Equestrian Life - From Riding Houses to Country Estates

Christmas came early when this fabulous new book arrived - one that will make anyone who loves horses, houses, farms, the English, Scottish and Irish countryside savor the scenery. This is a perfect gift for those who love country living.  What I love is the photos of the stables that have been around for centuries!  We don't have that on this side of the pond. Think Downton Abbey for horse lovers!

A few of my horsey and non-horsey friends may find this under the tree in about a month and a half.  This is a seriously big book too - almost all photos - not a lot of text - it's more akin to an adult "look book"if you will, which makes it even better to give or to receive (who's counting?)

This gives new meaning to "tack room" don't you think?

These lucky horses live at Windsor.  And weather? What weather?  Is that a Rambo?

Put this new book on your giving list and then make sure Santa brings you a copy. This will make a great addition to your own library. You can find it here. 

An Equestrian Fall

You don't have to even ride today to partake in all things equestrian, from the soft sofa in your living room on your iPad or in your cozy den with the television remote in hand.  As someone who doesn't travel much anymore (horses and cats keep me home) and because I really love where I live and don't want to leave, I've learned to partake in the events from afar that I used to witness live. Here's how you do it.

The Washington International Horse Show is the only real "indoor" horse show left - it's still held in downtown DC and you should witness it firsthand one day if you can.  But you can watch the live feed here (for free) so you can see the six and seven-figure warmbloods competing almost like you were there. Today is the last day of the show.

What is left of the National Horse Show starts this week in Lexington, KY at the Kentucky Horse Park. It's not the same not being in New York but it's still the best of the best in this country in the hunters.  If you want to get a sense of what it used to be like then watch these movies which have clips from the real deal.

The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit is my favorite horse movie.  Kathy Kusner does the riding in the clips from Washington.  It's a great movie.  If you have seen it then treat yourself. 

Another one (which I have not seen yet) is Wall of Noise.  

 

Wall of Noise is a 1963 racetrack drama about a respected horse trainer who becomes the owner of a racehorse with the help of another horse owner’s neglected wife. This film explores the power of love, wealth, and dedication.

And I have not seen The Horsemasters yet either. 

The Horsemasters follows a group of students as they work tirelessly to earn the all-important British Horse Society certification. These things aren’t just handed out as party favors, you know.

Another favorite is the story of Nautical, a true story, called The Horse With the Flying Tail. You can watch the movie on-line here for a small fee.

The Breeders' Cup races start in a week and it's my favorite time of year for horse racing.  Two full days of the very best of the very best in horse racing, this year from Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.  You can watch it on live television for sure.

(Breeders' Cup Pillow)

You can enjoy this stuff from the comfort of your own living room!

Fall Picks

Fall has finally arrived and the coats can come out!  The coat fetish continues but I'll admit I have not purchased a new coat this fall (a first for sure) but there are some cute ones out there right now.  Here are some of my fall picks.......

This coat from Talbots has that 70's vibe that Tory Burch also seems to be riding this season.  Very cute, love the colors, the tipped trim but for the price this should all wool and it's not.

(Talbots Coat)

I love these tweed mules from Ann Taylor.

I love this velvet shift dress.  Buy it in tall or regular to make it longer.  Looks cute with the mules too.

And I love this Devon Baer tunic.  The one I have already gets worn throughout the holidays.  Very festive!

This leopard shirt dress will be a staple in your wardrobe for many falls to come.  See it here.

And I love this Lou & Gray Dress.

And I am always a sucker for a Liberty cotton blouse.....

I love this color if you can wear it or fit into what you already have in your closet:

And I love this oversized faux fur vest:

And this red coat:

The coats always win!

All I Want for Christmas is Rebecca Ray

Seriously.  I have been a fan of Rebecca Ray since I first bought a bag from her at a horse show in Chagrin Falls many years ago.  But when people say things get better with age, well, she's killing it.  I love her stuff and my horsey friends may very well find Rebecca Ray under their trees this year.  These bags and totes will make the perfect gift for the horse trainer, rider, lover, pony mom in your life.  How do you choose........

(Rebecca Ray Breeders' Cup Bag)

(World's Fair Horse Show Tote)

(Fox Bag)

(Saratoga Pillow)

(Hunt Club Tote)

You can see the entire collection here. Sometimes vintage is best but "new" vintage can be even better.  Enjoy your day!

Holiday Decorating Ideas

It's not too early to start thinking about holiday decorating. I love the holiday season and wish that others decorated more, had more parties, made the time of year more festive than it is today.  Perhaps city dwellers are more festive than us rural folks. Hope so.

Here are some of my plans for this season.......

I'm taking a fake garland and am going to drape it around a door frame and attach all of my needlepoint ornaments to it so I can really enjoy them.  This has also inspired me to add more ornaments to my small collection.  Only one new one this year - but will have more to add for next year.

I love picking out fun new ornaments to add the tree, I mean garland:

(Cardinal Ornament)

(Tree Ornament)

(Stag Ornament)

(Swedish Ornament)

I stitched a stand-up Santa a few years ago and would like to add another one to my collection for next year. Love this this one!

(Stand up Needlepoint Santa)

I love this cedar planter insert that you can use all winter long (not just for the holidays) to fill your planters with greenery:

(Planter Insert)

Adding a door mat is an easy way to make your home festive!

(Door Mat)

If you prefer fresh greens you can order this boxwood garland by the foot!

I hang a Mistletoe Ball on my lawn jockey outside near my walk. Mine needs to be replaced. I prefer the real boxwood ones but a fake one is more practical:

 Have I inspired you to decorate?

Life in the Doghouse - The Incredible Story of Danny and Ron's Dog Rescue Organization

Most people who love horses also love animals but especially dogs.  Most everyone I know on the circuit has at least one dog in tow.  Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta, two well-known professionals in the hunter-jumper world, started a small dog rescue organization that has morphed into a well-oiled machine that has saved and homed over 11,000 dogs.  Amazing isn't it?

Based in South Carolina or Florida, depending on the season, they have a full-staff, a non-profit that has raised money to support their cause and now a movie.

The documentary film is showing across the country in select theaters.  You can use this link to see if it is coming to your town.  

A few years ago Essex Shirts created a Danny and Ron's Rescue Shirt and part of the proceeds go to fund this wonderful cause.  And aren't they cute?

They also have a version for non-riders.  You see the others here. I have this one and it goes with everything!  And what a great way to spread the word about this great organization (and look good at the same time!)

And they have a tie:

If you need a new dog, want to fund a great cause, and see a very heart-warming story that has a happy ending, then check out Danny and Ron's Rescue.

You can donate directly to the organization:

 Danny and Ron's Rescue
PO Box 604
Camden, SC  29021