What we wear under our show clothes is just as important as what we wear on the outside. And if your busty its even more important. Our breasts are made of fatty tissue that has NO inner support structure except the muscle that lies BEHIND the breast tissue. You can tone this all you want it will not prevent sagging that will happen as we age no matter what. Fluctuations in weight lose and gain also affect our breasts. So supporting the "girls" is very important especially when we participate in sporting events.
Did you know that in a day our breast on average bounce 3-4 inches just in our daily activies, most of the time we don't notice this, but if we ride horses or run, our breasts bounce on avearage 10-12 inches, thats the bounce we do notice and for some of us its painful. So this is why having a well fitting bra is very important. And did you know most women are wearing the wrong size bra.
So how do we get the right fitting bra? There are several ways to do this. You can have a professional seamstress measure you, some department store bra sections will measure you for free, but its probably a good idea to purchase a bra while there anyway. Or you can host a bra party, and earn free bras. Either way you do it having a professional fitting is improtant to how your bra fits and feels. But if you can't get to any of these then measure yourself.
Its actually very easy, all you need is a measureing tape, (you can purchase one at Wal*Mart in the sewing notions department). Your going to measure around your breasts, placing the tape measure around at the point of your bust (nipple area), Don't pull the tape tight, just snug. Write that number down. This number is your Cup size. Now measure around your midrifft just under your bust, write that number down. This number is your Band size. Figure out the difference in inches.
1" A cup, 2" B cup, 3" C cup, 4" D cup, now if you go higher then 4" such as 5" then you would add in the double letter, such as 40 DD, the extra letters also help you find a bra in a correct size if your size is not on the rack at the store. Example you wear a 42 DD but there are non, and you need a new bra NOW. Search the rack and find a 40 DDD, the band size may be a bit snugger then you are use to but the cup size will fit you just like your regular size. This will get you till you can get another bra.
Care and feeding of your bras: You should have at the very least 3 bras in your wardrobe at all times, more if you can afford them. You should only wear your bra one day and then change to another the next day, don't wear them two days in a row. Bras need to rest., plus this will make them last longer. So having 5-6 bras is not a bad idea. Purchase the best quality bra you can afford, if you have to purchase economical bras try to add in a more expensive one once in awhile. This is the one time where paying more is always better. When you go to horse shows, especially multiday shows be sure to pack extras, you can never have too many.
When it comes to washing them, hook the bands together, and put them in a bra bag, (you can find theses at Wal*Mart also, in the laundry department, next to the ironing boards). I suggest purchasing two of them. Putting bras in bags helps prevent them from getting stretched during the wash cycle. Especially in front load washers. If a bra is in there free, it tends to get twisted in there around other clothing and this is not good when you pull it out. Hang bras to dry never put in the dryer, the heat of the dryer distroys the elastic in bras, making them wear out sooner. A well made bra can last you quite sometime.
How to tell if you need a new bra?: You should hook your bra on the first set of hooks or the ones on the end. As the bra stretches over time you will use the next set of hooks, until you are using the inside hooks all the time, then your bra is worn out. Time for a new one. Happy Trails all!!!!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Addtion to the last post.
After I had posted the last blog, I got to thinking that I may have left something out. One of the things was that with smooth leather or suede chaps you may not want to store them together with a blazer. My suggestion would be to hang them on a wooden hanger and place in a breathable garment bag alone. Leather must breath in order to keep from drying out. Ultrasuede on the other hand is a man-made fabric and doesn't need to breath so to speak, and can have a rail shirt or jacket placed on the shoulder part, and put in a garment bag.
The other item I forgot, was an idea I came up with yesterday when thinking about how pants and chaps sometimes fall off of hangers and on to the floor in the trailer, the ground or in the garment bag its self. Well here is a simple solution for that problem. At a local discount retailer purchase felt furniture protectors. These come in several different sizes so pick small ones. Your going to peel the paper off of it and place on the cross bar of the hanger. Put them on the top of the space bar and 3-4 of them should be enough to do the trick. This will keep your chaps and pants in place, clean and slip free. Happy Trails.
The other item I forgot, was an idea I came up with yesterday when thinking about how pants and chaps sometimes fall off of hangers and on to the floor in the trailer, the ground or in the garment bag its self. Well here is a simple solution for that problem. At a local discount retailer purchase felt furniture protectors. These come in several different sizes so pick small ones. Your going to peel the paper off of it and place on the cross bar of the hanger. Put them on the top of the space bar and 3-4 of them should be enough to do the trick. This will keep your chaps and pants in place, clean and slip free. Happy Trails.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Taking care of expensive show clothes.
If you've been showing this year now is the time to get everything cleaned and ready to store for the off-season. Follow all manufacturer's directions on the labels of your show clothes. If it says dry clean only, then dry clean only.
One of the things that drives me crazy is folks storing their expensive chaps on flimsy wire or plastic hangers. This is not the way to store them. Invest in some good quality wooden hangers with pant clips such as the one in the photo. Fold your chaps and lay over the bar This type of bar will also prevent creases in you chaps. This hanger will support heavy chaps whether suede or ultrasuede. Hang a blazer over the shoulder area and you have two items hung up. Place them in a "breathable" garment bag for storeage in a closet. Breathable garment bags are available at most large retailers. Use another of these hangers to hang your show pants on, the bar on the above hanger has a metal holding bar that locks the pants on the rod preventing them from hitting the floor. Place a rail shirt or matching jacket on the shoulders and another show element stored. Hang your belt on here also, thread the hanger hook through the hinge of the belt and buckle.
**Ultra suede chaps can be machine washed on gentle/delicate cycle with mild detergent. Hang them to dry, do not store them till they are completly dry. Also when you pull them out of the washer, you will need to rough up the nap of the ultrasuede, you can do this by rubbing each leg together. Do this from top to bottom on the outside.
Suede chaps need to be cleaned too, the way to do this is to use a good dandy brush and brush your chaps from top to bottom in long stroks to rough up the nap and to get rid of dust and debris. After the dandy brush use a soft finishing brush (like a clean face brush) to remove fine particles of dust. If you have tooled leather yoke accents use Weaver Leather cleaning and then conditioning wipes on them.
**Hats, I strongly suggest investing in a hat can for your hat, or keep the orginal box that your hat came in to store it, when not in use. This will keep it clean and safe from people who might plop down on it smashing it. Use a Weaver leather wipe to clean the inside hat band to remove makeup and sweat. Invest in a hat brush, this is a long handled horse hair brush that makes it easy to brush dust off your hat. These can be found in shoe departments at farm stores or tack catalogs or ask your hat seller (haberdasher) if they have them available for purchase or if the know where you can get one. You can use this brush on velvet hunt caps as well. Also purchase a hat cover for those rainy days. If your hat does get wet, let it throughly dry before storing it.
When fitting your hat make sure it fits snuggly on your head, even with your eyebrows. When trying hats on, shake your head "no" several times to see if the hat moves, if it does get a smaller hat. The fit of your hat is important, it must stay on your head while riding your horse in a stiff breeze at a lope. If it feels like it might take off as your riding, tip your head into the wind to prevent it from flying off.
**Ultra suede chaps can be machine washed on gentle/delicate cycle with mild detergent. Hang them to dry, do not store them till they are completly dry. Also when you pull them out of the washer, you will need to rough up the nap of the ultrasuede, you can do this by rubbing each leg together. Do this from top to bottom on the outside.
Suede chaps need to be cleaned too, the way to do this is to use a good dandy brush and brush your chaps from top to bottom in long stroks to rough up the nap and to get rid of dust and debris. After the dandy brush use a soft finishing brush (like a clean face brush) to remove fine particles of dust. If you have tooled leather yoke accents use Weaver Leather cleaning and then conditioning wipes on them.
**Hats, I strongly suggest investing in a hat can for your hat, or keep the orginal box that your hat came in to store it, when not in use. This will keep it clean and safe from people who might plop down on it smashing it. Use a Weaver leather wipe to clean the inside hat band to remove makeup and sweat. Invest in a hat brush, this is a long handled horse hair brush that makes it easy to brush dust off your hat. These can be found in shoe departments at farm stores or tack catalogs or ask your hat seller (haberdasher) if they have them available for purchase or if the know where you can get one. You can use this brush on velvet hunt caps as well. Also purchase a hat cover for those rainy days. If your hat does get wet, let it throughly dry before storing it.
When fitting your hat make sure it fits snuggly on your head, even with your eyebrows. When trying hats on, shake your head "no" several times to see if the hat moves, if it does get a smaller hat. The fit of your hat is important, it must stay on your head while riding your horse in a stiff breeze at a lope. If it feels like it might take off as your riding, tip your head into the wind to prevent it from flying off.
**Boots, you've invested in a good pair that fit well and look good, lets keep them looking their best for a few years. Invest in polish to match the boots, there are several colors available, boot cream and a horse hair brush. After you clean you boots of all mud or dust, apply the polish let it sit to dry a few minutes then apply the boot cream, when you do this, its going to look very "cloudy" thats ok. Once the boot cream dries you will buff the daylights out of those boots putting a really nice glossy shine on them. Store in a boot carrier with newspaper stuffed lightly in them to absorb oders and sweat.
Well that just about covers everything. Didn't take too long did it? If you wear gloves clean them as well, leather ones you can condition with the boot cream, just put on like lotion, work it in and buff with the brush. Pack them away with your hair accessories, clips, pins, pony tail holders, jewelry etc.
Happy Trails everyone.
Dress for Sucess in the Horse Show Arena!
As mentioned above, this blog is going to be about general show clothing rules. There are a few and they do need to be adhered to. Most of what will be in this blog will go for Hunt seat attire, as well as Saddleseat, Dressage, or Eventing and any Western type event. This blog is also written with the first time shower in mind, but experienced riders will find useful information in here as well.
In my previous blog I mentioned about doing your research especially with the association your horse is registered in or the style you compete in, (i.e. western, hunter/jumper, dressage, eventing or reining). If your horse is not papered then go with what style of breed it is, whether Quarter Horse, Arabian, Saddlebred, Morgan, Tennessee Walker, etc. Still, consult those rule books. They have handy information in there on all different attire. This way there is no excuse of, "I didn't know you couldn't wear that in this class". It also goes for the type of tack you can use for each event you compete in. Some items cannot be used in the show pen, so read those rules over as well.
As mentioned in my previous blog, "all" judging is subjective, the placings of any given show are those of usually one judge, on the local show level, its just their opinion on that day. And always remember, horses and people have their good days and bad days and so do judges. Try not to get in the mindset that a judge doesn't like you or your horse because of the color of your outfit or breed/color of horse you ride, this is negative thinking and you will defeat your performance before you ever enter the ring. As a judge I always judge each show as if it was the first time I'm seeing these riders, even though some of them I've been judging for 15+ years.
So what are some of the rules we should adher to when showing. There are only a few but they are important to remember.
** Please wear the correct size pants, whether they are showmanship/horsemanship pants, breeches, jodhopers or jeans, wearing the correct size and fit is paramount to your overall look as well as comfort. Leave all "low rise" pants at home or in your trailer to change into later. The point being, if they are not the correct size or fit, they will creat a muffin top, which sorry to say jiggles when your horse trots, and I've seen lowrise pants go under the butt in a riding class exposing someones thong and (sorry I have to use this word, crack). Not only does it look bad but its embrassing for the rider, when they realize its happened and it makes the spectators uncomfortable as well, so NO LOW-RISE pants in any shape style or form EVER!!! Also purchase a good quality belt to wear with your pants, blingy (western only), tooled, or plain is ok, some even come braided like an english rein and those are ok as well.
** Boots: Purchase the correct style and size of boots for the event you ride in. Correct sizing is very important for fit and safety. Remember they must be comfortable since you will be wearing them all day. For western, lace-ups or ropers in colors that match your chaps are appropreiate. NO fashion boots with 3inch heels are appropriate in any discipline. I've seen it and had to deduct for it in different events. Check out equestrian catalogs with clothing and tack to learn what kind of boots are the correct ones. Invest in a really good pair (in a neutral color if showing western events or match your chaps) Always black for hunter/jumpers, and paddock boots in black or brown, for saddle seat attire, lace ups or zip ups are appropriate. Children that ride hunter/jumpers/shortstirrup and are under 10 years old can wear a jodhper style breech with gator straps fastend below the knee to prevent the pant from riding up, they can were paddock style boots with these pants. They can also dress this way for english events at 4-H and open shows as well, this style is more economical for parents since they don't have to invest in tall dress riding boots for awhile which is a huge savings for them that have children that are continuously growing, do not buy children boots that are too big (hoping they will grwo into them) it detracts from their riding and is uncomforable for the child and poses a safety issue as well.
**Chaps, purchase chaps that fit "SNUGGLY" NOT skin tight. They should make you feel slim and fit well, no bunching or pinching anywhere. They must buckle at the waist not at the hips. At the hips is too low and they can roll down funny, and be uncomfortable plus they don't look right either. Buy the best quality you can afford. If you can afford custom made chaps great, but remember when you measure for them (if you are sending measurements to a chaps maker) DO NOT fudge the numbers. If you do you will have to pay extra to get the chaps altered to fit right. Which adds to the expense. Some chaps can be gotten with an elastic insert which helps on those bloated feeling days, but don't let that make you fudge your numbers either. Every measurement needs to be exact and when measureing. Be sure to wear the show pants you plan to wear under them. If you don't have them yet then wear a pair of snug jeans. If the jeans are too loose then so to will be the chaps.
If you don't want to wear chaps when you show then I suggest you get a pair of pant clips. These clips attatch at the side seams of your pants and go under your boots at the instep, or just in front of the heel, these will keep your pants from riding up as you ride in a class.
A nice pair of lace-up boots. Polished and ready to wear in a class. Would match well with rust chaps.
I hope you have found this information useful. Take care and Happy Trails
In my previous blog I mentioned about doing your research especially with the association your horse is registered in or the style you compete in, (i.e. western, hunter/jumper, dressage, eventing or reining). If your horse is not papered then go with what style of breed it is, whether Quarter Horse, Arabian, Saddlebred, Morgan, Tennessee Walker, etc. Still, consult those rule books. They have handy information in there on all different attire. This way there is no excuse of, "I didn't know you couldn't wear that in this class". It also goes for the type of tack you can use for each event you compete in. Some items cannot be used in the show pen, so read those rules over as well.
As mentioned in my previous blog, "all" judging is subjective, the placings of any given show are those of usually one judge, on the local show level, its just their opinion on that day. And always remember, horses and people have their good days and bad days and so do judges. Try not to get in the mindset that a judge doesn't like you or your horse because of the color of your outfit or breed/color of horse you ride, this is negative thinking and you will defeat your performance before you ever enter the ring. As a judge I always judge each show as if it was the first time I'm seeing these riders, even though some of them I've been judging for 15+ years.
So what are some of the rules we should adher to when showing. There are only a few but they are important to remember.
** Please wear the correct size pants, whether they are showmanship/horsemanship pants, breeches, jodhopers or jeans, wearing the correct size and fit is paramount to your overall look as well as comfort. Leave all "low rise" pants at home or in your trailer to change into later. The point being, if they are not the correct size or fit, they will creat a muffin top, which sorry to say jiggles when your horse trots, and I've seen lowrise pants go under the butt in a riding class exposing someones thong and (sorry I have to use this word, crack). Not only does it look bad but its embrassing for the rider, when they realize its happened and it makes the spectators uncomfortable as well, so NO LOW-RISE pants in any shape style or form EVER!!! Also purchase a good quality belt to wear with your pants, blingy (western only), tooled, or plain is ok, some even come braided like an english rein and those are ok as well.
** Boots: Purchase the correct style and size of boots for the event you ride in. Correct sizing is very important for fit and safety. Remember they must be comfortable since you will be wearing them all day. For western, lace-ups or ropers in colors that match your chaps are appropreiate. NO fashion boots with 3inch heels are appropriate in any discipline. I've seen it and had to deduct for it in different events. Check out equestrian catalogs with clothing and tack to learn what kind of boots are the correct ones. Invest in a really good pair (in a neutral color if showing western events or match your chaps) Always black for hunter/jumpers, and paddock boots in black or brown, for saddle seat attire, lace ups or zip ups are appropriate. Children that ride hunter/jumpers/shortstirrup and are under 10 years old can wear a jodhper style breech with gator straps fastend below the knee to prevent the pant from riding up, they can were paddock style boots with these pants. They can also dress this way for english events at 4-H and open shows as well, this style is more economical for parents since they don't have to invest in tall dress riding boots for awhile which is a huge savings for them that have children that are continuously growing, do not buy children boots that are too big (hoping they will grwo into them) it detracts from their riding and is uncomforable for the child and poses a safety issue as well.
**Chaps, purchase chaps that fit "SNUGGLY" NOT skin tight. They should make you feel slim and fit well, no bunching or pinching anywhere. They must buckle at the waist not at the hips. At the hips is too low and they can roll down funny, and be uncomfortable plus they don't look right either. Buy the best quality you can afford. If you can afford custom made chaps great, but remember when you measure for them (if you are sending measurements to a chaps maker) DO NOT fudge the numbers. If you do you will have to pay extra to get the chaps altered to fit right. Which adds to the expense. Some chaps can be gotten with an elastic insert which helps on those bloated feeling days, but don't let that make you fudge your numbers either. Every measurement needs to be exact and when measureing. Be sure to wear the show pants you plan to wear under them. If you don't have them yet then wear a pair of snug jeans. If the jeans are too loose then so to will be the chaps.
If you don't want to wear chaps when you show then I suggest you get a pair of pant clips. These clips attatch at the side seams of your pants and go under your boots at the instep, or just in front of the heel, these will keep your pants from riding up as you ride in a class.
A nice pair of lace-up boots. Polished and ready to wear in a class. Would match well with rust chaps.
Your Personal Horse Show Wardrobe Stylist.
Today I'm going to be writing about how to put your horse show wardrobe together. Now for some of you reading this your probably thinking "I already have a wardrobe". While true maybe you want to redo it and are not quite sure how to begin. For this blog we're going to be working on your "western" outfit.
If your new to horse showing then a bit of research is needed on your part. Being that this is fall and most shows are done for the season, we can still do quite a bit of research with the help of "YouTube" video's. Go there and check out what folks are wearing in the show pen. Whether its an open local show, a 4-H sponsered show, a regional breed show or an "A" curcuit show. Each one has slightly differing styles even though they are "Western".
Also be sure to check what your horses' registered association has to say about attire. Most will list items to be of suitable, workmanlike condition. These will include a hat, long sleeve shirt with collar, jeans or pants, with a belt, and boots with at least a 1" heel. Ties, jackets, vests, scarves are most often optional. Nothing in the rules say you have to have "Bling" on your outfit. Your saying great I can save money. Well not so fast, while true, the reality is that judging is subjective.
From the minute you and your horse walk into the arena you are being judge on not only your horses and yours training but how you look. And how you look will depend on if you and your horse stand out. So having some of that bright colored bling on your outfit will help the judge "remember" you and your horse.
Think of it as "Jockey colors", each jockey wears a different bright silk color(s) so that the spectators and the announcer can keep track of who is who, well with judges its the same thing. I can't tell you how many times I've lost a great horse and rider on the rail because they didn't stand out enough to keep me focused on them or I simply forgot they were in the arena. So you need to think about that. Decide how much bling you want. Do you want loud and colorful or more sedate and blingy, think brown, greys, black etc.
Some other questions to think about, **Budget, how much do you realistically have to spend, since we are starting this now in the fall, you have alot of time to save up some money to make a quality purchase for say chaps, or a 5x hat. (The more x's on the hat the better the quality, always purchase what you can afford and upgrade later when you can, some items can be found at swap, and tack sales, which will be starting in January and February and into March.) Keep a list with you and mark off items as you aquire them. Don't over spend and try not to use credit cards too much, if you do use credit keep in mind how long its going to take to pay off your purchase. Always buy quality classics that will last you several seasons, these are usually your boots, hat and chaps. You can change up your rail shirt, jackets, and vests. Try to avoid trends if you can, these can be costly and by the time you get one it could be going "out". In the western world some things are "in" for a VERY short time.
**What colors do you like and what colors look good on your horse? How do you want to express yourself? Pick out one of your favorite shirts that you wear often and looks good on you. Take it with you out to your horse and lay it across his back. Does that color compliment the horses coloring too? Can it be seen from 50-100 feet away? If not here's an idea to still get what you want and like. Use your favorite color as a design element, maybe as crystals or applique`, or as a swirl or paisly pattern. Look for fabrics that incorporate the color while having a base color of a neutral that will work with your horses color. If this is kinda driving you nuts go to "HobbyHorseInc.com" they have a color wheel that will tell you what looks good with what color horse. Very handy tool. You want to make sure the colors you choose make you feel confident and energized. I once worked for a company that had a dress code that only allowed you to wear 4 colors, red, black, grey and white, and nothing else, These colors always made me depressed and feeling demoralized, not good for a job in the public. So I change companies and went to one that had no restrictions on colors, so now I wear alot of purple, it make me feel good, and energized and happy. Color DOES affect how we feel.
**Another design element to think about is the collar and cuffs of your rail shirt. Decide if you want a tall (think Elvis) collar, a regular type collar,(think dress shirt) or a manderine style collar. Same with the cuffs, do you want french and do you want them detachable (this is a good option when one cuff suddenly goes missing or they just don't feel comfortable that day). Do you want just a simple placket cuff with a button, (again think dress shirt), or just a simple turned up hem,(the most comfortable of all, but make sure the sleeves are long enough, they should hit at your wrist bone when bent while holding the reins.)
This will give you a bit of food for thought and get you started on a new wardrobe or changing up a current one. Get yourself a small notebook (like a reporters notebook) and jot down ideas and maybe make a sketch or two and keep it with you, you never know when insiration strikes, plus, you have something to show a seamstress if you decide to have something custom made. Next blog will be about style rules. "Style Rules" in the show arena? Yes there are! Happy Trails!!!
Disclaimer: HobbyHorseInc.com, did not compensate this blogger for mention in the above article. I mentioned them because they have a great tool using the color wheel and adapting it with horse colors. Its an excellent tool when deciding on what colors will work with you and your horse.
If your new to horse showing then a bit of research is needed on your part. Being that this is fall and most shows are done for the season, we can still do quite a bit of research with the help of "YouTube" video's. Go there and check out what folks are wearing in the show pen. Whether its an open local show, a 4-H sponsered show, a regional breed show or an "A" curcuit show. Each one has slightly differing styles even though they are "Western".
Also be sure to check what your horses' registered association has to say about attire. Most will list items to be of suitable, workmanlike condition. These will include a hat, long sleeve shirt with collar, jeans or pants, with a belt, and boots with at least a 1" heel. Ties, jackets, vests, scarves are most often optional. Nothing in the rules say you have to have "Bling" on your outfit. Your saying great I can save money. Well not so fast, while true, the reality is that judging is subjective.
From the minute you and your horse walk into the arena you are being judge on not only your horses and yours training but how you look. And how you look will depend on if you and your horse stand out. So having some of that bright colored bling on your outfit will help the judge "remember" you and your horse.
Think of it as "Jockey colors", each jockey wears a different bright silk color(s) so that the spectators and the announcer can keep track of who is who, well with judges its the same thing. I can't tell you how many times I've lost a great horse and rider on the rail because they didn't stand out enough to keep me focused on them or I simply forgot they were in the arena. So you need to think about that. Decide how much bling you want. Do you want loud and colorful or more sedate and blingy, think brown, greys, black etc.
Some other questions to think about, **Budget, how much do you realistically have to spend, since we are starting this now in the fall, you have alot of time to save up some money to make a quality purchase for say chaps, or a 5x hat. (The more x's on the hat the better the quality, always purchase what you can afford and upgrade later when you can, some items can be found at swap, and tack sales, which will be starting in January and February and into March.) Keep a list with you and mark off items as you aquire them. Don't over spend and try not to use credit cards too much, if you do use credit keep in mind how long its going to take to pay off your purchase. Always buy quality classics that will last you several seasons, these are usually your boots, hat and chaps. You can change up your rail shirt, jackets, and vests. Try to avoid trends if you can, these can be costly and by the time you get one it could be going "out". In the western world some things are "in" for a VERY short time.
**What colors do you like and what colors look good on your horse? How do you want to express yourself? Pick out one of your favorite shirts that you wear often and looks good on you. Take it with you out to your horse and lay it across his back. Does that color compliment the horses coloring too? Can it be seen from 50-100 feet away? If not here's an idea to still get what you want and like. Use your favorite color as a design element, maybe as crystals or applique`, or as a swirl or paisly pattern. Look for fabrics that incorporate the color while having a base color of a neutral that will work with your horses color. If this is kinda driving you nuts go to "HobbyHorseInc.com" they have a color wheel that will tell you what looks good with what color horse. Very handy tool. You want to make sure the colors you choose make you feel confident and energized. I once worked for a company that had a dress code that only allowed you to wear 4 colors, red, black, grey and white, and nothing else, These colors always made me depressed and feeling demoralized, not good for a job in the public. So I change companies and went to one that had no restrictions on colors, so now I wear alot of purple, it make me feel good, and energized and happy. Color DOES affect how we feel.
**Another design element to think about is the collar and cuffs of your rail shirt. Decide if you want a tall (think Elvis) collar, a regular type collar,(think dress shirt) or a manderine style collar. Same with the cuffs, do you want french and do you want them detachable (this is a good option when one cuff suddenly goes missing or they just don't feel comfortable that day). Do you want just a simple placket cuff with a button, (again think dress shirt), or just a simple turned up hem,(the most comfortable of all, but make sure the sleeves are long enough, they should hit at your wrist bone when bent while holding the reins.)
This will give you a bit of food for thought and get you started on a new wardrobe or changing up a current one. Get yourself a small notebook (like a reporters notebook) and jot down ideas and maybe make a sketch or two and keep it with you, you never know when insiration strikes, plus, you have something to show a seamstress if you decide to have something custom made. Next blog will be about style rules. "Style Rules" in the show arena? Yes there are! Happy Trails!!!
Disclaimer: HobbyHorseInc.com, did not compensate this blogger for mention in the above article. I mentioned them because they have a great tool using the color wheel and adapting it with horse colors. Its an excellent tool when deciding on what colors will work with you and your horse.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
My Horsey Ah Ha moment that happened this summer.
Oprah's the one who started the phrase "ah ha moment" when refering to something in her life that finally clicked and made sense. Well I gotta say over the years I've had a few of these, and a whopper of one happened to me this summer while getting ready to go judge a horse show in Kenosha WI, thats down by the Illinois border just north of the Chicago area.
So by now your probably wondering ok what is it? Well its pretty simple really and it will smack you on the forehead just like it did me when it happened.
All my life I have always wanted to work with horses, I drew a plan of how my future horse farm would look at that time it included a race track too. I did this when I was 16. But I've always been told by my dad that "there is no money in horses". I heard that all the time. He trained horses back in the late 60's early 70's but never really got going. Not too long ago I learned from my mom that someone had actually gotten in my dad's head and made him doubt himself and his abilities. Not to brag but my dad was a horse wisperer before the term was every uttered. He would have given Ray Hunt a run for his money. But someone got in his head and planted a seed that he would never succeed or make it as a trainer, that was when he went back to "farming" with his brother, eventually having his own trucking business for over 20 years and a snow mobile racing stable for 15 years. Both businesses were very successful. He won numerous titles with his snowmobiles. He learned NOT to let anyone get inside his head.
Well this summer I had to push my dad out of my head, so to speak. My ah ha moment came when I was getting my paper work ready for this open show. Well I found that there were 3 other horse shows within 30 miles of this show. You might think, so! So, indeed! This got me to thinking, within a 30 mile radius, there are 3 shows, average open show, in Wisconsin, has about 50 trailers or more at it. Now one show offered jackpot classes so they always draw more people, so figure 75 trailers there. Figure at least 2 horses per trailer. So depending on how many people in the truck are showing, you still need two of "everything", including outfits for the riders. Are you beginning to get the picture, (oh and one show was a registered Paint show so thats about 100+ trailers there). So as the dollar signs started swimming in my head I realized or had the "ah ha moment" that that is alot of money coming the gate. You figure theses folks not only have to buy all this tack and equipment but outfits, feed, supplements, training, lessons, fuel for the truck, tires and grease for the trailer etc you get the picture. So I feel that in some way there is money to be made in horses. In whatever way I choose now, I firmly believe this now. Sorry dad your outta myhead on that one. :) Happy Trailer everyone. Soon the snow will fly!!! Argh!!!!
So by now your probably wondering ok what is it? Well its pretty simple really and it will smack you on the forehead just like it did me when it happened.
All my life I have always wanted to work with horses, I drew a plan of how my future horse farm would look at that time it included a race track too. I did this when I was 16. But I've always been told by my dad that "there is no money in horses". I heard that all the time. He trained horses back in the late 60's early 70's but never really got going. Not too long ago I learned from my mom that someone had actually gotten in my dad's head and made him doubt himself and his abilities. Not to brag but my dad was a horse wisperer before the term was every uttered. He would have given Ray Hunt a run for his money. But someone got in his head and planted a seed that he would never succeed or make it as a trainer, that was when he went back to "farming" with his brother, eventually having his own trucking business for over 20 years and a snow mobile racing stable for 15 years. Both businesses were very successful. He won numerous titles with his snowmobiles. He learned NOT to let anyone get inside his head.
Well this summer I had to push my dad out of my head, so to speak. My ah ha moment came when I was getting my paper work ready for this open show. Well I found that there were 3 other horse shows within 30 miles of this show. You might think, so! So, indeed! This got me to thinking, within a 30 mile radius, there are 3 shows, average open show, in Wisconsin, has about 50 trailers or more at it. Now one show offered jackpot classes so they always draw more people, so figure 75 trailers there. Figure at least 2 horses per trailer. So depending on how many people in the truck are showing, you still need two of "everything", including outfits for the riders. Are you beginning to get the picture, (oh and one show was a registered Paint show so thats about 100+ trailers there). So as the dollar signs started swimming in my head I realized or had the "ah ha moment" that that is alot of money coming the gate. You figure theses folks not only have to buy all this tack and equipment but outfits, feed, supplements, training, lessons, fuel for the truck, tires and grease for the trailer etc you get the picture. So I feel that in some way there is money to be made in horses. In whatever way I choose now, I firmly believe this now. Sorry dad your outta myhead on that one. :) Happy Trailer everyone. Soon the snow will fly!!! Argh!!!!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
How a Home Economics teacher almost killed my passion for sewing!
So by the title of this blog your thinking WOW, how could that happen. But happen it did. I consider myself a self taught sewer because of this teacher. She was the kind of person who didn't have a filter on her mouth. One of the requirements for the class for your final grade was to participate in a fashion show at the end of the quarter. Well lets just say I didn't participate. Now granted I made a great looking pair of coullots that were in a denium type fabric that had a strip on them going vertical and horizontal so was considered a plaid and had to be matched up, (I had had a plaid the previous year and was hoping to avoid the match up process and begged my mom not to get a plaid and techniquly it wasn't but according to the teacher it was. UGH!!! Matching again.)
Got through that, got the things made and had to go in one day during lunch hour to get the waist band button marked so I could make a button hole and sew on the botton. Well lets just say the teacher called me FAT (a size 14, is not fat but at the age of 13 its devestating for someone in authority to call a student that) Well she marked everything and I finished my project, but because of that comment I refused to attend the fashion show and of course got a lower grade, I think a C-.
From that day on and for the next 10 years I didn't touch a sewing machine in any way shape or form, I couldn't, I hated sewing. Then, one day I realized it wasn't sewing I hated it was the teacher. And so I started on an adventure of teaching myself to sew, and have thouroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I really love reading books on coutoure sewing techniques and try to add some touch of coutour into every garment I make whether for myself or for someone else. I feel these touches whether a hong kong seam finish or a jacket weight make the item that much more special.
So there is the story of how a homeec teacher almost killed a dream even before it began. Important note to teachers mind what you say to your students they take everything to heart. Happy Sewing everyone. More posts to follow. Have lots of ideas in my notebook.
Got through that, got the things made and had to go in one day during lunch hour to get the waist band button marked so I could make a button hole and sew on the botton. Well lets just say the teacher called me FAT (a size 14, is not fat but at the age of 13 its devestating for someone in authority to call a student that) Well she marked everything and I finished my project, but because of that comment I refused to attend the fashion show and of course got a lower grade, I think a C-.
From that day on and for the next 10 years I didn't touch a sewing machine in any way shape or form, I couldn't, I hated sewing. Then, one day I realized it wasn't sewing I hated it was the teacher. And so I started on an adventure of teaching myself to sew, and have thouroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I really love reading books on coutoure sewing techniques and try to add some touch of coutour into every garment I make whether for myself or for someone else. I feel these touches whether a hong kong seam finish or a jacket weight make the item that much more special.
So there is the story of how a homeec teacher almost killed a dream even before it began. Important note to teachers mind what you say to your students they take everything to heart. Happy Sewing everyone. More posts to follow. Have lots of ideas in my notebook.
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