Review // Bigeloil Quilted Poultice Wraps & Hoof Pads

I took a hiatus for a while, had many things arise. Paired with a busy summer, a new work schedule, it was not the best time to write. As fall came through, and the temperature was finally dropping, I would have started to blog; but I thought I was going to lose my horse.

One day, I will blog on the entire story, but long story short; I get a call that my mare will not move in her stall. I get to the barn and she is actively laminitic. My life was spent at the barn, icing & poulticing. Keeping her legs cool. Why, OH WHY, did not know about these then!

Last month I had the pleasure of testing out Bigeloil Quilted Poultice Wraps by Absorbine. The package of eight (8) leg wraps retail for $27.99, although with some bargain shopping- I've seen them as low as $19.87 at State Line Tack. The package of four (4) hoof pads retails for $6.99, but Smartpak carries them for $5.95.

Traditional poultice is sticky and just a plain mess. These wraps take the mess completely out of the equation. And lets talk about EASY! Fill a small bucket of water (hot or cold), soak the wraps for 20 seconds, wrap around your horses leg, secure with a standing wrap. Done. No clay everywhere, no ruining barn aisles (ask me how I know this!). No messy hands, and ruined breeches and nice, clean standing bandages. In the morning? Just unwrap your horse, and take off the quilted wrap, with no residue left behind.

These wraps contain Kaolin clay and epsom salt in each of the pockets, which are evenly distributed throughout the wrap. They are perfect for post-workouts, after a show, stocked up legs, or any reason you would use "traditional" poultice.

With my horse battling laminitis, I used traditional poultice to keep every part of her body below the knee cold. I've spent cold nights, filled with ice cold hands of poultice. I've ruined breeches by wiping poultice on them. I've washed my wraps way too much. The poultice got nasty with dirt and shavings on the inside, and gave me worries that I didn't close container the entire way.

Now, my horse is great and back to almost regular work. I use these leg wraps whenever we have a tougher school, and I use the hoof pads quite often when I feel that she just had a strenuous week. I'm happy that I only have to use these for maintenance, but I would have absolutely turned to these in times of treatment. 

These are perfect to keep in the trailer, in your tack room at shows, or just in your tack trunk for times of need. No worry about the poultice drying up, you need very little water to activate, and you can go about your business without being covered in clay!

The only downside could be the cost, as they are a bit more costly than a tub of poultice per use. But regardless, I would recommend having these stashed in your box for a time of need- they will come in handy when your poultice tub is cracked or you just got a manicure for a wedding.

.the inside turn.

FTC: I am an Absorbine Product Ambassador. I was sent these products to test out, not in relation to The Inside Turn Blog. I was not paid to do a review on this product. I genuinely can't get enough of these. As an ambassador, I do not have to write on my blog, but I decided to due to how much I adore them. 

Review // Dover Empire Classic Knee Patch Breech

Its no secret that I love (and I mean LOVE) the two-toned look. Finally, something that breaks up your leg a bit, and adds a bit of flare to our similar riding looks. 

I wont get into the "who did it first" because frankly, I'm uninterested. At the end of the day, the two companies fighting over it charge astronomical amounts for a pair of pants to wear in the dirt. Disclaimer: doesn't mean I dont own many, many pairs of breeches from these companies.

So, cue in Dover Saddlery. In the Spring of 2016, Dover came out with their own version of the two-toned riding pants; Riding Sport Empire Classic Knee Patch Breech.

Adorably colored with a french blue/tan, black/tan, wine/tan, you have a few great options!

So lets get to the review, shall we?
These are adorable to look at, and the price tag is even more attractive at $89.99 retail. Compared to the Tailored Sportsman Vintage Patch Breech at $189.99, you literally save $100. $100 to buy more at Dover, believe me you can do it.

Photo Credit

Oh Riding Sport, how I wish you'd let me be a part of your design team. *Hint, hint*

Starting with the colors, the french blue is rather dark to be "french blue." In my humble opinion, its a little misleading but hey, no biggie. I wish the wine color was a little bit richer, less maroon. I have no qualms with the black/tan; simplistic and stunning. The knee patches color block beautifully with the tanned Calarino patch. But I'm going to stop at the pros right about here.

For starters, considering sizing up one to two full sizes. Wear a size 28 in TS? Opt for definitely the 30, possibly even the 32 to prevent "spillage". The tight, wide elastic waistband is not ideal for anyone with a little bit of skin on their stomach. The band is so thick and very tough to stretch. I like breeches to move with me, after all they are athletic wear first. These absolutely create a muffin top. Ugh.

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Pockets. While I enjoy my clip on iPhone belt holster, I often forget it somewhere and just throw my phone in my pocket. Well, not in these breeches. These pockets have a zip closure, perfect when I have money (and have lost plenty of it) in my pocket in the ring. Well, don't expect to put more than a square-folded dollar bill in this pocket. This could probably hold around 3 quarters. If I could, I wouldn't qualify these as pockets,  thats how small they are.

All in all, I think that these breeches were a swing and a miss. I think that Dover's Riding Sport had the right idea, to jump on the super trendy Two Toned Breech wagon, but their design was faulty. The fabric is okay, but the waistband is terrible, and not to mention the sizing up (for the entire Empire Breech line). I wish they created these more along the lines of their Competition II Breeches! For $90, you get a steal. I believe that it is important that these companies keep in mind that while being stylish, these breeches need to be made for athleticism and durability first, features which I believe are lacking in this style breech. But I don't think I'll be grabbing for these first in my closet. 

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Hiatus OVER!

I am terribly sorry for the hiatus and lack of posting!

It has been a wild ride of a year, but this blog is running again. 

Keep a look out for an updated layout, new posts, new reviews, rants, photos, etc. Hiatus over, and this blog will be updated on a regular basis now. Please leave a comment below on topics, products, or issues you'd like The Inside Turn to discuss in a future blog post. 

.the inside turn.

Riding For Brian Moore; How Can You Be More?

It is with heavy heart that I am even sitting down to write this. Okay, I took a short break from blogging, but I'm back and back to stay. 

On May 2nd, 2015, I heard news of a cop shot in the face in Queens, New York. I did my normal rounds of texting all of my cop friends to check in and make sure that they are okay. Never did it cross my mind that I would not receive a text back from a friend of mine, never. 

On May 4th, 2015, NYPD Police Officer Brian Moore succumbed to the injuries sustained by a heinous act of violence.

The sudden loss of a friend produces an emptiness that can not be accompanied by words. The feeling is so strong and powerful, you feel it so deep within yourself. I spent last week trying to make sense of it all, while picking out an outfit, at 24 years old, to wear to my friends funeral. While I do not want to make this a vent blog, I will end there but invite you all to do a google search to read the stories for yourself.

This year and beyond, I ride for Brian Moore.

Brian Moore, or as we called him BMoore, was NYPD shield number 469 (prior to his posthumous promotion to Detective First Grade by Commissioner Bratton at his awing funeral). My helmet currently has my initials, but will soon be replaced by a decal his badge number. I will be riding with a white saddle pad with black trim and royal blue piping, adorned in the corner will be his badge number embroidered with the thin blue line. Beneath the number is a play on his name, in cursive writing is "Be More". 

I ride for 469.

Every dollar that may be won, every profit I make from riding, every blue, red, pink, green ribbon won, it is all for BMoore. I am pledging my earning to Brian's family and memorial fund. I want my statement in the ring to spark awareness, I will be sure to keep BMoore's legend alive. 

He is my hero, and I can do everything to make him proud. 

So I ask you, how can you "Be More"? In the ring, at home schooling, or in everyday life; how can you be more? 

Me? I can be more forgiving of myself for a chipped jump, I can be more focused on my turns, I can be more excited with my rounds than being my own critic.

So here's my movement, a movement to be more. Bmoore was the most genuine man, the funniest friend, all around good time kid without a bad attribute to him. The friend that you could count on to comfort you and make you laugh, the one who always kept his promise, the one who always asked about the horses, worried about me, sent good morning texts, addressed me as "princess". We could all be more like Brian. So, I'm inviting everyone to join me, leave a comment of how you can be more. 

I will love you always BMoore, fly high my angel.

*I invite you all to do a quick google search of "Brian Moore NYPD" to find the full story. His story should be heard, his story should be known. Support your law enforcement officers, and don't forget to always give your loved ones an extra hug. 

Review // Personally Preppy

As if all of a sudden these small companies are popping up out of no where. Oh, how I wish that I had one of these brilliant ideas. There is no argument that monograming everything is certainly a trend around the circuit. 

Me? I decal everything and I am not ashamed of it! Heck, my water buckets for traveling to shows are decal-ed out with the farm logo!

So where did it all begin? How do you go about this? Personally Preppy is arguably the first, or at least the most-well known, company to do the "decal everything" movement. Personally Preppy is run by two sisters, Kir and Tate, in Zone 2. 

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Product Review

Before the craze really took off, I made a helmet monogram purchase. Hey, I went to school in the south and was introduced to the monogram-everything sorority movement (nope, no sorority for me). After looking at a few others, I decided that I wanted something subtle for myself. I ordered a vine monogram in shiny black vinyl for my black/black GPA speed air. 

Let me tell you, this decal looks fabulous. It's subtle enough that you don't see a floating color as I ride, but you can definitely still see it. I've had it placed on my helmet for almost a year now and there are zero signs of any peeling or need for replacement. The staying power of this decal is fantastic. Application was super simple (and they provided the small alcohol wipe), a monkey could do it.

They are innovative. They will put a monogram on anything and try it out. My personal favorites are boot monograms and the spur strap decals. Have you ever lost your spurs before? If so, you feel my pain and would kill for those three letters stuck on the straps. 

Now these girls are fantastic, and I believe do everything for the company themselves. But I'm here to give you an honest review. 

Delivery was long. It took nearly two weeks for my order to come way back when. It was post marked 9 days after ordering. Maybe they upped their order fulfillment and delivery since, but I can account for the few purchases I've made from this company, each of which the delivery was a bit lengthy. Patience is a virtue (which I have none of). 

Price point. Sigh. This is where Personally Preppy pushes me to another seller. Their prices are extremely high for their products!  Case and point, I was able to get my farm's logo made into a custom 5" decal for $3 + $1 to ship. Same decal through PP would set you back $11.50 ($16.33 with tax and shipping). Ouch. 

I am all about supporting local and what these girls created was fantastic. I hope that their prices will come back to a competitive market soon and I will be an much bigger advocate for their products again. Right now? I will buy the exclusive products on their site but go elsewhere for the generic decals. 

.the inside turn.


Similar Shops to Check Out:

• GiGi & Tea 

Shop Small Business - Treat Edition

I'm such an advocate for small businesses! I love my local tack shops, and I definitely aspire to come up with a genius creation to make my own small product business. So today, I have for you my favorite small businesses that bake and sell: horse treats!

Dont these look amazing! Order These Here!

We're all suckers for giving our horses treats. While I have a boxes upon boxes of Bobs Soft Peppermints, these are a staple in my barn jacket pockets. Sometimes I splurge and buy specific horse treats. These are some small businesses who are giving a go at making their own treats. 

Check them out, let them know I sent you.


Cowgirl's Kitchen 

Cowgirl's Kitchen is definitely a hit with the horses. Great packaging, great treats. I definitely suggest Cassino's Kisses - the sugar hearts are an adorable pop of color and they leave my horses begging for more. Even better, Cowgirl's Kitchen will send you Cassino Kisses with custom colors. They are packaged well for maximum freshness. (Doesn't hurt that the company is baked locally to me! NICE and fresh!)

Pony Pizza Company

Genius. People love pizza, so why not make pizza-shaped horse treats?! Introducing the Pony Pizza Company. The packaging is on point, the treats are adorable. My pick is the Pony Pizza Jar. I have to add that I just love their logo.

Charleighs Cookies

You've got to try Charleigh's Cookies.  High quality treats, owned by a mother with a great story. At one point, we've all turned to our horses to help us get through a hard time; and that is where Charleigh's Cookies stand. I suggest you indulge in the XOXO Hugs & Kisses Jar. Keep them at home or bring them to a horse show.

Do you shop local? Ever try these treats? Let me know!

.the inside turn.
 

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. My horses just enjoy to stuff their faces. But if anyone would like to provide a lifetime supply of Bobs Soft Mints, the ponies would not mind.

Review // SmartPak Piper Breeches

As equestrians, we know the value of a good pair of breeches. We also know that the monetary value is normally around $150.  But alas, SmartPak has come through with a "win" with their $80 Piper Breeches.

I had the Bradley's, and I loved them at first- which quickly grew to hate them. The zipper broke, the material pilled, they stretched out. But the Pipers have happily taken their place.

Photo Credit

Starting with the colors, bravo to the designers for adding a little bit of flare to these breeches. The colors kind of proving that they were designed for the schooling ring, not the show ring (Piper Show Breeches can be seen here. But that is no worries. My personal favorite is the navy and emerald (below). The Merlot is a beautiful wine-red color, and the grey is classic and slimming!

Photo Credit

The material is pretty great. It is thick enough that you feel like there is protection, but thin enough that you can move easily. The downfall? The material fades in the wash a bit. My suggestion would be to wash inside out, in woolite, and line dry to keep the color lasting.

The fit is great for me. They hug my hourglass shape well without making my hips looks too wide (doesnt pull at the fabric). I must mention the pockets. First off, there are back pockets for females. This is pivotal. Not only are there back pockets, they are deep! My iPhone 6 fits perfectly as I'm doing barn chores and I never have to worry about it falling out.

The price is on point. For a pair of breeches for $80, paired with SmartPerks & USEF member discount  they come out to be $68 (and shipped free!). These are a winner.

*Extra tip: Keep your eye out for all of the SmartPak sales- most discount codes will work on these!
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Disclaimer: I was not prompted to or paid to write this. My professional career is a SmartPak SmartBarn, but had no affiliation to the product listed above. I paid for all of the SmartPak Piper breeches that I possess with my own money. I have not been approached by SmartPak to write this review. All ideas above are honest.