Braymere Custom Saddlery

Little horse on the prairie

2012-02-12T17:35:00.003-07:00

I usually ride Trillium once or twice a week, but lately life hasn't been cooperating. Between sick kids and the weather, nearly two weeks have passed since my last trip to Big Iron Ranch. I was lamenting that fact this morning, and Seth surprised me by offering to accompany me on a pony visit.

Trillium lives out on on the prairie some twenty miles east of Denver. It's a sparsely populated area, and the snow and cold made the drive seem extra desolate today.

Usually this is a mountain view.

Brrr.

Seth is not a horseman. When I met him, he'd never even sat on a horse. I rectified that situation a long time ago, but he's still not one hundred percent comfortable around them. Today I think he would have been just as happy to have visited the horses from the other side of the fence.

Still, he's been paying for Trilli's hay for the last five months. I figured a more personal introduction was required.

I had just enough time to snap a few photos...

before Samson got a bit too pushy for Seth's comfort.

I lingered a bit, enjoying Trillium's company.

Eventually, however, I was as frozen as the water in Trilli's trough.

The National Weather Service is predicting a cold and snowy week so I'm not sure when I'll be able to ride Trillium again. That's ok. Today's pony visit did me a world of good. Sometimes hanging out with her is enough. She's that kind of pony.

Slowly but surely...

2012-02-11T16:10:00.000-07:00

those piles of straps and buckles are turning into harnesses.

I love it when a plan comes together!

Hobby Lobby

2012-02-10T15:40:00.001-07:00

Ryan has been sick.

I made him go to school on Wednesday because I'm mean like that. His condition did not improve, so yesterday I let him stay home. That was a good decision. He spent the entire day wrapped up in a blanket on the couch.

This morning he woke up congested and coughing so I kept him home again. That turned out to be a mistake. By midday he was bright eyed and full of energy. I probably should have driven him to school, but instead I took him to Hobby Lobby.

I had three items on my shopping list and a forty percent off coupon in my pocket.

Although I'm not usually much of a shopper, I can spend hours at Hobby Lobby.

Temptation is everywhere...

and nearly every aisle contains something that might be useful to me in my hobby endeavors.

It doesn't matter that I have all the model sized rope halters I will ever need, if I bought this floss I could make more!

Ryan is not a tackmaker, but he also had no problem finding things to covet.

Keep dreaming, kiddo!

Sadly for both of us, the Buxton family budget is pretty tight these days. I was forced to limit our purchases to just the three items on my list, the first of which was glue.

Ryan was dazzled by the wide variety of glues for sale...

but I had eyes for only one kind--Aleene's Super Thick Tacky Glue.

Next on our list was Testor's Dull-Cote. Or perhaps I should say, the item formerly known as Testor's Dull cote. The new label reads Spray Laquer Clear Coat.

Last but not least, we headed over to the K&S metal display...

where I selected a new sheet of thin tin. This is what I use to make buckle rollers.

I'm pretty proud of us for resisting temptation and only buying the things we needed. Still, part of me wishes I had bent the rules just a little bit and bought these pink bead scoops.

Because, you know, the littlest one would make a perfect feed scoop for the model sized stable that I'm going to build myself someday...

Slow middles

2012-02-09T16:49:00.001-07:00

At first glance, today's studio photo doesn't look substantially different from the photo I featured Monday.

A peek inside those baggies, however, reveals slow but substantial progress.

Woo hoo! They're beginning to look like harnesses!

The problem ponies

2012-02-08T14:54:00.001-07:00

Yesterday's post got me wondering--exactly how many project ponies do I have? With camera in the other, I set out to conduct an inventory.

It took a while but the results are in and it's not pretty. Counting the new arrival, I have identified no less than fourteen problem ponies lurking on my shelves.

In truth, it isn't fair to label some of these problem ponies. The only problem Roundapony has is that I'm afraid to paint him.

Cerridwen is another innocent. She still needs a bit of prepwork, but otherwise this lovely girl is ready for paint.

The unpainted Otto was supposed to leave after I bought Dagobert. That was more than a year ago. I have no idea why this one is still on my shelf.

These two fall into the good intentions category. Both remain relatively intact, but you know me--I have big plans.

I bought this Bally Cor resin several years ago. She was described as a traditional sized Connemara pony, but she's as big as most of my traditional scale horses. I like my ponies pony sized, so I set out to make her something else. I reset her head and neck and added feathers to her feet. I think I was going for a Welsh Cob or Gypsy Cob or something along those lines. I can't really remember. It's been a long time. I think I never really forgave her for being so large.

Little Experiment has been featured on my blog several times. I've been working on him on and off for more than a year. I'm not sure he'll ever be finished, but unlike Bally Cor, he looks a lot better now than he did when I bought him!

You would think I have enough unfinished project ponies of my own that I wouldn't need to buy someone else's, right? Well... not so much! This BHR draft was started by Melanie Miller. She removed the original mane and tail and began his transformation into a Norwegian Fjord. I reduced the size of his feet and resculpted his face to look a bit more ponyish. He could still use some help in that department, though. Sigh.

This is the China version of Karen Gerhardt's Streetwise resin. He needs a new tail and a base, but otherwise he's in good shape. Back when I thought he might get finished, I'd envisioned him as a leopard Appaloosa POA.

To be technical, I have three AA ponies that need paint, but the Dartmoor is hanging out with Tiffany in Illinois so he doesn't get counted! The Welsh Cob looks pretty rough, but mostly she just needs to be stripped and to get a peg in one foot. I hope to eventually have her painted as a Trillium portrait. The other one is probably the biggest problem pony of them all. I bought him for $50 knowing that he had one broken leg. Unfortunately, he arrived with two broken legs, broken ears and broken mane tips. I fixed most of that, but then the leg broke again. Last summer I bought Jane's Dunkirk Leeds, so my motivation to attempt another repair is pretty minimal.

Last and probably least are these two old customs. The one on the left is a Classic Andalusian stallion. I remade it into a hunter pony mare for a customizing contest on Model Horse Blab. I think it goes without saying that I didn't win! Ha! Actually, she's not that bad. She probably wasn't even the worst in the contest. The other one is a gaming pony customized from the troping Quarter horse mare. Way back when that mold was new, I got several orders for tack to fit it. I bought one to use fitting, but I hated the way she looked on my shelf. I decided to customize her into something I liked better, being sure to leave all the important head and body proportions the same. This is what I came up with. I actually think she's kind of cute!

So, there they are--the Problem Ponies of Braymere Custom Pony Sanctuary where there's always room for at least one more!

The pony problem

2012-02-07T16:09:00.005-07:00

When I was nine years old, my mother decided that I had too many Breyer horses. In an attempt to control further herd expansion, she announced that she no longer finance my addiction. If I wanted a new pony, I'd have to buy it with my own money--no exceptions.

Fortunately she didn't harbor the same animosity towards my horse book collection. Even though my bookcase was overflowing, I had no trouble persuading her to buy most of the horsey titles featured in the Scholastic flyers we brought home from school. As a result, I have a pretty extensive library of horse themed literature from the late 1970's and early 1980's.

One of my favorite Scholastic titles was The Pony Problem by Barbara Holland.

This is an odd little book about a girl who wins a pony in a magazine contest. Much to her neighbors' dismay, the girl tries to keep the pony in her suburban backyard. This works (sort of) for a little while, but eventually the girl and her family come together to find a better long term solution. It involves moving into a house without plumbling, but hey, at least she gets to keep the pony!

Like the book's protagonist, I, too, have a pony problem.

I am powerless to resist the lure of a project pony.

I did not need to rescue this battered Wild Heather resin from MH$P. I have so many model ponies, and half of them are unpainted. It's unlikely that I will ever find the time to finish them all. There is no excuse for this. Except...

Just look at that cranky pony face! She is totally adorable and there was no way I could pass her up. And besides, model horses are easy keepers. No one will be forced to forego plumbing on her account!

Slow beginnings

2012-02-06T17:11:00.002-07:00

This week in the studio I am working on two harnesses. So far I've dyed some leather, prepared several yards of lace, added tongues and rollers to a couple dozen buckles and cut and detailed the collar pieces. I have at least fifteen hours worth of work invested in this project, but you wouldn't know from looking at my work desk...

Yep, those two little baggies are all I have to show for my efforts!

The early stages of harness making are so slow. Hopefully by this time tomorrow, I will actually have something that looks vaguely harness like. That's not too much to ask, right?

Sledding

2012-02-05T17:09:00.006-07:00

Here's something most people don't know about Colorado--we may get a lot of snow, but it doesn't last very long. Today the sun came out and all that snow began to melt. We decided that we'd better not wait even one more day before visiting our favorite neighborhood sledding hill.

We had a great time sledding,

sliding,

and wiping out.

All of which reminds me--there is another type of sledding that I would absolutely love to try, and wouldn't you know, it involves a horse!

All you need is a little bit of snow, a reliable horse, a lunge line...

and a sled.

Squee! Doesn't this look like fun? I wonder if Trillium would be amenable?

It would also make a most excellent Other Performance set up. I can totally picture Emma rocking the performance ring with a ~~horse~~ mule sledding entry!

Many thanks to Dom who writes the excellent A Collection of Madcap Adventures blog for allowing me to use her photos. Be sure to check out the horse sledding post for more pictures of this super fun winter event!

Special delivery

2012-02-04T13:54:00.001-07:00

The Denver area was hit by a huge winter storm yesterday that buried us under a foot and a half of snow.

The city doesn't have the manpower or funds to plow small residential streets like mine, and road conditions were bad enough that most people were happy to stay home anyway. Most people--but not my mail carrier! I can't tell you how happy I was to see him come slipping and sliding down the road today.

That's because, once again, I knew he was bringing me something special!

This is Raconteur. He is a Brigitte Eberl Spago resin painted by Sheryl Liesure.

This same sculpture was also used to create the Peter Stone Half Passing Warmblood. That's a model I've always wanted to add to my herd, so this guy is a very welcome addition.

And you know, I actually think I like the resin better. He seems a bit more finished somehow, especially in the hind end!

The snow has finally stopped and the sun is peeping through the clouds. With any luck, the roads will be just fine tomorrow. For now, I'm perfectly content to stay home and admire my new pony!

Friday Favorites

2012-02-03T06:50:00.001-07:00

Today I am delighted to share the most outstanding group of model horse photos that I have ever seen.

Everything about these pictures is first rate--the sculptures, the finishwork, the setting, the photography... It's nothing short of stunning!

The horses are Brigitte Eberl's Cobra mare resins. They were brought to life by the Dutch artist, Josine Vingerling and are owned by Anne Hudson of Arizona.

Anne writes: I was so excited that Josine agreed to paint them. I knew I wanted them to be various shades of grey, and I knew I wanted them to be painted by the same artist so they would look more like a family of mares. I had a feeling they would be special, but Josine made them beyond beautiful, and exceeded my expectations.

The photographs were taken by Josine, who is as talented behind the camera as she is with a paintbrush.

To see more of Josine's work, be sure to visit her website. She does accept occasional commissions, which are announced on her Yahoo! group.

Thanks to Anne and Josine for allowing me to share these amazing photos!

Tear down day

2012-02-01T14:55:00.000-07:00

Today was an interesting studio day in that I spent as much time taking tack apart as I did putting it together. The first item on my tear down list was this Kathy Wiggins Spanish bridle.

Now this was an absolutely beautiful piece that I would have been happy to call my own. Unfortunately, it was also an impractical piece in that no matter how many times it was treated with leather sealer, it continued to leave black smudges on everything it touched.

Although it pained me to do so, I ended up dismantling the entire bridle. I was able to reuse the hardware and browband fringe, but all the straps are brand spanking new. As best as I could, I tried to match the original bridle's measurements and proportions. Hopefully, the new bridle will look match the rest of the tack set as well as the old one did!

Project number two was Regan's Bargain Barn dressage saddle which had a broken stirrup bar. I'm not one hundred percent certain, but I believe this saddle is an older piece by Jana Skybova. While it's not as spectacular as her current work, it's still a nice saddle and worthy of repair.

I started by carefully picking off the skirts. This exposed both the damaged area (left side) and allowed me to view the original construction (right side).

Since Regan gave me the broken stirrup bar, I could have simply glued everything back into place and called it good. However, I'm never one to do things the easy way! Instead, I chose to replace both of the photo etched stirrup bars with jump rings. I did this because I find the stirrup leathers slide better over the a round stirrup bar than a squared off one. Eliminating even a little bit of friction will help the repair to hold up long term.

To anchor the stirrup bars more firmly into place, I covered them with a small skiver patch.

Next, I carefully skived the old glue off the backside of the skirt pieces. While I was at it, I also thinned the top edges, to give the saddle seat a smoother top.

Once that was done, I glued the skirts back into place and voila--this saddle is as good as new!

I always feel a bit honored when customers trust me to repair their show tack. Kathy Wiggins and Jana Skybova are among the hobby's best tackmakers, and it was a privilege to have their work in my studio even if I was tearing it up!

Bit check

2012-01-31T16:08:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start by outing myself and admitting that I've written this post before. Still, I see a fair amount of "bit check" entries in the model show ring, so perhaps someone will find these photos useful.

While the contestants in the Versatility Ranch Horse Competition at the National Western Stock Show were waiting for their cutting scores, they were asked to come to the judges' trucks for a bit check.

The riders dismounted,

unbridled their horses,

and showed the bridle to the judges.

After that was done, the riders rebridled their mounts and continued waiting for their scores.

I still don't love, love, love bit check entries. The bit check isn't a judged part of any event, and as far as I'm concerned, there really isn't a lot of performance to evaluate. However, there are a lot of judges who feel differently, and this is a one way to slide a standing model into an action oriented class.

First saddle of 2012

2012-01-30T16:50:00.001-07:00

Alicia's side saddle set is finally finished!

I tried to take photos on the horse, but I was too tired to get the lighting right. Oh well, it looks just as nice on the saddle stand!

This outside the flap billet arrangement is fairly unusual in the real horse world, but it has a lot of advantages for the model horse performance shower. It's much easier to put on and take off, and the billets hold the flap neatly against the horse's side.

This is my third side saddle, and without a doubt, this one has the best panels. These aren't terribly visible when the saddle is in use, but I always like to get the hidden parts right.

One saddle down, a whole bunch more to go!

Quiver at NAN

2012-01-29T15:47:00.001-07:00

Quiver is new to me, but he's not new to the model show ring. Tiffany created him in 2010 and took him to that year's NAN in Lexington, Kentucky. Not surprisingly, he did quite well there, winning Reserve Championship honors in the Artist Resin/Custom Other Performance class with this spectacular bull fighting entry.

Photo by NAMHSA

He was also Top Ten in Artist Resin/Custom Dressage Second Level and Above.

Photo by Tiffany Purdy, used without permission

Now I can't be certain, but I'm assuming that's my tack in the second photo. Tiffany has two separate traditional sized BCS dressage sets. One has gold hardware, the other silver. That's the mark of a true tack addict, folks!

Quivering with anticipation

2012-01-28T15:30:00.001-07:00

If you were to ask me how I spent my morning, I would probably say that today started where yesterday left off--with me locked inside my studio.

Most of that time was productive. I finished the side saddle, made and attached the sandwich case and prepared the girth buckles. I might have even built the girths themselves, but I was slightly distracted by the view outside my window.

Just as a watched pot never boils, a watched mailbox guarantees a later than usual delivery. Normally the mailman delivers between eleven and noon on Saturdays. Today it was nearly one before he arrived. I held my breath as the he exited his vehicle and walked around to the back. All I could think was, "Please let my Purdy horse be in there!"

Woo hoo!!!

Nothing says Purdy like pink fleece wrapping!

And here he is!

This is Quiver. He is a Breyer Salinero customized into a buckskin Lusitano stallion by Tiffany Purdy.

Who would have guessed that I would be even more distracted now that Quiver is here? I know I should get back to work but, just look at that face! Swoon!

And the double braided mane is a double swoon!

Thank you so much Kellye (and Tiffany, too). I love my brand new distraction!

House arrest

2012-01-27T17:56:00.003-07:00

I've spent the last day and a half locked in the studio. My desk is a mess, and I am exhausted.

Fortunately, the end is in sight--Alicia's side saddle is nearly finished!

Ranch horses

2012-01-25T10:01:00.002-07:00

Today's pictures were taken during the Ranch Horse Conformation class and the Overall awards ceremony for the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse Competition at the 2012 National Western Stock Show. This was a double judged event, and as best as possible I've tried to record how each horse finished under both judges. Placings reflect the overall competition, not the halter class. Hopefully this will readers will find these photos as educational as I have!

As mentioned in a previous post, this chestnut mare was the big winner of the day finishing first under both judges. I believe--but am not certain--that she also claimed the top spot in one section of the Ranch Horse Conformation class.

This bay mare was another standout, placing second under the first judge and was fourth under the second.

Some horses look much better under saddle than they do on the line. Although I don't care for this mare's neck and shoulders, they certainly didn't hurt her performance. She placed third and second in the Overall standings.

The sweet faced chestnut was fourth and eighth.

I'm a sucker for a pretty horse and this one is really pretty. She was first and second in the Ranch Horse Conformation class and fifth and third in the Overall.

I liked this one, too. He's just so darn cute! The judges placed him sixth and fifth.

The bay roan finished seventh under both judges.

Beyond seventh place, my notes get a bit sketchy. I know the second judge placed the chestnut roan sixth, but I failed to record how he did under the first.

Similarly, I have no idea how the grey...

or this bay finished up. Sorry!

These aren't the kind of horses you would see in a regular AQHA halter class. In my opinion, they're so much better. Hobby sculptors are welcome to save these photos for their own reference. Both the real world and the model horse hobby needs more horses like these!

Oh hold

2012-01-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

I have four separate large orders that are currently on hold. I'm waiting for reference photos for the draft horse tack, supplies for the circus harness, a body to work on for the marathon harness and a decision on the side saddle.

That's a lot of waiting.

To pass the time, I've started painting another foxhound.

I chose a really complicated color for the first hound so this time I decided to go to the other extreme.

She's neither as dark nor as finished as she appears in the photos, and sadly, I just ran out of Dull-Cote so now she's on hold, too!

Saddle training

2012-01-23T16:34:00.003-07:00

The Christmas rats are getting bigger and braver every day, and Ryan has started bringing them to my studio for visits.

Naturally this means we've begun introducing them to tack. This is Ryan giving Holly a pre-ride pep talk.

Here is he showing her the saddle. She looks a bit anxious, doesn't she?

We chose to use the bronc saddle for the first ride.

It seemed like the most appropriate choice, plus the flank cinch makes a nice rat crupper!

Holly didn't seem to mind the saddle much...

but she did take exception to the Ott Light.

And I took exception to the "presents" she left on my work desk!

She's no Basil, but I'm confident that with time and patience Holly will be a fine saddle rat. Maybe she'll even give Versatility Ranch Horse a try!

Ranch horse tack

2012-01-22T11:01:00.001-07:00

Tack requirements for the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse division call for clean working tack without excessive silver. All of the horses showing in this event at the National Western Stock show wore a double rigged Western saddle with a breastplate, protective leg gear and a Western bridle with curb bit.

A few of the riders used Wade type saddles...

but the majority opted for a modern type competition saddle.

Although silver plates were conspicuously absent, not all these saddles were "plain."

A few were lighter in color...

but most sported a darker, lived in shade.

Bridles showed a bit more variation, ranging from basic...

to rawhide decorated...

to silver trimmed!

Both one ear and browband styles were well represented, and contestants were similarly split in their choice of reins. Roughly half the class used split reins...

while the rest chose romals, both with...

and without rein chains.

Although I don't have photographic evidence of this fact, it's worth mentioning that horses five years and under are permitted to show with a bosal or snaffle.

AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse

2012-01-21T10:28:00.001-07:00

The American Quarter Horse Association's Versatility Ranch Horse Competition is a five class event that evaluates a horse and rider's ability to master the wide variety of skills used on a working cattle ranch. This division is open to horses shown by their recorded owner or an immediate family member, or horses shown by a full-time employee and/or children of the ranch which owns the horse.

The first of the five classes is Working Ranch Horse. This class tests the horse's ability to rein, handle cattle and put its rider in the position to rope and stop a cow. The class is judged in three sections--reining, cow work and roping--with scores from each section added together for the final score. Contestants perform individually and are allotted a maximum of six minutes to complete the class.

The class opens with each horse performing one of two approved reining patterns. Maneuvers include circles in both directions, changes of lead, at least one 360-degree turn in each direction, a rollback in each direction, and stop and back.

Upon completion of the reining pattern, a cow is released into the arena. The contestant must demonstrate the horse's ability to control the cow, first by holding it at the end of the ring, then by taking it down the fence line, making at least one turn in each direction.

The last part of the class is roping. Once the horse has finished working the cow, the rider must rope the cow and bring it to a stop. The horse is judged on his ability to trail, rate and stop the cow. There is to be no dragging and the exhibitor is allowed only two throws.

The second class is Ranch Riding. This is essentially a Western Pleasure class with the horses shown on the rail at three gaits--walk, trot and lope--in both directions of the arena.

The horses also will be asked to stop and back.

Peanut rollers are not rewarded here. Credit is given for traveling with the head held in a normal position, and horses are required to move at a natural speed for the requested gait.

The Ranch Trail Class requires a minimum of six obstacles, and courses will include all three gaits--walk, jog and lope--between obstacles.

There are three mandatory obstacles in a Ranch Trail class. The first is opening, passing through and closing a gate. The second is dragging a log either in a straight line or around a set pattern. The third mandatory obstacle requires the horse to remain quiet while the rider dismounts, removes the bit completely from the horse's mouth and rebridles, and then picks up all four of the horse's feet.

Optional obstacles may include crossing a bridge or water hazard, negotiating ground poles, walking through panels or being hobbled or ground tied.

Ranch Cutting is the last ridden class in the Versatility Ranch Horse schedule. Contestants are required to enter the herd and cut out a specific numbered cow.

They must then demonstrate their ability to work both that cow...

and a second un-numbered cow. Contestants have two minutes to work their required two cattle. Unlike many cutting classes, riders are not penalized for reining their horses, and romal reins are perfectly legal.

Ranch Conformation is held at the very end of the day when everyone is tired and sweaty.

Each horse is shown individually at the walk and trot before being stood up for individual inspection. Judges are looking for a balanced, structurally correct horse with good movement, adequate muscling and appropriate breed and gender characteristics. Silver trimmed halters are prohibited.

This mare was the winner of both sections of the AQHA Ranch Horse Classic
at the 2012 National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado

All of today's pictures were taken at the AQHA Ranch Horse Classic held at this year's National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. More information about the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse Competition can be found here. There is also a Versatility Ranch Horse Association that sponsors events open to all breeds.

Bargain Barn--Marissa's models

2012-01-20T17:44:00.004-07:00

The newest members of the Bargain Barn belong to Marissa Helling. She writes: I'm pretty frugal and I dont like getting overpriced horse. Haha. In fact I don't even like if I get a horse at a normal price. Hahaha. So I thought I would share a few of my bargain barn horses.

The rainbow pony, well, I don't know if you would actually want to think of him as a bargain, but technically he is. I painted him in the free stablemate painting area at Breyerfest two years ago. I really just showe him for comic relief. I never expect him to win anything, but he sure did suprise me with this one! He beat out two other great horses in this class! So I would call him a bargain.

The grey performance model is Smokey. I got him for free from a friend, and I bought his tack in a set that was only $6 at Tuesday Morning! Then I won his splint boots in a raffle at a show i went to. This set has worked out perfectly.

The third pony is Honey Dew. She's a Galatea resin by Kristina Lucas-Francis, and she is my pride and joy. I bought her at Breyerfest last year for $55 and NAN'd at her second show. I'm so proud of her. But she does need a little fixing up because she has a teeny rub on her side. I expect big things from her when I fix that up!

Thank you so much for sharing your horses, Marissa. What a perfect reminder that winners can come from just about anywhere! If you would like to see one of your Bargain Barn horses featured here, please send photos and information to braymere@comcast.net.

That and this

2012-01-19T17:21:00.002-07:00

Alicia's double bridle is finished. This is going to be paired with a sidesaddle--hence the flat nose and browbands.

Thanks to everyone who has inquired about ordering tack. My schedule is completely filled for the next several months. As always, I will post here first when I have new openings.

In the meantime, here's a bridle I made in 2010 for the MEPSA Tackmaking Contest. It's currently for sale on eBay. All proceeds will go to benefit one of the model horse hobby's very best clubs.

That's all I have time for today. That sidesaddle won't make itself, you know!

Bareback jumping, not puissance

2012-01-18T14:51:00.002-07:00

I learned to ride at Eaton Canyon Riding Club in Pasadena, California. ECRC in the early 1980's was a slightly rundown but still thriving public boarding stable. It had an active lesson program, and several times a year the trainers organized schooling shows for boarders and students. I loved those shows.

Because I didn't have my own horse, I had to borrow a school horse. Usually this meant I only got to ride in a class or two. That was better than nothing, of course, but I longed to be one of the kids who rode in every single class.

Finally, in June 1983, I got my chance. I was taking care of Cinnamon that year, and I couldn't resist entering her in every single possible class at the early summer schooling show. One of those classes was Bareback Jumping, an event for which neither of us was prepared. I'd like to say that we surprised every one with a clear round, but that was not the case. In fact, I think this might have been the only jump we negotiated safely before calling it quits!

And that is the closest I will probably ever get to Bareback Puissance!

P.S. Today is my birthday!

Saddlefree performance, jumper style!

2012-01-17T10:01:00.001-07:00

If your taste in performance horses runs more towards high powered sport types rather than placid drafters, here is a saddlefree event for you--Bareback Puissance.

It seems as though a Bareback Puissance photo comes across my Facebook feed at least once a week. That's no surprise really. Most of my friends are horse people, and it's hard not to be impressed by anyone who can tackle a six foot (or higher) fence without a saddle.

I have not actually seen Bareback Puissance in person, so all of today's pictures come from Facebook and Google. Here is a link to a really cute story about one Bareback Puissance class.

I do have the right dolls and models for this, but alas, the puissance wall eludes me. Since I do not plan on building one any time soon, I hope someone else will take this idea and run with it. I'd love to see Bareback Puissance on the table at this year's NAN!

Saddlefree performance

2012-01-16T16:55:00.000-07:00

How many times have you heard this: "I'd like to show performance, but I can't afford those expensive saddles."

It's true that tack can be pricey, but there are a lot of set-ups that require very little in the way of tack. Here's one of them.

I took these pictures a few days ago at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. This Belgian is working hard in the Souvenir Picture booth, and his only tack is a plain nylon stable halter.

At the bare minimum, this set up requires a standing horse (draft horses or ponies are best) and a "stall" of sorts, preferably with a sign. If you're a bit more ambitious, you could add a handler and "rider" doll.

Or... you can be really inventive and add a step ladder. After all, it's hard for such a little guy to climb up on such a big horse.

Which reminds me, I do have a ladder in my prop box... and a nice standing Belgian in my showstring! Hmmmm... I think I have a halter making session in my future!

How to make three tiered tassels, part two

2012-01-15T12:01:00.035-07:00

Without further ado, here's the conclusion to yesterday's Three Tiered Tassel tutorial!

Three Tiered Tassels, Part Two

by Terri Wright

Step 8: Garnish with desired Beads.

Step 9: Repeat about 35 times for Collar and 48 times for Costume. (Yes, that is around 250 tassels!)

Step 10: Sew onto collar/costume equal lengths apart – use ruler for this one. I usually go about 4-5 mm apart. Don’t pull on the sets of tassels as it will cause them to stretch, and some will become too long.

Step 11: Gently brush out the tassels so they sit evenly, making sure to tie up any loose ends of the tassel ties so they do not come apart.

Step 12: Taking a small container of water and your eyebrow brush, dip the brush in the water and gently comb the tassels, making sure to wet each of them to keep them together, and help with placement. If one strand is still too short, gently pull on the bottom tassel to even it up, but be careful not to tug too hard and ruin the set. Generally, try to avoid pulling on them, it will cause the knots to tighten and the strand to stretch, coming out of place.

My tassels aren’t perfect, and I’ll be the first to admit it. I don’t like the way they aren’t perfectly even, but I usually tell myself the reason is because the surface they hang on is not even. A horse has shape to it, which affects the way they hang. So if you aren’t happy with your style, perfect it and practice it until you become more satisfied.

Tada! You can then proceed with the finishing elements of costume making!

Here are several references that can direct you in costume making from the beginning to end:

Jennifer Wilson’s Model horse Arabian costume making book

Keriokie Pattern book

Melody Snow’s kit

And a couple other links to help you get started:
Jennifer Baker Wilson's tassel tutorial (you must be a paid member of Blab to read)
Abby Marston's braiding tutorial
Abby Marston's cowrie shell tutorial

If you've enjoyed this series, please let Terri know by leaving a comment. She's open to writing other Arabian costume tutorials in the future, so topic suggestions are also appreciated!

How to make three tiered tassels, part one

2012-01-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I get a request for an Arabian costume tutorial. I find those somewhat puzzling, since I've only completed one Arabian costume in my entire tackmaking career. Perhaps people are confusing me with another Jennifer?

In any event, today I am really pleased to present an Arabian costume tutorial that was written by someone else. Please join me in thanking Canadian costume maker Terri Wright for sharing her methods!

Three Tiered Tassels

by Terri Wright

This tutorial will cover the assembly of three tier tassels. It will not cover creation of tassels, or the braiding of collars. The assembly of the first tassel set determines the length of the remaining tassel sets. For every tack maker, this will be different lengths. This particular method may not be easy or efficient for some people. It is the way I developed in making tassels, and I encourage you to find a way that works for you!

Materials

-36 tassels of colour a

-36 tassels of colour b

-36 tassels of colour c

(Or 84 of each for a whole costume ~250 together) All trimmed to the Exact same length

-Fine beading needle (Not flexible)

-Colour coordinating beads in 11 or 13 size

-1 Skein of DMC Cotton floss, same colour as Collar

-Pair of small pliers

-Small container of water

-eyebrow brush

-ruler in Metric (cm/mm)

-pencil

-Embroidery scissors

Using the steps below I first assemble a length chart to keep all the strands/sets the same length. I mark the first one on a ruler that allows me to make pencil marks on it, marking at the bottom and top of each tassel, and also at the tie. This keeps them within a few mm of the same length, and prevents any major differences.

Step 1: Start by taking your floss and cutting it into 10”/22.5cm lengths. Split it into 6 fine threads.

Step 2: Take 1 thread and thread through the first tassel that you want to be on the bottom tier. Make sure the ends are even and tie a simple knot to hold the tassel in place.

Step 3: Pull Threads together, keeping the tassel straight and even so it will sit nicely.

Step 4: Thread the needle onto both strings, and grab the next colour tassel you want to use. Thread the needle into the exact centre of the second tassel, trying to avoid catching any tassel threads. If it gets stuck, use the pliers to gently pull the needle out.

Step 5: Pull the Tassel down towards the first tassel, making sure to gently pull the tassel threads out, so they don’t get looped back into the top of the tassel.

On the first set of tassels, Eyeball it to a length/distance away from the first that you feel comfortable, it should sit 1-2 mm above the first one.

For following sets, grab the ruler you have marked and measure it until it is the desired length.

Step 6: Loop the needle through the head of the tassel and again through the floss to secure the tassel in place. This is optional, but helps to keep the tassel from moving around. You can use glue as an alternative to knotting.

Step 7: Repeat Steps 4-6 using the third colour tassel you wish to use, making sure to use the ruler to ensure accurate and identical lengths. It won’t be 100% perfect but it will be within a few millimetres.

The three tassels should look as follows:

And that's it for today. Be sure to check back tomorrow for the second part of this tutorial!

My day at the Stock Show

2012-01-13T18:07:00.006-07:00

Today I made my annual pilgrimage to the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado.

I try to watch a new event every year, and this year's choice was the AQHA Ranch Horse Classic. Unfortunately, after getting my kids off to school, battling rush hour traffic, parking near the Wyoming border and standing in the world's slowest ticket line, I missed the Ranch Riding and Ranch Trail classes completely. I did get to watch them pin the Trail class, though!

Ranch cutting was next.

I really enjoyed that and took lots of pictures!

Cutting was followed by Conformation.

Once that ended, I headed over to the Events Center...

to watch hunters, both over fences...

and under saddle,

equitation horses,

and jumpers.

I also found time to walk through the stables...

and the trade show.

I spied a mini Trillium at the pony ride booth...

and took lots of good reference pictures for the bay parts of Roundapony.

It's been a very long, very fun day. All Friday the thirteenths should be like this!

This and that

2012-01-12T14:41:00.002-07:00

Ann's guide dog harness is finished.

It comes with a leather collar and leash. Thanks so much to everyone who helped me fine tune the design of this particular "tack" item!

And just in case you're wondering about that piece of tin... That's my not-so-fancy new doll stand!

I hid some micro-magnets in the soles of my doll's boots, and now she stands as well as she rides.

I'm not sure how to camouflage the tin for use at a live show. As I've noted before, those magnets aren't as strong as I'd originally hoped. You really can't put much between the magnets and the metal before you lose the holding strength. Even a piece of notebook paper makes the connection iffy. Still, this is a pretty nifty way to get a doll to stand securely on her own two feet. I much prefer this look to that of a traditional doll stand.

Mid week show report

2012-01-11T16:03:00.000-07:00

Today's pictures come courtesy of Kellye Bussey and were taken during the Midwinter Night's Ball show held last weekend in Georgetown, Texas.

First up is Kellye's new custom Stage Mom/Valentine by Jennifer Read. She is shown as a 3-gaited Universal South African Boerperd in saddleseat tack by BCS. Her doll was dressed by Sheri Wirtz.

Here's another Stage Mom/Valentine custom. This one was created by Michelle DeSpiegelaere (formerly Belisle-Locke). She placed first in the Custom English Games class while wearing a tack set by me and a doll by Joan Yount.

And here she is again winning the Natural English Trail class.

Over in the OF Performance ring, Kellye's One of a Kind Stone Saddlebred by Caroline Boydston won the Saddleseat class and went on to be named Reserve Champion in the Other Performance division.

Congratulations, Kellye and thanks for the pictures! If you'd like to see more photos from the show, be sure to visit Kellye's Webshots album.

Creative riding

2012-01-10T16:35:00.004-07:00

Big Iron Ranch doesn't have an indoor ring. That didn't bother me in September. After all, I'm not really a fan of indoor rings. I figured I'd be just as happy outside riding in the snow.

Here's what I forgot--it's not the snow that causes problems...

it's the mud.

And the mud is everywhere.

The roping arena and round pens are completely under water

The field where I usually ride is better, but there are still some slick spots.

Trillium is a pretty laid back pony, but she's a bit prissy.

Those usually happy little ears get downright cranky when there's mud underfoot.

So what's a girl to do on a warm, sunny, muddy day? It was much too nice not to ride so Trillium and I had to get a bit creative! We slipped out the back gate...

and made this quiet little dirt road our arena.

Trillium didn't like it much at first, but she settled in nicely, and we had a productive walk/trot schooling session.

It's not an indoor ring, but for right now it'll do!

Jaime Baker's Guide to Model Horse Photography

2012-01-09T10:19:00.007-07:00

In addition to being one of the hobby's premiere finishwork artists, Jaime Baker also moderates one of the best Yahoo groups I've ever had the pleasure of joining. It's not a typical artist's announcement group. Instead the focus is on learning and sharing and DIY projects of all types. This article was posted to that list yesterday and I am so pleased that Jaime has given me permission to repost it here. Thanks, Jaime!

Jaime Baker's Guide to Model Horse Photography

by Jaime Baker

Ok, here we go. I'm going to go through a series of photos right quick and explain what I do.

These first two photos show how my photo tent is. It's PVC but you can use a box or whatever you have that works. The background goes up the back, CURVES downward and the model stands on top of the background. The curve of the backdrop is important is preventing a horizon line that you may not want. It also helps soften shadows. Note that my lights are pointed at an angle both inward and downward. When you have the lights with the little movable necks on them like these clip lights you can wiggle them and adjust them to both create even light AND avoid shadows. Always keep your eyes behind and below the horse when you fiddle with lights. You want those shadows soft, otherwise they are distracting. So here are pics of my setup. It looks like I have the lights in the room turned off but that's not the case, it's just the camera metering off the light bulbs themselves making everything else darker.

NOTE HOW THE WHITE SHEET COMES DOWN IN FRONT OF THE LIGHTS. This diffuses the lights.

Ok, so you want to diffuse your lights. This will both soften the light to avoid high contrast as well as soften the shadows and glare. If you look at the previous two photos you should see my tripod sitting right in front of that table. When I shoot, the camera is on the tripod, I hold that sheet with one hand and pull it forward, towards my camera lens but ABOVE the camera lens, that way I'm shooting under it. It's not blocking the lens, it's just diffusing the lights. This first photo is just a straight shot, with that sheet pulled down in front of the lights. NOTE - Look at the shadows both underneath and behind the horse. They are fairly even, not jumping out at you. It doesn't really look like a 'shadow' with a shape, it just looks a little darker down there.

This is the exact same set up except the sheet has been pulled up to where it is NOT in front of the lights at all. So this is direct light on the horse. Nothing else changed. NOTE - now look at the shadows behind and below the horse and how stark they are. Also notice the glare coming off the back of the horse....the white looks REALLY bright and blown out. Too contrasty. Also notice the glare/reflection coming off the glossed hooves. Another distraction.

  Now then, when you diffuse the light, you lose light. The horse will be a smidge darker. This should be a non issue and should be fixed in a photo editing program. You don't want it way too dark, but a little dark is not a big deal and easily fixable.

I shoot on a medium-high aperture of about F10-F13. Aperture of F22 and higher will typically have focus to infinity. I don't want this. I only want the horse and details in focus, not the background. My shutter speed is rarely higher than 1/30 of a second sometimes as low as 1/2 second depending on the color of the horse. If you are setting your camera on some sort of auto type setting and your shutter speed is really high (1/125-1/250 or higher) you are losing your aperture. Aperture controls your depth of field. The lower the number on the aperture the lower the depth of field. This is why a photo of the horse slightly turned will show, say, the face in super sharp focus but the backend of the horse soft or blurred. You want the horse in as much focus as possible. So try to keep your aperture at bare bones minimum of F8. A wee bit higher is better. To keep the background subtle and blurred, move the horse further away from the background and/or move the horse closer to the camera. Also, I do not use any flash in my photos when I do a tent. Just the two clip lights and that's it. Adding on camera flash into the equation can make for harsh light and shadows and dull color.

On to adjusting in photo editing software. I just spent an hour and 20 minutes editing photos. Only took 12 minutes to get them all taken. I shoot on a tripod ALWAYS and I always take 3-5 photos of EACH pose. Why? Because even my heartbeat can sometimes jar the camera when I go to press the shutter. I don't have a cable release right now (these are cheap and can avoid you directly touching your camera to take the photo) so I just take multiples. And every single time, I'll always have one or two that just aren't as tack sharp as I want them. I go through each, finding the most in focus one and then I choose that one to adjust. My particular camera shoots a wee bit warm toned regardless of the setting I have on the camera, so I know this going in. I set it on the Custom White balance setting and then, when my photo tent and lights are ready I put a white sheet of paper in my setup, where the horse would be. And I photograph that white sheet of paper and then tell the camera to use that to get the white balance. Not all cameras have a custom White balance setting but its something you can check for. Once that is done, I photograph my subject. It will get the colors closer but still not exact, that's why I have to edit them in software. I use an old version of Photoshop, but Paintshop pro will do it and I'm sure there are a ton of other programs out there for cheap or free that will do just fine. I like to be able to adjust the color balance, contrast and light value, and hue and saturation. Those, to me, are the most important ones that I generally have to fiddle with.

On these photos, because the background is not neutral and is very vibrant, it put a cast on the horse. Light bounces. So when you point lights at a horse/background that light bounces back towards you/the camera. In other words, in this case it made the white on my horse have a tealish green cast. When you start having issues knowing where to make adjustments check your whites and make sure they have no color cast to them. On other colored horses with no white markings, you just have to start learning the program you have available and making adjustments the best way you can. Do not stare at your photos on your computer screen for a long amount of time. Always have something white to look at. A wall, sheet of paper, something close by. Because your eyes will automatically begin correcting the color if you stare at the photos for too long.

For my next photo you will see before adjustments at the top and after adjustments below. The first thing I did was adjusted the curves on the photo. A 'curve' adjustment will generally allow you to adjust the photo light/dark wise without affecting the contrast as long as you keep everything in the middle. Again, these are things you can play with to see what all they do. So, first thing was to lighten the photo a bit using the curves level. Then I went into the hue/saturation settings and adjusted the hue by +2 and decreased the saturation by -15. Most cameras these days are pretty much going to shoot with too much saturation. That's what makes you say 'ooooooooooo what a pretty picture!' but it may not be very true to life. For my customs I want little to no surprises when there new owners receive them. This is why I take so many and spend so much time adjusting each one. I keep the horse right by me when I do adjustments as well so I can constantly look back and forth to get my color right.

Sometimes hue/saturation adjustments are all you need. Not for me. Each camera is different, each background, each light, the color of the horse, these are all variables that come into play on how much and what you need to adjust. I can only tell you what I do for my setups, this may or may not work for you.

My next step was to adjust the color balance to get rid of the green cast on my white. I went into something called 'Variations' on Photoshop. This is another way to adjust color balance. Most programs will simply have a 'color balance' section to adjust from. For me, I put it on the lowest adjustment setting and added one click of blue and one click of magenta. How do you figure out color balance for photos? Well for me it was 4 years of college with a degree in Photography:) Here is your breakdown

Photo too blue - add yellow
Photo too yellow - add blue
Photo too magenta - add green
Photo too green - add magenta
Photo too red - add cyan
Photo too cyan - add red

These are your opposites. This is not the same as color theory like in art really, since you only have these 6 colors to adjust.   It's up to you to be able to distinguish the difference between magenta and red, cyan and blue and figure out where to make your adjustments. Remember, magenta is kinda like hot pink, cyan is more a greenish blue than a royal type blue.

On some of my photos the variations level adjusted a bit too much in the way of adding blue. So for that, I went into the color balance and went with -3 on the yellow (which added more yellow back into the photo that the variations level took out). It's how the program is set up, yellow is on the negative end, blue on the positive, so by doing -3 yellow it is the same as adding 3 of yellow. I'm sure it's confusing but just find a color balance option and crank it all the way one way or another and you'll see if it's adding more of one color versus the other. Just play with it! You have a bit more micro control in a 'color balance' setting versus a variations setting. None of this is really going to make much sense unless the program you use allows for these adjustments. Again, just learn your program. Most of what I do with Photoshop is self taught. If I can figure it out anybody can:)

Lastly, if my whites looked really blown out, I took the contrast down by about -3 or so. Again something to fiddle with. If your photos are too dull, you may want to up the contrast a hair to make them pop. Black and white horses are a bear to photograph just because the camera's meter does not see white nor does it see black. It meters off 18% gray (or thereabouts, there are arguments on the percentage). For more info on gray scale you can go hereand do a Google search on how a camera meters.

And as I mentioned, here is an example of one of my photos before adjustment and after.

If you were to just look at the top photo, there doesn't really look like anything is wrong with it. It's a matter of training your eye to see color casts and hues that shouldn't be there. And that just takes practice:)

Hopefully this helps some of you. Ask questions if needed!

Thank you so much, Jaime! I know this tutorial is going to be extremely helpful to a lot of people, myself included.

Jaime's incredible Little Lone Star resin is for sale right now on eBay. Be sure to check out his auction, if just to look at those detail shots. The finishwork and the photography are equally exceptional!

Breyer buyer

2012-01-08T15:29:00.000-07:00

It's been at least four years since I walked into a store and bought an original finish Breyer, but that's exactly what I did today.

As a pony lover and Eberl fan, this mold has been on my want list ever since she made her debut at last year's Breyerfest.

She's kind of an in between size. Breyer describes her as a classic scale pony...

but she's not that much smaller than the traditional scale ponies.

She'll need classic scale tack, though. This traditional pony saddle is much too big.

I bought her mostly for tack fitting purposes, so I haven't decided if she'll stay OF...

or be transformed into a small pony hunter.

Either way, she's cute as a button. Kudos to Breyer for adding another wonderful Eberl sculpture to their line-up!

Beyond and back

2012-01-07T16:31:00.004-07:00

I stayed up late last night reading the new C.J. Box book.

Although it's not truly a horse book, there are an awful lot of horses in it and most of the action takes place on a multi-day wilderness horseback trip into Yellowstone Park. That's a setting I can relate to, having spent my twentieth and twenty first summers working as a wrangler at two different Colorado guest ranches. Not surprisingly, the book stirred up a lot of memories and a large part of my day has been spent looking through my old photo albums and thinking about the summer of 1990.

That's the year I worked at Lake Mancos Ranch (now named Majestic Dude Ranch).

The ranch was owned by Lloyd and his wife Kathy. Lloyd was mostly a good boss, but he wasn't open to new ideas. Every time someone suggested a different way of doing things, he would say, "We've been doing it this way for thirty five years, and it seems to work."

Lloyd had similarly old fashioned ideas regarding his wrangler staff. Although two of the five wranglers were female, it was obvious that he considered us as the second string. We assigned the youngest riders and the quietest horses.

That didn't sit well with me at all. I knew I was a better rider than all those boys. All I needed was an opportunity to prove it.

I got my chance a couple weeks into the summer. My usual Monday through Wednesday horse was unavailable, so I asked one of the boys what was left to ride. He named two horses. One was old and slow. The other was Cody. Naturally, I opted for Cody.

"Oh, I don't think you're going to like Cody!" Randy warned. Randy was nineteen years old and redneck through and through. Like Lloyd, he didn't think girls were capable of handling anything but the easiest horses.

Randy's objections only made me more determined. I immediately caught and saddled Cody.

Cody was a tiny little thing, standing maybe fourteen hands, but there was nothing cute or cuddly about him. He had a big white face, a hard eye, cranky ears and a reputation for biting, balking and bucking. He was also--I discovered quickly--very, very green. Despite being nine years old, he responded to only the most rudimentary cues and didn't neck rein at all. None of those ranch horses were particularly well trained but Cody didn't seem to know anything.

I decided the best way to ride Cody was to treat him like an unbroke three year old. I was patient and gentle with him, and just like that, Cody stopped balking and bucking.

You would think I'd get some credit for the amazing Cody transformation, but all Lloyd said was, "Cody must like women."

Well, that's not all he said. He also told me that Cody was mine for the rest of the summer.

Unfortunately for me, by that time I'd realized that Randy had been right all along. Despite my best efforts, I didn't like Cody. No matter how hard I tried to make friends with him, he remained completely disinterested in me. I rode him three days a week for the entire summer, and we never formed any sort of meaningful partnership. He was as remote and unfriendly at the end of the summer as he had been at the beginning.

He still bit, too!

Tiffany's show hack bridle

2012-01-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek:

And here's the whole enchilada:

Hope you like it, Tiffany!

Mama gets a horse

2012-01-05T08:37:00.001-07:00

Somehow--and I really do not know how--I managed to forget that my name was nearing the top of Sarah Rose's ship-to list. Last night we were walking out to the car, and Ryan spotted a large box sitting on our front porch.

"Hey, Mama," he asked. "What's in the box?"

I glanced over and immediately my eyes widened. The box was suspiciously resin sized, but I wasn't expecting a resin, was I? It wasn't until I looked at the return address that I realized it was my forgotten Rose Reiner!

Since Ryan found the box, I let him have the opening honors. After all, eleven year old boys like any job that involves a pocket knife.

See what I mean?

Of course Darcy wanted a piece of the action, too.

Getting closer...

Unwinding the toilet paper...

and removing the packing peanut hat.

Woo hoo! It's mama's new horse.

Oh, that was so much fun. I can't wait to do it again!

The next bridle

2012-01-04T15:57:00.006-07:00

Four widths of black lace, a pile of tongue buckles and various other metal findings--it almost looks like I'm getting ready to build a harness.

Looks can be deceiving, however. All that hardware is going on one bridle--an Arabian show hack bridle!

Not familiar with Show Hack? It's a rail class that tests a horse's training and brilliance. Here's the class description as it appears in the Arabian section of USEF rulebook: A Show Hack horse is not necessarily a Dressage horse, nor an English Pleasure horse... Show Hacks must be balanced and show vitality, animation, presence, clean fine limbs and supreme quality. Elevation and high knee action are not to be emphasized. Soundness is required. The collected and extended gaits must be called for; i.e., collected walk, extended walk, normal walk; collected trot, extended trot, normal trot; collected canter, extended canter, normal canter and hand gallop.

Tack requirements for this class include a huntseat or dressage type bridle and "any type" of English saddle. Figure eight nosebands, flash nosebands, martingales of all sorts and breastplates are prohibited. Rider attire is dressage flavored, particularly in evening and championship classes where most riders opt for a very formal "top hat and tails" look.

So while it's technically ok to dress your Show Hack like a hunter, the preferred look is much more dressage-y.

Except for those bridles! Dressage bridles can be pretty bling-y, but Show Hack bridles take sparkle to a whole new level. A typical Show Hack bridle will have very narrow straps, lots of buckles, metal keepers, fancy nose and browbands and a long saddleseat type curb bit. It's a very specific look, and one I've been eager to replicate in miniature. Won't this look great on Tiffany's custom Indian Fire resin?

Many thanks to Heather Moreton for providing the pictures for today's post. They were taken during the Half Arabian Show Hack class 2006 US Arabian Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. Thanks again, Heather!

Little (tack) shop of horrors

2012-01-03T16:36:00.003-07:00

I won't kid you, six a.m. came really early this morning.

After fifteen days of Christmas vacation, I've become accustomed to sleeping in. Crawling out of bed at the crack of dawn was not an easy task, but I wasn't complaining. On the contrary, I couldn't wait to get the kids off to school and myself into the studio. It didn't even matter that the first order of business was Tiffany's pebbles scale strap goods extravaganza. For the first time in ages, I was ready to work!

Of course, cheery New Year's optimism can only take a person so far. After a couple hours, I was remembering exactly how much I hate making mini-tack!

Oh well, it's done now. Ha! I'd even say that it's done well.

Will you paint me a pony now, Tiff? Pretty please?

Mama wants a horse

2012-01-01T16:39:00.003-07:00

My New Year's news is this--I'm taking tack orders again.

However, last fall's commission meltdown is still fresh in my mind. I don't want to get back into a long wait/large backlog type of situation. I'll only be booking a month's worth of work at a time, and January's already filled.

Except...

It's true--this mama really does want a horse. It's been six months since I've welcomed a new model into my collection and that is much too long. I've updated my trade list, so if you're in the market for some top LSQ tack, please do take a peek. I will trade generously for the right pony!

Parting shots

2011-12-31T13:39:00.001-07:00

Almost a year has passed since I bought my new camera. In that time I've taken nearly ten thousand photos. Here are a few of my favorites.

Pony club

2011-12-29T15:35:00.002-07:00

The kids rode Trillium today.

Despite temperatures in the upper fifties, the footing in the field was snowy and a wee bit slick.

For safety's sake, we decided to limit ourselves to walking lessons on the lunge line.

Fortunately, that's not as boring as it sounds. We practiced stopping, starting, steering, stretching,

and even a little bit of posting!

The kids did great, both in the saddle...

and behind the camera lens.

It goes without saying that Trillium was her usual angelic self.

A good time was had by all and hopefully we can do it again soon, preferably on a less windy day!

Homework

2011-12-28T19:44:00.002-07:00

Ryan's only homework assignment this Christmas break is to read the book War Horse.

Naturally, he's interested in seeing the movie. I'm on the fence. Ryan is almost twelve, James is almost ten and the movie is rated PG-13. Has anyone seen it? What do you think--ok for kids or too intense?

2011 model year in review

2011-12-27T10:05:00.001-07:00

As far as the model horse hobby goes, 2011 was sort of a strange year.

It started normally enough. In January, I welcomed Gimme S'more into my collection.

He was followed by Mabel,

Tuscalero,

Jennibray,

Frank,

Khompounded Interest,

the Springamaconga,

and Dunkirk Leeds.

I also added a few amazing tack sets to my collection including this one by Shannon Granger,

the Hummingbird saddle by Erin Corbett,

and the incredible six year costume by Abby Marston.

I also attended four shows, three as an exhibitor and one as a judge.

I also sent ten models to NAN with my friend, Teresa.

Sounds like a fun, busy, model-filled year, right?

Well, yes and no.

If you look carefully at the provided links, you might notice that the first half of 2011 is far better represented than the second. In fact, I've had no shows or new models since the middle of July. It's been a quiet five months, and surprisingly, that's been fine by me.

Will the New Year bring renewed busy-ness or will the quiet continue? Only time will tell!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

There were no gift wrapped ponies under my tree...

but it was still a good day!

Rat drama

2011-12-24T17:11:00.004-07:00

If it's not one thing it's the next, and if it's not the next it's... the rats.

Ryan's brand new rat Holly has been sneezing. She's been sneezing a lot, and her sneezes are getting juicier and juicier. That's not good.

She's still under warranty, so I called PetSmart. It turns out that Holly can be returned or exchanged, but she's not eligible for free health care.

Great.

Does this look like a child who wants to return his rat?

So, today we boxed her up and took her to the vet.

Yup, the vet.

With any luck, Holly will be fully recovered within the week. I wish I could say the same for my checking account!

Will this be the next saddle rat?

She darn well better be. She owes me that much.

Friday Favorites

2011-12-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, I had the great pleasure of meeting one of my all time favorite tackmakers, Susan Bensema Young, at the Springamathing live show in Golden, Colorado. Sue wasn't showing, but she brought several tack items to share, including the beginnings of what has turned into the most magnificent model sized parade set I have ever seen.

On her website, Sue refers to this as her "Big Saddle." It combines all her signature elements--braiding, design, silverwork and tooling--and took seven months and more than two hundred and twenty four hours to complete.

The set includes one first--a corona pad made with the help of Melody Snow's new how-to book. If anyone would like to send me a last minute Christmas gift, that would be a good one!

Here's a better look at the bridle and breastcollar. I really appreciate the true parade style of this set. This is not modern competition tack with extra decorations. It's the real thing, just in 1:9 scale.

Amazing work, Sue! This truly is your masterpiece.

Snowed in

2011-12-22T14:54:00.001-07:00

We are officially snowed in. I made a halfhearted attempt to run some errands earlier in the day but mine is a fair weather car. It got stuck on the street right in front of the house, and I took that as a sign. Everyone stays home today.

Being snowbound makes kids and dogs crazy.

Fortunately, we had visitors.

My friend Carol has a four wheel drive vehicle so she braved the roads for a kids and pups playdate.

As you can see...

the pups had a big time...

in the big snow!

This is my favorite picture of the day. Doesn't it look like she's running through a wave?

Thanks for the visit, Carol!

Almost wordless Wednesday

2011-12-21T12:18:00.002-07:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here at the Buxton house. The tree has been trimmed, the lights have been hung and there are holiday cookies in the oven--yum!

Today's post is all about Christmas decorating of a different sort. These pictures were taken during the Parker Christmas Carriage Parade and they highlight some of the many ways a horse can be made to look Christmas-y. Enjoy!

Pebbles scale bridles...

2011-12-19T14:26:00.001-07:00

make me mad!

It looks ok, I guess, but I wish there was some way to make it more refined and still have working tongue buckles.

One down, one to go and then never again!
(At least until the next time.)

Early Christmas

2011-12-18T16:00:00.004-07:00

I hadn't planned to do this so soon, but...

Ryan and I were Christmas shopping today and somehow we found ourselves in the Small Animal section of PetSmart. Ryan spied a lone female rat hiding in one of the cages and immediately fell head over heels in love. A few minutes later, we were the proud new owners of Holly.

But... Rats are a bit like potato chips. You can't stop at just one. I went home and got James and we began RatQuest 2011. A few stores later we discovered not one,

but two likely candidates. We couldn't decide between them so now Peppermint and Nutmeg are Buxtons, too.

Who will be the next Saddle Rat?

Only time will tell!

Basil

2011-12-16T18:01:00.004-07:00

July 2009-December 16, 2011

The world's best saddle rat--she will be missed.

Ridden horses in the Christmas Carriage Parade

2011-12-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

Even thought it was billed as a "Carriage Parade," there were a lot of ridden horses in the Town of Parker's annual Christmas event.

Most of those horses were adorned in their best Christmas finery including Christmas tree ornaments,

poinsettias,

bows,

Santa Claus hats,

tinsel,

and wreaths.

Of course there were a few entries...

that were less obviously Christmas-y.

You simply can't have a horse themed parade in Colorado...

without some rodeo royalty...

and at least one group of mounted police.

Here's a reference picture for those of you who like to show foals in performance.

Although a few of the horses needed some reassurance...

there's no denying that this parade...

was great fun for everyone in attendance!

I can hardly wait until next year's edition!

This week's project

2011-12-14T14:46:00.001-07:00

I was so pleased with the bronc halter, that I decided to go ahead and make a matching bronc saddle. Here is the result.

This was my main reference picture. Like my saddle, this one is a combination of rough out and smooth out leather.

I used Shannon Granger's method for attaching the fenders. In the past I've mounted the fenders to rings to get that swivel affect, but this was much easier.

Another first for me--the swells were covered so that the seams went down the back of the pommel rather than along the sides. I rubbed the seat with gum tragacanth to give it a well used look.

The good news is that the saddle fits my bronc riding doll very well. His legs tuck in under the swells just like I was hoping!

Unfortunately, the fit on the bronc is a lot more problematic. Calamity Jane is a bit on the small side anyway, and he back is much too short for the saddle. It almost looks like it would work because there's no back cinch or bucking strap. Once they're completed, however, I'm afraid there just won't be enough room.

Sigh. I do have a couple other resins that would make plausible saddle broncs, but I can't help but think that what I really want is a Nitro...

Minis at the Christmas Carriage Parade

2011-12-12T14:32:00.003-07:00

If you're a fan of small, cute and furry, today's post is going to make you very, very happy!

James is a fan!

Parker, Colorado's annual Christmas Carriage Parade was absolutely chock full of miniature horses.

This little mare was paired with a dog that was easily as tall as she was.

Look at that crabby face! She says, "I may be smaller than the dog but I'm twice as tough."

These mini donkeys were tough, too. They made the whole parade wait while they decided whether or not they wanted to cross the street!

This two horse entry won the "Judge's Favorite Mini" award.

They were...

pretty darn cute!

Still, I really don't know...

how the judge...

managed to pick a favorite.

I liked them all!

These three ponies used to live at the same stable as Trillium.

The "big" pony is Gracie...

and the little grey is Zorro.

Even though she was my favorite, I don't remember this one's name.

Here's another two horse entry.

More crabby ears...

and more extreme cuteness. I just want to hug this one.

Last but not least is the winner of the Best "Beary Special Christmas" Mini Award. This group included two horses, three dogs and lots of handlers all of whom were dressed as bears.

Here's the second horse. He's a panda!

Hope you enjoyed the great big helping of pony cuteness--I know I did!

Carriages at the Christmas Carriage Parade

2011-12-11T15:46:00.001-07:00

It should come as no surprise that an event known as the Christmas Carriage Parade would include a large number of horse drawn vehicles. Here are few (!) entries that caught my eye.

First up is James' friend from the staging area, Silver. Like many of the horses, he was accompanied by a walker as he made his way down Main Street.

Most of the horses and carriages were adorned with Christmas decorations...

and teddy bears!

The theme of this year's parade was "A Beary Special Christmas" so the teddy bears were everywhere.

A lot of the humans dressed up as teddy bears, too!

Although this parade was notable for the large number of mini horses in attendance, there were also some nice big drafty guys.

Here's another one!

The Wells Fargo stage coach made an appearance.

One of my favorite horses was this Appaloosa pony.

I have a soft spot for chestnut varnish roan Appaloosa ponies because they remind me of Snickers.

More big guys.

And again.

Here's a better look at one of the horses from yesterday's post.

Beautiful color but so much hair!

A nice Fjord.

The next entry was the winner of the Best "Beary Special Christmas" Carriage award.

The horse was dressed as a bear! Can you see the claws on his hooves?

The very last carriage was actually a sleigh on wheels which carried Santa Claus himself. Ho ho ho!

Minis are next!

Horsey holidays

2011-12-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

Today Teresa, Ryan, James and I attended the town of Parker's annual Christmas celebration and parade.

Parker is a very horsey community...

so we weren't surprised to find a lot of horse art on our way to the festivities.

My kids are a little bit too old for pony rides...

but their mother isn't too old to ooh and ah...

over all the cute (and very patient) ponies.

I especially liked all their little parade saddles!

The free petting zoo provided me with several more "Squee" moments. In addition to the goats, lama and bunnies, there was a cute little donkey...

and a twenty three year old miniature horse named Ed.

Ed was popular with all the little girls...

so we had to wait our turn to take pictures with him.

Ha! It turns out that Ed is popular with the big girls, too.

All the statues along the parade route were decked out in holiday finery.

Love the booties!

Also loved that kids were encouraged to climb aboard for pictures.

Brotherly love.

James had to stop and pet every dog...

as we made our way to the parade staging area.

There were a lot more petting opportunities there...

but eventually we settled in...

for the main event--the Carriage Parade.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for lots more parade pictures.

Couldn't resist

2011-12-08T16:08:00.003-07:00

All that rodeo talk inspired me to make a bronc halter for my Calamity Jane resin.

Woo hoo! That's two tack items in one week. I'm on a roll!

Almost wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T10:01:00.025-07:00

For the first time in a long time, my family has an expanded cable package. This has given me access to channels that broadcast horse events, and I've spent many hours this week watching the National Finals Rodeo on the Great American Country channel. I'm not a big rodeo fan per se, but I've thoroughly enjoyed the coverage. In addition to going over the general rules before each event, a lot of time is spent discussing the nuances of each go round. This is a super reference for performance showers and judges alike!

It's also reminded me that I have a lot of pictures leftover from last June's Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo. Today's group focuses on the saddle and bareback broncs as well as the pickup horses and riders. Enjoy!

Therapeutic progress

2011-12-06T16:57:00.003-07:00

When I dream, I dream big so it should come as no surprise that the wheelchair and ramp weren't the only items in my "therapeutic riding box." There was also this original finish German Sheperd who I'd bought with the intention of turning into a guide dog.

The problem in those days was reference material. I had only the vaguest idea how a guide dog harness was constructed, and good clear pictures were few and far between.

Fortunately, that is no longer an issue.

A quick google search yielded more photos than even I could possibly use. Hurray!

This morning I broke out the tackmaking tools and this is the happy result.

Oh, that was fun!

(Note: Roz the guide dog sustained a lot of paint damage
during her time in storage. New paintwork is still very much in progress)

Nearly ten years in the making, here's my guide dog standing on the ramp watching her owner ride a horse!

As an aside, I also spent a bit of time fixing the wheelchair. I didn't know how to remove the WWF logo when I bought it, but my bag of tricks is a lot deeper these days.

There's still some work to do to move this from good intentions performance to actual live show performance. Despite that, I am optimistic that this will in fact make it to the show ring sometime in 2012!