Dressing up the Caldene Way!

If you're no stranger to my blog, you'll know by now that if I could be, I'd be wrapped up in a million layers on those cold and blustery winter days.

I LOVE warm clothes and I'm one of those people that can't walk past big scarves or thick jumpers whilst out shopping. If it's warm, hand me one right now!

So when Harry Hall asked if I'd be interested in trialling their Caldene Luna Women's Jacket, I don't think I could've replied any quicker begging for the opportunity.

It looked toasty warm and perfect for those chilly days down the yard, so what more could I ask for?

For the last 2 weeks I have practically lived in the jacket, and I promise I'm not exaggerating. It's one of those jackets that's great for nipping to the shops in, riding in, mucking out, or even going off shopping. It's stylish enough to wear with a pair of jeans but practical enough to hop on and go for a hack in. I'd definitely describe it as one of those jackets that simply ticks all the boxes.

What makes it so good?

I'm sure all of you reading this hate getting cold and wet and find that element of dealing with horses the worst. You're probably not the only one that looks on in envy at your friends Instagram as they're all wrapped up warm in front of a log fire in wooly slipper socks whilst you're battling with 500kg moody mare in sub zero temperatures. Oh to have a normal life...

The Caldene Luna Women's Jacket is showerproof so for me that deserves one big green tick already. Showerproof is an absolute must when dealing with horses. Especially on the days where hosing legs off is a necessity and you seem to end up more drenched than the horse. Don't you just LOVE winter?!

It's also got a 260gsm fill, so imagine those medium weight turnout and stable rugs you put on your trusty steed and often think "I wish I could crawl under there too!" - well now you have your own! No need to steal them to wrap around you as you sit at the yard having a coffee and a natter now - just pop your Caldene Jacket on and pass the coffee.

For me, a coat isn't good enough if I have to take it off whilst I ride. I'm always stretched for time, so I need something versatile that isn't too bulky to ride in, but is equally as adequate to turn out in on frosty mornings and for me, this coat did exactly what it said on the tin!

There's a 2 way centre front zip and rear riding vents so if you want to hop in the saddle then go ahead. And if you're horse is like mine and hates hoods flapping about as you ride, don't worry - the hood is detachable, meaning less spooks and more happy riding. Perfect!

Another aspect I noticed is the tight cuffs, which means no wind or rain can sneak down your arms as you're lifting hay nets or riding. I know that sounds dramatic but there's no worse feeling that chilly arms and the rest of you is toasty!

The only thing I would say is the cuffs are quite air-tight, so if you hate a tight feeling jacket on your arms and you want more movement then size up, but I prefer a tight fitting jacket so for me it was perfect.

Overall it's another thumbs up from me and a big green tick for everything that I could want in a winter jacket. Even better they're available in Black or Wineberry and available from size 8 upwards. Priced at £125 or £87.50 for One Club Members, why treat yourself to One Club membership too by clicking here?  

I'm wearing the black in a size 8 in the photos above and have teamed the jacket up with the Harry Hall Checked Breeches!

View Post

Make sure you CHECK these out!

When Harry Hall initially contacted me to test and review a pair of their Breeches, I was little dubious. I am one of the fussiest ladies out there when it comes to breeches and jodhpurs. You have to agree there is simply nothing worse than putting those itchy jodhpurs on and then spending the rest of the day regretting it.

Or there's those types that make your legs feel like they're in some robotic suit, or the pair that leave your legs absolutely freezing in any remotely chilly weather.

When I'm looking for a pair of Breeches or Jodhpurs to buy they have to tick a few boxes for me. Now call me picky, but I spend a lot of time in them, so they have to be right!

- Are they comfy?
- Are the warm?
- Can I put my warm tights underneath?
- Can I spend the day in them?
- Do they look smart?

Because I predominantly work from home, I spend a heck of a lot of time in my riding gear, whether that be working, riding in a morning or evening, or running around doing the yard. Because of this I want to wear something comfy, but smart enough that I feel comfortable going to the shop in them at lunchtime!

I have to say, the Harry Hall Checked Breeches quire literally ticked every box for me and I'm not exaggerating.

The first day I put them on it was 3 degrees outside I thought I needed to wrap up warm and popped my woolly tights on underneath to muck out at 7am. How wrong could I have been? I was absolutely boiling. They were definitely warm!

The rest of the day I spent working from home and I have to say, not once did I get that dreaded painful feeling in the back of my knees that Jodhpurs can sometimes give you. They were certainly comfy.

That evening I needed to school Ziggy and even after wearing the Breeches for over 9 hours already, I still felt comfortable and like I had a pair of old comfy pyjamas on!

Shall we now talk about how smart they are? I LOVE the design, and elastic at the bottom, which makes it easy to pull your socks over without causing huge bulges making getting boots on tricky. Another tick in the box for comfort.

Priced at £42.99 (or £30.09 if you're a Harry Hall Gold Club Member!), they are an absolute bargain and well worth the price tag. For me, you can't put a price on warmth and comfort, especially when winters on its way!

These definitely get a huge thumbs up from me and I imagine I'll be spending a lot of time in them!

In the photo I wear a size 26" and am usually a size 8.

View Post

Becoming the MASTA of relaxation....

Anyone that follows my blog, but mainly my Facebook page will know I've had varying issues with Ziggy relaxing into the contact when ridden. He's not horrendous by all means, but the walk has taken some work. He's very jumpy, tense and generally a sensitive little soul. I put it down to him being rescued and the trauma he went through prior to me getting him.

Anyway, I have spent a fortune on bits and bridles. In fact, it got to the point where I seriously considered selling a kidney to fund his bits, because for the life of me I just couldn't find one that he 100% settled into the contact in and seemed happy, and for me, his happiness is fundamentally the most important thing.

However, about 6 weeks ago now when I went back to a dressage instructor I hadn't seem in quite some time, she asked me if I had considered the Infrared technology for him and if I'd looked into a Harry Hall ProtechMasta Infrared Poll Pad.

I must admit, I hadn't considered it for Ziggy, but I had read up a lot about it and considered the possibility of buying some of the boots for Ceaser's legs as they swell when stabled.

But, like most people, I'll hold my hands up and admit I was sceptical of spending yet more money and buying something that didn't work. I was in the region of £300 down because of various bits and bridles, and still I wasn't 100% sure Ziggy was working as well as he could do.

That evening, I did some research, posted on several Facebook groups and asked for some genuine feedback with using the Poll Pad on anxious and sensitive horses when ridden. To my surprise the feedback was all positive. Everyone that had used one in these circumstances had seen a notable difference in not only their horses relaxation but also the time it took them to relax.

With that I immediately purchased one and was dying to try it out and see if I felt the same results as everyone else seemed to.

Thankfully my photographer friend came with me to my next lesson so she could take some photos of us and I was shocked to see a different picture in just 10 minutes with the Poll Pad on!

Warming up...

After 10 minutes with the Poll Pad on!

Since then, I've used it every time I have ridden without fail - the results are too good not to! 

Whilst the Infrared radiation is a natural process and is scientifically proven to gently and safely assist blood circulation, therefore, helping to ease muscle tension, I'm happy to use it because its none evasive and all a natural product. 

I think many of us are so quick to change bits, bridles, saddles and so on, when actually with products like these on the market; if we know our saddle fits, bit is correct, and bridle fits - why don't we be more open minded to trying something like this?

This is not a collaborative post in any way and Harry Hall haven't asked me to write this, but I was so keen to share the positive effect of a product on the market to help horses like Ziggy that struggle with their anxiety and tension. 

I'm saving up for the Infrared rug now that I can put on before a competition whilst we're travelling with the hope it will just give him that extra bit of help to relax prior to competitions. 

If anyone wants to ask any questions about how this Poll Pad helped Ziggy, or wants anymore before and after photos as proof, please don't hesitate to contact me!

View Post

It's Berry nice....Rydale!

Every time I visit a Country Fair or our local country shop in the nearest town, I'm drawn to the Rydale section. Those of you that see me regularly will know I basically live and breathe in V-neck sweaters and shirts. They're the kind of clothing that you can dress up or down and are perfect for any type of occasion. So when Rydale asked me if I'd do some collaborative work, I couldn't have agreed any quicker.

Already having a drawer full of their Cable Knit V Neck Sweaters in my bedroom, I was thrilled to have been offered the chance to try out one of their newer products, the Ladies V Neck Sweater in Berry.

Now I must admit, all of my clothes get abused. They get worn to do the horses, worn to go out riding and the next day I might wear them out to a meal. I don't have the time to keep some clothes for best and swap if I'm going up to sort the horses, so they need to stand all kinds of weather and surroundings.

In the past, lots of V Neck Sweaters I've purchased from other shops haven't stood up to the constant washing machine experience. If I love an item of clothing it'll get worn and worn, so for me, I need something that won't look like I've just dragged it through a hedge after a couple of washes. It needs to look as good as new each time I put it on.

I was thrilled when I opened up the packaging to the Rydale V Neck Sweater. One thing that struck me instantly was how soft it was! If there's one thing I dislike is those clothes that feel like cardboard and do nothing but make you itch from the moment you put it on, until the second you take it off.

The first day I tried the sweater I dressed it up, with a shirt, jeans my long brown boots, with a tweed jacket to go to the theatre to see Shrek the Musical. The second day I tried it, I went over to my dressage instructors to have a lesson and the third day I wore it to meet with a work client.

In one week it was washed three to four times, and each time I put it back on it felt new each time, didn't shrink in the wash, and didn't loose its new jumper feel. It really is one of those items of clothing that is as versatile as you want it to be. Wear it to the pub, wear it to walk the dogs, or dress it up and wear it to the theatre - it looks just as good whatever you do!

Additionally its a perfect layer to wear solo or team up with a nice shirt for a more chilly day.

Priced at only £19.99 and available in 9 different colours, there isn't an excuses not to have a couple in your wardrobe.

I wore the Berry colour in a size 8, and its available direct from Rydale!

View Post

My Boots were made for walking....

Late last year I was asked about doing some collaborative work with The Boot Room, and after having struggled no end to find a decent pair of going out boots that fitted me, I jumped at the opportunity. 

So many of the companies already out there in the market offer a made-to-measure service, but charge you an arm and a leg for having small calves and big feet, whereas The Boot Room offered this service, but without the hefty price tag! 

I adore my boots and am always being complimented on how they look, whether I'm down the stables, out for dinner, or going shopping - they are the perfect item of clothing that help to dress up what you're wearing!

After living in Spain for 25 years and then moving back to the UK, Cambridgeshire based entrepreneur, Rebecca, soon realised there was a demand for classical Spanish handmade boots here in England and set about her journey to make a change.

Additionally, having realised options for ladies with large calves were very few and far between, Rebecca began to look into offering made to measure boots for those who struggled to find anything already on the market to fit, as well as stocking all normal sizes.

Quickly, those with slimmer or wider calves having problems finding anything that fitted was a thing of the past.

“The Boot Room started from me sat at home one day, frustrated at the lack of country boots on the market that fitted those ladies with wider calves like me! Then I thought the same about the ladies with slimmer calves. There was nothing out there for us!.” Said Rebecca

Working in partnership with expert Spanish artisans who have been working in this field 1920, The Boot Room pride themselves in offering boots that are innovatively designed with faultless attention to detail.

They offer traditional timeless classics such as the Andalucian riding boot, tassel boots, polo boots, fashion boots and the Chelsea and Cowboy boots for both men and women. 

Each boot is bespoke made and come with numerous suede and leather colour options. Additionally, customers can pick their heel height and colour.

“After living in Spain for several years, I soon thought of a plan that I could offer what was missing on the market. So off I went for a few days and began to sort suppliers. It was really exciting and still doesn’t seem real!”

Since then The Boot Room has flourished from a small idea, to now having a huge presence at all the big events such as Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials and more.

My sister is not in the slightest 'country' or 'horsey', but only last week she asked where they were from so she could get a pair!

I honestly thought I would be one of the unlucky people that wasn't able to have a pair of boots like these due to my funny calf and foot size, but The Boot Room made it possible, and now I find myself grabbing these out my wardrobe at any opportunity. 

I've had them a year now, and still they look as good as new, and were worn several times throughout the bad winter we had! Not once did my feet get wet, and remained toasty warm throughout - even in all that snow!

In these photos I wear a size 6, in a light brown colour.

For more information visit the website:  https://thebootroom.me/

View Post