Archive for the ‘Andrea’s Top Tips’ Category

This is an American poem called ‘Old Horse Woman’

When I am an old horsewoman
I shall wear turquoise …and diamonds,
And a straw hat that doesn’t suit me
And I shall spend my social security on
white wine and carrots,
And sit in my alleyway of my barn
And listen to my horses breathe.

I will sneak out in the middle of a summer night
And ride the old bay gelding,
Across the moonstruck meadow
If my old bones will allow
And when people come to call, I will smile and nod
As I walk past the gardens to the barn
and show instead the flowers growing
inside stalls fresh-lined with straw.

I will shovel and sweat and wear hay in my hair
as if it were a jewel
And I will be an embarrassment to all
Who will not yet have found the peace in being free
to have a horse as a best friend
A friend who waits at midnight hour
With muzzle and nicker and patient eyes
For the kind of woman I will be
When I am old.

JUST A HORSE

From time to time, people tell me, “lighten up, it’s just a horse,” or, “that’s a lot of money for just a horse”.

They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time spent or the costs involved for “just a horse.” Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a horse.”

Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a horse,” but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments
have been brought about by “just a horse,” and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a horse” gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you think it’s “just a horse,” then you will probably understand phrases like “just a friend,” “just a sunrise,” or “just a promise.”

“Just a horse” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. “Just a horse” brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of “just a horse” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it’s not “just a horse” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

“Just a horse” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a horse” but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from
being “just a woman/man.”

Anonymous

Choosing a riding hat – a life and death matter!

Here at Tack & Country we know that choosing a hat for yourself or your child is one of the single most important purchases you will make.

It is essential to buy a hat with the up-to-date kitemarks, which fits snugly. It should be comfortable. Children especially are easily put off wearing ‘safety’ gear if it causes discomfort. The consequences of not wearing a hat because it hurts are just not worth the risk.

A riding hat is worn for what can sometimes be long periods of vigorous exercise. It should not only look good, but afford maximum protection, comfort and durability. It MUST be worn at all times when mounted, and the chinstrap should not be left undone. Children grow all too quickly, so hats should be changed when they grow out of them.

They should NEVER be bought hats that are too loose, to ‘grow into’!

We recognise too that you expect value for money, so we stock a range of quality products, which we have found to be best suited to this important job.

To find out accurate sizing, first measure around the rider’s head with a tape, holding it firm but not too tight. Refer to a chart to give the correct size. If you already have a well-fitting hat with traditional sizing, you will be able to convert the size, though there may be slight differences between the fit, weight and
shape of various brands.

The hat should stay on when you move your head from side to side, or even upside down. You should NEVER just rely on the strap to hold it in place, as it will slip and not give proper protection.

The chin strap should be adjusted to be firm but comfortable.

Any hat which is in a bad fall, or dropped or kicked, should be replaced IMMEDIATELY to ensure continued safety.

Some parents flinch when their children want riding lessons – “Oh no, the cost of all that kit!” We understand your concerns, but take a deep breath. It really isn’t that bad. Sure it’s easy to fall into the trap of buying all sorts of costly gadgets and gizmos in this season’s Must Have colours, but with a little common sense you can get just what you need, at a price you can afford, without compromising on quality.

That is just where we can help. Here at Tack & Country we only recommend products we have tried and tested. We can advise you in the confidence of knowing that whatever we sell will give the best quality, at the best price, because we have tried all our products.

So what really are your riding essentials? Whether for you or your child, there is a relatively short list of essential items:

Hat - this must be up to the latest British Standard, and fit properly – see our Ask the Expert blog on choosing a riding hat – click HERE

Body Protector - Essential kit, especially for children, to protect from falls

Boots – strong, durable and warm

Jodphurs – you will not be comfortable in the saddle in normal trousers or jeans, which ride up and pinch.

Gloves – warm but thin so you can feel the reins on those cold winter mornings.

So you see, it’s not that bad. It need not be a minefield, and we are just a click away to help you. And the really good news is that from the comfort of your armchair you can browse Tack & Country for everything you need.