The Herbal Horse would definitely be my hands down favourite. She is so sweet and her products are incredible. Others are Swanky Saddle, Aztec Diamond, Galloping Graphics, Horse Essentials, Pony Express Girls, K Marie Equestrian and Sporthorse Lifestyle. I’m not one for Hunt Club or MBC.
Questions on how to handle shared school horses for clients that don’t own/lease
Hi all!
I work for mid-sized hunter/jumper barn in a small-ish city in Texas as the assistant trainer (for about 6 months now at this barn). I have been in the industry as a trainer for about a year, so am still definitely learning about how everything works.
My questions are on how to deal with riders sharing horses. A lot of our riders simply do not have the money to afford owning their own horse, so many of them use our small selection of lesson horses to lesson on and show with. We have about 10 who show consistently, about 2 of those have personal horses. There are about 5 who are intermediate/advanced riders, jumping/showing 2’ - 2’9". There are a few who do the cross rails, etc (which I would think would make sense for them not to have their own horse yet).
So I have encountered and observed several problems. First is who to let consistently lesson and show on which horse. There are obviously some horses who are built better as hunters and do better at shows, have their flying changes, etc., and these are the ones that all the girls want to ride. For example, we have one hunter who one of the most advanced girls has basically had “claim” on all year, although she does not pay extra to lease him.
There is one hunter pony who does very well and is a favorite among the girls, but horse sharing at the shows and in lessons throughout the week is difficult and takes a toll on the horse.
So how do you decide who these girls get to ride? Randomly rotate them and basically, if you don’t own, you don’t get any preference? More advanced riders get higher pick? Or, just say if you don’t lease or own, you won’t get be able to have a preference?
It’s hard obviously because it’s better if the girls get one horse to practice with for the show, but that basically makes them exclusive to that girl and some of the mothers and girls think that is unfair.
I would love to be able to buy more lesson horses and lease them out or simply just use them for showing, but unfortunately do not have the funds and do not own the place so it’s not an option at the moment.
So this is my first question of many to come that I have encountered in my venture into training… Thanks all for the input. 
Ps… Is there a book or manual or something that you guys would recommend giving to the intermediate/advanced riders that describes everything the judges look for/count off on? I can explain all day why I don’t think they placed in their hunter/eq rounds but I think it would be great for them to see it from an outside official perspective.
Thanks again.
This is the worst thread ever:lol: I have checked all of the small businesses and have started my things I really WANT but don’t really NEED list…
It would be awesome if people would indicate what each company does (leather, riding clothes, etc.).
Has anyone else found Annie’s breeches lacking stretch? Material preferences are so individual but mine seemed restrictive and went back. This was a while ago so I am wondering if they are using a different fabric now.
Echoing major love for Gary Mundy (grab straps, dog leashes, treat pouch, etc.) and Higher Standards (tack cleaning supplies).
This thread makes me happy in a lot of ways. I love supporting smaller businesses as much as possible, to the point where have a series on my blog called Small Business Spotlight. I also feature 4 small businesses on the sidebar of my blog - Riding Warehouse (they are hands down the best online tack shop), PS of Sweden (tack), Luxe EQ (high end riding apparel), and Mango Bay (belts). I treat that sidebar space like sacred ground, those businesses have earned their way onto it (Horze tried to buy a spot and got blatantly rejected).
Besides my “Big 4” I’ve had a lot of luck with the following:
The Herbal Horse (grooming products)
Aztec Diamond Equestrian (apparel)
If the Bonnet Fits (custom bonnets)
20 x 60 (tack shop)
Uncle Jimmy’s (treats)
Straight Shot Metal Smashing (bridle charms, bracelets, etc)
Two Socks Designs (saddle pads, emboidery, shirts)
One Horse Designs (apparel)
Hamer and Clay (custom ornaments)
I am loving this thread. I like supporting small businesses (as a small business owner myself, I get it!) and am excited to find so many COTHers that have great products. I lost a horse last month and seem to be filling the void with STUFF so bring on the shopping! No shame in a little retail therapy…
Ok so far on my ordering list:
Lucky Braids shampoo
Higher Standards saddle soap
Tack Shack of Ocala halter
Swanky Saddle name game tee (this is so cool…)
Sporthorse Lifestyle ride or die sweatshirt
I’m intrigued by the Herbal Horse products, anyone try these?
Also, this Gary Mundy everyone is talking about, where do you purchase things? The website seems outdated.
My favorite is Gary’s Leather Shop. Just ordered another pair of leathers for my new saddle.
[QUOTE=WannabeDQ;8363104]
Also, this Gary Mundy everyone is talking about, where do you purchase things? The website seems outdated.[/QUOTE]
Just send him an email. gleather@rtccom.net He’s not overly tech savvy, but he is very responsive to emails. He can send you a full list of everything he can do. Last I heard, in 2015, he’s only doing stirrup leathers. But if you find out anything different, please holler. I desperately want a dog collar/leash from him.
Thanks Jen-s!
I forgot to put Rebecca Ray on my list - they have the best belts.
[QUOTE=WannabeDQ;8363253]
Thanks Jen-s![/QUOTE]
You are so welcome! Anything to enable someone into his leathers. They really are the best.
Is Gary still only doing stirrup leathers? I so want a dog leash from him!
[QUOTE=BITSA;8361070]
is it that good 541? I’ve been debating getting some[/QUOTE]
Yes they are that good, both the soap and balm are excellent products. And now that others have mentioned it, Lucky Braids and s the only shampoo I will use, it’s the best. Love Rebecca Ray products too, I have a key chain and have given several others as gifts.
Pony4me
Thanks so much! It made our week to be included in this thread! I’m also happy to say that we carry some of the smaller brands people keep mentioning like Higher Standards and Hunt Club!
You guys are awesome!
Exquisite-Equestrian.com
She does custom everything, so helpful and patient. She told me the other day she is doing a custom Christmas sale starting the beginning of November.
Huntley Equestriann. Find them on fb. Stunning tack and apparel … Along the lines of D’yon, Jimmy’s, etc.
Avoid Swanky Saddle at all costs. Had an absolutely horrible experience with them and they have never made it right.
ETA: also love Personally Preppy. Cute spur straps, crops, etc
[QUOTE=Perfect10;8366833]
Is Gary still only doing stirrup leathers? I so want a dog leash from him![/QUOTE]
Me too! And a neck strap. Someone email him and ask…
Terrible, horrible thread.
Bye bye, money.
Bahr Saddlery is a really great family owned business out of Ontario, Canada. I recently bought a saddle from them and Eva is just great to work with - quick, friendly, efficient service and makes it very easy to trial saddles.
http://www.bahrsaddlery.com/company-information/
They’re not as small as some of the little Etsy and independent folks, but they aren’t a chain business like Dover or Greenhawk.
[QUOTE=jen-s;8370409]
Me too! And a neck strap. Someone email him and ask… :)[/QUOTE]
I asked a few months ago, wanted a pair of draw reins, only stirrup leathers this year… at least it’s October right??
I second Huntley, I’m coveting a pair of their half chaps!
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