Product Reviews

Here are some of my thoughts on products that I have tried over the years. When possible, I will try to locate the best price on the product in question and post it here. Please note that I can't keep track of all sales going on at all times. Instead I try to feature sites who consistently offer the best deals. I will not post a site if it offers only one or two closeouts on that item.

Leather Half Chaps - Last year I decided that I really wanted a pair of leather half chaps for schooling, but I didn't want to pay $100 for them. I searched Ebay and various stores all over the web and finally located this pair at Jeffers. At $38.49, this seemed like the perfect pair for me. A year later, I still love them.
Pros - They are cheap but well made! They look great on and will conform to your leg when broken in. They are THICK! Recently I was schooling in a light weight pair of mesh chaps on a horse with an explosive trot and ended up with some bad rubs on the inside of my knee. I had to ride again that afternoon, so I pulled out these chaps. They are thick enough to feel like a boot and tall enough to protect my entire leg. I was quite comfortable for my afternoon ride. They are soft and functional from day one. And they are tall!
Cons - They velcro rather than zip. The good news is that they are so sturdy; they easily protect your leg. The leather shows scratch marks, but can be cleaned with leather cleaner.

Ariat Terrain Paddock - We all know that I'm cheap, but boots are one area where I will spend some money. On a full lesson day, I'll walk between 12 and 15 miles. My boots must be comfortable and they must be durable. I have long loved Ariat boots for their comfort. I like the Ariat Performer for arch support and initial comfort, but after 10 hours, they aren't so comfortable on my toes. The Ariat Terrain is like walking around in a tennis shoe. They are very comfortable, but lacking in arch support. The new Ariat Terrain Paddock is a hybrid and possibly the answer to my problems! I've owned a pair for a little over a week so I can't yet comment on durability, but I can tell you that they are wider across the toe than the Performer, but more supportive in the ankle and in the arch than the Terrain. They were completely broken in after 3 days and ready for a 10 hour day. My feet did not feel as tired after wearing this boot as they usually do. So far, so good!
UPDATE: I've had this pair for about 8 months and have worn them 5 days a week for an average of 7 hours a day. Not only are they still in great shape (that's saying something since I don't exactly baby my boots), but I now love them so much that I won't wear any other boots. LOVE THEM!

Tipperary Schooling Helmet - I've always been a fan of the Troxel Legacy as it seems to the helmet that best fits my head. However, I was recently informed by a friend that the Troxel is a torture device for her round head. If you can't stand the typical helmet, the Tipperary may be the one for you. It is heavily padded and very comfortable for all head types (even mine).