Treating myself - what would you get?

[Pehsness]

Of course the responsible thing would be to pay down debt or pad savings (which I also plan to do) but it’s annual bonus time and I need a horsey treat to look forward to.

Last year it was a pallet of bedding pellets (I usually buy bedding weekly). That was nice, but not life changing enough to do again.

I don’t have winter riding boots.

My horse already has 800 blankets (though his rain sheet is really too small).

I don’t need brushes or breeches or a barn coat. I have a pile of saddle pads (accumulated over the years). My wee barn needs a better light.

If you were going to treat yourself - either frivolously or practically - what would you get? Money IS an object, but for fun let’s pretend it’s not (well, within reason. I’m not getting a new high end saddle any time soon).

[endlessclimb]

Get a better light! You’ll get to enjoy that every day.

[Simkie]

Man, I totally agree. Better light in the barn makes SUCH a difference. Great way to treat yourself!

[luvmyhackney]

Definitely the better light.

I treated myself to reusable hand warmers and a load of stone.

[Calvincrowe]

Better light! LED are life changing- we upgraded our barn’s big lights this summer and WOW! So much better. I also upgraded my headlamp…I love my headlamp!!

[Pehsness]

Oh I think I might be convinced. I’m seeing some neat options on Amazon that could work. Hung in the rafters and then plugged in, which let’s me have a light on horse side and “my” side.

You are all very right that a better light would actually be amazing. We already have a collection of head lamps.

[cayuse]

Yes to the better lights. I had mine improved and it’s wonderful, I also had an overhead extension cord reel put in and boy is that handy. Extension cord always within reach and never underfoot.

[Pehsness]

Brilliant! I saw those on Amazon as well.

I think that will be my multi-faceted treat. Spend the money to make the barn much more functional, especially in winter.

[Annie10]

Either the light or the boots. Or both. Every time you use them you will be glad you spent it on them.

[mmeqcenter]

Both for sure, light and boots

[TWH_Girl]

Yes, I resemble this train of thought

OP, I also vote you should get the practical and needed light and lovely boots too!!

[Pehsness]

Yeah I’ll have to get the boots anyway. I would have gone cheap but maybe I’ll splurge on something nicer.

[Simkie]

@luvmyhackney

I treated myself to reusable hand warmers and a load of stone.

Ooooh rock is also a NICE choice.

[TWH_Girl]

What kind of boots are we talking? We can help pick those out!

[Pehsness]

Please do!!

I’m done with winter tall boots. I buy them, hate them, give them away. So a nice pair of winter paddock boots with half chaps. I have a bunch of winter weight breeches.

I’m all ears!

[TWH_Girl]

Well, I was going to suggest Ariat Coniston Pro but they are tall boots. They zip up the back but are also laced so you can adjust calf for.

I have had the extreme winter paddock boots though and they are nice and toasty. This site has a killer deal if they have your size-

Ariat Women's Extreme Zip Paddock Waterproof Insulated Paddock Boot

Mountain Horse has some winter paddock boots too but I can’t speak to them in terms of fit or warmth.

[Mouse_amp_Bay]

I also hate winter riding boots. They just feel too different and my balance/position changes leaving me grumpy.

My cure? Costco sized box of foot warmers. Take those, stick to the bottom of my costco winter trail socks and I’m good for 2, 3 or even 4 rides before my toes get cold. So my frugal tips would be a box of toe warmers plus the women’s Costco trail socks!

(Though lights are also an amazing idea and will make your heart happy every time you flick the switch!)

[Pehsness]

oh that’s a good idea. The ariat paddock boots are pricey here.

[ParadoxFarm]

@TWH_Girl

I have had the extreme winter paddock boots though and they are nice and toasty. This site has a killer deal if they have your size-

I couldn’t pass up this deal. I just ordered a pair! Thanks. Merry Christmas to me.

[luvmyhackney]

Try adding wool or sheepskin insoles to your paddock boots.

That and good socks keep my feet toasty in normal paddock boots.