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 8...

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 8 equine products I (Ceaser) couldn't live without!

Dance Pony Dance!

When I started this blog I originally wanted it to be some equine products I couldn't live without, but then I remembered the Plucky Pony and how he filled our television screens with fun and laughter. After seeing his Christmas appearance last week I realised I couldn't leave him out. 2013 television wouldn't have been the same without him!

In March I received a lovely parcel in the post containing a chocolate horseshoe and a small bucket full of a variety of sweets.

Originally I had no idea who the very thoughtful parcel had been sent by. All I knew was, a company had emailed me and asked for a postal address so they could send me a gift.

As I eagerly unwrapped the parcel I opened it to find a gorgeous handcrafted chocolate horseshoe, along with a bucket of goodies that didn't last long once opened.

Included in the parcel was a postcard of a Shetland pony and on the back it said: "This plucky little pony can't wait to show you what he can do. On March 1st he'll do just that. #DancePonyDance." There's nothing like being secretive.

Eager to find out more I googled the hashtag #DancePonyDance to realise it was the mobile phone company, Three UK, that had sent the parcel and they were sending them to all journalists and equestrian bloggers.

Don't forget, type #DancePonyDance in to Twitter or Google to find out what this plucky did on our television screens! 

Have you spotted his Christmas advert yet?

#DancePonyDance

#ThreeUK

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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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On the thirteenth day of Christmas my horse gave to me...

On the thirteenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

I promise after this recommendation we are going to have some products us humans can use! It seems everything I spend my money on is for the horses and this feature has helped me realise that!

This is another product all of my horses absolutely love. In fact whenever I buy one I complain they don't last long because mine seem to chomp bits off and in 5 minutes they are licking the remains off the floor. Greedy bunch!

The thirteenth product I want to recommend is the traditional Likit holder and flavoured likits. 

They are the easiest to use out of the whole likit products and great for those new to using likits. They are designed to combat boredom in the stable and give your horse a treat that he has to work to get. 

The likits that go in the holders come in a variety of flavours and the company are always bringing out new ones depending on the season. 

Ceaser's favourite is the Gingerbread flavour they have recently released for Christmas, along with Candy Cane, Coconut and Cinnamon! 

Priced at roughly £13 for the holder and a likit, these make excellent stocking fillers for any horse-mad child or adult. 

Visit the Likit website for more details and for information on your nearest stockist. 

I am also a guest blogger for the likit website so if you have time, please check it out. There's lots of tips for coping through winter with your horse!

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On the 2nd day of christmas my horse gave to me.....

On the second day of christmas my true love gave to me....

These may be small enough to fit in the palm of your hand but I have found lots of uses for them. Not only are they a fantastic pot for all spare change in your car, they also that cute factor that everybody loves. 

The second product I want to recommend for my Christmas feature is the brand new mini TubTrugs that look just look the big ones we use for our horses water bucket, but just smaller!

Here's some uses I have found for them:
- Dog treat holder
- Coin holder for your car
- Horse treat holder
- Mc Donalds Ketchup holder for your car.. (yes, this is one of mine!)
- Hair band holder
- Hair grip holder 

These are just a few, but when I asked my Twitter followers they came up with hundreds! 

I paid £1.00 for mine from Horse of the Year show but my friends have told me they have seen them for as much as £4.50. It depends how much you want to spend, but these would make a brilliant stocking filler for any member of the family!

If you have any other uses for these that you just can't wait to share then please don't hesitate to tweet me @FurryMane and I'll share them to all of my readers. 

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The work of the Air Ambulance

Here is my latest column which features on the Boston Standard website. Please click the link below and it will take you straight to the page.

This week I tell the story of how the Air Ambulance in Lincolnshire saved my friends young sisters life. Throughout the past few months they have had to go through the ordeal of bad news and adapting a new way of life. However, this has not once shown in their attitude to living life to the full and Kirsty is a person we should all be proud of.

Boston Standard - column

To raise money for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, myself and Katie, Kirsty's sister, are doing a sponsored hack on Christmas Eve dressed as Santas. No doubt we will look absolutely hilarious, but we cannot wait to raise money and help an organisation that potentially saves so many lives throughout the county.
To donate please visit: For Kirsty

If you have any comments or feedback please feel free to comment either below or on the Boston Standard's website.

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