The 12 days of Christmas....2014 memories. The 2nd day of Christmas

When thinking of what I could do for this years "12 days of Christmas" theme on my blog, Mark and I came up with several ideas for what you guys as readers would enjoy reading and what would seem dull.

In previous years I've focused on products that I would recommend using on your equine and canine friends, and the posts have always been well received. However, this year it's safe to say my blog has taken a very different approach. Ceaser's fan base has gotten considerably larger in comparison to previous years, and with the new addition, Ziggy, people seem to be coming to me to find out just how that loveable grey is getting on. Add this to the surprise Mark and I have coming up for you on the 13th December and we decided why not do a post every other day where I pick a favourite photo that means something to me and reflect on the memories I gained from it.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Going to the beach! 

April 14th - Sara and I on Theddlethorpe beach, Lincolnshire.

This photo has been one of my favourite photos from 2014 since the moment I saw it. It was an absolute freezing cold day (despite it looking warm), but the day couldn't have been any more perfect if we had tried to make it. Mark and I hadn't had our lorry long and I had been wanting to take Sara to the beach for a while. On our first day off together in a long time we decided what better way to spend it than galloping up the beach whilst Mark takes photos.

Sara loves the beach and is a big fan of going through the water. It's not often she gets away from the yard as I'm too big to compete her now, so she loves nothing more than going off to the local beach and having a good leg stretch. If you could see how mad she goes once there you would never believe she's 19. I love nothing more than going for a good gallop with my best childhood friend and forgetting all the trouble of that day. 

Personally I think Mark captured this photo perfectly. It couldn't have been better. It'll be a photo I cherish for many years to come and makes me realise how lucky I am to have Sara, and have been able to share all these years with her. 

We're so lucky to live in Lincolnshire, where we're blessed with miles and miles of sandy beaches which offer fantastic galloping surfaces for when we're with our equine friends. It's so peaceful and you can go for miles without meeting any other people. I urge anyone wanting to take their equines to the beach to have a look at those on offer in Lincolnshire, you won't be disappointed.

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The 12 days of Christmas.....2014 memories. The 1st day of Christmas

When thinking of what I could do for this years "12 days of Christmas" theme on my blog, Mark and I came up with several ideas for what you guys as readers would enjoy reading and what would seem dull.

In previous years I've focused on products that I would recommend using on your equine and canine friends, and the posts have always been well received. However, this year it's safe to say my blog has taken a very different approach. Ceaser's fan base has gotten considerably larger in comparison to previous years, and with the new addition, Ziggy, people seem to be coming to me to find out just how that loveable grey is getting on. Add this to the surprise Mark and I have coming up for you on the 13th December and we decided why not do a post every other day where I pick a favourite photo that means something to me and reflect on the memories I gained from it.

To start the 2014 Christmas feature off, we have: Gaining new wheels!

January 16th. A few days after picking the lorry up.
Ceaser shows he loves his new set of wheels!

I had wanted a lorry of my own since the moment I passed my driving test, however the time had never been right to invest in one and quite frankly I didn't have the money. In September of last year I got a full-time job in Marketing and finally I realised I had enough money to be able to afford to keep a small, low maintenance lorry on the road, and so we set off on the search for that perfect lorry.

To be honest the search took us up and down the country, put me in hospital (I had a bad sinus infection, yet still decided to go and pick up a lorry on a cold winters night, only for it to not start when we got there which resulted in us stood in the pouring rain for 4 hours, which then resulted in me being admitted to hospital very poorly) and various others things. Finally we found one closer to home whilst I was laid on the sofa poorly and I sent Mark to go and view it. A few hours later he came home with a deposit securely placed and once better I accompanied him to go and pick it up!

The feeling of having something to call my own that could take me wherever I wanted was great. I had always relied on someone driving my dads 7.5t lorry, and now I didn't need to! It was nerve-wracking seeing if Ceaser would load or not as we had always had loading issues with him, however like it was meant to be he walked straight on and always does to this day.

This lorry has cost Mark and I an arm and a leg in repairs, but it's worth its weight in gold and we love our little run-around. It might not be the prettiest, nor the quietest, but it doesn't matter what you turn up in,  it's what horse you unload that matters.

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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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The 12 days of Christmas. 12 equine products I couldn't live without.... Number 6!

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...6 equine products I (Ceaser) couldn't live without!

Golly Galoshes Gaiters


After mentioning on Twitter that Ceaser suffered with mud fever and I had yet to find any boot that protected his legs I was contacted by Golly Galoshes and asked whether I would try their equine gaiters out and write what I thought after using them for a few weeks. 


Golly Galoshes Gaiters are designed to help keep your horse or pony’s boots or bandages clean and dry
whatever the weather.Golly Galoshes can be used to help keep boots and bandages clean and in great condition or your horses legs free from sand, dust, dirt, mud, debris and water. 

They are both breathable and waterproof and feature a sturdy full zip, with a fleece lapel, secure hook and loop fastenings and an additional 2" reflective strip as standard.

I have tried various boots and chaps that are highly recommended for mud fever but honestly I had yet to find anything that suites Ceaser. 


All the boots I have tried still allowed the wet mud to get underneath the boot and onto Ceasers affected area. Everyday when I took his boots off I was still finding big pieces of mud down his legs. With the bad weather we have experienced lately and Ceasers ongoing problem with suffering from mud fever I knew I needed to find something that worked - and quick! I compete quite seriously in both showing and dressage so am very fussy about what type of boot I use on Ceasers legs and keeping them clean. I am forever having to wash his legs in the winter because he comes in covered in mud. Again, if I put his turnout chaps on they are only able to be used once and then they need a wash. Their material does not make them good for washing at night and then needing to be used the next day as I have found they do not dry in time. I not  needed something that could either protect his legs and stop the mud from getting to them or I needed something that protected his boots.
Washing his legs every night is not good for his skin but I wasn't prepared to let him stand all night with mud ridden legs. 
I knew what type of boot I needed to prevent this but it wasn't until Golly Galoshes contacted me that I realised there was in fact something out there in market already!

I trawled through the Golly Galoshes website and their team on Twitter were a huge help in answering all of my questions.

If I use my normal turnout chaps on Ceasers legs and then put the Golly Galoshes over the top my problem is solved. The material they are made by enables me to hose them off at night and not worry if they will dry in time for use the next day. They are dry within the hour and I can even towel dry them if I need to use them again quick.They are also waterproof so the mud and wet do not get anywhere near my turnout chaps and together they make a fantastic combination of protecting legs from mud fever but also keeping boots clean and dry!

Whilst the weather was bad I also found Ceasers exercise bandages were getting covered in sand from our arena and also wet. With the use of my Golly Galoshes on top of the bandages it stopped the sand from sticking to them and the rain wetting them through.

These are just two uses of the Golly Galoshes but with the reflective stripe down the middle they are also brilliant for hacking out in, enabling drivers to see you much sooner than they would without them on.

My set of Golly Galoshes have made life much easier and without them I am very sure Ceaser would have to be on limited turn out in bad weather. With this not being ideal I am so glad I have now found a product I can rely on to help protect his legs and stop mud from covering his legs when out in a wet field. 

Also recommending this product are Natasha Baker, a Para Olympic star and Eventer, Victoria Bax. Both use Golly Galoshes either for everyday use or to warm up in at a competition. 
  
 For more information on Golly Galoshes see their website :http://gollygaloshes.com/ or tweet them at @GollyGaloshes

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The 12 days of Christmas. 12 equine products I couldn't live without.... Number 7!

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...7 equine products I (ceaser) couldn't live without!

Ariat Heritage III Short Paddock Boot

I have always wanted a pair of Ariat boots after being told how comfy they are but unfortunately funds have never allowed it. However, with the news I had gotten a new job and a very willing boyfriend (thank you Mark!) offering to go halves with me as a well done present I finally found my self in a position to be able to afford a pair.

Initially I went into the tack shop looking for a cheap pair of boots that were sturdy enough for me to spend the whole day at the yard in, without a hefty price tag.

Although once Mark got involved he took one look at the cheap pair of boots and then at my "ohhhh" and "ahhhh-ing" over the Ariats and said I may as well buy them as they would last me longer and the leather looked a much better quality. For only £40 extra I could have a pair of Ariats. Now, who am I to argue with someone who then offered to go halves....?

Ariat Heritage III Short Paddock Boot

"With its proven versatility and traditional style, the Ariat Heritage III Short Paddock Boot is a true favourite. Riders will feel the support and comfort of the 4LR technology and will appreciate the hard-working Duratread sole's flexible performance. Superior leather and craftsmanship, antiques brass zipper and sophisticated profile create an elegant yet approachable boot."

Usually when trying short boots on in shops you have the problem of hard leather and the feeling that they would be fine if you could just "wear them in a little" before using around the yard. With the Ariat boot I felt snug as soon as I tried them on and could feel the quality the moment I put my foot into them. 

The zipper up the front to me creates an elegant, dressage looking boot which I would feel comfortable using both in the show and dressage ring. However, I would feel equally as confident as teaming the boots up with a nice pair of jeans and going shopping or to the pub for an evening meal in!

The Duratread flexible sole is the best I have experienced and so much better than the usual cheap, plastic soles you find on most short boots. Since wearing the Ariats I have no longer experienced that shooting pain you get up your legs when dismounting onto concrete which is amazing.

The soft leather of the Ariat's provide a comfortable boot that I have worn for almost 12 hours on the yard without feeling the need to take off my shoes because they were uncomfortable. The best thing about this is, it was only 2 days after first buying the boots - which is usually around the time you start to get blisters with new boots. Not with Ariats! 

I am happy to have finally found a boot I can be comfortable in when riding and mucking out. The saying really is true... "Once you've had a pair of Ariats you won't want to wear anything else!". 

I am now saving up for the long Ariat boots as these short pair made me realise how uncomfortable my current dressage boots are! I would highly recommend the Paddock Boots for anyone, who like me, hates wearing wellies or muckers around the yard but has struggled to find something comfortable and robust enough to withhold the wear and tear of day to day use. 

I paid £100 for them, which initially I thought was a lot for a boot, but after experiencing the difference to cheaper boots, I feel they are well worth their money! 

Five stars to Ariat for their fantastic and quality made riding boots without a large price tag. 

For more information visit: http://www.ariat.com

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The 12 days of Christmas. 12 equine products I couldn't live without. Number 9.....

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave me to me... 9 equine products I (Ceaser) couldn't live without!


Musical Ride Company 


After stumbling across the Musical Ride Company page a few weeks ago I was more than intrigued. I am always taking my iPod down to the arena when riding alone and trying to find some decent music to ride to. Unfortunately the moment "i'm sexy and I know it" blasts out I seem to lose all focus and start singing instead. Not a good combination and all I can say is good job we don't have that indoor arena with windows or my singing would have broken them by now.

I emailed Hannah at the Musical Ride Company asking if it would be possible for me to do a product review and whilst I waited for her reply I entered a competition to win a free CD on another page. To my delight I won the competition so won a CD and Hannah also replied saying of course and to send my address. Think I killed two birds with one stone there.

The Musical Ride Company offers a bespoke CD that contains four different workouts which vary in length. Each workout includes music that is specially selected and produced for the beats per minute for walk, trot and canter. When the pace is about to change there is a vocal instruction that gives you a warning.

Music is a tool often used by many to help both horse and riders relax and concentrate. If you're someone that suffers from nerves when riding or you find your horse becomes excitable of fizzy then the Musical Ride CD can help to sooth nerves.

Based on riders using an arena approximately 40 x 20, the Musical Ride Company offers workouts that can help to keep work sessions interesting, stimulating and enjoyable to both horse and rider by offering variety and something to work towards.

The specially created music on the CD helps your horse maintain rhythm and energy.

Because horses are different sizes and move at different speeds there are three CD's available that are designed for this.

- Large horse: For horses 16 hands and over.
- 14.2h - 16h: For small to medium sized horses.
- Pony: For ponies up to 14.2h

Workouts will run for set times and the CD has cool down tracks at the end of each workout, allowing you to relax and stretch. It really is a great tool for those that have little inspiration when it comes to schooling or find schooling boring.

I can't wait to start using my CD and will let you know how I find it! In the meantime to check out the website where you can purchase your own CD click this link.

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

Last year's 25 products countdown until Christmas was a huge success so this year I am going to do something similar.

Rather than post 25 products I think will make good Christmas presents, I am going to post 12 equine products I couldn't live without which will act as the 12 days of Christmas.

I can't believe it's the 1st December already - where has 2013 gone?

Watch out for the first product tomorrow!

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