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The Legal Equestrian

January 22, 2016

Product Review: Burt’s Bees Calming Spray for Dogs

Photo Courtesy of BurtsBeesPets.com

My dog Jack suffers a bit from separation anxiety. He hates being in his crate and being left alone in general. I’ve been researching many methods of fixing this issue and doing everything I can to make his crate a more welcoming, comforting environment for him. For those of you wondering what I have tried:

  • Mealtime in his crate;
  • Giving him a special treat he really loves only when he’s in his crate;
  • Providing a chew toy in the crate;
  • Putting a shirt that smells like me in the crate;
  • Covering the crate with a blanket to make it more like a den;
  • Only letting him out when he is quiet so he understands that carrying on and making a scene does not equal being let out of the crate

While shopping at PetValu the other day, I came across Burt’s Bees Calming Spray. Like all Burt’s Bees pet products, this spray is all-natural and healthy for your dog. It is designed to be used for help calming your dog during times of stress such as loud noises (thunder, fireworks), separation from loved ones, and other situations that may stress out your dog.

I decided to give this a try. While my dog will accept his crate, it is not always easy, and the other night he barked for two hours straight the night before I had an interview for a potential job!

The spray works in the following ways: 1. You can spray it on your dog and brush it into his fur or 2. You can spray it in the corners of his crate or on his blankets, crate pads, or something else he cuddles with at night. The mixture of green tea and lavender helps your dog reach a relaxed, calm state and helps to relieve anxiety and calm nerves.

I tried this spray for the first time a few days ago, and I found it to be highly effective. I sprayed it on my dog and brushed it into his coat before bedtime, and I also sprayed it on his stuff in his crate, including in the corners of his crate. When it was time for bed, he was placed in his crate and not a single peep was made out of him until he had to take a bathroom break in the middle of the night which is still normal as 4 month old puppies can only hold their business for up to four hours at a time.

I was highly impressed with this spray. I was quite skeptical because I had found that treats with chamomile and lavender ingredients didn’t seem to have the same effect. However, this did just the trick and helped take the edge off just enough so that he could sleep through the night (or most of it).

What does Burt’s Bees Calming Spray have in it?

  • Green tea
  • Lavender

It is also pH balances for dogs, colorant free, and cruelty free.

I highly recommend the Burt’s Bees Pets line is you like all-natural pet products. I recently reviewed their 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner for puppies.

Stay tuned as I also own their paw and nose lotion, their ear cleanser, and their waterless shampoo. And, once my puppy is old enough, I plan on purchasing one of their adult dog shampoos, and I will be reviewing that as well.

1 Comment · Filed Under: Dog Care, How-to, Product Review, Tips

January 11, 2016

How to ensure you have a great jumper round

Since I will (hopefully) be doing some jumpers this year, I asked my Twitter followers for some tips on getting into the jumper ring. I know, personally, I’ve seen some scaaaaaary jumper rounds, and I wanted to be as prepared as possible – not that I don’t think my trainer will prepare me enough.

Here’s some of the feedback I got!

“BREATHE. Always breathe and always stay on your toes. Fast is not [t]he key, smart is.” – KatiesTackTrunk

“[W]ork on adjustability and responsiveness. Being able to pick and choose distances is a lifesaver when they come super fast[.]” – Einahpets_AM

“[I]t isn’t about going fast, but your turns. Jumpers is as technical as eq, if not more. Also, take a rail before a refusal[.]” – theazequestrian

“If you focus on a balanced powerful canter you can leave from a lot more options & everything will feel less frantic/complicated.” – HD_Eventing

“It’s all about efficiency, not speed. You want to take the least amount of strides possible, not go fast[.]” – ponyriderlife

“[S]it up and leg on! Look for you distances but don’t chase them, and it’s not all about speed it’s about efficiency.” – fulltimeeq

“Your speed is nothing if you can’t balance your corners and your horse. Just start out having fun and then build up your speed…” – Terise Cole, guest writer.

“[I]t is better to go slow and make sharper turns in control than go crazy fast and knock rails and swing wide[.]” – gpaandariat

A lot of Twitter followers also suggested dressage work, adjustability and pace work, and focusing on one of the show jumping greats: McLain Ward who exhibits great equitation while still throwing down flawless, technically correct rounds. Another Twitter follower suggested counting strides to the jump and keeping an even pace – a favorite thing my trainer tells me to do.

Do you do the jumpers? What tips do you have for making sure you have a flawless, correct round?

 

2 Comments · Filed Under: Horse Advice, Horses, How-to, Riding Tips, Tips, Training Tips

January 7, 2016

6 ways to save money on trendy equestrian items

Horseback riding is notorious for its expensive products. To help out the many equestrians that lust after the high-end and high-priced products, but can’t afford all of them, I have found cheaper alternatives to some of the most trendy equestrian items. Now you can look stylish without having to break the bank with each purchase you make.

Hermès belt

image 

Top & Bottom- PC: @jlrequinephotography

The brand Hermès is well known for its expensive but high quality products. Their Hermès logo belt is highly coveted by many equestrians. However, with a price tag of $815+, it can be way over budget for some equestrians. Luckily, Ovation has a super cute look-alike belt! The design features a silver belt buckle with an H-Jump being cleared by a Jumping Horse. The belt also comes in a wide range of colors just like an Hermès belt. The Ovation Fashionista belt is a steal at only $29.95 and can be purchased online.

Savings: $785.05 (Compares The 32mm model H Hermès belt to the Ovation Fashionista belt)

Le Fash Open Placket Show Shirts

image

L- PC: LeFash NY R- PC: Coloumbia

Plaid shirts are totally “in” right now. The company Le Fash makes elegant riding apparel that can be worn from stable to street! Their show shirts are also being used for daily riding, but at $195 the shirts can be too expensive for some. After doing some research I found a beautiful shirt made by Coloumbia called The “Women’s Silver Ridge™ Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt.” The shirt features “quick-wicking material,” ventilation, and UPF 30 sun protection. The shirt comes in 4 different colors and is only $55! The shirt can be purchased online or from sporting goods stores.

Savings: $140 (Compares The Le Fash Open Placket Show Shirt to the Coloumbia Women’s Silver Ridge™ Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt)

Tailored Sportsman Trophy Hunter Breeches 

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Both Top & Bottom: PC- SmartPak

Tailored Sportsman breeches are known for their beautiful design, array of colors, and $190+ price tag. Equestrians on social media often joke about Tailored Sportsman having a 7 for $27 deal on their breeches. Although this would be an amazing deal, it is a bit unrealistic. However, an alternative to Tailored Sportsman breeches would be the SmartPak Piper breeches! Piper breeches are made and sold exclusively by SmartPak. The breeches boast a range of different colors, styles and even have a breech made specifically for the show ring! SmartPak Piper breeches are only $79.95 and are sold online or by catalog from SmartPak.

Savings: $110.05 (Compares The Tailored Sportsman Trophy Hunter breeches to SmartPak Piper breeches)

Baker Blankets 

IMG_8054

Top- PC: @jlrequinephotography
Bottom- PC: Dover Saddlery- Rider’s International

Baker offers gorgeous plaid print blankets for all types of weather conditions. While the Baker blankets are gorgeous, the $250 price tag can be too expensive for some; especially when you have a horse that likes to destroy blankets like it is its job. Rider’s International offers an attractive Plaid Turnout Rug for only $134.95! The Plaid Turnout Rug is waterproof and breathable! It can be purchased online or by catalog through Dover Saddlery.

Savings: $115.05 (Compares Baker 400 Gram Turn Out Blanket to Rider’s International 340 Gram Plaid Turnout Rug)

Samshield Helmet

image

Top- PC: @jlrequinephotography
Bottom- PC: One-K Helmets

Samshield helmets have really burst onto the equestrian scene this year and have had everyone wanting a “Sammy.” The Samshield helmets start at $420 but can exceed that if you decide to customize it or want a different model. For equestrians out there who want the similar look and style of the Samshield but without the price, there are One-K helmets. One-K helmets start at $229.95 and increase in price depending on what model and style you get. One-K helmets are available for purchase online and various tack stores.

Savings: $190.05 (Compares the Samshield Shadow Mat to the ONE K™ Defender- Gloss/Matte Helmet)

Ogilvy Jumper Pad

image

Top- PC: @jlrequinephotography
Bottom- PC: Wilker’s Custom Horse Products

Ogilvy Equestrian has soared into popularity thanks to its quality products and huge social media following. Ogilvy Equestrian offers “off the rack” or custom jumper half pads in memory foam ($199) or gummy ($239). While Ogilvy pads offer excellent comfort to the horse the price can be too much for some. Wilker’s Custom Horse Products offers custom Hunter/Jumper Memory Foam pads for only $139.95. According to their website, Wilker’s Hunter/Jumper pads have a customizable pad, trim, and piping color. They also have a 1″ memory foam interior and usually ship in 5 business days. Wilker’s Hunter/Jumper pads are available for purchase online from their website.

Savings: $59.05 (Compares the Ogilvy Equestrian Memory foam pad to the Wilker’s Hunter/Jumper pad)

What ways do you save money on equestrian products? We want to know, comment below!

1 Comment · Filed Under: Budget Friendly Equestrian Items, Equestrian Fashion, Equestrian Health, Fashion, Guest Posts, Horse Advice, Horses, How-to, Tips

January 5, 2016

How to battle riding anxiety

Breathe, breathe, breathe, okay… I can do this. TRUST. It’s going to be okay.

These are the main thoughts I have every time I ride, or even just get on a horse. Being a rider with extreme anxiety is something that affects a lot of people, and learning how to manage it is key. If you don’t manage it, your anxiety begins to take over you, and in turn, making riding not enjoyable.

I’m sure people have said, “It’s just nerves, you’ll get over them,” but in fact, anxiety is a mental illness. It’s not something that someone can simply “get over.” For me, it causes me to have anxiety attacks at the barn out of nowhere, which (for me) are uncontrollable hyperventilating fits followed by sobbing. Shouldn’t the barn be a happy, calm place?

You can kick anxiety’s butt before it kicks yours. There are a couple of things you can work on:

  • Surround yourself with a great team, barn, and a trainer that knows you like the back of your hand. Instead of ignoring your anxiety, learn to face it head on. Work on building your riding up, instead of constantly worrying about everything. Perfection isn’t possible, regardless of what anyone tells you. Everyone makes mistakes, even George Morris. Focus on the positives in your lessons, and learn to improve on what you’re unsatisfied with.
  • Manage your nerves. I always talk to myself when I ride. When I get on a new horse, I’ll sing the alphabet or just count to 10 over and over. It gets your mind off of the fact you’re uncomfortable. Also, STOP THINKING EVERYONE ELSE IN THE ROOM IS JUDGING YOU. Yes, they probably are, but who cares? You do you. Everyone rides differently.
  • Do more things that make you uncomfortable. I know that sounds like it defeats the purpose, but battling anxiety head on is what gets rid of it. For me, riding new horses makes me anxious, so my solution for that is to get on a bunch of new horses to break my feeling about it. Start setting small anxiety-reducing goals for yourself for every lesson.

Managing your riding anxiety isn’t something that just gets “cured” overnight. This requires patience, time, and belief in you. Work on yourself every day, and you’ll start seeing changes in your riding. You can do it.

—

Erin is a junior in college who also dabbles in the equestrian world. Although she doesn’t currently show, she rides every chance she gets. She has learned to balance working, a full time course load, and working on becoming a better rider. In the future, she plans on getting a job in communications or marketing for an equestrian company. She can be found on:

  • Twitter
  • Instagram 

2 Comments · Filed Under: Equestrian Health, Guest Posts, Horse Advice, Horses, How-to, Riding Tips, Tips, Training Tips

December 11, 2015

Tack Trunk Organization: Part II

Written by Liv Godfrey, Senior Editor.

—

Hello everyone! The long awaited updated tack trunk post is finally here. Yay! As many of you know, and as an informative to those who don’t, I had a very popular first tack trunk post with my Stanley tack trunk. However, I bought a bigger Husky trunk (originally used for power tools, etc.) and I’ve gotten many requests (ask.fm/parlantisnpolos) for an updated version of my new trunk organization tips. So without further ado, here’s my new trunk organization.

This is what the inside of my trunk looks like when you open it up. FullSizeRender (2)

On the right hand side, my sliding tray holds rider necessities.

FullSizeRender (4)My tray keeps all the things I may need through my rides and little must-haves such as Advil, feminine hygiene products, chapstick, tack cleaner, brush cleaner, hair trimmer, Kiwi boot shiner, spurs, gloves, keys, coffee, hairnets, extra hair ties, my cell phone, and invoices/bills.

Underneath the hovering tray, my Parlantis, CWD cleaning kid, and standing wrap holder reside (Yes, I know my

FullSizeRender (1)

boots aren’t in the picture, I had them on).

Moving to the middle, I have extra saddle pads under the two silver wire baskets. The silver wired baskets hold extra boots and polos (top), and grooming necessities/extra tack cleaner and bit wipes (bottom).

Onto the left side, I keep treats, poultice, hoof pack, Epsom salt, poultice paper, a white first aid Tupperware, Samshield helmet, and my grooming bucket.

My first aid Tupperware is the most important part of my trunk. You can purchase a first aid kid from your vet or make a custom one. I decided to grab a list of recommended items off my vet’s website and customize it a bit.FullSizeRender

In my first aid kid I keep different sized gauzes (rolled and non-stick pads), duct tape, scissors, Bute, diapers, vet wrap, vet cream, emergency Robaxin, human Band-Aids, EquiFit AGSilver Spray, Perfect Prep, Banamine, Ulcergard, and Neosporin.

Don’t be afraid to customize your trunk and play around with what works for you! My setup took a couple tries to perfect, but it ended up working out really well.

Happy organizing!

1 Comment · Filed Under: Equine Health, Guest Posts, Horse Advice, Horses, How-to, Tips

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amateur hunter/eq rider. lawyer. entrepreneur.
two horses, one pony.
zone two.
perfectionist.
loves the expensive & innovative.

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