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| "Nothing to see here, folks, move along..." That liquid on the ground all around him is less than a minute's worth of alsike drool. |
As well as his disgusting alsike clover drool:
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| It's seriously reached waterfall levels these days. |
And the little dog, who I'm still determinedly trying to make into a barn dog despite her inability to be locked in a stall away from me without whining:
And the barn at 8:30 on a Thursday morning, before my lesson that I moved to accommodate this week's amazing work schedule:
And one of the three new project babies that my trainer picked up last month:
I did a lot of thinking on my 100 followers contest. Blogging has been such a fun experience to share with you all, and I really wanted to show my appreciation in a personal way. I wanted to offer something that personally meant something to me, but since I am the antithesis of cool, trendy riding gear and tack, I decided against that. It's hard to get excited about Irideon tights and wool ski socks.
So I decided to support my favorite mom-and-pop online tack store, Adams Horse & Pet Supplies, and offer a $50 gift certificate from them. If you've never shopped with them before, their prices, their clearance section, and their customer service are always outstanding, plus they do a lot of discount codes, which is great. I would suggest waiting to use your gift certificate until their Labor Day sale, which is when I got Connor's winter blanket last year. Make sure to sign up for their mailing list before then to get the discount codes!
To enter: Leave a comment below answering the following questions:
- What are your favorite things about being an equestrian blogger?
- What would you put the gift card toward if you won?
Then use the Rafflecopter widget to enter! There's a bonus entry for sharing the contest on your blog, too.
Contest ends in two weeks on August 29!
(If you are from outside the US, you can still enter, and if you win we'll do an Amazon or Horze gift card.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So awesome! Congrats on the blogging milestone!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part about blogging is by far the incredible people I have met. I am surprised by the amazing friends I have made.
I would buy Houston a mega from girth. Hello 58"! Or a lunging surcingle.
Will share later today! :)
58"!!!! I can't even imagine! I am only 60 inches tall, so I wouldn't even be able to hold his girth up to wipe it down! Haha.
DeleteYay 100 followers, you deserve to garner soooo many more! What I love about blogging is the new friends that I've met and continue to have through it. The community was there but I really felt the support from it within this last year! So grateful for that.
ReplyDeleteIf I won I'd buy new fly gear for next year, Poor Ramone, gotta get that stuff anyways I guess.
The community is awesome, just looking at Hillary/Bekka's Higher Standards Viva Carlos tribute, and your gift to Hillary, those types of things really say it all.
DeleteMy two favorite things about blogging are creating a story I can look back on as well as share with others and meeting new people. I get so many ideas and receive so much support from other bloggers, it's really amazing.
ReplyDeleteI'd probably buy some useful every day items like bug spray, fly masks, or hoof stuff.
Agreed on the story! I love being able to go back and look at what we were doing two years ago. There are a lot of details I think I'd forget without blogging.
DeleteOoh, how fun! Congrats on 100! ♥
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part about blogging is, without a doubt, how many wonderful friends I've made and getting to follow them along their own horsey filled journey. :)
And like L, if I won I'd get some fly gear. A fly sheet, maybe. My boy has sweet itch so it's a necessity!
Oh man, I've never deal with sweet itch before! That can't be fun.
DeleteAwesome giveaway, I love Adam's!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about blogging so far has been a) the cool people I've "met", some of which I now consider to be good friends b) the small businesses that I've been able to work with and draw more attention to via the blog. Some of them are just really fantastic and it's been a lot of fun working together.
If I won I'd probably put the money toward a pair of MDC stirrups. :) Congrats on 100!
See, I'm totally on board with this going to more not-totally-necessary-but-would-be-great purchases like those stirrups. I've been curious about them for a while, make sure to do a review if you win them!
DeleteWould definitely review. I've been so obsessive about picking which irons I want next, it's a little ridiculous.
DeleteYay contest!
ReplyDeleteI love all of awesome, thinking, caring conversations I've had with people about training techniques and problems. You people are seriously full of great advice and tons of confidence builders! :)
I think we both know what I'd put money towards ... a new medium weight blanket. One as teflon-esque as possible. :)
Do not pass go, go straight to the replaceable SmartPak ballistic nylon one. Haha.
DeleteCongrats!!
ReplyDeleteI love reading all the fun things other people are doing with their horses, stuff that I would not have any idea about if I didn't read blogs (like eventing, jumping).
If I won, I might get Shy a "just in case" blanket. Since I don't blanket her, I don't have one, but it might be a good idea to have one, just in case.
I'll throw that right back at you, there's a lot I wouldn't know about the draft/driving horse world if it wasn't for you!
DeleteCongrats on 100 followers!! No doubt Connor's cuteness will bring in like a bajillion more in no time.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about being an equestrian blogger, aside from all the lovely people of course, is stealing all the lovely people's riding exercises. Since I don't take lessons myself, I love when people share dressage or jumping diagrams. Sharing is caring, guys.
If I won, I'd probably be boring and get saddle pads because I have 3 total...including show pads. Lame.
Girl, you and me both. Four pads: one is from 6th grade, one is a handmedown someone shrunk in the wash, one is a consignment find, and one was $8 at the Hoosier Horse Fair three years ago.
DeleteIs it weird that when you said you only had 3 pads I felt intense sadness for you? If you want the pad I've got on my tack swap/sale post, I'll send it to you for free. 3 pads ain't no way to live.
DeleteDidn't I give you a dressage pad? You want a shrunken maroon one? Or a hunter green baby pad? The baby pad was ridiculously small on Pig. It would probably be awesome on Connor. Plus, it's made for hot weather...
DeleteCongrats on 100 (and getting your camera working again)!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about being an equestrian blogger is challenging myself to come up with things to write about. I love writing, and having the almost daily blog has given me a reason to be creative again and try new things. Plus, can't beat some of the friends I have made through blogging.
I have no idea what I would get with the gift certificate... probably depends on what my creature is doing at the moment or not! :-D
Thanks! Felt like my right hand was missing something all these years it was broken.
DeleteYou really are amazing at writing every day, I have no idea how you do it!
I wish I was a blogger, but I'm too distracted. I'd put the card towards more purple gear for my palomino.
ReplyDeleteFavorite things about following equestrian blogs is okay too!
DeleteBlogging helps me track our (hopeful) progression and I get to connect with other riders. I have learned so much from all you other bloggers (such as patience, that other riders have frustrations too, how to work through "issues," etc). It's been very beneficial to my riding - every now and then I can go back and read old posts to gain perspective on where we are now. Pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteAs for what'd I'd do with the certificate? Put towards either a new bridle or a new pair of breeches (or both!). Thanks for hosting this!
I agree, it's really nice to be able to commiserate. Even the pros have bad days.
DeleteHappy 100!! That's so exciting! :)
ReplyDeleteI think if I won the gift card I'd pick the pony up a new sheet for this fall/spring since she has destroyed her old one.
Thanks! Isn't that the way. It's not available at Adams, but I just bought Connor the ballistic nylon Smartpak sheet that they will replace if the waterproofing fails or it gets destroyed.
DeleteCongrats! And yay for your camera being back in commission.
ReplyDeleteI love the community of bloggers. I feel like they are real friends even though we've never met in person.
I would put the gift card toward some BOT quick leg wraps.
Agreed, I've gotten to meet several and we always feel like old friends immediately.
DeleteWoohoo! Congrats on 100 followers :)
ReplyDeleteI love reading other people's blogs more than I enjoy writing my own posts! Even though I've never met most of the people who I read, I feel as if I know them IRL and would love to meet them in person. It's great to follow someone's success over the months/years.
If I won, I would snag some standing wraps for Max!
-Lynn @OverFencesandUnderTrees
Thanks! That's such a cool feeling. :) I'm glad you commented, I wasn't following your blog before, but I am now!
DeleteWow! Congrats on so many followers - and I'm glad your camera is alive again! I don't know what I'd do if I only had my iphone to take photos with, LOL.
ReplyDeleteI would probably buy myself something - a show shirt or a schooling shirt because I don't actually have a lot of show/schooling clothes. Right now I actually only have two pairs of breeches - and one pair has holes in the crotch (yikes!) and I own NO schooling shirts. I'd like to start "looking the part", especially when I take place in clinics!
Thanks! Agreed - I know "the camera in your hand is the best camera", but it still killed me to be taking cell phone pics. Whew, holes in the crotch! I hope you win. Haha.
DeleteCongrats on 100 followers! I would use the gift cert. to buy some full seat breeches which have been on my "to buy" list for a year but which I have been too lazy/cheap to purchase. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Saddle pads are like that for me, too lazy/cheap to purchase.
DeleteCongrats on 100 followers! I like reading other people's blogs, keeping track of our progress, and meeting new people through blogging. :) And I'd use a gift card to buy some stuff for showing - a saddle pad and braiding stuff, most likely.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Braiding stuff is always good. My favorite braiding stuff thing was a 99 cent apron from Lowes!
DeleteI love that I get to rant about horse stuff that, let's be honest, some of my friends and SO could care less about!!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, this makes a great outlet for someone other than the significant other to hear about my problems that I can't even fully articulate!
DeleteGosh, and I guess if I won, I'd put it towards a new sheepskin dressage pad! Or if I could find some jods in my size...!
ReplyDeleteNeed a sheepskin dressage pad? I'm selling one on FB. I'd cut a deal for a fellow blogger ... http://bit.ly/1pxPhdH
DeleteI'm not a blogger, but I love reading horse blogs. Takes all kinds, and it's good to learn from others.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, commenters mean just as much as bloggers!
DeleteMy favorite thing about blogging is this fabulous community I didn't even know existed!! I'd use the gift card towards an xc vest!
ReplyDeleteI know, I have met so many cool people doing this. XC vest, yay, I can get behind that!!
DeleteI like having equestrian friends from around the world. And I've learned so much from everyone else!
ReplyDeleteHero would like a halter of his own. =-)
Awwww, the pony who wanted a halter. :)
DeleteCONGRATS ON 100!! That is a fabulous milestone.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite things about being an equestrian blogger are (1) ideas, feedback, and support from conscientious horse-people, and (2) tracking and working through training progress and goals.
If I won, I would you put the gift card toward a Back on Track saddle pad because I think it could help Hemie's back be more comfortable.
Just shared the contest on my blog at: http://eventingincolor.blogspot.com/2014/08/catch-up-training-post.html
Thank you! If you get the BoT pad, make sure to do a review, I have been curious about them for a long time!
DeleteCongrats on 100 followers!! What a huge achievement :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the awesome sense of community I've found among equestrian bloggers!
Thanks! The community is my favorite part too. And what would you use the $50 for? Dream big!! Haha.
DeleteYay for all the followers and a fixed camera! Drooling Conner is cracking me up! Wow a gift card overwhelmed with possibilities, I will have to peruse Adams website. Right now I'm thinking it would go towards a new bridle in prisoner size, or new open front jump boots!
ReplyDeleteLol forgot my favorite thing about blogging, the support and social aspect is great! It helps fulfill my need for all horses all the time!
DeleteIt's okay, I get so excited about new gear I forget things too. ;-) I am love love LOVING reading your story with Prisoner, speaking of the community. Without blogs, I wouldn't even know you two exist!
DeleteLove the drooling pic. So hi-def!! And congrats on 100! I might have been your 101!
ReplyDeleteI think you were pretty close, and I'm your 86th. You're getting close to a 100 followers contest yourself!
DeleteBlogging has introduced me to some really awesome people and a new sport, with full communities of support. More recently.. reading your archives got me jumping again this past week. Seriously. I could hug you.
ReplyDeleteI would use the gift certificate either for a new Tipperary helmet (assuming I make it out to the tack store again and decide it fits!) that I've been putting off buying for the past six months, or a new blanket for the pony. Currently she has a used one, not-waterproof, in *green*, and it's only slightly broken.. I really ought to get her a better, waterproof, prettier blanket for the rare occasion she wears one.
Wait, actually jumping? That's amazing! I'm so glad the archives helped. I had a tough spell with jumping and came out on the other side liking it, but I still have my moments. It's not easy!
DeleteActually jumping! Tiny jump, but still. :)
DeleteCongrats on 100!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about blogging is watching everyone and their horses progress. The information on how can be very useful. I also love how supportive everyone is of each other. I don't have many horse friends with moving around, so it's great to make them online!
I would use the $50 gift card towards new breeches. That area could use some serious updating.
Congrats on 100 followers!
ReplyDeleteI live in an isolated area, so having a blog is a great way to network with other horse (particularly Wesh Cob!) people and share experiences and tips. I would use a gift card towards either a new helmet or the quarter sheet from my wish list.
Hi! I just started blogging recently and am trying to get better at it! One of my favorite things about being an equestrian blogger is seeing how so many different people manage blogging, work/school, life, and horses. I especially enjoy seeing everyone’s photos and reading reviews/discussions of different horsey products.
ReplyDeleteMy horse has gotten a lot of bug bites this summer, and I’m currently seeking a cream/salve that helps with itchy bug bites – I’d love to use a gift card towards one.
Congratulations on 100 followers! Thanks for holding such a great contest - I love following your blog and think it’s great that you ride a Welsh Cob!
I love Zephyr's Garden's "Stop the Itch" healing salve. I use it as a fly repellent on my mare's face and ears but also when she gets nicks and scrapes.
DeleteThanks for the recommendation! I've heard of Zephyr's Garden and will definitely check it out. Anything to help with those bugs!
DeleteI'm not certain my original comment went through, so I'm sorry if this is a duplicate.
ReplyDeleteYou might have more followers than you think. Ever since Google got rid if their reader, I've been managing the blogs I read through feedly.com. I don't think I show up as a follower.
Anyways, I don't blog myself, but I do love reading about what other people do with their horses and seeing all the lovely photos. I was attracted to your blog because of the Welsh Cob (visited a breeder when I was searching for a horse myself) and because you're in Indiana (I am too :) )
As for purchasing, I think I would put the gift card towards a halter bridle. I would really like one for trail riding. I'd probably get a blue nylon one, but would want to look into the other synthetic one they offer first.
Congrats on 100+ followers and thank you for the opportunity to win :)
Hello fellow Hoosier! You're right, I do technically have over 100 people who read the blog via RSS and more that hit it directly, in addition to the registered Google Followers, but it's just a nice, tidy milestone to be able to point to that number. Which breeder did you visit?
DeleteI visited Qualen's Gangrels in Westfield (http://www.qgfarm.com/). They had a Haflinger Welsh cross that I was interested. Eventually, I settled for a full Haflinger though.
DeleteOh, cool! I know Sally, she's a fellow active member of the Heartland Welsh Club. That's awesome!
DeleteCongrats on the 100 followers!! I really love blogging as a way to connect with horse people around the world. Whether it's training ideas, fun stories, or just knowing that there's someone else out there going through the same things I am, I never regret starting my blog.
ReplyDeleteAnd what I would buy... hm... I would take a good long time browsing their clearance, but I'd probably end up with a pair of breeches. Sort of need those right now.
I love blogging for so many reasons, but I really love following along with others and seeing how life plays out for them and their horses. For myself I love to have a diary of what I did each year and how I was feeling at the time. It helps to get things off my chest I might otherwise not be able to also!
ReplyDeleteI would probably use a card to get a fly sheet or help with one because all mine are hanging by a thread!
I love to read others blogs because 1) I learn a TON, whether it is horse care, latest trends, best items to purchase, etc! and 2) It makes me feel more connected to the horse world and see how things vary across the country.
ReplyDeleteI'd probably put the gift card towards a new set of clippers or maybe a new shirt to ride in (all the blogs have me longing for a sun shirt...)
Great job! Lots of followers :D
ReplyDeleteI love to read other blogs because I'm always learn a lot and I love the community. And I also enjoy writing my own horse blog because I like sharing my stories with other like-minded people. :-)
I would probably put the gift card towards a new fancy saddle pad or one of the bits I'm looking at for Lady. :D
Congrats on 100 followers!!! Love a contest :)
ReplyDeleteMy fav thing about equestrian blogging is the great horsewomen I have met in person because of blogging - you being one of them!
If I won your contest, the gift card would go toward new dressage sport boots for the Diva.