Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Everything old is new again

I tend to use horse realted equipment well past it's functional life. This stems from the fact that I have always had to operate my horse activities on a tight budget, and why buy new things if the old ones still work? However, since I got some gift certificates for my birthday, and found a gift card that I didn't know I had, I decided that three of the items that I use every time I ride needed replacing.

Here is a picture of my old boots. Believe it or not, this is as clean as I can get them. I've had them for probably seven or eight years. I love Ariat boots, and wouldn't even cosider getting anything but Ariats to ride in. Even my show boots are Ariats, and I think they are fantastic. anyhow, the old boots...



Notice the lovely holes in the sides. While the water tightness was comprimised, the holes provided some nice air flow while cantering. Also the soles (which I had already replaced once) were starting to separate from the toe.



But finally, the old boots had to go, and were replaced by these snazzy numbers. I went with zippers this time, and I'm not regretting my decision. I was afraid that the zippers would not be tight enough around my ankle, but they are working just fine. And they are faster to get on and off, which I like very much.



My old gloves. I obviously wore the crap out of them. When my fingers starting sticking out through the many giant holes I decided it was time for a replacement pair.



This is actually the second pair of new gloves that I got. The first pair split at a seam in the finger after I had been wearing them for only twenty minutes. They were promptly exchanged for a new pair, which so far have not sprung any seams. These are SSG gloves and I am enjoying them.



This is a shot of the end of my old whip. I had it for about a week when I accidentally propped it up against Kaswyn's stall within reach of his constantly moving lips. He chewed the end and I've been using it for almost two years that way.



And the new whip. Since the lash is intact it's longer than either one of us expect it to be so we're getting tons of jump when I give just a little tap. Yay for responsiveness!



I feel so spoiled with all my new stuff!

5 comments:

Katee said...

I have those same gloves. Love them. I'm also a fan of Ariat boots and I believe my old boots are identical to your old boots. I finally had to replace them when the holes got a little too large.

I didn't toss them, though. They live in my trunk now and I refer to them as my "emergency back up boots." I have them for those times I unexpectedly have to go to the barn because of horse injury or illness. No more high heeled work shoes at the barn for me!

Nuzzling Muzzles said...

I have both those brand/styles of boots. The lace ups fit more comfortably for me, but they are also older and have had more time to conform to my feet. The zip ups are convenient when I'm in a hurry.

Serena said...

My Ariats did that too! I have two pairs of Terrain zip-fronts now but I still have (and love) my original Ariat paddock boots! By my calculations, i got them in . . . 1993?

Rising Rainbow said...

I think you and I are on the same wave length when it comes to making things stretch out their usefullness. But I hate to say this, your old boots look way better than my old boots. I'd be embarrassed to post pics of mine they are soooooooo bad.

Mine are Ariats as well and they have very unique air conditioning features that come from excessive use..........but they are so comfortable, I hate to part with them.

Back in the saddle said...

I there I was wondering if it was normal for me to need a new pair of gloves every 3 months or so... I just bought a pair of Kerrits stretch winter gloves: great contact but they are a bit on the stiff side. Anything to recommend?

 
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