The Good HorsePerson: Horse Clothing

Monday, January 28, 2008

Horse Blankets & Sheets Are On Sale!

Hello Good HorsePeople!

It's finally late January and horse blanket prices are low, low, low. Now is the time to buy for the best price and selection. Check out
http://www.adamshorsesupply.com/ for great buys on Amigo blankets and sheets (such cute colors!)
http://www.doversaddlery.com/ and http://www.statelinetack.com/ have blanket sales going on as well.

Are you searching for the perfect fit? If you have a narrow shouldered horse (stand directly front of him and compare to other horses to get an idea) try the Weatherbeeta Landa line - this line fits most narrow-shouldered thorougbreds like a glove. Google "Weatherbeeta Landa Sale" brings some appealing results right now.

If you horse is broad or well-muscled, the Rambo-type fit is probably your best choice. Check out Rhino and Amigo brands - same great fit with slightly less hardy materials, but also a fraction of the price.

Once you find a brand/model that fits your horse, sell those old ill-fitting blankets online - it's easy and there are lots of buyers looking for a cheap used blanket. Go local - try http://www.craigslist.com/ - you'd be surprised how many horsepeople are trolling there! If you're in Virginia (or even if you're not - ship it!) try http://www.virginiaequestrian.com/ for really effective and FREE classifieds.

Happy Blanket Shopping!

Who is The Good HorsePerson?

The Good HorsePerson is the blog of dressage trainer and instructor Amanda Chambers. Amanda has been teaching and training in dressage and basic horsemanship for over a decade. Amanda earned her USDF Bronze and Silver Medals riding her Appendix Quarter Horse Gotta Love Me, who she trained and rode to multiple regional award wins, including USDF Regional Reserve Champion at Fourth Level, the Bayer/USET Festival of Champions FEI YR Individual Medal and USDF Regional Jr/YR Champion at Intermediare I. Today, Gotta Love Me is still going strong at age 21, competing successfully at Third Level with his amateur owner.

In 2002, Amanda rode the Holsteiner gelding Lombado to wins at both the CBLM and USDF Regional Championships at Second Level. Amanda was also Reserve Champion at Second Level with the Holsteiner mare Izabelle.

From 2004 to 2007, Amanda rode the Thoroughbred gelding Grande Finale (trained by USEF "S" judge Elizabeth Madlener) to year-end high score awards at 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Levels. In 2006, Amanda and Grande Finale were Virginia State Champions at 3rd Level and in '07 they were Reserve State Champions at 4th Level. Also in 2007, Amanda rode two other Thoroughbreds who placed in year-end awards at Training and First Level, including Parker's Way, who scored up to 69% at 1st Level and 1st Level Freestyle including a win at First Level, Test 4 in a 15 horse class at a licensed PVDA show. A junior student of Amanda's was Reserve Champion at year end awards at Training Level riding Thoroughbred gelding Alchemist.

In 2008, Amanda rode the Thoroughbred mare Star Style to seven wins at Training and First Level, including High Score of a licensed PVDA show with 73%.

In 2009, Amanda rode the Trakehner gelding Golden Hour (by Happy Hour) owned by Fred & Debbie Ellis and trained by Elizabeth Madlener. Golden Hour won 9 Training Level Open Classes with a high score of 78% and placed 3rd nationally for Trakehners at Training Level.

Amanda holds a B.A. in English Literature from Franklin & Marshall College. When she is not riding, teaching or competing in dressage, she works as a marketing manager and does freelance writing for equestrian publications.