If I Only Had a Horse: Spring 2015 Equestrian Wish List

The nice warmer spring weather makes me dread spending all day in the office with nothing to do until my license comes through. Because of this I've spent more hours than I'd like to admit browsing Facebook, Pinterest, and flipping through countless magazines. It was the same old, same old day in and day out until I received the new elite catalog from Dover Saddlery in the mail over the weekend. It really hit home with me how much I've been missing horseback riding while I'm "working"/wedding planning. 

Anyway, the arrival of my Dover catalog resulted in the busting out of my highlighter and going through page by page until it had almost run dry with all of the items I'd buy if I was purchasing a new horse. New clothes for me, new clothes for him, updating any tack that was borderline or worn out. This then lead to hours spent perusing the SmartPak website among other retailers to see if anything new and exciting had come out since I'd been shopping for horse stuff last summer.

So my borderline compulsive tendency to plan ahead an make lists has led me here. My spring 2015 equestrian wish list. A compilation of tack, clothing, and accessories I would want if I were purchasing a new horse, which, until the wedding is paid for and house is purchased, is only a fantasy for now. It's not a full comprehensive list, just a couple of things that would start me out on my new adventure.


1. The Tailored Sportsman Ice Fil Shirt in Tiffany ($65) 

IceFil fabric technology combined with mesh inserts under the arms help to make sure you stay comfortable and protected from the sun this summer. Finally I might not feel like I'm dying of heat stroke every time I ride in the summer.

2. The Tailored Sportsman Trophy Hunter- Front Zip in Purple Passion ($185.95)

I'm a Tailored's girl through and through. 99% of the breeches I buy are from them so I may be a little biased when I say these are the best. a unique purple hue to break up the monotony of beige, black, and grey doesn't hurt either.

P.S. These breech would look great with my new C4 belt that has a grey strap and chrome buckle. I'm addicted to these interchangeable belts (I've bought 4 in the last year) and they donate a portion of the sales to a charity of your choice. Win!

The rest of my clothes and human accessories are mostly up to date so the next portion will be for my hypothetical 4 legged friend.

3-7. The Clothes Horse Custom Rain Sheet ($293)and Dress Sheet ($382) 

I've heard nothing but positive reviews about the quality of The Clothes Horse blankets and while they are a big expense the will last for years and years. I would probably travel to the actual shop since its not too far from home, but SmartPak also sells them through their website. The Clothes Horse website also has a virtual blanket and stall drape generator so you can try out all of the color combinations other their blankets. This feature is absolutely amazing in my book and I could get lost for hours in their website testing out all of their options.

 

For stable clothing I would go for Baker's stable sheet ($122.95) and blanket ($215.95). Classic and never out of style.

For turnout I'd go with SmartPak Ultimate Turnout Blanket ($179.95-199.95 depending of fill)-10-year indestructible guarantee. Need I say more...

8. Ogilvy Equestrian Jump Baby Pad ($37)

Another great website with a customization generator is the new and redesigned Ogilvy Equestrian site. While we're still waiting on the new hunter line, I would stock up on custom baby pads to match my Ogilvy jumper half pad. Some great features are the wither relief design (so there's virtually no more slipping or bunching) and that the pads are anti-microbial and anti-fungal. That's a big win-win in my book.

9. Harwich Padded Fancy Stitch Bridle by SmartPak ($159.95) and matching standing martingale ($79.95)

This bridle has some great reviews and I'd be really interested in trying it out. With a price point under $200 people say it's nice enough for showing and holds up pretty well. I love how the headstall is designed to relieve some of the pressure on the horses poll and the matching raised, fancy stitched reins put on the finishing touches.

 

10. Eskadron® Flexisoft® Air Easy Open Front Boots and Ankle Boots ($147.95 & $107.95)

These boots supposedly keep a horses legs cooler than most other boots and I'd be interested in trying them myself. They look streamlined and modern, a matching pair in black would sure look nice.

11. Beval Ltd Triple Stitched Halter ($140) and Shipping Halter ($175) with matching lead ($69.95)

Beval  always has high quality products and I've owned their halters in the past. I love them and wouldn't hesitate to buy them again. The best time to purchase would be during their annual sale in February (my birthday weekend usually, YAY!) where most items are 20% off.

Photo from Beval Saddlery

Photo from Beval Saddlery

12. McGuinn Tack Trunk (starting at $1030 approx $1200 with added options)

This is my one splurge item. These trunk are gorgeous, made in the USA, and durable. They have so many options and can truly customize it for you. The only downside is that they are quite heavy, even when empty. For me this is just another excuse to hit the gym harder.

Photo from McGuinn

There's always more I could add too my wish list, and I'm sure I even forgot something necessary but this is where I'll start when the time comes for a new horse.

Until next time!

All photos are from SmartPak.com unless otherwise noted