Wednesday, November 19, 2014

No stirrups November?

Sorry, NSN is going to have to hold on for a little bit. I went to Equine Affaire last weekend and I have some new goodies to try out:

1. Equi-fit front and hind boots, on closeout because they are last year's model with plain black fasteners instead of ones with white stripes. Anyone who jumps knows these boots are kind of the shit, with their sleek styling and super protective memory foam. And they are also usually way outside my price range....I got them for $40. Total. Gah!! I got a little nervous they weren't going to fit, even though they're the larges; when I went to put them on I really had to stretch them to reach around to the nubbies, but I think they will stretch out a bit with use. After a few steps Charlie didn't seem to act any differently with them on either so they must not have been bothering him.

Equi-Fit boots
2. Just in time for the cold weather I also snagged this pair of Noble Outfitters muck boots for just over $100. I had two pairs of Muck Boot company boots that I swore by for winter work/riding, but since both are now cracked - one literally being held together with duct tape - it was time for something new, and I really liked the sleeker design of these boots by Noble Outfitter. They fit great in the stirrup with a nice solid tread, and they are more flexible and forgiving in the ankle than my Muck boots ever were. Plus, despite windchill temperatures in the teens and single digits yesterday and today, my feet stayed toasty warm.

Noble Outfitters boots
3. Finally, a brand new ECP half pad with shims. I actually bought this gem off of Maddy after spying it in her room. She knows someone who sells them at a discount, and since I've been wanting something like this for awhile, she offered hers to me and said she'd just go pick up another. Score! Riding in it today I couldn't believe the difference. It worked perfectly for Charlie's high withers! I used to use a sheepskin pad, but honestly this worked even better.

ECP half pad with shims
All in all it was a pretty successful (and fairly wallet-safe) trip to EA, with only a few other small purchases. I didn't come home with any blankets or saddles, though I was tempted. Oh, I did order a new helmet to replace my old IRH. One of the tack stores had the Elite on special for $160 and that price really can't be beat. The Lami-Cell one I bought this summer just isn't cutting it.

Looking happy and fit in the new gear
Stay tuned for more info on the clinics and demos at Equine Affaire in my next post....

6 comments:

  1. It was so nice to see you on Saturday, as brief as it was!

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  2. I love the Equi-Fit Boots! Again, way out of my price range, but I got a full set for $50 from a friend that were lightly used. Yes, they do start off stiff and hard to get on, but once the memory foam warms up, they really mold to the horses legs.

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  3. I'm obsessed with my Noble Outfitter's boots!

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  4. I tried on a pair of those Noble Outfitter boots at Congress and they were SO comfy!!

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