Tack Shop Heaven / I Can See Myself

Eastern Iowa is a wasteland for tack shops.  So, being within a 15 min drive of Red Barn, Tackeria, Horse of Course, Dover and FarmVet is a pretty heady experience.  A stop by On Course, a consignment shop for all things equestrian, yielded some amazing finds.  The place was overflowing with tack and clothing.  More saddles than you can shake a stick at, as well as so many tall boots they filled a room.  I am glad I did not bring a saddle down or either of my leather girths; they would have disappeared into the mass.  I did find a pair of Pikeur breeches for $20!  So what if I have to lose another 5 lbs and let the waistband out a bit?  They were in pristine condition – and a beautiful blue.  I’ll make them fit somehow.  An Airolyne eventing vest, which retails for $500, was listed at $150.  I plan on stopping by at least once a week, so let me know if you want me to be on the lookout for anything.

I have had two lessons with Laura so far and have snagged the morning slot on her schedule, which I am sure will come in handy as we go into March and April.  We pretty much picked up where we left off after the last clinic in Iowa.  Her facility is meticulously maintained, highly organized, the staff are very nice, and the neighbor’s peacocks strut around as if they own the place.  The arena is regulation size – WITH MIRRORS THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE SHORT SIDE.  Oh my gosh, to be able to see your horse coming down the long side (are we straight, is that a real shoulder-in or is just the neck bent) is soooo helpful. She is very detailed oriented so I am going to improve or ..........else.

Miss mare remains very frustrated that the ground is covered with luscious green stuff, but none of it tastes good. She has Angelo, who does chores, wrapped around her hoof.  Unfortunately, she is not settled in turnout.  She pines to be out, but then paces at the gate despite having nice neighbors. There is a horse on another property back of her paddock that causes her to become completely unhinged when he is turned out, even though he is not anywhere near.  She is on continual alert that he will appear. 

Meanwhile, as you can see, Otto has completely settled in. Bob still spends the day under the covers and then cries pitifully beginning at 3 a.m. so we are headed to a vet ASAP for a checkup and possible anti-anxiety meds.  Tonight I was able to get some food down him, so I hope a full tummy will help matters.