Horses & Fashion, Fashion & Horses

The most incredible combination in the entire world has to be equestrian events and fashion.    Right now you're either nodding in agreement, or wondering what it is on earth I'm talking about.  If you get me, you get me.  If you don't, let me try to explain.  

Horse shows have an interesting air to them.  It's rich leather and ruby red roses.   Crisp button-downs and structured blazers.  Immaculate buns and diamond stud earrings.  And on some nights it's evening gowns and champagne.  Coming to a horse show and witnessing the fashion and the people who partake in these competitions is people watching at its very best and often times, an amazing source fashion inspiration.  The editorial below featuring Barbara Palvin in Harper's Bazaar is the epitome of equestrian cool.

Chicks & Horses

Sorry I've been MIA, it's been a crazy but wonderful week.  The Iowa Gold Star horse show was this week, and although I'm going to miss most of it due to a lake trip, it was wonderful to see a lot of my horsey friends that I've missed so much! The photo above of Brigitte Bardot is one I've loved for a while now.  What is it with chicks and horses?

August Nights

"This was our last weekend together, and we didn't feel like going to Fort Sumter and touring goddamn colonial homes. We wanted to go to the beach and meet boys and go to wild parties and dance."  

Shag

A Post Dedicated to Making the Most of What's Left of Summer.


Eating blueberries with cream.

All because of the excerpt below.

Naps.  Lots, and lots, of naps.   Completely unappologetic naps.

Getting to the barn.  Truest saying ever?  The outside of  a horse is good for the inside of a girl. 

To swim as much as humanly possible.

 To cook more, and look nice while doing so.

Transitioning summer staples so they're almost fall appropriate.  one of my favorite looks is blouses and jean shorts.

An Old Flame

The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears. 

Arabian Proverb

Photos courtesy of Julie Daniel Adams.

My first true love was (and still is) such a gentleman. With other-worldly good looks, a giving personality, and a propensity to give roses (he had given me hundreds over the course of our time together) I really couldn't ask for much more.  Although it was a fairytale relationship, I guess the old saying holds true and all good things must come to an end. It's been several years since we've been together and some recent Facebook pictures of him got me missing those big black eyes and slightly arrogant personality.  

His name was F Flame in Motion, and he was one of my very first show horses.  We grew up together, and the lessons he taught me (and those we learned together) have shaped who I am today.  For the non-equestrians out there, this might sound a bit dramatic, but the bond I formed with this handsome gelding is one that changed my life.  We had our ups and downs (he was actually incredibly moody) and there were times I just wanted to scream at him (like the time we were having an impeccable ride at Youth Nationals, and he thought it'd be a good idea to practice his flying lead changes. Really?) 

But when it came down to it, he was there for me.  During my final year of equitation, a series of events left me needing a horse for my last show as junior exhibitor.  Flame had to compete in a division he had never been in before, and he was a rock star (the picture of us is below.)  He came through when I needed him most - like he normally did - and gave me the ride of my life.  He now has moved to Utah to live by the beautiful mountains with his new owner Jacki Johnson.  Even though I miss him, I'm so happy he's living the good life and still getting roses for the ladies.



Flame and I winning National Show Horse Finals.



Flame and current owner Jacki Johnson winning Canadian Nationals.