This one is by Lenox.
Here is an Armani figurine.
..and one of my readers sent me this one right before my computer crashed...so I lost the web address of where it could be purchased. It is one that is currently still in production.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sidesaddle Figurines!
There are not too many sidesaddle figurines on the market these days and most of the ones I found are discontinued...like this one by Staffordshire.
This one is by Lenox.
Here is an Armani figurine.
..and one of my readers sent me this one right before my computer crashed...so I lost the web address of where it could be purchased. It is one that is currently still in production.
This one is by Lenox.
Here is an Armani figurine.
..and one of my readers sent me this one right before my computer crashed...so I lost the web address of where it could be purchased. It is one that is currently still in production.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Abercrombie & Fitch
I am sure you have heard of the popular clothing store ~ Abercrombie & Fitch. Well, did you know that the Abercrombie family used to not only own and show many American Saddlebred Horses, but they were also the owners of Pin Oak Stables and were the founders of Pin Oak Charity Horse show?
This horse show was considered the social event of the year in Houston, TX. and tickets to the Saturday Stake night were more difficult to attain then today's Superbowl Football tickets are!
So, it was no surprise for me to find this set of fine bone china, fashioned with a Saddlebred portrait produced by...who?? Abercrombie and Fitch!
Sadly, this pattern is discontinued and the only place I could find it was from Replacements LTD, an Internet store that deals specifically with discontinued china, silver and crystal.
Okay - I know this is not specifically about Sidesaddle...but it is really good trivia!
This horse show was considered the social event of the year in Houston, TX. and tickets to the Saturday Stake night were more difficult to attain then today's Superbowl Football tickets are!
So, it was no surprise for me to find this set of fine bone china, fashioned with a Saddlebred portrait produced by...who?? Abercrombie and Fitch!
Sadly, this pattern is discontinued and the only place I could find it was from Replacements LTD, an Internet store that deals specifically with discontinued china, silver and crystal. Okay - I know this is not specifically about Sidesaddle...but it is really good trivia!
A GREAT Deal For You!
Ken Rowe, the designer of these tack hooks has graciously agreed to discount them $5.00 for anyone who would like to purchase one! Origonally, $49.95, if you mention that you saw it here it is only $44.95. Remember - these are completely hand forged, so each one is uniquely different!
Here is where you go to order one:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31381975&ref=sr_list_4&&ga_search_query=tack+hook&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title
Here is where you go to order one:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31381975&ref=sr_list_4&&ga_search_query=tack+hook&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title
Friday, March 26, 2010
Escaromuza Sidesaddle Riders
Continuing on with "Spanish Week", I wanted to introduce you to the Spanish Charro Escaromuza Sidesaddle Riders. They are amazing - to say the least!!!
If you have never seen this video, it is worth the watch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOJqTLVZ0oQ
it's a team sport for women and a peculiar hybrid of Mexican and North American equestrian arts. Spectators have described it as something akin to a ballet on horseback. For me it is among the most dazzling and thrilling of horsemanship displays, almost on a par with Vienna's fabulous Lipizanners and the Spanish bull-fighting art known as Rejoneo.
Escaramuza is a relatively new form of competition that is woven into La Charrería, Mexico's national sport. La Charreada is a south-of-the-border style rodeo that involves not only cowpoking skills, but also culture, folklore, traditional handicrafts and family values derived from the ranching lifestyle of yesteryear.
Then back in the 1950's one of Mexico's most distinguished charros caught a mounted drill team act during a visit to the USA. He introduced the concept as a horseback riding activity for the young children of charro families under the label "carousel." It caught on big with girls, who wasted no time in taking over the form while their brothers were focused on mastering the usual charreada skills. As early enthusiasts became more proficient at riding, they began beefing up the speed and intricacy of their drill routines, giving rise to a new and more descriptive label for the art-- escaramuza--the Spanish word for skirmish. The sport was soon formalized and has since gained increasing popularity among amazonas (female riders) all over Mexico and even in Latino communities beyond its borders.
While escaramuza performances may tagged on as an added attraction to any charreada or scheduled in ferias amistosas (friendly fairs), formal competitions on the state, regional and national level are programmed and sanctioned by the Mexican Charro Federation. Official contests require strict adherence to complex rules and regulations that govern every aspect of the event, from a code for acceptable dress and tack to exact judging and scoring procedures.
Each escaramuza team is composed of eight riders who wear matching outfits, with the option of donning either the traditional full-skirted Adelita style dresses or fitted skirt and jacket ensembles similar to standard charro attire. Likewise, their wide-brimmed sombreros, the customary charro head gear, must be identical in color, style and decorative detail.
If you have never seen this video, it is worth the watch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOJqTLVZ0oQ
it's a team sport for women and a peculiar hybrid of Mexican and North American equestrian arts. Spectators have described it as something akin to a ballet on horseback. For me it is among the most dazzling and thrilling of horsemanship displays, almost on a par with Vienna's fabulous Lipizanners and the Spanish bull-fighting art known as Rejoneo.
Escaramuza is a relatively new form of competition that is woven into La Charrería, Mexico's national sport. La Charreada is a south-of-the-border style rodeo that involves not only cowpoking skills, but also culture, folklore, traditional handicrafts and family values derived from the ranching lifestyle of yesteryear.
Then back in the 1950's one of Mexico's most distinguished charros caught a mounted drill team act during a visit to the USA. He introduced the concept as a horseback riding activity for the young children of charro families under the label "carousel." It caught on big with girls, who wasted no time in taking over the form while their brothers were focused on mastering the usual charreada skills. As early enthusiasts became more proficient at riding, they began beefing up the speed and intricacy of their drill routines, giving rise to a new and more descriptive label for the art-- escaramuza--the Spanish word for skirmish. The sport was soon formalized and has since gained increasing popularity among amazonas (female riders) all over Mexico and even in Latino communities beyond its borders.
While escaramuza performances may tagged on as an added attraction to any charreada or scheduled in ferias amistosas (friendly fairs), formal competitions on the state, regional and national level are programmed and sanctioned by the Mexican Charro Federation. Official contests require strict adherence to complex rules and regulations that govern every aspect of the event, from a code for acceptable dress and tack to exact judging and scoring procedures.
Each escaramuza team is composed of eight riders who wear matching outfits, with the option of donning either the traditional full-skirted Adelita style dresses or fitted skirt and jacket ensembles similar to standard charro attire. Likewise, their wide-brimmed sombreros, the customary charro head gear, must be identical in color, style and decorative detail.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
We Have a Winner...
Lucky number 40!!! Laura, I will be sending you an e-mail so you can give me your mailing information for your beautiful tack hook!
I also want to say thank you very much to those of you who take the time to click on an ad on my blog. Although it is just a small portion, it does generate some funds for me to keep having these monthly give aways. BIG HUGS!!!
Now - for those of you who are as in LOVE with this tack hook as I am....and did not win... here is the information about where you can go to purchase one for yourself!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31381975
The gentleman's name is Ken and he is so nice. You will enjoy doing business with him. Please tell him that you saw his tack hook on my blog if you do contact him.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
My Birthday Gift...
..from my co-workers! There is a tank top with a sidesaddle silk screen print on it, some hand soap and sidesaddle note cards!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Along The "Spanish" Theme...
...I found this beautiful sidesaddle skirt marketed as a "Spanish style" sidesaddle skirt. I LOVE the waist band on it and would wear it as a part of my normal wardrobe if it was not longer on one side!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Spanish Sidesaddle
This Spanish styles sidesaddle was sold on e-bay quite a while ago. I just love the detailed tooling on it.
There was no age information on it, but because it has the rail, I can only imagine that it is quite old.
It sold for $550.00.
There was no age information on it, but because it has the rail, I can only imagine that it is quite old.
It sold for $550.00.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
March Give Away! Hand Forged Tack Hook
In Honor of my birthday!! PLEASE - Don't forget to click onto one of the blog ads to help pay for the give aways!
**************************************
Leave a comment by midnight, Wednesday, the 24th of March. You must leave an e-mail address if you are commenting anonymously for me to be able to identify you!
Description - per the Designer!
Hand forged in my Southwest Florida studio, this beautiful 5 prong tack hook is a great way for the serious horse enthusiast to display, store and clean their tack while at home or on the road; be it bridle, halter, reins or harness. This hook also includes a unique fifth hook down the center that can be used to hang additional tack, cleaning tools or even a weight to reduce swinging during cleaning.
I personally hand forge each component from 3/8" thick round steel before I assemble them all into the final product, which includes 3/16" thick steel collars surrounding the body. Once assembled, the hook measures approximately 14" long by 10" wide and weighs about 3 lb.
Upon completion, I stamp the body with my studio signature before the hook is lightly wire brushed and cleaned. In order to preserve the natural look of forged steel, the hook is then coated with several coats of clear wax.
The entire package, while not overly heavy by any means, feels absolutely solid in your hands while maintaining a level of elegance not seen in most other similar products.
Whether you need a solid piece of equipment that surpasses other hooks by leaps and bounds or you simply want equipment that inspires your love of the sport, this tack hook is the only one you'll ever need!
**************************************Leave a comment by midnight, Wednesday, the 24th of March. You must leave an e-mail address if you are commenting anonymously for me to be able to identify you!
Description - per the Designer!
Hand forged in my Southwest Florida studio, this beautiful 5 prong tack hook is a great way for the serious horse enthusiast to display, store and clean their tack while at home or on the road; be it bridle, halter, reins or harness. This hook also includes a unique fifth hook down the center that can be used to hang additional tack, cleaning tools or even a weight to reduce swinging during cleaning.
I personally hand forge each component from 3/8" thick round steel before I assemble them all into the final product, which includes 3/16" thick steel collars surrounding the body. Once assembled, the hook measures approximately 14" long by 10" wide and weighs about 3 lb.
Upon completion, I stamp the body with my studio signature before the hook is lightly wire brushed and cleaned. In order to preserve the natural look of forged steel, the hook is then coated with several coats of clear wax.
The entire package, while not overly heavy by any means, feels absolutely solid in your hands while maintaining a level of elegance not seen in most other similar products.
Whether you need a solid piece of equipment that surpasses other hooks by leaps and bounds or you simply want equipment that inspires your love of the sport, this tack hook is the only one you'll ever need!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!~
It is also my Birthday! Yeah - I am now Thirty-eighteen!
Today is also the first day of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show. It runs through the weekend. I am covering the show for Saddle and Bridle magazine, but I am not participating in this one.
Today is also the first day of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show. It runs through the weekend. I am covering the show for Saddle and Bridle magazine, but I am not participating in this one.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Too Bad I Don't Have a 20" Waist!
..because if I did, I would have bought this amazing Vintage Victorian jacket!BLJYD-cB-!~~_12.jpeg)
Just Stunning!
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Just Stunning!
Friday, March 12, 2010
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Sittin' Pretty for Saddlebreds
If you have never met Sandy and Bill Marple, well you have truly missed something. This couple has a passion for American Saddlebred horses like few you have ever met. Add to that the fact that they work in unison showing their wonderful horses and yet they are never too busy to stop and lend a helping hand to others, or assist in advising anyone who is searching for a solution to a problem with their own horses.
Well, it was in such a circumstance that Sittin’ Pretty for Saddlebreds was born! Bill Marple is a frequent contributor to a popular Saddlebred forum called Trot.org. It is here that I was requesting advice about keeping motion at a slower trot. Bill offered a few suggestions and mentioned a problem he knew I was having with balance, as I had just started to show my Saddlebred sidesaddle and we were in some of the same classes. Brita Barlow (Smart Alex) started the ball rolling by offering to pay money to see Bill ride aside. A multitude of requests followed and then the idea was born to use this money to Saddlebred Rescue. SASHA horse show board members quickly approved the idea to include this event with their upcoming show and now Bill was on a deadline to present a memorable exhibition! Lesser men would have bowed out, making some kind of excuse, but that is not Bill. He took the challenge head on and started to prepare right away. I offered my horse Oliver and my sidesaddle for Bill to use, but he told me that he wanted to ride WC Colonel Clarence, a horse Bill knew and trusted. Pamela Fricke, who was not using her more modern Steele sidesaddle at the time, sent Bill home with it so he could get in all the practice time needed.
WC Colonel Clarence is a lifetime member of the Marple family. He was actually won by his first owner in a poker game. A special bond developed between the two and when Colonel Clarence Nunn passed away WC Colonel Clarence, formally named Lee’s River of Jordan, was inconsolable. It took the special handling of trainer Nez Ratterman Weber to bring him into the amazing show horse that he has been for so many years. Bill and Sandy purchased him in 1999 and have shown him in 5-gaited, 5-gaited show pleasure, show pleasure driving, model and adult equitation.
I corresponded with Bill in between the time the challenge was made and the SASHA show. He openly admitted that riding aside was much more difficult than it looked, but that he was working hard to strengthen the specific muscles needed to get the job done. I admired him for this. Under the secure watch of Nicole Foster, owner of Foster Farm, Bill practiced with Clarence.
Costuming this event was in the works right up to the show, as the red hat flowing with tulle was brought to the show by Kathie Dunn. She was working at SASHA as an Associate Judge for the Saddlebred classes and is an accomplished sidesaddle rider herself.
“I walked into Clarence’s stall with that red hat. He pulled his head up and jumped back snorting and blowing the whole time. It was not until I put the hat on, that he settled down!” Bill said laughing. “Sandy had a full skirt for me to wear, but Kathie loaned me her self designed riding apron, which was probably better since I am so tall.”
When Bill and Clarence hit the show ring, an explosion of flashes went off. He had so much make up on, he mirrored the famous puppet Madame, dawning loads of blue eye shadow, white base, red blush stripes and even redder lips! Executing all 5 gaits, Bill later revealed to me that the canter was the most difficult for him to execute. Going around the ring several times as the announcer told the crowds about the important work Saddlebred Rescue does to save useable horses from going to slaughter. Volunteers passed collection bags around and by the end of the show it totaled just over $1000.00! Those who donated $50.00 or more were allowed to submit name suggestions for Bill’s ‘alter’ and the winner…Almost unanimously Mr. Bill Marple was renamed Sugar Lips!
“I hope more than anything for this to become a challenge for others to step up and do something fun and even a bit crazy to raise money at these shows for Saddlebred Rescue. It does not have to be sidesaddle riding, but I know that there are some really imaginative people out there that would love a challenge and who could generate some real money!”
Our hats are off to you Sugar Lips! You are truly a man (or should I say woman??) of character!
Monday, March 8, 2010
SASHA Horse Show
Patti Strauch came to watch us show - and I want to send out a special thank you to her...because she took many of these pictures! Thanks Patti!!!
Okay - so here I was, at the beautiful San Antonio Saddle Horse Association show! I was so excited. It is a horse show that features both American Saddlebreds and Arabians. As many of you know, it is in the Arabian show circuit where you will find most of the sidesaddle classes and it was at this show that I was so excited ..because they added a class just for me! It was the Opportunity sidesaddle class that allowed any breed and any sidesaddle tack. Finally, I was going to get to compete against other sidesaddle riders!!!
..but I had one really BIG problem...ME! I keep getting so uptight and nervous that I became my worst enemy. Here was my weapon..wine. I drank about 2 full glasses of wine before I mounted Oliver! I am a (as my husband calls me) a cheap date, because I cannot drink any kind of hard liquor and wine gets to me pretty easily too.
..so here are some of my supplies by Oliver's stall.
..and if you were ever wondering what I wear under my skirt...here it is. They are kind of a stretchy riding tight with suede knee patches.
This is Erica. She came with Kelli, my instructor, and I to show her gelding Tribulation Force. She is helping me get my skirt on. Can you tell I am a bit 'sauced"? Trust me, my nerves were asleep! Also, take a look at the elegant brown top hat that one of my readers sold me! Thank you again Brita! It fits like it was made for me.
Here I am dressed and ready to mount. Do you like the vest I added to this outfit? I like the way the points show beneath my riding coat.
Kelli and Erica position the latter. You can see how I have picked up the entire skirt and laid it over my right arm before I get on.
..and I get on astride and then transfer the skirt over to my left side.
Then I throw my right leg over to the left side.
Here we are in the practice arena. Trust me when I say that I was feeling no pain and having a BLAST! Oliver was very amped up too, something that usually makes me very nervous.
We stood quietly for a few minutes as we waited for our class to be called.
..and here is a shot from the class. I was a bit disheartened to find out that I was the only one in my class. We did execute all the gaites and even though Oliver did NOT want to flat walk, he made a beautiful presentation and I was VERY VERY proud of my blue ribbon!! I do want to make a note about this picture. I shortened this jacket by 6-8 inches because it was getting underneath me when I showed in it a few months ago (very uncomfortable) and you can see that it was again doing it here, but because it is now so much shorter, it did not bother me.
..and that is the story of my first, first-place sidesaddle ribbon!
Okay - so here I was, at the beautiful San Antonio Saddle Horse Association show! I was so excited. It is a horse show that features both American Saddlebreds and Arabians. As many of you know, it is in the Arabian show circuit where you will find most of the sidesaddle classes and it was at this show that I was so excited ..because they added a class just for me! It was the Opportunity sidesaddle class that allowed any breed and any sidesaddle tack. Finally, I was going to get to compete against other sidesaddle riders!!!
..but I had one really BIG problem...ME! I keep getting so uptight and nervous that I became my worst enemy. Here was my weapon..wine. I drank about 2 full glasses of wine before I mounted Oliver! I am a (as my husband calls me) a cheap date, because I cannot drink any kind of hard liquor and wine gets to me pretty easily too.
..so here are some of my supplies by Oliver's stall.
..and if you were ever wondering what I wear under my skirt...here it is. They are kind of a stretchy riding tight with suede knee patches.
This is Erica. She came with Kelli, my instructor, and I to show her gelding Tribulation Force. She is helping me get my skirt on. Can you tell I am a bit 'sauced"? Trust me, my nerves were asleep! Also, take a look at the elegant brown top hat that one of my readers sold me! Thank you again Brita! It fits like it was made for me.
Here I am dressed and ready to mount. Do you like the vest I added to this outfit? I like the way the points show beneath my riding coat.
Kelli and Erica position the latter. You can see how I have picked up the entire skirt and laid it over my right arm before I get on.
..and I get on astride and then transfer the skirt over to my left side.
Then I throw my right leg over to the left side.
Here we are in the practice arena. Trust me when I say that I was feeling no pain and having a BLAST! Oliver was very amped up too, something that usually makes me very nervous.
We stood quietly for a few minutes as we waited for our class to be called.
..and here is a shot from the class. I was a bit disheartened to find out that I was the only one in my class. We did execute all the gaites and even though Oliver did NOT want to flat walk, he made a beautiful presentation and I was VERY VERY proud of my blue ribbon!! I do want to make a note about this picture. I shortened this jacket by 6-8 inches because it was getting underneath me when I showed in it a few months ago (very uncomfortable) and you can see that it was again doing it here, but because it is now so much shorter, it did not bother me.
..and that is the story of my first, first-place sidesaddle ribbon!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
American Girl Dolls....and some news
..Riding Aside!!! Oh How I wish these dolls were made when my daughters were young...or better yet - when I was young!!!
I still want one for myself!!
I am going to Beorne TX. this weekend for the SASHA show. This will be the very first time I get to show against other sidesaddle riders!!! This is also the show where Bill Marple (yes - a guy!) will be riding sidesaddle in full drag to raise money for Saddlebred Rescue. I will tell you more about it when I have pictures to go with the story! It is going to be so much fun and I can't wait to share it all with you next week. I have a lot to do to prepare so there will likely not be a post tomorrow :0( Sorry..but until God puts more than 24 hours into a day or I can figure out how to get along without ANY sleep...(almost there now as the most I have had this week is 5 hours per night!) sometimes I just have to let loose of a few things!
Wish me luck!
I still want one for myself!!
I am going to Beorne TX. this weekend for the SASHA show. This will be the very first time I get to show against other sidesaddle riders!!! This is also the show where Bill Marple (yes - a guy!) will be riding sidesaddle in full drag to raise money for Saddlebred Rescue. I will tell you more about it when I have pictures to go with the story! It is going to be so much fun and I can't wait to share it all with you next week. I have a lot to do to prepare so there will likely not be a post tomorrow :0( Sorry..but until God puts more than 24 hours into a day or I can figure out how to get along without ANY sleep...(almost there now as the most I have had this week is 5 hours per night!) sometimes I just have to let loose of a few things!
Wish me luck!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
A New Chapter is Posted..
..on www.equusgirl.blogspot.com
in the "Buys a Farm" story if you are interested.
in the "Buys a Farm" story if you are interested.
Sidesaddle..Stamps!
With so many avenues of collectibles..here is yet another for Sidesaddle enthusiasts!
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