Spit Shine

I know that yesterday I said that I would post about my tips on boot polishing. So, ta-da! Here we go. 

Firstly, here are the tools I start with: 

This is literally all I use. 

1. Two dry, soft cloths. Here I have used a very soft shirt that I never wore, cut into squares. 

2. Water 

3. Your favorite polish. I am using Kiwi 

Secondly, I dampen one of the cloths with water and wipe down every inch of the boot thoroughly. I will even use a Q-tip (not shown here) to clean where the leather meets the sole of the boot. Other than that I take my sprayer in the sink and spray down this section. 

Pre-wipe down: 

Post wipe down: 

Thirdly, I open up my polish, which came with a sponge attachment thingie. I scoop up some polish and begin two inch wide circles all over the foot part of the boot. Yes I know, you're not supposed to polish the inside area, but on the foot part, it doesn't really matter. I know it seems like common sense, but I have to say it, do NOT polish the inside calf area! We don't want black polish on our $$$ saddles, do we? I keep doing this circular motion, over lapping my previous work several times. I then continue up the front of the boot, in between the laces, and over to the outside calf area. 

Fourthly, I let this layer of polish sit for a few minutes and then go back over the outside foot part one more time, paying special attention to the toe. 

Lastly, I dampen one side of the remaining cloth and wipe down the boots again, this time using a big circular motion. Again, I pay special attention to the toe and foot part of the boot. I use the dry part of the cloth to wipe off any excess water. 

The water on top of polish is really what creates that shine we love. 

I do realize that these pics are not the best, courtesy of dim living room lighting, but I hope you get the idea. 

Some final tips: 

Do not use saddle soap 

Wipe down boots with water and a soft cloth after every ride

Take care of your zippers! 

Keep boot savers in boots when not in use. 

Past Shows

I didn’t see the precious pony last night, so nothing new to report…yet.

Today I would like to fill everyone in on our past show experiences.

So far, Vinny and I have been competing in about one show/month. We could do more but that is all this gal can afford. Trust, I do wish I had the funds to compete every weekend or as I choose. I think that would be so fun and allow us to progress quicker. But since I’m stuck with the mediocre office job, it’s just not gonna happen right now.

Currently we compete in Adult English Pleasure (yes I am aware of how naughty that sounds). Basically all we do is W/T/C each direction and maybe halt or back up. It’s probably boring to the non-horsey person, but I think it’s kind of fun to show off my pony and get the points! I’m so turning into a point chaser. And the rewards of that? We’re number one in the state in this division via CHSA. Which means I get pretty ribbons, the point standings online, and to attend the awards banquet (fancy) at the end of the season/year and get recongnized for Vinny being so fab. *excuse me whilst I daydream about my sweet boy*

I enjoy every aspect of showing. The practice, especially, and the prep work we do. But even the waking up early, loading everything into the trailer, arriving either too late, or way too early, the nerves, the waiting ALL day for my teammates classes to begin, etc. I love it. 

Our first time showing together was in February this year at our current barn. We did just okay. I was super duper nervous and everyone could tell. In turn, Vinny was not exactly on his best behavior and I was met with a lot of head tossing and bit play.

Since then we’ve done two more shows at our barn, and one at Folly Farm. The Folly one is the one I’m most proud of so far. He was amazing, just delightful and beauiful. The judge liked him and we came away as division champs.

That’s definitely not to say that every other show has gone 100%. We had the huge case of diarrhea at one of the shows at our barn. Like, literally exploded all over the tack room door right before his classes. Me and the other people standing with him were wide eyed and speechless for a few moments.. uhhh, did that really just happen?! Eewww. And then there’s  the most recent show that he was to compete in (not me),  the Color Breeds division at Oak Meadow. Myself and A go to take his halter off and put his bridle on and my horse books it, yes, with bridle hanging at his feet, towards the street. Thank the heavens he stopped just before the street to eat grass. Uhh, hey Dork head, you’re an idiot! A hopped on him in the warm up ring and was off within 20 minutes. No, she didn’t bail, but he did try charging, throwing his head up to mimic giraffe, and bolting. Uhhh guess what Vin, you get to go back on the trailer and be ignored (and watered, no worries) for the rest of the day. Alright, alright. We all know I didn’t ignore him. I can’t help it. He’s just so cute.

Anywho. I have a lesson tonight. Well more of half a lesson, if you remember I split my lesson between Monday and today? Yeah so today is jumping hopefully.

ready to ride.