A lot of times when someone seems like two different people, we say “oh they must be bipolar.”
But, this is an actual disorder with specific symptoms – not just someone acting like two different people on different days. It affects how someone functions & their overall well-being.
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, below is a bipolar disorder infographic. Hopefully it’ll help all of us think before we label someone as bipolar just for acting happy one day and mean/upset the next!
As part of our Mental Health Awareness Month focus, this week’s infographic, courtesy of Mental Health America is on depression. This is another disorder where you probably know an equestrian that suffers, but you may not know it.
Hi everyone, I decided to deactivate Twittwr for a little bit to focus on my health & riding. Feel free to follow me on my other accounts of DM me for my number so we can stay in touch.
I’m also available to answer any questions on ask. Ask.fm/legaleq – hate will be ignored, deleted, and blocked.
Facebook: Facebook.com/TheLegalEquestrian
Snap: jrosutty
Instagram: Instagram.com/thelegalequestrian
I will eventually reactivate Twitter. Other things are just taking priority now. Thank you to those that have supported me & my account. This isn’t goodbye; it’s see you later.
I hate the cold weather, so anytime I find riding clothes that advertise they will keep me warm using some type of thermo-technology, I am up for trying them. This year I have tried three different shirts that all claim to keep you warmer in the cold winter weather: the SmartPak UnderArmour Coldgear Infrared Crew, the EIS Heated Shirt, and the Asmar Equestrian Active Compression Top.
I am going to rate the shirts on a scale of 1 to 3 stars, with 3 obviously being the best.
EIS Heated Shirt, available in adult and youth sizes.
EIS Heated Shirt: This is the one I liked best out of the bunch. EIS just released this shirt, and it has heating and moisture wicking properties. It is advertised as keeping your body 5 degrees warmer which is awesome when it comes to winter weather. The shirt itself only comes in black and has a different material on the underside than the other EIS shirts. I wore the shirt on an extremely cold day, and it definitely kept me much warmer than a regular shirt would have. I also wore it during a riding lesson to test out its odor wicking properties, and those did not disappoint either. I didn’t feel like I smelled bad after riding (though I do also wear deodorant), and I also didn’t get that icky feeling when I’ve cooled down from the lesson and realized how sweaty I am, thus making me cold. If you are going to get just one of these shirts, I would definitely purchase this one. Also, this is not a shirt you can wear alone on a 15 degree day. It keeps you warm but not that warm. That being said, this plus a good jacket will keep you warm, cutting down on the bulky layers.
Pros: Definitely keeps body warmer; wicks away sweat and prevents that icky cold feeling after you’ve cooled down.
Cons: Won’t keep you toasty on a bitter cold day, but will decrease the layers needed.
Rating: 3 stars
SmartPak UnderArmour ColdGear Crew
SmartPak UnderArmour Coldgear Infrared Crew: This shirt uses special technology to reflect your body heat and keep you warm, much like the Back On Track products (except without the ceramic particles). I really love this shirt. It’s very flattering and warm. It is also a great layering piece. In terms of warmth, it takes second to the EIS. I found myself needing more layers with this and not staying as warm in colder weather if I didn’t have those layers. The good thing is this shirt is not bulky and fits very well under or over other clothing so it does not add to any bulk. The shirt also has moisture wicking properties, which I found to work but not as well as the EIS. However, it does have anti-microbial technology that helps keep the shirt fresher, longer, which I have found to be very effective.
Pros: Flattering fit; not bulky; moisture-wicking; don’t need to wash as often.
Cons: Not as warming as other shirts; still need to layer.
Rating: 2.5 stars
Asmar Equestrian Active Compression Top.
Asmar Equestrian Active Compression Top: I love this shirt. It’s very flattering and fits extremely well. However, I found it to be the least warming of the winter shirts I tested. It is a compression shirt so it is supposed to keep muscles warm while exercising, which it did, but the material is thin, and I personally would never wear this without layering. The material is stretchy and soft, but thin and not enough to withstand bitter cold. The thumb hole is great for covering your hands, but I found it actually irritating to ride in with gloves over the hand part. I definitely love the shirt, and it did serve its purpose when I was riding by keeping my muscles warm, but I had to layer a lot, and I could never wear this alone in the bitter cold – unless I had an indoor, maybe. It is flattering, and it does keep you warm, but only while riding. I like shirts that will be effective before, during, and after riding. I spend a lot of time at the barn, riding or not, so if I choose this as my outfit, I better be prepared to layer or bring my heavy winter jacket.
Pros: Very flattering fit; made of great material; does the job when you’re riding; not bulky.
Cons: Doesn’t keep you very warm while not riding; material is very thin; thumb holes to keep hands warm can be irritating.
Rating: 2 stars
Overall, any of these picks are a good fit depending on what it is you’re doing. If you want to be warm before, during, and after riding, then the EIS Heated Shirt is probably for you. Looking for something to keep you warm, but don’t mind layering? SmartPak UnderArmour ColdGear Crew! And, if you’re just riding and that’s it, the Asmar Active Compression Top will definitely do the job.
Have you tried another similar type shirt this winter and loved it? Let me know in the comments below!
As one Twitter user stated, this list will be almost impossible to narrow down, but I’ve picked a few things that I think any rider would like to see in their stocking this year!
– Hair nets: You can never have too many hairnets, really. You can find them at any tack store! Easy squeezy lemon peasy.
One Knot Hairnets from SmartPak. They come in several different colors to match different hair shades.
– Socks: This is something every equestrian will appreciate. We can always use more socks, whether they are thicker for the winter or thinner for the summer. Zocks are great too. They come in all sorts of cute colors and patterns and are a great way to express ourselves even when we need to be conservative and clean in the show ring.
Ovation Zocks, available at Dover Saddlery & other tack stores.
– Gift cards: Yet another great stocking stuffer. Equestrians always prefer to get some sort of money in place of a present. There’s always a vet bill, a farrier bill, or some other thing our horse/horses may need. A gift card allows us to control what we buy and ensures we don’t get something we don’t want and/or need (hard to imagine, but this does happen).
SmartPak gift card.
– Lip balm: Winter weather sucks, and it’s extremely hard on our skin and lips. Chapped lips are more common in the winter, and it can happen even if you have an indoor ring. Getting the right lip balm to sooth your favorite equestrian’s chapped, dry lips can go a long way. It’s also tiny and would go great in a stocking! I love EOS lip balm, Burt’s Bees, and EcoLicious Equestrian.
EOS lip balm.
– Gloves: If you do a lot of barn work or a lot of riding, it is easy to go through pairs of gloves quickly. A new pair of gloves is like a pack of hairnets or a pair of socks – they’re always needed and always appreciated. Whether it’s work gloves for barn chores or insulated riding gloves for the winter, you can be sure your gift recipient will thank you! And thankfully for you, gloves come in all sorts of budgets, so you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of money for something like this – though you can if you want to, really.
SSG Fleece Lined Winter Gripper Gloves, available from SmartPak for $8.50
– A package of peppermints: Horses love peppermints, and buying a bag of them for your favorite equestrian to give to his or her furry buddy would be great! We go through horse treats very quickly, and having a spare bag of mints on hand is perfect! You can also substitute this with a box of sugar cubes or some other small bag of treats that is stocking sized. Check out Charleigh’s Cookies, Nicker Bait, Pink Pony Bakery, or Pony Pizza Company for some unique and yummy options. Ps. Yum factor has been provided by my horses, not myself. Pps. You could also put these in your horse’s stocking.
Peppermints are a tasty treat most horses love, and they will freshen your horse’s hay breath at the same time!
– Horse-themed car decal: If you know someone who likes to express their love for certain things on their car, a horse-themed car decal would be perfect! There are many companies that make these including SmartPak and a company I’ve used before, Nicker Stickers. There are all sorts of cute stickers out there depending on your riding discipline or the type of horse you have.
‘Got Paint?’ car decal available at NickerStickers.com
Obviously there are a ton more options for stocking stuffers out there – any small horse-related item could fit into a stocking! These are just a few ideas I had, and they are common things a horse lover would want to find in their stocking, especially because so many of them are extremely useful in our sport.
In Part I and Part II of this series, I detailed what to get your barn child and a youth/junior equestrian for the holidays. Now I am moving onto my age group – adults! Obviously these lists can cross over. I know quite a few adult riders that adore My Barn Child charms, and there may be some things on here that the junior or youth rider would want. These lists are just meant to be idea generators for those of you that have horse lovers in your lives but have NO idea what to get them. Or, you might be making your holiday list and aren’t sure what to ask for (a rarity in the equestrian world, I know).
– Back On Track Products: Back On Track makes products that are designed to work with a horse’s natural body heat to promote the health of joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. I’ve used many of their products with great success on my horse who has mild arthritis and a sore back. Back On Track also makes human products that work the same way. They have a whole bunch of products, such as knee and ankle braces, neck braces, gloves, and long underwear (to name a few). My trainer who has lower back issues purchased the back brace after she injured her back over the summer. She used it while teaching lessons, and she recommends it to people who ask her about it. Adult riders are no strangers to riding related injuries (or is it old age? who knows), and Back On Track products are definitely great for helping alleviate some of the issues we may have.
Back On Track knee brace.
– 101 Jumping Exercises for Horse & Rider
101 Jumping Exercises for Horse & Rider by Linda Allen.
– Professional Photoshoot: Many riders get professional photoshoots done with their horse or horses. These photos always coming out looking gorgeous, and I have been wanting to get one done with my horse and pony for a while. I am lucky enough to have a professional photographer in the family, so I will be having a session once this blustery, cold weather disappears. Buying a professional photoshoot package from an equine photographer is a great holiday gift for any equestrian. They will get to have a fun filled day of showing off their bond with their horse, and it comes with visual memories to last a lifetime. Professional photoshoots don’t always have to be done during the spring or summer months. Fall and winter photos are just as beautiful, and I’ve seen many gorgeous photos of horse and rider while the snow is falling! I am in the New Jersey area, and a great photographer to book is Naya Shim, who also graciously designed a holiday package for anyone who found her through this post. The package, which will cost $115 (excluding travel fees), includes:
To check out her work, you can visit her website here. Naya is located in central New Jersey. If you would like to book a shoot, make sure to mention The Legal Equestrian. Other photographers include: Horse Sense Photography (Georgia); Northern VA Equine Photography (northern Virginia).
Photo Courtesy of Northern VA Equine Photography (MacKenna). DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION.
– Le Fash: I am a HUGE fan (addict?) of Le Fash clothing. They are the first crossover equestrian clothing brand meaning their clothes can be worn while riding and while working/going to school/running errands. I have a few of their shirts, and I personally have worn them with my work suits. Their clothes make it incredibly simple to change if you are rushing to a riding lesson, or just to ride, after work. Just pull off your pants and pull on your breeches! Le Fash just released its Spring 2015 collection which is gorgeous as usual. They also are offering a limited selection of junior size City Breeches, which are one size down from their smallest adult size. Their shirts are well-made and extremely flattering. I am always amazed by how well they fit. I’ve gotten tons of compliments – both at the barn and at work – on their pieces. Their City Breeches are also amazing quality and fit really well. Le Fash is worn by many top riders including Jen Alfano, the hunter queen, Maggie Jayne, who is well-known in both the hunter and jumper rings, and Hunter Holloway, who has seen great success in the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings. If you can afford the price tag, definitely check out their clothing for that favorite adult rider in your life. They will certainly thank you.
Le Fash Sport Shirts & Upper East Side City Breeches.
Lauren Mahoney modeling the Pistachio CC Long Sleeve & Central Park City Breeches. Photo Credit to Le Fash.
– Mack & Jane leather cuff: Equestrian inspired jewelry is making the rounds, and I love these gorgeous leather cuffs from Mack & Jane. They are handcrafted in Pennsylvania and were recently included in swag bags at the Oscars and the Emmy Awards. The cuffs can also be personalized with initial charms. They are classy and beautiful, suitable for a fancy night out or as an accessory to a work outfit. The cuffs are a great way for any equestrian to express their passion for riding without being too over the top and tacky. If you are interested in these pieces, you can visit the Mack & Jane website here or email Jane for more information.
Mack & Jane Equestrian Inspired Leather Cuffs. Photo Courtesy of Mack & Jane.
– Gift cards: Sometimes you just have no idea what your favorite adult equestrian might want which is where gift cards come in handy! You can get them one to their favorite tack store or simply get them an American Express, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover gift card that they can use anywhere. Equestrians always appreciate extra money, especially because we never know when our horse will need that emergency vet call or throw a shoe. Or may be simply want to splurge but don’t have the money because horses eat it all (yes, hay is actually money disguised as forage). No matter what the value of the gift card, it will definitely be appreciated.
Dover Saddlery gift card.
American Express gift card.
– Breeches: As I said in my teen gift list, a rider can never have too many breeches! There are many good quality brands out there, so I won’t name all of them. Another awesome thing is that many companies have invested in making plus size friendly breeches. Just like with injuries, aging also isn’t kind to weight loss which becomes harder after children are involved. There is a breech out there for everyone and every budget, and it’s just a matter of finding it! I personally like Tailored Sportsmans, SmartPak Pipers, and Le Fash. Other popular brands include Tredstep, Pikeur, Irideon, and Lo-Ride.
Tailored Sportsman Trophy Hunter Low Rise Breeches in Redwood.
Pikeur Ciara Knee Patch Breeches in Anthracite.
Lo-Ride Breeches.
SmartPak Piper Breeches.
– Sports bras: This is probably a weird gift idea, but equestrians can always use more sports bras, so if you have the type of relationship with your equestrian friend/girlfriend/whatever, GET THEM SOME!! My favorite sports bras are from Old Navy. They’re good quality, true to size, and come in different styles. Also, if you sign up for Old Navy email alerts, they literally are always running some sort of crazy almost too good to be true sale. I’ve gotten 10 things from them before for $100 – yes, $10 an item, and I bought v-necks, sports bras, and jeans. If you’re on a budget and need something that will definitely be appreciated, these are definites on that list!
Old Navy padded sports bra.
– Yoga for Equestrians: A New Path for Achieving Union with the Horse
Yoga for Equestrians by Linda Benedik & Veronica Wirth.
Hopefully these lists have helped you pick something out for your favorite equestrian, no matter what their age or discipline. I can say with confidence that if you’re ever in doubt as to what your horse obsessed friend/girlfriend/boyfriend/sister/mother/brother/daughter/son/etc. will want, money or gift cards to a tack shop are always a safe bet.
In Part I of our Christmas series, we named some awesome items to get a child equestrian for Christmas. In Part II, we will give you some ideas to get a junior or youth rider! Part III will be dedicated to adults, and then I will let everyone know what was on my personal Christmas/birthday list.
– Breeches: You can NEVER have too many breeches, and there are tons of styles and colors out there so the possibilities are endless. Popular brands right now include Tailored Sportsman, SmartPak Pipers, Annie’s Equestrienne, Tredstep, and Le Fash. Each has their own price range, so there is truly something for every budget. Tailored Sportsman recently released two tone breeches that have been coveted by many Twitter equestrians. They are available at Willow Equestrian.
SmartPak Piper Breeches in emerald/navy.
Annie’s USA Tardis breeches.
Le Fash City Breeches in Central Park; available November 15.
Tredstep Symphony No. 3 breeches.
– Half pad: There are many half pads on the market, and there are quite a few ones that stand out more than the others. Ogilvy & EcoGold half pads are the two that come to mind. EquiFit has also broke into the half pad market with its newest product, the ImpacTeq half pad. Each half pad has its own distinct following, so it’s probably best to consult with your teen rider before purchasing one. Each of these half pads also comes in different colors and models. As everyone knows, I am a personal fan of the Ogilvy half pads (who will be coming out with a line of pads for western and polo riders!). However, that’s not to say the other options aren’t just as good. Do your research and select what you think would best work for your horse! This is the perfect gift for a rider that spends their time riding a bunch of different horses or ponies. Each of the half pads mentioned will help fix minor saddle fitting issues, allowing the rider to use his or her own saddle on a bunch of different horses!
Ogilvy MemoryFoam Jumper Half Pad.
Ecogold Jumper Flip Half Pad.
EquiFit ImpacTeq Half Pad.
– Fly bonnet: Custom fly bonnets are very popular especially in the jumper ring, and like most other equestrian products, there are many companies to choose from. If you are looking to go high end, there is De La Coeur. Custom Fly Veils is another popular company that doesn’t sacrifice quality even though their bonnets are less pricey. Custom Bonnets is yet another great company. You can also find other fly bonnet vendors on Etsy, as well as at tack stores. This is perfect for the rider that is getting into the jumpers and starting to come up with his or her own look for themselves and their horse!
De La Coeur fly bonnet in chocolate with blue & white trim, & double crystals.
EquiFit Ear Bonnet.
– Tack cleaner: It is never too late to get a rider into the habit of cleaning his or her riding equipment on a daily basis. Keeping tack clean and well-oiled keeps it lasting longer, looking like new, and prevents the build-up of mold, dust, and other environmental substances that will eventually eat away at the leather. Taking care of leather boots – that most likely cost a small fortune – is also imperative. No one wants to go into the show ring with dirty boots! There are many types of tack cleaner on the market, but my personal favorite is Higher Standards Leather Care. The best part about this saddle soap and leather balm is that it comes in different scents, which is quite unique for a leather cleaner. My personal favorite is the vanilla and lavender scent, but they have a ton of different options on their website. They even debuted a Christmas-specific scent called Sugar and Spice. This leather cleaner really cuts into the grime, softens the leather, and keeps it look conditioned, shiny, and new. Best of all, it doesn’t have a sticky after feel. I highly recommend it and use it to clean all my tack, including my paddock boots and half chaps!
Higher Standards Leather Care saddle soap.
– Skin wipes: These are amazing to keep in a car or travel kit, especially when a long day has been spent at the barn or at a horse show. These are useful both in the winter and summer as there are many skin care wipes on the market that control oil and shine and/or moisturize. I am a personal fan of these skin care wipes which I get from my favorite store at the beach and can also be ordered from the face wipes company’s website by clicking here. They have five different scents, each of which has a specific benefit for your skin. Pro tip: Keep face wipes in the refrigerator during the summer. Using them cool is a refreshing way to cleanse your face and cool down at the same time!
Beauty Treats Green Tea face wipes.
– The Bible Hunter Seat Equitation
Hunter Seat Equitation by George Morris.
– EIS Shirts: I love these shirts. They are functional, come in awesome colors, and are versatile enough to be worn on warm or cold days. On a warm fall day, I can wear this shirt alone. On a colder day, I can layer it. The sleeves have a mesh underside to allow air flow, but they’re not so airy that one will get too cold. EIS also just released a heating shirt that keeps your body temperature about 5 degrees while you are moving around. I have one on order and will be doing a review on how effective this shirt is, but I have high hopes. It seems like it is going to be a cold winter, so shirts with heating technology built in are a must have for winter riding, even if your barn has an indoor. Whether you buy the heated shirt or the regular EIS, they are a must have for any fashionable equestrian.
EIS Shirt.
– Belts: Wearing breeches or jeans with belt loops but having no belt is a major equestrian fashion faux pas. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to look professional and trendy. There are tons of belts on the market, each catering to a different price range. From Tailored Sportsman to Deux Cheveaux to Tory – there really is a belt style for everyone. Nowadays, belts are starting to come in different materials and colors making it possible to always match one’s belt to one’s riding outfit. I don’t think any rider would say he or she has too many belts. Here are some of the most popular styles today that you could get for your favorite junior rider! There are many places that sell belts that any western youth rider would love to. Check out It’s A Cowgirl Thing, SmartPak, and Harris. Note: There are way too many popular belts than I have space for this article, so Googling “equestrian belts” is sure to give you some good and varied options.
Deux Chevaux “Ride” Belt.
Tailored Sportsman Quilted “C” Belt.
Tory Leather Clincher Belt, available at SmartPak.
SEREIN Custom Belts, available at Equestri LifeStyle.
Nocona Western Rhinestone Belt from SmartPak.
– Saddle: By now, the junior/youth rider is probably finished growing, and they are probably yearning for that one special saddle that makes them drool. There are many high quality saddle companies out there, and different riders have different tastes – but one thing is for certain: we all would love a gorgeous saddle to call our own. Some of the most coveted English brands include CWD, Antares, Voltaire, Hermes, and Butet. Some of the most coveted Western brands include Harris, Dale Chavez, and Blue Ribbon.
CWD saddle.
Harris saddle.
Butet.
– Snaffle bit jewelry: Snaffle bit jewelry is super popular lately, and I personally love this ring by Luv Inspired. It comes in three different metal types: sterling silver, gold, and rose gold (which is my personal favorite). There are many other equestrian-themed pieces available at Luv Inspired, so definitely go check them out. If you don’t have the money to spend on a Luv Inspired piece, you can also check out these other snaffle bit jewelry makers that are a bit more affordable: Etsy and Snaffle Jewelry.
Luv Inspired Bit By Bit Ring.
– Personally Preppy Monograms: If you don’t monogram your equestrian items, do you really own them? Personally Preppy makes it easy to monogram just about anything – your helmet, horse’s boots, and even breeches! You can customize your monogram with different colors, font styles, and sizes also. Personally Preppy recently launched their brand new website, including a few new items like Samshield monogrammed gloves. This is one of the latest trends in the equestrian world, and there are many different businesses that offer monogramming services, but what makes Personally Preppy unique is that you are simply buying the monogram sticky and can put it on whatever you want! Personally Preppy is also used by some high profile equestrians, including Lillie Keenan. Trust me – this is something your favorite equestrian would want, and it’s super affordable too!
Lillie Keenan & her Personally Preppy helmet monogram.
Personally Preppy monogrammed polo wraps.
– A spa day: This is out of the ordinary – or is it? Riding horses takes a toll on our bodies. We often end up developing issues we shouldn’t develop until we’re about 45. But, we make sacrifices for this sport. A spa day is a wonderful thing in an equestrian’s world. This can mean a massage, a facial, a mani/pedi, or all of the above. Massages are great for getting the knots out of our tight muscles. A facial will definitely help with the gunk our skin endures on a daily basis – you know, dirt, dust, horse boogers, etc. A mani/pedi… well, they might not last long, but at least our fingers and toes will look cute until we go to the barn again.
Check out this super awesome equestrian themed manicure from Nailed it NZ!
– Money: This might seem a bit shallow, but equestrians can always use more money, whether its for lessons, showing, an unexpected but much needed new horse item (can anyone say ‘my horse shreds his blankets’?) or an emergency vet fund (which is something we should all have, if possible). If you don’t know what to buy your favorite horseback rider, giving them cash or a gift card to their favorite tack store is just as good as getting them an horse-related item. That way, they can use the cash or gift card the way they want to, and you don’t have to risk buying them something they might not like and/or use.
SmartPak Gift Card.
Every equestrian is different, so these are just a few ideas for the youth or junior rider in your life. Make sure to ask them for their Christmas list – they might have thought of something they want that isn’t on this list! And, if you’re really stuck, a nice horse in the rider’s preferred discipline is always a safe option – happy shopping!
Note: Petra, from EcoLicious, asked me to update this post in regards to the Body Butter. Due to a manufacturing mistake, the wrong instructions for the Body Butter were placed on the packaging. The Body Butter can actually be used as a lotion, so you can apply it post-shower or bath on moist legs, arms, and any other area of the body. I did this and received the same result – total smoothness, hydration, and no greasy after feel! I like using it in the shower as a wash, but it also works great as a lotion which, as it turns out, is its original intended use.
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For those of you that haven’t heard of EcoLicious Equestrian, they are a company dedicated to making all natural products for horses and for riders. I’ve reviewed quite a few of their products in the past, and I’ve never been disappointed. Their horse products are free from harsh chemicals, preservatives, and other substances that are often present in many other shampoos, coat whiteners, and horse care products.
EcoLicious Equestrian also has products for riders, such as their Hey Sugar Lip Silk and their hand lotion. As of this week, they have added two more products to their line for riders: Hey Sugar Nourishing Body Butter & Hey Sugar 3-in-1 Exfoliating Shower Shake.
EcoLicious was kind enough to send me the body butter and shower shake to try before it was available to their clients. I tried them both tonight, and I was not disappointed!
If you own the Hey Sugar Lip Silk, then the body butter and shower shake scent will be very familiar to you. They both smell like brown sugar and marshmallows which makes using them in the shower or bath even better. Most importantly, the smell is not overwhelming. I often find that bath and shower products have strong smells that sometimes make me feel sick, but that was not the case with these products at all. I enjoyed the smell, and they left a nice, lingering after scent on my skin.
To start, I used the 3-in-1 Shower Shake.
Ecolicious Equestrian Hey Sugar Exfoliating 3-in-1 Shower Shake.
EcoLicious Equestrian Shower Shake.
The Shower Shake washes, exfoliates, and moisturizes all at once. It has a more solid feel to it, so when you scoop it out, it isn’t running all over the place. I also liked that the exfoliation element wasn’t harsh and gritty which can actually be worse for your skin and do the exact opposite of what exfoliation is supposed to do. I love to use exfoliating scrubs on my legs right before I shave, so that was the first thing I tried with this product. I also used it as a foot scrub because when I’m not walking around in paddock or tall boots, I’m at an office wearing uncomfortable flats or heels, so my feet could use a break. I also used the product on the tops of my hands as I get extremely dry skin in the winter to the point where it is burning, itchy, and uncomfortable, and on my arms. After rinsing, my skin instantly felt smoother and softer. My legs were extremely smooth and soft as well, and I didn’t cut them while shaving (you’d be surprised at how often I still do this…)
The Shower Shake definitely does its job. It also rinses off clean and doesn’t leave a greasy or oily after feeling which is something I despise about moisturizing products. I am always very weary about using anything that is both natural and moisturizing because I hate having a greasy or sticky after feeling on my body, and this did not happen at all with this product.
After using the Shower Shake, I tried the Body Butter.
EcoLicious Equestrian Hey Sugar Nourishing Body Butter.
EcoLicious Equestrian Body Butter.
Next, I used the Body Butter. According to the instructions, you are supposed to massage this on while in the shower – almost like a soap. The Body Butter has more of a lotion-y type feel, but it is still solid enough that you don’t end up losing half of it in the bottom of the tub before you’re able to use it. It is smooth and of course smells delicious. I used it on all the same places I used the Shower Shake and then rinsed it off with warm water.
The Body Butter rinses clean, which again, is something very important to me in any skin product. My skin felt smooth, moisturized, and clean. My hands immediately felt better and not as dry as they did before. They were less irritated and less scaly (sexy, I know).
Of course, I had to wait until I got out of the shower and moved around a little to make sure that the product didn’t leave a greasy, sticky, or oily after feel once I dried off. I am happy to report that it did not. Both products definitely rinse clean, but that doesn’t mean they stop working. My skin feels super soft and hydrated, and my legs are SO smooth. I loved both of the products, and I will be using them in the future (and buying more when I run out)!
I’ve always been happy with the EcoLicious horse products, and I am happy to report that their product line for us humans does not disappoint. All natural doesn’t have to mean less effective, and when the all natural substances happen to smell amazing, that’s even better!
If you’re wondering about the ingredients of each product. Here is a list.
The Body Butter contains marshmallow extract, shea butter, vitamin E, cacao, and coconut.
The Shower Shake has ground loofah, coconut, oatmeal, and brown sugar.
Each of the ingredients is knowing for its soothing and moisturizing properties, so it is the perfect combination for anyone who has dry or irritated skin, especially now that cold weather is starting to take over.
What don’t these products contain?
If you’re interested in buying either – or both – of these products, you can visit the EcoLicious Equestrian website to purchase them. They will be shipping out this Monday! They are also available for sale at the Royal in Canada.
If you are interested in seeing some of my past reviews of EcoLicious Equestrian products, you can find those below:
This is the first in a three part series of what to get for an equestrian for Christmas! We will be doing something for the child rider, the teen rider, and the adult rider. To finish the series off, I will let you know what was on my Christmas/birthday list (my birthday & Christmas are both in December). We know shopping for an equestrian can be difficult if you’re not a horse person and even if you are, but we hope these ideas will give you some inspiration!
ps. For those of you that don’t know, “barn child” is an affectionate term for a younger rider that we have taken under our wing. However, it can also be a daughter, sister, niece, cousin, etc.
– My Barn Child: MBC is the newest trend in “cute” stuff for child (and even teen/adult riders). They have recently come out with a line of apparel, including an adorable infinity scarf for those cold winter days. Their tack charms are super cute and something that every child rider can appreciate! Their stuff sold like hotcakes at the Royal, so it is suggested to buy what you want quickly before it sells out online. They have a ton of cute pony themed things as well, including hats and t-shirts that say “Stop staring at my pony” or “Your pony loves me more.” The t-shirts can be found here. Below are a few items that we think would be great gifts! Note: It’s totally appropriate to get MBC items for a teen or adult rider too! I have one of their belly button rings, a few items of their jewelry, including their newest horseshoe industrial bar, and a few of their tack charms that I proudly display on my horse’s bridle and on my saddle.
My Barn Child knit infinity scarf.
My Barn Child 18k rose gold pink pearls for the hunter or eq child rider!
“Here comes trouble” charm for the girl with the naughty pony 😉
My Barn Child has a TON of options for Christmas gifts. They even have a page of gift ideas that includes some princess-themed wallets – the perfect idea for any pony princess in your life!
– Show bows: These are extremely popular in the pony hunters, and any little girl would love to have more! A lot of equestrian outlets sell them, so I can’t list them all, but there are also some adorable options available on Etsy.
Show bows from BowdanglesShowBows on Etsy.
Show bows from BowstotheShows Etsy shop.
Show bows from JustForPonies.com
Rosie Bowsie Pony Bows available at Equestr LifeStyle
– Annie’s Equestrienne Apparel: Colored breeches are super adorable for schooling! Annie’s Equestrienne Apparel has a wide variety of colored breeches, including pink and Tiffany blue. These would be a great gift for a child rider, especially because they often love to color coordinate everything they have with their pony’s or horse’s colors.
Annie’s Equestrienne Apparel Sticky Buns Breeches in Razberry.
– Horse hair bracelet: This is a cute gift for any age, but something like this would be great for a pony kid that may eventually outgrow her beloved pony and have to sell him or her (it happens)! You don’t have to give the gift with the caveat that the child will be selling her pony one day soon, but the child will certainly appreciate having this when/if that day comes. Not every child is lucky enough to be able to keep their childhood mount when they outgrow it, and a horse hair bracelet is the perfect way to keep her first love close to her heart even if the pony has moved on to another child! There are tons of companies out there that specialize in making horse hair jewelry, but we are a fan of Barn Queen Accessories!
Horse hair bracelet from Barn Queen Accessories.
– Package of horseback riding lessons: Some barns offer the option to buy a gift certificate that can be put towards a lesson package at that particular barn. This would be a great gift for a horse obsessed child that just can’t seem to get enough riding. Plus, it’ll help his or her parents out a lot! Owning a horse and/or taking lessons can be is super expensive, so this gift is one that will definitely be appreciated.
– Padded leather nameplate bracelet: This is another cute way to honor your child’s favorite horse or pony. I have three of these – one for each horse/pony I’ve had/have! They also come in different color combinations, so if your child’s horse has a color, you can customize the bracelet with the horse’s color.
Padded leather bracelet with engraving from SmartPak.
– Brown Charles Owen/Samshield Helmet: I’ve noticed a lot of pony kids rocking brown helmets in the show ring lately, so this is a great item to get a child that will be showing. They’ll be right on top of the newest trend! Charles Owen also has several models available in brown depending on your budget.
Charles Owen AYR8 in chocolate brown.
Samshield Premium helmet in brown alcantara.
– SmartPak Kensington Grooming Tote: When I was growing up, one of the “cool” things you first got when you really got into riding was getting your own set of grooming tools. This, of course, was if you didn’t have your own horse or pony. I love the SmartPak line of Kensington items, and I personally have the Kensington Grooming Tote in SmartBlue to match my pony’s SmartBlue items. Their grooming totes come in SmartBlue, SmartPink, SmartPurple, red, and black. Even if who you’re buying for already has their own horse or pony, this is a way to set his or her grooming tools apart from the rest. You can get one to match your child’s favorite color or the color of his or her horse or pony. Note: Grooming tools not included.
SmartPak Kensington Grooming Tote in SmartPink.
–Back In The Saddle pajamas: This is for the very young child equestrian, but Back In The Saddle has some super cute pajamas. I’m a huge fan of the ones that say “Pasture bedtime.” (Get it???) They also had a set that said “Foaling to sleep” that had a foal on it which I can’t seem to find on their website anymore. They also have a selection of onesies for the horse loving infant. You can see their pajama selection for kids here.
Back In The Saddle “Pasture bedtime” pajama set.
-Equestri LifeStyle Spur Belts: Earlier this year, Equestri LifeStyle debuted their line of spur belts for teens & adults. Well, now they have spur belts the perfect size for kids! These belts have been super popular, and they came in all different colors and materials. There is something for every child to love. It’s a welcome change from many other belts out there that seem to all look the same.
Equestri LifeStyle’s is launching its new line of Spur Belts for kids on November 11. Photo Courtesy of the Equestri LifeStyle Facebook page.
– Fancy pony: And then we have the ultimate present for any child equestrian, a pony! There’s some very nice one’s on BigEq.com (my favorite site to peruse when I am avoiding doing everything else I should be doing). Sure, the price tag may be a bit much, but isn’t your barn child worth it?
Maddie Schaefer & Armani at the Capital Challenge. Photo copyright Shawn McMillen Photography
I already announced the results on my Twitter page, but I am making a post here for those of you that may have missed it.
I would like to thank everyone who participated. We had over 700 entries which is a huge record for any giveaway we have ever done.
The winners were picked randomly through the Rafflecopter site.
Additionally, because I reached 1k fans on my Facebook page while the giveaway was ongoing, I decided to draw a third winner. A total of three people will be receiving custom Ogilvy baby pads!
The winners are:
I have tagged each of you on Twitter, so please go check your @ replies! Please email me at jess@thelegalequestrian.com to claim your pad, and then we can talk about what kind of design you would like.
Winners have three days to claim their pad. If you do not claim your pad within that time, I will draw another winner randomly.
Thank you all again for participating! It was a ton of fun, and don’t worry – I’ll be having more giveaways in the near future.
Also, check out the newest segment I will be doing on my blog: Weekly Q&A!
the legal equestrian 