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Happy Horse Gazette
May 2005 * Issue VIII * Volume I
 
Table of Contents
Lost Art Of Equestrian Etiquette
Equine Astrology
Product Reviews
Odds & Ends
Consignment Saddle Showcase
 
PREVIOUS ISSUES

Dont' forget to visit The Happy Horse's Online Store! New products are being added all the time! 

The 2005 Show Season Has Begun!

Another winter has come and gone, which indicates the beginning of another season of horse shows! The excitement is building as horses are brought back into consistent work, the fly's begin buzzing and the grass is getting green. Then you realize that last year's show outfit doesn't fit or it is completely out of style. Don't panic! The Happy Horse is here to help you with all of your show apparel needs. 
Styles and trends change every year in the show ring. They also differ between disciplines and organizations. What is acceptable in the hunter ring may or may not be in the dressage arena. Did you know that trends that are prominent in the CHJA H/J ring might not work at the AQHA World Show? When it comes to style and fashion in the show ring the Happy Horse keeps up on the current trends and is constantly updating their inventory to match. Let's take a look at some of the current styles and trends you can expect to see this summer.

Hunter/Jumper

The fashion trends for H/J stay pretty classic and traditional every year. These riders enjoy adding a little bit of flare and excitement to their attire by wearing a shirt that has some personality underneath their hunt coat. Jumper riders have taken to the current trend of custom striping their GPA helmets to match their barn colors. This season pastels and petite patterns are going to be popular. Look for shirts made by RJ Classics and Essex Collections at the Happy Horse. Also, RJ Classics have released their fantastic tailored cut in an inexpensive hunt coat. This fine jacket retails for only $99.95!


RJ Classics Wool Blend Hunt Coat

 

Dressage

Trends in the Dressage arena stay even more classic and conservative then they do in the H/J world. Tradition lends itself to clean, crisp, neutral colors usually along the lines of black and white. Riders can add a touch of flare by wearing brightly colored socks by Sox Trot under their tall boots or by sporting a stylish colored shirt by Euro-Fit. Both of these items are conspicuously hidden away from the judges eye's, but the rider knows they are there. In Dressage, hunt coats are acceptable up to Fourth level and are usually paired with white or lightly colored breeches. If you want to go the extra distance or if you are interested in purchasing a new coat, a Frock always looks sharper in the dressage ring.


Euro-Fit Show Shirt with Stock Tie

Three-Day Eventing

Rider's that participate in the Three-Day have the most exciting personalities and the ability to express these wild sides on the cross country phase. Usually riders and horses are decked out in their farm's colors and lots of protective gear. The Charles Owen protective vest has been dominating the cross country phase and proudly boasts the highest safety rating among protective vests at this time. These vest are able to be fully customized in your choice of colors or can be ordered stock in navy, black or green. Attire for the two other phases of three day (showjumping and dressage) are the same for sanctioned dressage and H/J events. Also, in Eventing a frock can be used for the dressage and showjumping phase.


Charles Owen Body Pro Plus Protector

 

Western Pleasure

Western Riders are the luckiest around when it comes to being able to express themselves through color and flare. Pretty much anything goes in the show ring, but you need to make sure you are up to date with the current trends and styles because these judges will take notice. Every season has it's popular colors and 2005 is no different. Popular choices for this season are usually bright and flashy 'Movie Star' blouses paired with black pants. The colors that are being seen this year are vivid purples and light pastels. If you are not of the adventurous type you can always wear the popular black and white show outfit. These two colors paired together are a fashion trend that will never go out of style in the western arena.


Hobby Horse Aurora Blouse in Royal

 

The Lost Art of Equestrian Etiquette

These days it seems like equestrian etiquette has long been forgotten about and some may argue that it  may no longer exist. Every month the Happy Horse Gazette will feature a new topic of concern relating to the loss of etiquette in the equine industry and how to bring it back. Many situations will be discussed and how to deal with them in an  appropriate manner. We hope you enjoy these helpful hints and share them with other horse people.


Foxhunting is a sport that is as classic and traditional as they come. In Colorado we are lucky to be able to enjoy the Arapahoe Hunt Club. Even though we are coming out of hunting season it is still important to analyze the proper way to present your horse and yourself at these gatherings. Below is a list of the most common etiquette points to review.

Proper Fox Hunting Etiquette

  • Correct turnout is expected. Day members have permission to dress ratcatcher at any meet.

  • Arrive at the meet in plenty of time. The Master requests that riders be mounted 15 minutes before the scheduled time of the meet. This allows time to warm-up, greet guests and friends, and to cheer the Master, huntsman, and staff with your "good mornings."
  • Park in the designated area.
  • Leave enough room behind and between trailers to allow safe unloading and tying of horses.
  • Help huntsman and staff, if asked. Otherwise leave them to their work after wishing them, "good morning."
  • Gather with the rest of the field behind the fieldmaster before hounds are released. At this time, guests are formally introduced and there is a word from the Master.
  • All members of the field must remain behind the fieldmaster during the hunt.
  • Members with colors are extended the privilege of riding at the head of the field. Junior members and guests are expected to ride in the back unless invited forward by the Masters.
  • Please make every effort to avoid stepping on the hounds.
  • Do not speak to or direct the hounds in any way. This is the job of the staff only.
  • Quiet is essential when the hounds are hunting.
  • If you must retire early from the field, please excuse yourself to the fieldmaster. If this is not possible, send word forward to him by someone else.
  • Please remember that we are guests of the landowner, and must at all times respect his property and treat it responsibly. Always ride on the headlands (i.e. as close to the fences as possible) to avoid damage to crops, including grass.
  • Please close all gates.
  • Please walk through or by cattle, even if the hounds are "gone away." Be particularly careful of loose horses.
  • Please report any damage of property to the fieldmaster.
  • Upon returning to the trailers after hunting, wait with the fieldmaster while the hounds are put up. Call "thank you" to the Master, huntsman and staff before you retire to your trailer.
  • Please leave as little evidence of your presence as possible. Discourage your horse from digging up the grass. Scatter his droppings, and police your area for litter before you leave.

Equine Astrology
Taurus
21 April - 21 May

Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac, and is a fixed earth sign, which is ruled by the planet Venus. The Taurus-sun horse is therefore naturally a dependable, placid and affectionate horse that yearns for comfort and routine. This horse loves to be touched and will bond with you very strongly if you brush and massage it regularly. The Taurus-sun horse is also very food-focused, and needs the reassurance of a predictable feeding routine. This horse loves sleeping and lazing about, so a comfortable stable or shady trees in the field are important! A Taurus horse needs to feel secure mentally and emotionally within the partnership, and dislikes changes in routine. It may have trouble adjusting to new situations and needs to be treated with patience and calmness; otherwise it may become downright obstinate and totally refuse to cooperate with you! Like the bovine symbol of its sign, the Taurus horse is naturally a herd animal, and likes the security of being together with other horses. As Taurus rules the throat, this horse may have something about the neck, which attracts attention. It may be, for example noticeably long or short. It could also be that the Taurus horse nickers or whinnies in a distinctive manner!

Next month Equine Astrology will feature Gemini!


Product Review Barn

Welcome to the Product Review Barn! Every month we will feature a product that will be accompanied by a consumer review. At the Happy Horse we all have our favorite products and we sure do like to talk about them! The P.R Barn is a place where we can showcase these items. Any item that is featured in the Barn will be offered online at a SALE PRICE! If you find a product that you  like e-mail emily at happyhorsetack.com for the online sale information. Life has never been so good!

Scoring System: 
Every rider's must have
An excellent equestrian product
Could come in handy
Takes up precious trunk space


Horseware's Rambo Flybuster Protector 
Retail price: $139.95

Tough, Durable, Soft, Protective, UV Reflecting, Breathable – all words you look for in a summer protection rug for your horse.

Thanks to Horseware you need look no further as the NEW Flybuster Protector provides the solution. The unique patented Protector fabric is amazingly Soft yet Super Strong. It is made up of a soft multi filament and mono filament yarn weave which benefits from being able to be wrapped close to the horse to prevent annoying insects coming into contact with the horses skin. Incorporating Horseware’s innovative Surefit™ Neck Design, patented ‘V’ front closure and unique Leg Arches™ and 3rd Surcingle for freedom of movement and freedom to graze, the Protector also has an extra long tail flap for extra coverage. With a fully removable neck cover that is easily but securely attached with simple Velcro straps and a silky lined shoulders and a mane liner, the Rambo Flybuster Protector will truly protect your horse.


Odds & Ends


Upcoming Activities

* May 15th-17th 2005
Lars Peterson Clinic Series
Phantom Hill Farm
Fort Collins, Colorado
(970)225-1408 or phfdressage@msn.com for more information
Other clinic dates: June 30th-July 3rd and August 25th-28th

*May 21st 2005
Cheyenne Dressage and Hunt Club
Schooling Show and Silent Auction
Contact Suzi Zielinski at (307) 772-7931 or sczksi@aol.com or Susan Baker at (307) 772-8005 or susanbaker21@yahoo.com  


"Focused"
Artist :Lydia Kiernan

If the rider's heart is in the right place, his seat will be independent of his hands. ~ Piero Santini  


Consignment Saddle Showcase
If you are interested in any of these consignment saddles please contact Jen at happyhorsetack.com

Collegiate Dressage
18" seat/wide tree
$680.00
Here is a nice used Collegiate dressage saddle. This saddle is in workable condition and is looking for a new home. This Collegiate would make an excellent introduction saddle for a new rider. 
CTD CC
17" seat/31 tree
$460.00
This is an excellent close contact that any minimalist would love. It's plan flap really offers the rider a true close feel. Stop in today to give this saddle a try!

 


Happy Horse wishes everyone an exciting show season!

 
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