Macwet Gloves - All grip, no slip

I will be honest and openly say I barely ever ride in gloves - only when absolute necessary and it's too cold to grip my reins. Not because I don't want to, but for the fact I cannot find any that both suit me and aren't too bulky. So, when I was asked to write a review about the Macwet gloves, I eagerly accepted - with the hope of finding something comfortable I could ride in. 

MacWet gloves are the 'all grip, no slip' technology advanced gloves which soon became a global sensation. Their versatility means they can be used for practically any sport or activity where grip and sensitivity are required. From Equestrian, Golf, Shooting, Fishing, Cycling, Water sports, right through to Archer, Dog Walking and Quad Biking, MacWet gloves will ensure you don't lose your grip in any activity.

I was sent the Sport Gloves in black. 

Upon opening the MacWet gloves package I was rather impressed to find the packing was made of a good quality plastic with information on both sides about their product. The packaging also features a hand measure to help you work out what size you are should you try these on at a show, in a shop or at an event. For those buying off the internet there is also a really good hand measuring tool on the MacWet website, which helps you find the perfect size too. 

My initial reaction was that the packaging was decent, but surely nearly £30 for a pair of gloves was a little extreme. I have paid this before for some good quality showing gloves however every time I have gone to wash them I haven't been able to use them since because they have gone hard and crusty. MacWet had a lot to live up to. 

As soon as I put the gloves on they felt nice and not too bulky. For once I didn't feel like I couldn't move my hand and fingers when wearing a pair of gloves. The inside was nice and not itchy like I have found other gloves to be. I felt like I could ride using them and still get the "feel" of the rein, unlike with other gloves which are too bulky for my hands. They fasten up using a durable Velcro strip which is elegantly finished off with the MacWet gold logo.

During a lesson in the pouring down rain (yes I am really that mad) the gloves still sustained their grip and didn't feel like I had to peel them off my hands once I had finished. When I got home that night I was also able to put them in the washing machine and although I worried about them going hard and crusty like my previous pairs they didn't and I was able to use them again.

Equally, when I hacked out in the boiling heat the day before I wasn't left with sweaty, clammy hands after taking the Macwets off. I was impressed!

I rarely show jump, but ensured for this review I did a bit of everything, from hacking, to dressage to jumping and even putting the jumps away afterwards. One day it was pouring with rain whilst using the gloves and another the sun was belting down. However the fabric used in these gloves allows the hand to breathe so I was ensured a comfortable grip without getting too hot nor too cold. They really are made for a variety of weather climates. 

Not once did I feel like MacWet couldn't stand up to the test of what I wanted them for and what made it even better is I literally forgot I had them on at times because they are that comfy. 

MacWet gloves come in a variety of both sizes and colours including: Green, Black, Brown, Navy and White. 

Although a little apprehensive at first, I would highly reccomend MacWet gloves to anyone like myself, who has spent endless amounts of wages on gloves that just don't live up to the test. MacWet can offer something for everyone despite what sport you're involved in. They have definitely got me on board as a new customer.

Now, if anyone wants to treat me to a white pair for dressage - feel free! :)

5/5 for these fantastic gloves! 

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The 12 days of Christmas. 12 equine products I couldn't live without. Number 4...

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 12 equine products I (ceaser) couldn't live without!

Charles Owen Pro II Hat. 

The fourth product in this series I wish to recommend is my lovely Charles Owen Pro II hat. When I went to look for a new riding hat it was between this one and another. However, as soon as I tried this on and felt how comfortable it was I knew I had to get it - despite it dipping my bank account a considerable amount. 

The low profile Pro II keeps your head both safe and cool. It is both stylish and comfy but doesn't compromise on safety. The ventilation holes enable air to flow freely, making it comfortable even in the warmest of weather. 

When I was looking at the various hats on offer I wanted something that I could use as an all round hat - both in dressage and when I do some combined training. Although it is traditionally known as the hat for eventing, it is stylish and professional enough to look good enough in the dressage ring. 

I was that impressed with my Pro II that I ordered another of their hats for showing. The Hampton is described as one of the most beautiful and well-appointed protective hats available. It is covered in a luxurious, Italian velvet and provides a perfect look for both the show ring and hunting field. Just like the Pro II it is comfortable, keeps my head cool on hot days and does everything it says on the tin, plus more!

Since having the Pro II, several people at my yard have mentioned they want one - lets hope we all don't end up matching!!

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Horse-riding. A hobby or lifestyle?

I was hoping you all would be able to help settle a discussion (I wont say argument) between myself and the other half, Mark.

Here's a bit of background information, just to help set the scene.

Mark is a music teacher by day and plays snooker when he can, as a 'hobby'. He is also in one of his towns snooker teams; which he takes rather seriously by having as many lessons as money will allow.

As we were doing the Christmas rounds to ensure we visited all of the family a rather interesting topic came up in conversation. We began to discuss our hobbies and what we enjoyed doing. Mark mentioned that my horse-riding enthusiasm wasn't a hobby but more of a lifestyle because of how time consuming my horses are and how they are always on my mind. He then said, that unlike his snooker, horse-riding was a 24/7 commitment which made it a lifestyle not a hobby whereas he played snooker to get away and relax.

Of course, I beg to differ. Yes, I come home at night and bore Mark with my endless stories about how "Ceaser schooled fantastic today" or "Ceaser was naughty today, he got out of his stable and did this and that". BUT, I don't see mucking out, poo-picking, making endless haynets up, nor running around and seeing to my horses ever-growing needs a chore.

I wasn't born into a horsey family, I didn't have everything handed to me on a plate. My mum can barely go near them without jumping back a few feet when one sniffs her and my Dad only decided to take up horse-riding so we could have a hobby to do together when him and mum split up. What I want to ask is, how is something a lifestyle when you became involved by starting it as a hobby?

I, like Mark, pay for lessons to improve my riding like he pays to improve his snooker techniques. However mine is to improve my position or jumping techniques, not how to pot a certain coloured ball in to a certain hole! (I thought snooker was all about luck until I met Mark!)

When he mentioned my hobby being a lifestyle I was little put out to say the least. No second thought goes into what I do each day for my horses and when I go for a ride I see it as a way to relax. Even when I am training for a competition.

Mark said that he goes to the snooker centre for a few hours on certain nights to escape and have a bit of "him" time. He meets up with friends that he is on the team with to practise and socialise. He comes home disappointed when his team don't win and gets excited when he finds out he has won the snooker league trophy and gets to collect it at the presentation evening. Although, isn't that exactly what we do when we go competing?

I admit, my horses require a lot of my time and yes I trawl the internet constantly looking for the latest bridle or saddle I can save up for. My horses are always on my mind, but only because I care. Although, on the contrary, I believe Marks snooker takes up a lot of his time. He will often spend a good few hours a week practising and discussing with team mates what they are up to next.

I'm quite intrigued to find out what my followers think horse-riding is. Is it a hobby or a lifestyle? Let me know what you think by commenting below or by tweeting me @FurryMane

Don't worry, you wont cause any arguments despite what you say - I think the both of us are quite enjoying debating about how time consuming our hobby is and isn't and one that could go on for quite some time!

(After reading this, Mark is worried what people may think about him - He's lovely really. He teaches primary school kids; he's got to be!)

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Equestrian aims for 2013 - Part 1 - Marie Howarth

Thank you to all the replies I have had regarding your equestrian aims for 2013! I have been inundated with emails from lots of you wanting to share your goals for the coming year. Each and every one has been lovely to read whether it be wanting to learn to canter or tackle your first cross-country course.

As promised, I have picked a few that stood out to me and will be posting them for you all to read over the next few days. However, there is still time to send yours in if you haven't already so don't worry!

Starting off this new week long feature is Marie Howarth. After being left totally blind since the age of six, Marie has always wanted to learn to ride. She vividly remembers reading her mother's horse riding books as a child and always knew it was an ambition she wanted to fulfil.

In May 2010, Marie decided it was time to tackle her dream and learn to ride. Despite having some very up and down moments, she has never looked back and after being left inspired by the Paralympics in the summer is hoping to have a go at Dressage herself in 2013......

"At the beginning of 2012, I was ready to quit riding. I was frustrated with myself and couldn't grasp canter and quitting seemed like the only option. But I'm so glad i worked through that issue because I achieved more this year than I ever thought possible. 

I started private lessons in the school with our riding school instructor which for most must not seem like a big deal, but for a totally blind rider and with an instructor who has never taught someone who is blind, the fact we've come this far is absolutely fantastic. 

 Starting my lessons was the biggest achievement until only last weekend when I accomplished something, I never dreamed possible. Most people take for granted hacking out on their horses but for me, without any sight at all, it was something I daren't dream I could ever do. But with the young girl who has taken me from being lead in walk, trot and canter, to slowly releasing the reins and allowing me to grow into the rider I'm becoming, I rode out with her on a two hour hack on routes I'd never done before. It was a huge success and something I look forward to doing more in the new year! 

 2013 poses many possibilities and I've already set a goal in mind for next year and that is to physically learn and perform a dressage test in our riding school's arena. It'll just be an intro test but that is my main goal for 2013. Whatever else happens is an absolute bonus!"

I love catching up with Marie every couple of days to find out how her riding is getting on. I wish you every bit of luck for 2013 Marie - don't forget, even if I have to travel to you, you WILL ride that Dressage test!

To follow Marie in her endeavours take a look at her brand new website which gives a lovely insight into making her dream come true. 

To submit your equestrian aims for 2013 tweet me @FurryMane or comment below. 

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