This might surprise a lot of you but it wasn’t too long ago when I thought a “trail ride” meant throwing my horse in the trailer, hauling for 20-30 minutes and riding around for a couple of hours at some nearby place.
Then I got my hands on my first DSLR camera, got conned into hauling my horse across three states (I’ll forever be grateful, Brie!) to ride in the Grand Tetons, and realized the world was so much bigger. And I realized that if I wanted to see these beautiful places, I needed to be willing to do more… and I also needed to make sure my horse and I were comfortable while doing more.
**Note: While some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission when you purchase from them, most are not. Regardless, these are all products I use, love, and recommend.**
We’ll start with Spur.
My bosal & hanger are made by Steve Guitron. Last I heard, Steve was dealing with some health issues and I’m not sure what the status of his health and/or business is currently. If you can get your hands on his gear, I would recommend it… it’s good quality and affordable.
All of our rope products (reins/halters/lead ropes) are from Andrea Equine. Horse hair mecates are awesome, but hurt my hands. I love the weight and feel of the yacht rope and the quality is top notch. For our horses that ride in snaffles, they (and our headstalls/slobber straps/etc.) are also from Andrea Equine.
(Full disclosure: I’m the Andrea Equine photographer. I have been faithfully using these products since the company launched and would continue to use them even if I was not involved in any way.)
Cinch & Breast Collar: I used to ride my horses in neoprene cinches. But when I started seeing so many people talking about the benefits of mohair, I decided I should do some research and see what all the fuss was about.
Here is what I learned:
- Mohair is a natural fiber (duh) so it doesn’t pinch, rub, or irritate the horse
- It stretches just enough that your horse can comfortably expand his rib cage
- It’s breathable and moisture-wicking, so it doesn’t trap heat in like my neoprene cinches did
Sold! Our mohair cinches and breast collars are from LB Arrow Design. I’m a big believer in all of the above-mentioned benefits of mohair, plus… you can get pretty designs!
Spur’s saddle pad is a Weaver Synergy Pad. It provides all-day comfort for Spur so he’s ready to work hard day after day!
I also use these saddle bags and a pommel pocket on my riding horse. I love both the looks and functionality of the saddle bags, they are roomy enough for my snacks and water, emergency vet kit, trail maps, and wild rag. I use the pommel pocket to carry my camera remote, phone, sunscreen/chapstick, and portable charger.
My turn!
I’ll start at the top… literally!
I wear a Stetson hat (mine is “Gus“). I never used to wear a cowboy-style hat but I found I couldn’t wear a ball cap and still use my camera very well and this hat allows me to do that! Plus it keeps the sun or rain off my face so that’s a definite plus. Ha!
My base-layer shirt is usually a Cinch long-sleeve button-up.
Over my button-up, I usually start the day with either a lightweight jacket or fleece big-shirt from Outback Trading Co. I also always have an oilskin jacket tied to my saddle no matter the time of year or how the weather looks at the trailhead.
New to me this year, I have a Cotton Carrier camera harness that allows me to bring my camera along hands-free… which has been super nifty considering Spur can be a handful and I’ve started ponying a second horse on the trail with me.
(You can use code piperszoo-cotton for a bit of a discount!)
You will always find me in my Cruel Denim jeans. I wear a size 26 but need a 36″ inseam… do you have any idea how hard that is for me to find?! I also don’t want my jeans stretched out and falling off by the end of the day… or the third day. The “Abby” style are my favorite with the “Hannah” being a close second. But I also love the Jayley. Hey, at least I’m giving you choices!
(You can use code piperszoo for a bit of a discount!)
I ride in chinks to protect my legs. I went through a couple of pair that worked “fine” before I invested in a custom pair from Hawks Saddles, but dang were they worth the money! I wish I would have done it sooner.
I have ridden in “buckaroo” style boots for a lot of years now (pushing a decade, I think?). Unfortunately, it seems the buckaroo style boots are getting harder and harder to find, at least for women. Most of my boots are Tony Lama but Twisted X also has a few varieties as well.
I hope this was helpful!
