I tend to (OK, I always INTEND to) do my Christmas shopping earlier rather than later. By the time the semester wraps up and I'm actually near a mall (holy cow, I never see those anymore. The nearest one is over an hour in any direction) it's almost mid-December and I, being a barn bum, I generally tend to avoid overcrowded, stressed-out shopping mall situations. I do shop online sometimes, but I really do enjoy personally picking out gifts and making a little stash in my closet to wrap. Yes, I'm odd. This is a given.
Christmas is usually the time where I ask for the things I really need: a gift card or credit to Lamell Lumber so I can buy bagged shavings (yes, I really did that one year), new muck boots, etc. I hate making up my own Christmas list, but I adore making ones for others, especially for my four-legged friends.
Granted, many of these things are more useful to me, and more for me, than for the horses/cats/pooches in my life, but hey, it's not all about me. This is my modest holiday list for Miss Stella this year:
Smartpak Plymouth Elite Dressage Bridle
It's middle-of-the-line "My First Real Bridle" bridle, but a nice quality and very simple. I didn't want a crank noseband (I don't like them: I don't need brute leverage to keep my bridle snug), and I debated about a flash and decided against one. I always had a flash with Ernie because he used to open his mouth to evade the bit (old habits die hard...) but Stella doesn't. I've heard of dressage experts saying flashes are important and necessary to "keep the bit in a more secure position"...I call BS on this. No no flash for me.
Baker Stable sheet: these things are indestructible and make great (and easily washable!) blanket liners. I have one that was Ernie's in the tartan plaid, embroidered with his show name, "Jam Session". I put it on Stella one night, admired the color on her (tartan plaid looks damn good on red chestnut horses) and then promptly decided another horse would never wear it, including her. She has inherited some of Ernie's other winter blankets, since she has now outgrown her size 72" (sigh...who thought she'd actually grow?) but this one holds too much meaning to be handed down. I think she needs her own.
Flying Change Beaded Browband in Antique Black and Blue
I have never been a bling type of girl. Then again, I've never owned a mare, either. I don't like gaudy or flashy or showy but I'm not opposed to making a statement. Originally I was thinking a nice iced pink, something very light but very feminine. Stella just doesn't fit that girly of a personality type. I really like blue against her coat, and I love the detailing in this browband. I'd have to see it on her to make sure it doesn't overpower her delicate head, but hey, Smartpak has free return shipping if I change my mind!
Dansko Professional Clog in Hickory Cabrio
I've heard totally amazing and wonderful things about these shoes. I've wanted a pair for a long time and this Christmas may be when I break down and buy myself one. It would certainly be the most expensive non-riding footwear I'll have purchased up to this point in my life (no $600 Prada boots or stilettos for this girl) but they'll probably be some of the most comfortable.
I could probably go on forever. I know all of you are probably like me, and secretly hoard Smartpak and Dover Saddlery catalogs with dog-eared pages and dozens of circled items you wish your paycheck was big enough to afford. Hey, as long as you don't get caught up in wishing too much, a little indulging never hurt, right?
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