(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best equestrian equipment

Ok. As promised, I return:

Here's a pair of decent budget breeches. They fit true to size, and they'll hold up to light use:

https://www.amazon.com/TuffRider-Regular-Cotton-Breech-Black/dp/B002HUT6KQ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1G1BX4V80NMXP&keywords=tuffrider+full+seat+breeches+for+men&qid=1562903407&s=gateway&sprefix=tuff+rider+full%2Caps%2C333&sr=8-3

Here is a pair of nice pleated breeches. If you feel nervous about wearing tight pants in public, these are a good option:

https://thepaddockinc.com/products/horze-grand-prix-mens-extend-full-seat-breeches-with-pleats

Here's a good pair of heavily discounted high end breeches. These are really overkill for what you actually need, but they look nice, they're well made, and they are comfortable. Order a size up from what you'd normally wear, because these are sized for slim European men:

http://www.dressageextensions.com/cavallo-mens-colino-grip/p/59756/

You will want a pair of breeches because they will keep your male parts up and out of the way. A pair of compression shorts will be a wise investment as well.

As for helmets, get what feels comfortable, but try not to go for either the most expensive option or the cheapest option. You want it to feel snug but not pain inducing. Don't be afraid to try a few different models. Tipperary, Charles Owen, and OneK are all good brands with well designed helmets.

You don't need expensive boots right now. Get a pair of Ariat men's paddock boots and maybe a pair of half-chaps. I'll send you links to products if you need help finding them.

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For your right now instructor, look for somebody with a lesson program and school horses. This does not need to be a dressage trainer specifically. Event barns can be great places for beginner lessons. Ask what the rates are for lessons on school horses for absolute beginners. Expect to pay between $60 and $100 per lesson.

As I said earlier, explain your goals and that you are a complete beginner. You'll probably feel awkward at first and that's fine. You won't be amazing at this when you start out and that's OK.

Agreed to making sure she doesn't have anything going on medically. But here are a couple ideas.

My feet used to fall asleep while riding, when I was inadvertently pushing too hard in my stirrups. A longer stirrup helped, but I did need to make sure I was keeping my knee bent and not shoving my feet into the stirrup. I would suggest playing with stirrup length. Maybe they need to be a hole shorter to give her leg more support? I have never heard of the entire leg falling asleep either. Maybe she could alternate sitting and standing in the saddle for a change of position? Of course, she has probably thought of this, but she could hand walk her horse for a minute or two during the ride just to keep things from getting stiff and falling asleep.

As far as her knees, making sure the saddle fits her properly is a good place to start. Also, if the leather is really stiff, it can prevent the stirrups from really rotating the correct direction, which puts torque on the knees. Lube it up with a leather softener, over rotate the stirrups, and put a 2x4 through them to hold them in that position when not riding. It will really help!

Two more ideas. Sorry for the novel.

I have used these in the past on a borrowed saddle https://www.amazon.com/Tough-1-72-2060-2-25-P-Stirrup-Turner/dp/B00EJFDMT8 They make the stirrup rotation a non-issue and SO much more comfortable. Just make sure you buy the one that is long enough to reach for your particular saddle. There are a number of brands and sizes.

Also, once the saddle is a non-issue, she can think about turning her toes out a little away from the horse's sides so that her knees can come away from the saddle a little, and her lower leg can swing in line with her knees again. The whole "toes facing forward" idea only works for people with bow-legs or really skinny horses. Haha!

You can find some gems on there, here's what I've picked up so far:

Perri's Braided Riding Whip, Black, 21-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006WK7HIA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_28RnzbYZ9XCJ4

Nice crop, a bit stiff but a wonderful feeling when you get a practiced swat down with it. Great for the price, and not gaudy looking or chintzy.

HNH- Ball Gag Silicone Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019ANZVTC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_vhD4cpsCkeIQ9

Most comfortable ball gag I've worn, not that I ask every dominant for brand or anything, this one is just nice. The silicone sides really help with lip chafing from a lot of other styles. Real silicone, no scent or taste.

Ardour Crafts FL-020 Genuine Heavy Duty Leather Flogger with RED Rose and Red Petals Whip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OPUKCOU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_89CXfJIO71Ahf

Not for actual use (more of a thud than anything) but a beautiful costume piece or display piece.

3 Pcs 3 Size Silicone Jeweled Anal Butt Plugs Anal Trainer Toys, Hmxpls Sex Love Games Personal Massager for Women Men Couples Lover (Purple+Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DVWU3U0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_saSnzbZB0J8X1

Good plugs, can verify they are real silicone and do not hold any scent. The gems come out, but not super easily. I glued them in with a silicone glue, just to be safest.

I would post on /r/findareddit, asking for a hair advice reddit.

Be as descriptive as you can of her hair texture - In the world of hair care, there can be pretty distinct differences in techniques and products depending on texture.

My only experience is with horses - I've successfully detangled manes and tails many times. The product I've used is Cowboy Magic Detangler & Shine. It's an oil type "finishing" product, smells nice, works really well, and a good quality product that overall helps hair. If you search Amazon for "hair oil", you'll see lots of similar products for people.

As for technique, the one thing that's really helped me is just leaving it in overnight. Of course, with horses, you don't have sheets and blankets and pillows and mattresses to consider! So maybe with your mil, apply in the morning, planning to do detangling in the evening. Anyway, main point is, when I would saturate, and then immediately go to work with a brush, I wouldn't get very far. But when I would saturate, then come back the next day with a brush, I could get tangles out pretty easily.

Anyway, hope that helps, good luck!

Edit -

I'm going to second /u/justmerc 's suggestion - My son had long hair when he was a kid, and I would do that very thing, just slather on the conditioner in the bath, comb it easily, then rinse thoroughly.

As someone who likes chewing on stuff myself maybe get her a chew toy. To get her more used to acting like a cow maybe set up like a small track for a toy car, and have her continually push it back and forth with her muzzle. Or some other similar activity to get her into the habit of interacting with things like a cow, mostly by pushing at it with her muzzle.

Have you been working with bit gags for her? like a cow would have something like this so maybe having a bit gag for her when walking her around would be nice? Or for the car rides you talked about. Animals are usually leached somewhere inside the vehicle for transport so they don't move around too much, so that could be a good option for that. I have some fun ideas for the car ride, like maybe having her wear a spreader bar in the car to enhance her feeling of being on public display without actually revealing anything to anyone looking in.

Though for all the car related stuff safety is of course a thing to consider, so a potential leach or spreader bar should be more symbolic than practical, something easily breakable if needed. She seems like a nice docile cow so I don't think she would try to break out anyway. :)

"Letting out" is in generally a difficult, expensive process that can yield mixed results. Based on that, I would guess that it might not be worth it to have them let out, especially if you think you might like to settle back into a 26 sometime in the next year or so.

Personally, I'd buy some less expensive breeches (but still decent) for the meantime and put the ts away. I don't think selling them at the moment is going to be particularly beneficial for your state of mind right now, (though maybe Im wrong) but it's always and option down the road.

https://www.amazon.com/Irideon-Hampshire-Breech-Tan-28/dp/B00JBIEP5I/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1475119040&sr=1-1&keywords=irideon%2Bhampshire%2Bbreeches&th=1&psc=1

These aren't tailored's but this I what I show in and I really like them especially for under $100. Its a medium thickness, breathable, slightly elastic material, but it's styled like a breech. (substantial waistband, numerical sizing etc.) They might be a good option while your weight is fluctuating because they have some give, look nice, and are priced well.

Two caveats, these fit well if you tend carry weight in you butt and thighs rather than you hips and waist. I've seen some people complain that they can sag in the butt if you don't fill them out. Also, they have a euroseat, which may not be the style youre looking for.

Best of luck!

Gloves are nice sometimes, but they aren't by any means essential. If you do show, a pair of black gloves will be good. Personally, I like my Heritage Performance gloves. They aren't too expensive and they last a long time.

As for breeches, TuffRiders are great. Mine are 6 years old and still in decent shape. But, for inexpensive and not too warm, Devonaire makes wonderful stuff.

As for show shirts and all that, don't worry about buying anything too fancy for the lower levels. A nice clean polo shirt and khaki breeches will be just fine.

I'd stick with feeding the layer ration or feather fixer as their primary food source, but with the addition of lots of extra "treats" like scratch and wet catfood for the extra protein. If you have a reptile supply shop near you, you might also be able to get some live kingworms, which are FULL of protein and good fats. If live bugs aren't an option, dried mealworms work great as well!

It's best to stick with one brand/type of food as the main food source as the nutrients there are already balanced out in the ratio that the birds need. However, since it's getting colder, there's no harm in helping the birds develop a layer of fat and get them some extra feather-growing proteins.


I think the most important issue here would be to fix the roosting issue immediately, as unless it's fixed they'd just rip the new growth off. Also, for the ladies with the bare backs, chicken saddles might help keep the damage to a minimum. Also, if there is any blood, your local feed store probably carries blue-tinted wound dressing like this one! The blue tint would make the raw featherless butt area less appealing to peck at.

Oh hey! Congrats on new boots!

I'm assuming these are another pair of black docs that can take a shine? If that's true, my go-to conditioner would be something light like Chelsea Leather Food. I've heard good things about Saphir Renovateur as another conditioner you can apply polish over - it's a mink oil suspension, but avoids some of the drawbacks of plain mink oil (namely, it doesn't seal the pores of the leather).

Then, if you want a bright shine, it's fine to use up your can of Kiwi, but the next time you buy polish, pick up some Lincoln Wax or Angelus. The former is what the Marines use to get their mirror polish, but it's a bit fussier to work with. The latter applies more like Kiwi, but the shine is a bit more durable.

And, if you want a shine that's a bit less... mirrorey, Meltonian is the best.

Don't forget to clean them each time you take care of them, though—you don't want to be applying any of these over dirt and grime.

Oh, and I don't think the half size large will be a big issue, especially with insoles and thick socks. That sounds pretty comfy.

I don't know what your budget is but I use Eskadron boots when schooling at home over jumps. These are nice because they have the soft gray material on the backside underneath the knee. It looks like there are some other boots too that may not be as expensive like these but I've never used the HorZe brand boots before. For showing, I use the EquiFit boots which have a really nice memory-foam material lining. Hope this helps!

Man! It looks like you've got a great list set up for him so far!

What I'd suggest, just because I've seen them around lately, and they fascinate me, is some form of Himalayan Salt Block you can use it on the grill, stove, oven, or just to hold apps. Apparently it adds awesome flavor.

Plus, who wouldn't want to cook with something that looks like The Aggro Crag?

Tuff Rider ventilated tights! THIN and has mesh but arent see through on the mesh (so long as you get the right size - if you get them too small, too tight, the mesh may be see through) AND they are under 40!!!! i would not show in these unless it was a SUPER CASUAL fun show.

https://www.amazon.com/TuffRider-Womens-Ventilated-Schooling-Tights/dp/B002HOBYG6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467857082&sr=8-1&keywords=tuffrider+ventilated+tights

I am so sorry. I lost my baby girl Jazz almost a year ago, also very suddenly, and I took that dogs death harder than anyone elses. I still will see puppies or dog related stuff and tear up thinking of her. You will also think you could of done more, and thats the sign of a great pet owner. Because you think of them like family.

This is Merlin, who looks so majestic until he shows his true goofball form. He's done a lot for me as a rider, and is one of the best mounts I've had the pleasure of riding, competing on and leasing. I love him to death. This is a green saddle pad, as our show colors are black and green, and green looks majestic on him. I'll give him a big kiss tonight just for Moose!

• Because posh englishmen ride horses. But god I would hope not to wear it in public on regular occasions. -- in horseback riding
  
  
  
• Geeky/cute glasses that Morthy would deem as oh god I wouldn't want to be seen with you in public item -- in $10 & under.
  
  
• The big winner, obv: I would never wear this in public (aside from Halloween. Or would I?) And although a REAL posh gentleman wouldn't wear it, an Englishman thinking he's posh totally would. AND it would be perfect for a desert island because my goal there would be finding treasure (you must always dress appropriately). Did I mention that although it doesn't look like a phallic item, I'm sure tons would--ahem. Pop up. PIRATES CAN BE GEEKS, TOO -- in maybe nsfw.

Not sure if it qualifies as a need, but my girlfriend could use a new rope for her horse. It's in purple, which is awesome because it happens to be her favorite colour. This is the item: www.amazon.co.uk/Plain-Horse-Lead-Rope-Purple/dp/B004VAAT5Q/ref=cm_wl_huc_item

And it is on my wish list here: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/registry/wishlist/IMHB40W3Y9GC/ref=topnav_lists_1

I own this bareback pad (in hunter green!): http://www.amazon.com/Best-Friend-Eastern-Bareback-Saddle/dp/B00GPE6Y8W

Super comfy and has a non-slip slightly grippy underside, which has actually worked. I've even jumped up to 2'6" with it and it didn't budge, which was impressive. Basically, bareback pads are awesome especially for high-withered horses!

Honestly, you'll probably find a cotton lead for cheaper than what you can make one for; especially of the same length. They're very light and very sturdy. I've used cotton leads with horses without any issue, so they'll definitely be fine with a dog.

However, if you wanted to make one, I do find paracord to be comfortable in general; I have a paracord leash that I love.

If you wanted to alter the tack in some way something that could be done is to make the bridle come apart. Back then most bridles would have been put together with pieces of leather string that would have been tied. If once were to cut that leather string the bridle might hold together long enough for the rider to go out a ways before it fell apart. Probably wouldn’t take long for the rider (depending on who they are difference between cowboy or a lady; cowboy in this instance) to whip together a new strap to fix the bridle. Would still take several minutes if they were resourceful.

Another way would be to cut the cinch in a way the would make the leather tear apart after awhile, but like others have said before most cowboys would then just ditch the saddle and ride bareback. The bridle is your best bet.

Example: Weaver Leather Latigo Leather Browband Headstall https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005JESRSE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_no16CbE4WW2GY

See those two ties at the very bottom? That’s where the bit would be held. Make it so those come apart and need to be replaced and you have a nice little hang up for a few minutes.

A fiber optic dance whip. It is SO much fun.

I finally pulled the trigger on a pixelwhip and I'm soooooo excited to start practicing with it!