December 3, 2013

Five Day Challenge - Day Three

11. Critique your horse's conformation

Check.

12. Horse's favorite riding exercise
I'd say jumping XC, but he'd probably pick going to new places slowly, in all honesty.



13. Favorite spa day products
I don't bathe him with shampoo pretty much ever, just a lot of rinsing and grooming, and there aren't many products involved in that, unless you count Super High Iron Content Barn Water (patent pending).  I went over my routine for keeping Connor's tail in good condition here, and the products I use for that are:

Goop (found in the automotive section of Walmart.)
At $8 for a giant bucket, it's better and cheaper than any equine-specific product I've used.

And Clairol Shimmer Lights shampoo for gray hair:


You'll think both sound crazy until you see how white his tail can get after a winter of mud!


14. Three best things about your horse
Best thing #1: He's safe, but feisty enough to keep me on my toes.  I've still never been bucked off of him, but he's forward, fun and sensitive.
Best thing #2: He's game.  "You want to go running around this field?  Okay, crazy lady."  "You want me to stand here and zone out for two hours while you take my hair off?  Okay, crazy lady."  Someday I want to foxhunt, go skijoring, and do those two-people-one-horse trail races, and Connor would be fine with any of it.
Best thing #3: He's economical.  They are not kidding when they call them the hardy native pony breeds.


15. Favorite picture of your horse
 Definitely my blog's banner photo.  We both look like we have our shit together at the same time for once, (I'm wearing real breeches that have belt loops and a real belt, for Pete's sake!  What more could you want from me?) and he looks amazing.  When I see it, I can't believe I'm a part of the process that has taken him from not knowing stuff to knowing how to move like that.


13 comments:

  1. Goop is the best!! Love the economical part. . .Shy too!

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  2. I have never heard of using goop! Cool idea!

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    1. Definitely check out the tail post - I put the Goop on dry, just on the tail and feathers, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse and shampoo. It really works well!

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  3. Def get points for real breeches and belt. Double points for "shirt tucked in". Ha!

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    1. Points all ova the place! I pull out all the stops for clinics. ;-)

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  4. You guys do have your shit together! You're an awesome team :)

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  5. Replies
    1. Thank you! It's my pride and joy until midway through winter when I can't wash it and I just give up. Ha.

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  6. Replies
    1. #2 is very important if you're going to be my horse. :-)

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  7. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels like I always look like a mess in horse/riding pictures.

    Cool idea with the Goop, now I'll have to get some for Katai's fluffy mucky tail. Double points if it gets out mare goop 0_o

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    1. I make no promises about mare goop, I'm sure that's gross! A breeder whose stud threw a lot of flaxen manes and tails gave me this tip on the CoTH forums. It's amazing! And then she follows it up with this spray livestock whitener, but I haven't done that.

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