The perfect present for any horse owner is tack. No one who rides can turn down a gorgeous headstall. So just in time for the holidays, Buckaroo Leather wants to give one lucky reader of Western Glamour the gift of tack.
I knew I had found the right man when we both agreed upon a certain standard of barn cleanliness. Neither Michael or I can stand a cluttered aisle way, tack crumpled on the floor, or unorganized tackroom. The words “control freaks” and “overly picky” have been uttered a time or 8 when someone hears how we organize. Those same people them laugh out loud when seeing the lack of organization in our home. What can I say we have our priorities.
The truth is horse equipment is expensive and its dangerous to have excess clutter laying around. Our finicky ways have led to me finding some inexpensive but very easy ways to keep everything in its place and make packing for shows a breeze.
I am like the lady who collects Tupperware! I love plastic storage containers and tool boxes for the barn.
These totes rock for storing blankets, CLEAN saddle pads, and even can be easily stored and transported. I label all ours and never get stuck digging for a certain size blanket.
These drawers are a must for storing and transporting all our polo wraps and splint boots.
The PERFECT solution to storing medicines, lineaments, and anything for those medical issues at the barn. We set ours up at shows in our tack room and are never left scrambling around trying to find a forgotten necessity.
We carry too many items for a normal grooming tote, but an over sized tool box on wheels makes travel and daily grooming a snap!
Tool boxes of different sizes are handy for first aid kits, banding kits, and even foaling kits.
The holidays are the perfect time to pick up all these items for fantastic prices. So think about starting 2010 with an organized tackroom. Trust me, you will be thrilled you did.
Happy Trails
Danielle
There is something about barns. No matter the size, I love the energy in them. I even love the smell. You know that mixture of hay, grain, clean shavings, and of course horses. I have also always believed a perfectly bottled version of the tackroom smell would make millions. My dream has always been to have one of those barns that is awe-inspiring. Not only does it house great animals but it sets the mood with its magnificent appearance.
Today, I came upon a site featuring some barns truly fit for a glam cowgirl!
I would love to hear what you dream about in a barn?
Danielle
Last night I had this glorious dream! I was swimming in a fabulous pool obviously located in some tropical location, because its far from tropical outside. Winter is in the air, and it seems that Fall just arrived. Not only have we pulled out our coats, when a temp dips below 50 we start thinking about keeping our horses snugly warm.
The truth is our ponies NEVER are allowed to get woolly. Have you ever tried getting a full grown winter coat show ready? There is not enough Pepi in the world to help you there.
The same rule of thumb we follow, our horses do as well. When temps get cooler, WE LAYER. I will say our blanket collection is quite extensive due to this, and our end of the season cleaning bill is a bit outrageous. Luckily, our ponies are pampered enough they don’t tear up their blankets. Thank god for small miracles.
Here are our essentially for our horse’s winter wardrobes-
SLINKIES, full body preferably. Everybody has a slinky (not the iconic toy from your childhood) and we love the full body versions. In our experience, we have had the hoods ride up especially if layered under another blanket and rub some areas bald. Also the full body variety keeps everyone pretty darn sleek and shiny. Our horses wear their slinkies all season. And a little tip, soak them in some warm water and fabric softner to loosen the hair before washing. Then wash with woolite to keep in top shape.
Sheets, aren’t just for beds We have several types of sheets. Some just for shows, some of a heavier canvas material for heading out to the pasture for play time, and some for those temps too cool for just our slinkie but too warm for a parka.
We are personally big fans of Big D cotton stable sheets
For a good turnout, you can’t wrong with canvas. They are durable and affordable.
There is no harm in having a fun turnout blanket.
Stable blankets, when its too cool for a sheet but you don’t need a parka.
We always have mid-weight blankets on hand for those inbetween times or if we are showing in a climate that doesn’t get below 30 degrees in winter. Like with our sheets, we layer over our slinkies.
Here is the model we are ordering and having customized.
HOLY BLIZZARD BlANKETS
On the days its down right frigid, we pull out the BIG guns. Our heavy duty blankets. This is our go-to blizzard blanket
Keeping warm after work
NO HORSE goes without a cooler after being worked. If anyone breaks this rule, they experience the wrath of my husband and if he is mad you know its BAD. So coolers are on the side of our arena, saddle up area, and everywhere. Before horses are re-blanketed, they have to be cool and dry so our coolers get a lot of use. We have both wool and fleece versions, but I will say I am partial to the fleece.
But I am coveting a velour version for shows.
So who want’s to come hang out this spring when I take all these blankets into be cleaned?
Stay Warm
Danielle
Do you hear that? Listen very carefully! That’s futurity season rolling in, actually its already started but the big ones are coming. Should I also add AQHA World Show and numerous season ending championships. No matter where your headed there is a chance its a long haul. And honestly if it means you skimp on some other purchases, saving your pennies for a trailer with living quarters is HIGHLY recommended. Our living quarters serves more purposes then just a way to save on hotel costs. Its where we talk business, relax after along day, chill out between classes, have a semi home cooked meal, push for nap time, and entertain clients. It truly serves as our home away from home.
Living quarters have become quite the show pieces too! Are you ready to drool, my fab cowgirls? I may agree to a lot more shows on the road if I was rolling in this style!
Gorgeous Interiors by Foretravel Conversions
I wonder if they could build in a wine fridge for me? So tell me, what would be in your dream living quarters?
Stay Pretty
Danielle
This post is sponsored by The Pink Spur
