Growing up in a small city in Northern B.C. Canada has given its challenges for all horse owners. Together we curse the cold, layering our horses in 400 fill before we even bother to zip up our own coats. Despite the frozen toes, it produces dedication and passion. A small community collects unique events, endless trails and constant learning, something I am proud to be a part of. Having pushed through school with the accomplishment of a BA in English, I decided to combine my passions into something of my own that also benefits others like myself; equestrians at various levels and disciplines with curiosity and passion.
I created this blog with the intention of providing others with what I could never find myself; Honest reviews, on reasonably priced products from your average rider. After searching endlessly for reviews from breeches to bridles I always seemed to end up empty-handed. I then decided to ‘risk it for the biscuit’ and purchase things with the highest of hopes; sometimes with the result exceeding my expectations while others sadly fell short. I want the best for my little horse and despite having a smaller budget, I hold products for her to the highest standard. Of course, I indulge myself with an unnecessary assortment of breeches, boots, and saddle pads for all manner of excuses and circumstances such as weather, discipline and colour.
I have a little chestnut Arabian mare who has been my love since she was a yearling and I was just six years old. She has now just turned twenty and is ageing like a fine wine. I am determined to give her the best care that I can with regular supplements, health maintenance and tack to provide optimal comfort. We started late in training due to things such as lack of a facility or faulty ‘trainers’. I then decided that despite not having the experience or expertise, that I would attempt to train her myself. We have had our struggles and our arguments, but she has so much heart and the outcome has been tremendous. I participate in local shows, lessons and an occasional clinic. I am a firm believer in establishing and maintaining a strong bond with your horse and with that, trying new things and always setting new goals. I have nothing to prove to anyone other than that I love my horse and that she loves me.
In 2016 I took a tumble from an unexpected spook and broke my back. A compression fracture to my L2 vertebrae. Despite being fortunate in that I am not disabled in anyway, I do still feel pain and strain. While it didn’t drastically affect me physically, it did affect me mentally. I had to get myself literally, back in the saddle again and, tell myself to power through, be better than I was before and to always get back on. Together my little mare and I have achieved our own greatness and are constantly breaking our own records as a team.
Not everyone is going to the Olympics, and that is okay. I am here to support and represent the rest of us; those who love their horses, have big dreams, a smaller budget, and are constantly learning and wanting to be the best they can be for themselves and their horses. So please read, comment and share these evaluations from an everyday equestrian.
Remember, always get back on.
Love, Tess
If you have any questions or comments, please dont be shy!