Knowing the difference between water resistant and water proof clothing and accessories. Knowing the difference between sort of waterproof and really waterproof as in can withstand hours in the lashing rain waterproof. Resorting to riding horses in gardening gloves or marigolds – now that’s a proper waterproof glove. Honestly not giving a damn how stupidContinueContinue reading “The Reality of Not Having An Indoor Arena in Winter”
Tag Archives: horses
8 Simple Tips To Clipping Safely
Use Your Head If you are clipping, wear a hat. I keep an older skull cap in my kit for clipping so that I don’t end up with hair stuck to my good hat. Clipping out a horse will involve leaning in under the horses belly and having your head in close proximity to theContinueContinue reading “8 Simple Tips To Clipping Safely”
The Reality of Riding A Dressage Test
Because sadly we all cannot be Charlotte…. Dressage test movement: “Enter at A, proceed down centre line in working trot” Dressage test reality: Attempt to get straight before entering arena. Deep breath, enter at A. Realise you are a little to left. Left leg, left leg, damn too much left leg, right leg. Okay that’sContinueContinue reading “The Reality of Riding A Dressage Test”
25 Things Riding Instructors Understand
1. Why 200 euro is way better spent on a top quality pair of waterproofs than on a dress or a pair of heels. Anyone who feels differently should have to stand for four hours in monsoon rain without said waterproofs to see if they still feel the same afterwards. 2. How to recognise thatContinueContinue reading “25 Things Riding Instructors Understand”
5 Clipping Preparation Tips to help get a Great Looking Result
If you are going to wash, really wash. If you will be washing your horse before clipping, it is a good idea to make sure you get as much scruff out of the coat as you can. Firstly, use warm water rather than cold if possible. As well as feeling nicer to the horse, warm waterContinueContinue reading “5 Clipping Preparation Tips to help get a Great Looking Result”
5 Brilliant Products To Help With Plaiting
1. Plaiting Apron My friend Aoife bought me this apron a few years ago and I absolutely love it. It ties around my waist and has loads of little pockets to store thread, bands, mane combs, scissors and other plaiting odds and ends. This means that I can plait away hands free without having toContinueContinue reading “5 Brilliant Products To Help With Plaiting”
A Dressage Clinic with a London 2012 Champion
Back on Easter bank holiday weekend I attended a dressage clinic at Toberton Lodge. Now you are probably thinking sure that’s a good while ago, and it is but I figured it made sense to work on what we covered and see how it went before I wrote about it. Our clinic was with IrelandsContinueContinue reading “A Dressage Clinic with a London 2012 Champion”
When Opportunity Met Preparation
“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity” is one of my favourite phrases. So often in competition, especially when things go wrong, we talk about what you can buy – the best horse with the most potential, the expensive clothing, the sessions with the best coach / instructor / sports psychologist. However it is the existenceContinueContinue reading “When Opportunity Met Preparation”
Riding Club Festival – Survival Tips
It is almost time for the annual riding clubs festival. Times have been issued, weather apps are being consulted, child of prague statues are being plonked out on doorsteps, plans are being made and lists are being written. You can check out what I learned at last year’s festival here. In the meantime, considering IContinueContinue reading “Riding Club Festival – Survival Tips”
Stunning Sights at Stag And Stallion
Last night a group of us headed into the Doorway Gallery on South Frederick Street in Dublin for the opening night of ‘Stag and Stallion’. ‘Stag and Stallion’ is an exhibition by Irish artist Tony O’Connor. As a fan of O’Connor’s work and a frequent visitor to his Facebook page where he regularly updatesContinueContinue reading “Stunning Sights at Stag And Stallion”
Equestrian Reality 