New gear

Old paddock boots make way for the new! 

Old faithfuls

Thanks to Horseloverz.com and their already amazing deals topped by an Ariat Closeout and additional 4th of July savings, I was able to get a brand new pair of Ariat Heritage Breeze zip paddock boots for only $67! My poor old ones (of the original Heritage variety) had served me well but have been through hell and high water over the last 4 years and despite my continued attempts to re-condition them and WD40 the zippers, they were finally starting to die.

No amount of waterproofing or conditioning can save that

Completely wore through multiple layers of the heel

The Breeze boots will be a new thing for me, but Horseloverz didn't have my size on sale in the ones I usually buy so we'll give the washable ones a shot. 

I was actually going to get the matching half chaps (also on clearance) since I succeeded in breaking the zipper pull on my well-loved Grand Prix ones last week (and have worn through the stitching and leather inside the calf). That was until I measured my leg and realized that Ariat models must all be very tall, spindly-legged people, i.e. not me. I should have known, having tried unsuccessfully to find Ariat tall boots in the past, so I opted instead to give some Ovation half chaps a try. They have much more customizable sizing options and seem to be very nice and flexible. Plus they have a super cute quilted leather top :)

The spoils. Aren't the halfchaps cute?

As you can see I also scored a cool ear net/fly veil combo that I've been wanting to try for trail riding since Charlie's normal crocheted bonnet just doesn't cut it out there, as well as some galloping boots. Actually, the galloping boots were a mistake purchase. I had them in my cart to save for later but my computer glitched in the middle of editing my order and they ended up being accidentally purchased. Oh well, they were on clearance too so I didn't waste much.

Bargain Hunting

If you ever want to score some great deals on more expensive horsey items, and know what you're looking for, visit an expo a few hours before close on the very last day. Most vendors are willing to part with their used or extra inventory at bargain basement prices just so they don't have to pack it up and take everything back home.

Two weekends ago when I was in Harrisburg, as we were heading out the door late Sunday afternoon, I spied several used western saddles under a big "Sale" sign. All of them were already marked down and the guy running the booth was starting to pack up for the day. I decided to stop in.

I told him my end-of-expo budget and what I was looking for as I eyed up a small ugly leather and canvas saddle on the top rack. It was used but only lightly; the fleece underneath was in like new condition. And although it was obvious that the saddle had sat in storage for awhile and accumulated some dust and mold, all of the leather and connections seemed strong and intact.

Nothing a little elbow grease can't fix

Like new padding

Marked down to $180 was already a good deal, but still over my budget. We haggled a bit and he said I could have it for $125, I countered with $100, and he said actually said yes!

It may not be much to look at but I don't need anything fancy, just functional. As a Big Horn I knew it would be of decent quality. The leather and canvas combo actually made the saddle nice and light (great for a short person with a 16.3 hand horse), the seat was small enough for me, and it had a nice high gullet; all of which fit the bill for what I had been searching for for Charlie. 

When I got home I tried it out and while it's not a perfect fit I think we can make it work, especially for $100. I've been trying several different pads over the course of a few days and though the ThinLine pad I used today worked the best at eliminating the minor front-back rock, it was almost too thick in the front and accentuated a small pinch at his withers (see below). The saddle didn't pinch that way when I used a thinner pad, but it did rock a little more.

You can see from the hair marks that the saddle fits fairly evenly but pinches in a little in the front (right) with this pad

Next time I'll dig out my front riser and see how that works. I'm thinking that will help with both the pinching and the rock. Charlie seemed happy under saddle today so I don't think it was pinching badly, but I'll try to fix that issue anyway to avoid future problems.

Now I need to get this western boy a one-eared headstall and breastplate!