DIY: Tips for Beginning Horseback Riding

Tips for Beginning Horseback Riding

1. Reach out to others. Horseback riding is a lot more fun with other people, and they have a lot they can teach you. The best way to improve is to listen to someone more knowledgeable than you, practice, and if possible, have them critique you. Never think that you can’t learn more. The easiest way to do this is by finding an instructor.
2. Invest in a helmet. Make sure to get one that is ASTM/SEI-approved. This is one of the most important investments you can make. Horses are large and can be unpredictable, and that helmet can save your life.
3. Wear the appropriate clothing. Long pants and boots are crucial. Bare legs can often lead to chaffing. Never wear open toed shoes. Boots are preferred because they give you traction and a slight heel can keep your foot from sliding around in the stirrup. Make sure the boots don’t have a steel toe. Check out Ellen’s riding outfit pictured above: Carhartt Women’s Briarwood Shirt, Marlinton Vest, & Original-Fit Canvas Crawford Dungaree.
4. Introduce yourself to your horse. Make sure they can see you and that you don’t startle them. Extend your hand slowly towards his nose so he can smell you first. It’s like saying hello in horse language.
5. Never assume that your horse is completely, 100% safe. No matter how trained he is or how well you get along, horses are prey animals first. They are going to act like that from time to time. It is better to always be ready than to assume everything will be fine. This is where that helmet can come in handy.
6. Stay in open areas at first. Avoid low hanging branches, holes in the ground, and other obstacles until you’re more comfortable. The ball of your foot should rest in the stirrup. Hold the reins evenly with a slight bit of slack. Don’t hold the reins too tight, or you will hurt the horse’s mouth. Loosen up and let your body move with the horse. Keep your back straight and don’t hold your breath.

That sounds like a lot to remember, but just take things one step at a time. You’ll start to get the hang of it. You won’t be perfect overnight. Be patient with your horse and don’t forget to enjoy yourself.

DIY: Pumpkin Seed Trail Mix

If you saved your seeds from making pumpkin bowls yesterday, you’re ahead of the game. If not, grab a pumpkin and get started. This fall trail mix is great to have around the house for friends and family that are visiting. The perfect mix of sweet and salty is key in a snack. The mix of cranberries, garlic toast, Reese’s Pieces, and pumpkin seeds is so good! Give it a try. Get creative and add in some of your own ingredients.

grab this outfit for yourself: Carhartt Women’s Norfolk Henley, Carhartt Sweatshirt, Straight Fit Jeans, & Wellington Boots 

Spring 2014 Lookbook

Remember Claire from Willowbrooke Farms in Michigan a few weeks back? Her story is featured in the Carhartt Spring 2014 Lookbook. Posted above are a few more behind the scene shots of Claire and Dixie. Make sure to check out the sneak preview of the Spring line here. The Jasper Jeans are available now! With Work-Flex™ durable stretch technology, they are perfect for a work day that’s filled with bending, crawling, and climbing. You may have heard about Carhartt Force already. Its stain resistant and moisture wicking material make it perfect for work. It will soon be available in a polo T-shirt with a great shape and color.

Carhartt Women’s Annapolis Shirt

Fall and plaid go hand in hand. Check out the new fall line on Carhartt.com and grab some items. The Annapolis Long-Sleeve Shirt is one of my favorite pieces this season. It’s slightly fitted so it has a bit of flex. (perfect for moving around while you’re working) From the adjustable button cuffs to the pockets on the front, you’ll be dressed comfortably and practically for whatever task is at hand.
Check out the whole outfit here: Annapolis Shirt, Straight-Fit Slim Straight Jean, Dearborn Belt, & Wellington Boot.