Rip Van Winkle

It was always hard to keep the rules straight. Hunters allowed standing martingales. Eventers allowed running. Can't use martingales in the flat classes. Need to switch out the rubber reins before the hunter class. I couldn't remember it back when I was competing, and it's worse now. I do believe some of the rules have changed, too, along with the riding style. (Image from Sleazy Sleepwear for Horses.)

My glorious Stubben Seigfried was already out of fashion when I was eventing, but I used that saddle anyway. Lily used it for a while, but when it was clear that it was altering her position, I had to get her a close contact saddle. I still ride the Stubben. I always will.

Now I need to find out what kind of bit she needs for cross country for an upcoming horse trials. I think she can use an elevator, which will solve all of our problems. I rode all of my horses in a snaffle, whether it made sense or not, so I never even knew those rules.

All of my riding life horse-related items were either hunter green, blue or red. Or certain plaids. I've awakened to a horse world where there are neon-print sleazies that go under blankets, saddle pads with metallic embossing on their vivid prints, and kids with enough money to have color-coordinated leg wraps, saddle pads and helmet covers -- just for every day riding.

It's sometimes hard to be Rip Van Winkle. The good news is that horses -- and girls -- haven't really changed.

Comments

[photogchic]

Yes--I hear you Ann! I have the Rip Van Winkle thing going on to. The first time I saw a "sleazy" I just about fell over with laughter. Funny how things change.

[kathyc]

Sleazies crack me up. We bought some for the girls to use on their sheep for the county fair. I'm not sure they are called sleazies, but they do the same thing as horse sleaszies.

I have convinced my barrel racing girls to go with neutral colors, unlike most of the barrel tack that is currently pushed.

[Anne]

I saw those ones on sheep on a horse sleazy web site (Lily was fashion shopping) and I agree that those are even funnier than the ones on horses.

I don't know if I'm envious or shocked by some of the colorful outfits I see in the Western classes. Some of the colorful outfits are absolutely gorgeous, but I find myself very distracted by them. And then, since I'm a mom, I wonder if they have saddle pads to match every shirt, etc.

The English/Hunter clothing in the show ring is still conservative, but the style and cut of the clothing and boots is different. So sad for me that the pants are tight and stretchy!