With winter fast approaching I thought it appropriate to to a recommendations and/or reviews list of things you can wear to keep yourself warm!
Layers- Layers are very important and has gotten me through every winter so far. Usually I will start off with a polo shirt or t-shirt, doesn't have to be anything special but make sure it's comfortable- if it's extra cold you can wear a long sleeved t-shirt or rugby shirt.
Next a fleece or hoody then I usually have a gilet over the top, mine is just a thin caldene one which cost me £20 from HOYS last year.
Then a coat, mine is a shires bomber jacket which cost me £20 but I'm looking to invest in a winter coat this year!
Bottom half- I always wear leggings under my jodhpurs, but you can get base layers too, with knee socks for extra warmth.
My jodhpurs are normal ones but you can get fleece lined ones. Then boots, I'd be no where without my Ariat Grasmere's, essential for winter and no other boot compares in my eyes.
I then put on my Rambo half chaps which are fleece lined and are very warm and waterproof, which keeps the snow from drenching me! These cost me around £38 from HOYS last year too.
Gloves- Personally i use my Roeckl polartec gloves which are very very warm but have seen better days so I'm looking into either SealSkinz gloves or Tredstep's new range. The Roeckl gloves cost me £22 a couple of years ago.
Headbands- I used to wear my Musto ZP one but it's too big for my head so tends to flap about when it's windy. I recently bought a Townend one which fits perfectly, it was reasonably priced at £4.95 yet my Musto one was around £10.
I also have a buff for around my neck, it's a motorcycle one and I can't remember where I got it from but they are very useful and a lot of equestrian companies do them!
I hope this was informative and I hope it helped someone keep warm this winter!
Monday 11 November 2013
Cleaning Boots!
The task most of us dread... Boot cleaning! Sadly it's something we should do to keep our boots in good condition and make them last longer. I've had my Ariat Grasmere's (old style) around 2 years and they have only just started to wear on the heel. They are still waterproof and I wear them most days. I suppose it is optional as to whether or not you clean your boots, I know some people with the same boots as me and they've never seen a sponge yet they're 3+ years old! In this post I'll show you what products I use and how to use them.
1. Grab your boots and either a) hose them off if they have been in a lot of mud or b) go to step 3 if your boots aren't that mucky and they are dry.
2. If your boots are extra mucky grab a sponge and with soap wash them, be careful not to go near the zips if you have them. Leave to dry completely, avoid direct sources of heat as it will crack the leather.
3. I use NAF quick clean for leather (including tack). It smells strong but is very good at cleaning the bits of dirt you've missed! Spray it all over your boots if they are all leather and avoid any suede if there's some on your boots. If they're still a bit mucky leave it on for a minute then using a sponge wipe off any dirt from all the leather on your boots. Spray more if needed. This stuff is great at it's job so this should only take a minute per boot.
4. Next I use NAF neatsfoot oil. You can either use a brush or a sponge (not the one you used to clean your boots in step 3). Use a good amount and use on all the leather on your boots, if it soaks in really quickly then put more on but try not to use too much as leather needs to breathe. Let this soak in.
5. If you have suede on your boots, like I do, use a suede and nu buck cleaner. I got mine from Tesco in the shoe cleaning section. Mine has a prickly end so spray some on the suede and use the lid with the prickly end in circular motions.
6. Only do this around 1-2 times per month and only apply once all oil has been absorbed, this step might be best to do the next day. I use an all natural leather balsam called Renapur which in my opinion, is the best balsam in the world, it nourishes the leather and waterproofs it. This can also be used on tack, leather sofas, motorbike gear etc. Use this in small quantities as a little bit goes a long way. Apply to leather only, avoid any suede!!! It can be quite sticky at first so avoid dusty/hairy areas otherwise you'll end up with furry boots!
7. I also occasionally use a waterproofing spray just as a quick spray all over the suede just for extra protection.
8. Lastly, store in a dry warm place to help the balsam soak in and enjoy having clean boots! I normally go the whole hog twice a month, the rest of the time (around once a week) I'll use the quick clean spray and oil them.
I hope this has helped someone!
1. Grab your boots and either a) hose them off if they have been in a lot of mud or b) go to step 3 if your boots aren't that mucky and they are dry.
2. If your boots are extra mucky grab a sponge and with soap wash them, be careful not to go near the zips if you have them. Leave to dry completely, avoid direct sources of heat as it will crack the leather.
3. I use NAF quick clean for leather (including tack). It smells strong but is very good at cleaning the bits of dirt you've missed! Spray it all over your boots if they are all leather and avoid any suede if there's some on your boots. If they're still a bit mucky leave it on for a minute then using a sponge wipe off any dirt from all the leather on your boots. Spray more if needed. This stuff is great at it's job so this should only take a minute per boot.
4. Next I use NAF neatsfoot oil. You can either use a brush or a sponge (not the one you used to clean your boots in step 3). Use a good amount and use on all the leather on your boots, if it soaks in really quickly then put more on but try not to use too much as leather needs to breathe. Let this soak in.
5. If you have suede on your boots, like I do, use a suede and nu buck cleaner. I got mine from Tesco in the shoe cleaning section. Mine has a prickly end so spray some on the suede and use the lid with the prickly end in circular motions.
6. Only do this around 1-2 times per month and only apply once all oil has been absorbed, this step might be best to do the next day. I use an all natural leather balsam called Renapur which in my opinion, is the best balsam in the world, it nourishes the leather and waterproofs it. This can also be used on tack, leather sofas, motorbike gear etc. Use this in small quantities as a little bit goes a long way. Apply to leather only, avoid any suede!!! It can be quite sticky at first so avoid dusty/hairy areas otherwise you'll end up with furry boots!
7. I also occasionally use a waterproofing spray just as a quick spray all over the suede just for extra protection.
8. Lastly, store in a dry warm place to help the balsam soak in and enjoy having clean boots! I normally go the whole hog twice a month, the rest of the time (around once a week) I'll use the quick clean spray and oil them.
I hope this has helped someone!
Saturday 23 March 2013
Tredstep Chaps
I said i'd do a review of them so here we are!
I bought them in September of last year for around £40 second hand but they were as good as new. I think they are the Galway/ Pro G2 version and i got them in 15" Calf and 17" height. I was told by a Robinsons fitter that i should go for the 14" calf and 18" height but i didn't want to risk them being too small and/or jabbing me in the back of the knee!
As for the chaps themselves... i would put them mid range despite the RRP of £100. This is because i find the zip too hard to do up and i half expected it to fall apart. The leather seems too thick and this makes them stiff and at times uncomfortable and despite me buying an inch smaller than i measure at they still get me in the back of the knee sometimes!
They are still lovely looking on and after months of breaking in they're not too bad and after stretching them a bit seems to help with the zipping up and closing the popper.
Anyway, i still would recommend them and maybe I'm having a a few issues because they don't fit me right, I'm not sure!
I bought them in September of last year for around £40 second hand but they were as good as new. I think they are the Galway/ Pro G2 version and i got them in 15" Calf and 17" height. I was told by a Robinsons fitter that i should go for the 14" calf and 18" height but i didn't want to risk them being too small and/or jabbing me in the back of the knee!
As for the chaps themselves... i would put them mid range despite the RRP of £100. This is because i find the zip too hard to do up and i half expected it to fall apart. The leather seems too thick and this makes them stiff and at times uncomfortable and despite me buying an inch smaller than i measure at they still get me in the back of the knee sometimes!
They are still lovely looking on and after months of breaking in they're not too bad and after stretching them a bit seems to help with the zipping up and closing the popper.
Thursday 7 February 2013
SNOW! :D
We've had quite a bit of snow recently here in Lancashire! A few weeks ago we had around 6 inches and we had another inch or so a few days ago.
We're in February, no more snow please!
Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas, i went down South for my Christmas and happened to catch every illness as well- not happy. Although my dad did buy me a new camera so i'm very pleased with that. Its a Lumix FZ88. Its a bridge camera which means its like a DSLR but you can't change the lens. I brilliant camera for me to learn on without carrying heavy lenses around with me! And without carrying a hefty bill too!
With the snow arrival it gave me a chance to practice some winter shots with my house rabbit- enjoy!
We only stayed out around 15-20 minutes but she has that fur coat!
Anyway, i will be back shortly with a review of the Rambo fleece lined chaps and head bands!
Bye for now!
We're in February, no more snow please!
Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas, i went down South for my Christmas and happened to catch every illness as well- not happy. Although my dad did buy me a new camera so i'm very pleased with that. Its a Lumix FZ88. Its a bridge camera which means its like a DSLR but you can't change the lens. I brilliant camera for me to learn on without carrying heavy lenses around with me! And without carrying a hefty bill too!
With the snow arrival it gave me a chance to practice some winter shots with my house rabbit- enjoy!
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| My favourite shot of the day! |
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| Close up |
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| A tatty lead but a fluffy bunny! |
Anyway, i will be back shortly with a review of the Rambo fleece lined chaps and head bands!
Bye for now!
Tuesday 18 December 2012
Ariat Heritage Zip Boot (its been a while)
So, I started college in September and i had gone shopping with my dad. This is what we brought back:
One body protector, one pair of boots, two pairs of jodhpurs and some socks!
Today i'll be reviewing the Ariat boots.
I paid £109.99 from Derby House in store. I have now had them for around four months and i've been pleased with them. They are very smart and they are now comfortable.
What was important to me was that they weren't painful. I noticed they took around one week to fully break in which was fine by me! There is no damage to them, no rips, no tears and the sole is still on so i expect these will last at least a year. I wear these with my Tredstep gaiters so will do a review of those. I wouldn't hesitate to show in these as they are very smart!
Hope this has helped some people and please don't hesitate to ask any questions :)
Today i'll be reviewing the Ariat boots.
I paid £109.99 from Derby House in store. I have now had them for around four months and i've been pleased with them. They are very smart and they are now comfortable.
What was important to me was that they weren't painful. I noticed they took around one week to fully break in which was fine by me! There is no damage to them, no rips, no tears and the sole is still on so i expect these will last at least a year. I wear these with my Tredstep gaiters so will do a review of those. I wouldn't hesitate to show in these as they are very smart!
Hope this has helped some people and please don't hesitate to ask any questions :)
Wednesday 5 September 2012
Riding Coats
I don't own many riding brand coats, in fact I think i only own one which is a Woof Wear soft shell jacket, all the others are outdoor brands.
The coat i mainly wear is a Trespass one... in bright blue! Almost every picture of me riding i'm wearing that blue jacket.
Its a great jacket, my dad bought it for me when we went to Ireland in 2011 when i'd stupidly forgot to pack a coat, it was bought for 25 euros which is equivalent to roughly 20 GBP- not bad!
I also own another trespass coat in red but I hardly wear it, it the next one up from the blue one in terms of the lining etc. This was also purchased for 20 GBP!
Unfortunately they both have had to be reproofed as the water wasn't beading off anymore after year of rainy weather, i used a spray on one.
These are great coats and they come in a lot of fun colours!
The coat i mainly wear is a Trespass one... in bright blue! Almost every picture of me riding i'm wearing that blue jacket.
Its a great jacket, my dad bought it for me when we went to Ireland in 2011 when i'd stupidly forgot to pack a coat, it was bought for 25 euros which is equivalent to roughly 20 GBP- not bad!
I also own another trespass coat in red but I hardly wear it, it the next one up from the blue one in terms of the lining etc. This was also purchased for 20 GBP!
Unfortunately they both have had to be reproofed as the water wasn't beading off anymore after year of rainy weather, i used a spray on one.
These are great coats and they come in a lot of fun colours!
Tuesday 4 September 2012
Charles Owen AYR8 Review
I have owned my Charles Owen AYR8 for around a year. I have cared for it like no other and i love it a lot!
A few people have used it who have all said it's a very nice helmet and it's very comfy, everything you need in a helmet! It conforms to all safety standards too.
It is best suited to those with an oval type shape to their head, when choosing a helmet to buy I also looked at the Champion Ventair but this did not suit me and i found it to be quite bulky. A nice helmet but not for me. This helmet suits me a lot better and has a lovely profile.
I bought mine for £133 and they are similarly priced now.
A few people have used it who have all said it's a very nice helmet and it's very comfy, everything you need in a helmet! It conforms to all safety standards too.
It is best suited to those with an oval type shape to their head, when choosing a helmet to buy I also looked at the Champion Ventair but this did not suit me and i found it to be quite bulky. A nice helmet but not for me. This helmet suits me a lot better and has a lovely profile.
I bought mine for £133 and they are similarly priced now.
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| Charles Owen AYR8 |
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