Middle! Go eventers!
Her efforts ended up winning the ‘Most Creative’ Category, and being awarded a huge bottle of bubbly!
It was a really lovely day, and an excellent opportunity for us to drag the husbands along for a semi-equestrian activity! I think it’s safe to say we will definitely be back there next year!
New hat, same old natty sweatpants and ‘Ugly Boots’
Over the years, I have started being a little more aware of what my appearance is in between rides. Not like I dress up by any means, but at least now I don’t wear sweatpants with holes in them anymore. Also, I have more-or-less retired my Camoflauge Cookout hat. (go ahead, judge me!)
One of my main take-aways from our trip to Hunterland last year was just how ‘done’-up’ everyone looked, even when relaxing ring-side. I saw trainers (owners? riders?) in pearls, elegant visor-wearers, and more collared shirts than a frat house could hold. The fashion on display was pretty impressive, and definitely made an impression on me. Fashion sense and horse sense were quite the combination!
Everyone dresses like a SmartPak model
On the other end of the spectrum, I can remember one rather eventful season in Intercollegiate dressage when we as a team decided we were going to up our standards with one simple rule: Thou shall not wear pajamas to shows.
Not that the No Pajamas rule would stop me from looking like a hobo (I don’t dress like this anymore, by the way, at least most of the time..)
These days, in between classes/events my typical horse show outfit is as follows: jeans, my Mango Bay belt, the waterproof shoes I fondly call my “Ugly Boots”, ideally a collared sun shirt and some sort of small stud earrings. I may not quite fit in with the fashion pros, but I’m not entirely embarrassing (I don’t think?). One of these days I would love to upgrade my Ugly Boots to Dublin or Dubarry River Boots, but for now, they’ll have to do.
We is goobers.
What do you guys wear to hang out in at horse shows? Are you of the all-breeches-all-the-time club? Diamonds and pearls? Or are you a horse show trend-setter?
My favorite videos (besides the music video for Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran) are horse videos. You know you’re a pony-princess for life when a video of a horse galloping down a track can literally give you goosebumps. Here are some of my favorites from over the years, that I just love watching and re-watching whenever I need a pick-me-up.
Blu Hors Matine WEG Freestyle
If you haven’t seen this video, you might be in the minority. It’s been paired with all sorts of music in many versions, but nothing beats the original. I’m going to be brave and admit to y’all- I may or may not have cried the first time I watched this. I’ve seen it so many times, and it consistently gives me goosebumps every. time. DQ or not- I assure you, if ever you’ve witnessed a partnership between rider and horse, you will appreciate this video.
Brentina RESPECT Freestyle
Continuing with the dressage theme- this is another of my absolute favorites. It just screams ‘girl power’ to me, and proves that humor (watch till the end) and dressage can be tastefully and artfully combined. Plus, the commentary is, I find, enlightening. Can we all appreciate that hot damn, that mare’s got a nice bum? Love this classic duo of Brentina and Debbie McDonald.
Teddy O’Connor at Rolex
This one is less goosebumps, and more sheer amazement at the abilities and bravery of horses. Er, ponies. The super pony, Teddy O’Connor, the first pony to complete a 4* event, rocking around the Rolex Cross Country like it’s a game of hop scotch.
Doug Payne 4* ride with Commentary
Ever wanted to ride the cross country course at Rolex? Yeah, me neither. Fortunately, I can live vicariously through Mr. Payne, who does an excellent job explaining his thoughts and plans in a commentary to compliment his helmet cam footage.
Equestrians- Not Afraid
In the line of inspirational videos, I think this one is fairly good. Pairing Eminem with Equestrian montages- sometimes you just need that sort of thing to get you through the day.
A Unique Sport
Another inspirational video with actual equestrians speaking.
Elisa Wallace Mustang Makeover
I admit it, I’m an Elisa Wallace fan girl. Any trainer that can take a wild horse, and in 90 or 120 days, accomplish what she can- I’m impressed. That she uses trust techniques and games, instead of any kind of of cajoling and aggression- that to me is awesome.
Stacy Westfall Bareback Reining Freestyle
I could get into reining- it’s got the partnership and precision of dressage, and some of the adrenaline of jumping. This freestyle ride has been shared over and over again, but it’s one worth watching.
Camel Dressage
Because, why the hell not. This makes me want to ride a camel even more. PS- how does it make you feel to see a camel doing changes? My horse doesn’t even do that [yet].
Oh, there are more, but not all the time in the world to share them. Share your favorite video in the comments below!
Thanks all for the kind words and suggestions for Foster. I passed them along with his alfalfa mash last night, and I’m sure he appreciated it. 🙂
I won’t lie, I’m a bit down in the doldrums about the situation, but I’m sure that pales in comparison to the discomfort poor pony is in. Foster can have as long as he needs to get right again.
Foster’s Chariot
Meanwhile, my trailer is off to be serviced, so you know I’m committed to not going anywhere for a while. Thank you, tax refund, for helping a girl get her trailer looked at.
Reuniting with my Charlie’s Angels! Woot!
In other news, I’ll be heading down to the beautiful city of Savannah tomorrow for a Bachelorette weekend! I suppose that means I will get to practice talking about things other than horses. Meanwhile, don’t judge what you see on my Instagram feed for the next few days. K? Thanks.
As if the universe was trying to make things easier for me, it just so happens that my mother and my husband share the same birthday. In fact, there are many shared birthdays between our families- his sister and my brother, his grandmother and my father… Anyways. Luckily I was already good at remembering birthdays, but I’ll take any universal help I can get.
Birthday kids
But before I get to wine and dine my beloved tonight, and pester him about what he’ll be blogging about next, I have a rather important appointment this morning.
No grumpy Foster photos today sorry
You guessed it- Mister Fosterpants is getting himself scoped.
I only wish I could have done it last week, or even the moment I decided to scratch from the show. But alas, spring shots dominated the vet’s schedule and so wait we did.
Happy times in Italy
I am desperate to see ulcers today, because the alternative to me is going down a rabbit hole of what-if’s and why’s that I’d much rather avoid.
Wednesday night Foster’s glands were fairly massive, and when he didn’t tuck into his mash with his usual gusto I immediately started blasting my friend N’s phone, who luckily is a vet and puts up with my incessant animal queries. We theorize it’s a slight allergic reaction to a weed or grass that has started growing, since she has seen other horses pop up with similar symptoms in the last week. A bit of bute for a couple days to help them go down and be less tender, and hopefully Foster will be chowing down with his usual relish once again.
In other news, a sweet coworker gave me a surprise yesterday! It’s a cast metal figure hand painted to look like Foster! At only a couple inches tall, I thought he was quite brave for taking on the challenge of matching Foster’s markings!
Now, onto today’s photo collection. Because of my concentration in photography, I decided to do a photographic body of work for my Senior show. I was especially intrigued by the work of Edward Weston from the 1920’s, particularly regarding his work with still life and nudes as artistic forms. So I coaxed a couple people into modeling for me in the studio. In case men’s torsos and what not are not your thing (or if you feel it’s NSFW) I’ll start you off with a couple flower/outdoor shots I did the same year.
If you follow me on instagram, you may have noticed a sudden departure from the usual Foster faces and Elliot/Drake posts. Instead, you’ve been inundated with beach pics and many adult beverage shots. Sorry, not sorry.
Beachin’ it
Last night (or at 1:30 am, should I say early this morning) we returned from the Dominican Republic. The hubs and I had a great time, and I particularly enjoyed diving into a new book series (Discovery of Witches, anyone?) and getting a tan that is sure to last me until tomorrow. Unfortunately, between our late arrival and my lack of sedatives to keep Elliot calm after our 6 day disappearance, I’m riding the struggle bus today.
The lobby
So, I don’t have any real horsey updates to share. While away a friend hopped on him a couple times, and took care of his heel, which he cut just a couple days before my departure. I’m assured that the heel is looking much better and without any heat.
The [Non] Honeymoon Suite
I plan on getting out tonight and seeing how he feels. This weekend we are signed up for a Training CT at a local show, and I need to decide if I am just going to do the dressage part or not. Lots to assess in the next few days!
View from the room
In the meantime, I want to thank everyone for the comments on the posts while I was away- while I wasn’t able to respond, the weak Dominican WiFi did allow me to read them and I really enjoyed hearing everyone’s different viewpoints on handling competition and sharing your horse with others! I promise to catch up with everyone’s blogs as soon as my inbox clears out… 🙂
My oh-so-wonderful husband has agreed to experiment with a monthly blog post for House on a Hill! Last month we played ’10 Questions’, but today let’s look at a trickier subject…
A lot of people think that equestrianism is a hobby exclusive to the wealthy. Based on your experience sharing finances with an equestrian, how would you respond to this stereotype- is it justified? Why or why not?
First jump in the Champagne / Caviar combination?
No, this is not a realistic stereotype. I remember when Britt and I first started dating her typical meal was simply Rice-a-Roni because most of the money she earned working 2 and sometimes 3 jobs went toward gas to drive to the barn, vet bills, and boarding for her horse. She did not even eat it as a side – it was the whole meal. She did not have much money left over for many other things, but I do not want to imply she was starving. No problem, as I am anything but a picky eater.
Ah yes, my old friends, Rice-a-roni and Chef Boyardee
I think most people’s image of horse riders is that of people who house their horses on their own luxurious properties. This feeds the stereotype that all horse riders have the funds to own a lot of land and multiple horses. Very few non-riders (myself included until I met Britt) knew anything about boarding barns/farms.
Truth: Most of us frequent barns of the non-chandelier sort / PC: Pegasus Builders
Most riders I see at horse shows with Britt do not appear super wealthy. Britt notices some of the nicer trailers and points them out to me, but overall it is a regular [Britt: isn’t it nice to hear the word ‘regular’ applied to equestrians for once?] crowd.
The fanciest trailer I could afford / PC: Toystogrowon.com (ironic!)
Now that Britt and I completely share finances, I have even more of an appreciation of the investment she puts into riding. The most obvious is boarding and gas, but when those vet appointments come up I really start to notice [Britt: uh yeah, me too]. However, I know that when you have a working horse that you are constantly training to move on to the next level then it takes a lot of time and also money. In the end though, seeing the satisfaction and joy that Britt gets from riding definitely makes it worthwhile.
It’s been some time since my last photography post, and admittedly I haven’t done much recently. But stuck inside with yet another snow day provided some inspiration, and Drake loved running around and eating the snow.
![The [Non] Honeymoon Suite](https://redontheright.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/photo-18.jpg)
Red on the Right 