DressYourHorse.com

Bling Tees and Cool Baseball Caps for the Ladies

Mon, 07 May 2012 17:04:31 GMT

Just giving our friends, visitors, loyal customers and occasional shoppers a heads up on several new wearables for our ladies. Sharp, really feminine and full of bling and pizzazz, tadaaa! We're getting another line of tee shirts. There's not a whole lot of selection as there is with our Mountain line. But what there is, dear ladies, is bling. Pretty bling and oriented toward the cowgirl and the lady that knows how to bring it!

So pretty! These tees come in long sleeve, short sleeve and tank top styles. Colors are pretty pastels and even pinks, yes!

Wear 'em to picnics, to shows, around the house, shopping. Wear 'em to advertise you're a blingy kind of gal. Wear 'em to the county fair or state fair or rodeo. Wear 'em to the horse show as you purdy up your horse. Doesn' really matter where you wear them, you'll be pretty, girly, blingy and horsy.

Sneak peak, in words, as to he pix on them? Cowgirl, spurs, boots, horse head - and that's on the tees.

I've decided to keep the sizes to medium through XL. Hope that works for ya'll.

Can get the tee shirts in blue, hot pink, soft canary, soft pink and sharp black. I'm tellin ya'll these are really cute and well priced too.

Stay tuned - - -

It is getting close to Mother's Day

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:25:58 GMT

Calling our gals - It is getting close to celebrating our Moms. God bless all our Moms every day but especially on Mother's Day.

In celebration of our love for Mom, we've been able to stock up on two particular jewelry items that we think are most affordable and make adorable presents, especially for those of us on a budget. We're offering two sweet necklaces, both simple in design, yet smart and elegant at a super neat price. Check them out on the home page and see if you don't agree.

Mom will love just about anything we can give her. But these are pretty, useful and affordable. It's a nice combination when everything is going sky-high.

Much love to all!

The Old Gray Mare

Exemplary Customer Service

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 22:34:48 GMT

Exemplary Customer Service

There are some fantastico people in the horse world and today I met three more special ladies. Horse women - the best kind of ladies!

All three are customers. At DressYourHorse.com we are especially fond of our valued customers. But these three ladies took times out of their busy lives to let us know they think highly of us. To me, that's about the highest praise you can give a business.

It is my responsibility, duty, pleasure, obligation, mission - call it whatever you wish - to provide our customers with exemplary service that can best be called "second to none". It's part of the job, part of being in business. Quite honestly, it feels really good to help and be of help. And, basically, that's what I was doing for my customers. Except that the ladies appreciated, and noticed, our interactions were pleasant and even joyful. We talked a bit, discussed need and product, and found mutual solutions. In each case, my ladies expressed sincerest appreciation for a super job with ample superlatives.

What is so amazing, I received three separate written acknowledgments - they can be found on the right Home Page.

Wow, I feel so great. Love my job, love it, love it! I know they feel like they've been helped. Maybe it's our service that will remain in our customers' minds. After all, products are readily available on line or in tack shops. It must be our service that brings folks back again and again. I don't measure success by dollar volume. Oh no - I consider our store successful when customers return or seek us out again. That is our true measure of success. You know, dollar volume takes care of itself when your customers like you.

So thanks Julie, Amie, and Hillary. You made my day today!

The Old Gray Mare

Just a few words about the Sale

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 18:29:38 GMT

Just a few words about the Sale

You guys are the greatest! Thanks for making our March sale such a great success.

We've actually located and put out a few more of the Baker products. Granted we have only limited stock remaining but it's first rate and holding at incredibly low pricing. Most of the vendors have increased pricing - in some cases slightly and sometimes a bit steeper - but it's the market conditions driving everything. You know, cost of transportation, handling - well just about everything has increased. Plus it's more complicated than ever since much of the merchandise is now being made abroad. What I'm naaagginggg about is the fact that pricing structures have been affected by the economic circumstances we all know too well.

I am happy to say, though, that we are still able to provide our superb brands. We ourselves wear and use the brands we sell on our horses, in our stable and even around the property. If we're not pleased with something, it's no longer being offered on our site. Likewise, if you find yourself less than happy as can be with a product, we would appreciate your letting us know quickly so we can determine what to do going forward with the product. We like to think you are an extension of us - if we like it, you will like it or the reverse. In that way, we can assure we carry only the best!

By the same token, if you find your horse looks positively magnificent in his spiffy horse tack set, his brand new horse blanket, or dress sheet, snap a picture and share it in our Picture It section (click on home page, left navigation links under "Picture It" - and share that special horse with all of us.

Love to talk to everyone. Feel free to call or write; we enjoy hearing from you.

The Old Gray Mare

Celebrating Patrick

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 21:19:52 GMT

It's getting close to our Patrick's anniversary again - it's March 17 - the date a kindly woman in Stonington, Connecticut, bought him right out of a pasture and away from several Percherons who were making his life a living hell. She watched the goings on for several days and estimated he had very little time left before they were going to kick him to death. So she bought him and fed him and gave him kindness. Before too long he began a remarkable transformation into the lovely horse he really is. We purchased Patrick and he's been with us ever since. We celebrate having him - he's an amazing fellow. We could not have done better getting a horse out of any show stable, any pleasure stable or, for that matter, any stable at all. He's an all-around terrific horse!

This year, we decided to pass on some of our love to our customers too. We're going to hold a pretty great sale on horse blankets and some other wearables that will be quite the Sale. No coupons, no gimmicks, to agenda - only honest-to-goodness pricing and get it before someone else does!

Happy birthday, happy anniversary, happy home. We love you Patrick - and we're celebrating you!

Hugs & Winnies, The Old Gray Mare

Congratulations to our French Customers

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:50:54 GMT

As a rule, we don't ship on an International basis. On occasion, however, we have been asked to ship specific merchandise to Europe and have done so very successfully.

Such is the case with our Ozark Cowgirl Fever Horse Blankets. We have recently sent blankets to France, Switzerland and also to Italy.

Congratulations customers. You were perhaps among the best customers we have worked with. Thanks for letting us know just how much you love the blankets. Am loving the pictures, too.

I just put Cody into our Picture It section. Handsome boy!

Cowgirl Fever Horse Blanket - Do You Have Yours?

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:28:49 GMT

Have you been following the Ozark Cowgirl Fever Horse Blanket Turnout rage? It has been quite the amazing story and watching it develop over the last two years has been nothing short of astonishing.

It caught on like no other horse blanket before this one, at least that I am aware of to date. When the Cowgirl Fever came out, it inspired many people, especially our ladies, to purchase at least one of the hot horse blankets. The requests for the Ozark Cowgirl Fevers got so much at one time that people were actually selling (scalping) them on Facebook and on eBay for as much as they could get for them. Our DressYourHorse Store sold them anywhere from $92 to our now higher price of $108, well below other prices - until some of the other places caught on that we were outselling almost everyone. Then as the market became more saturated, prices evened out. Now the demand has become normalized and people request the Cowgirl Fever Horse Blanket about as often as the Tie Dye Wave Fashion Horse Blanket.

While the Ozark Tie Dye Horse Blanket is very popular, it is not quite the run-away rage that the Cowgirl Fever Horse Blanket was. We are keeping our prices even for all out blankets. No spiking and not under the merchant pricing structure.

Suffice it to say, however, that the Cowgirl Fever Horse Blanket as well as the Tie Dye Fashion Horse Blanket Turnouts are as good if not vastly better than any other quality turnout on the market. You cannot go wrong with these, or any of the other great colors, when you purchase these Ozark blankets. We love them here for our big horse, Patrick, and would readily recommend them to our customers.

Send us your pictures. We'd love to post them on "Picture It".

The Old Gray Mare

It's going great as we get further into 2012

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:03:40 GMT

How's your 2012 going so far?

We're now just over 10 days into our newest year. I'm writing from Connecticut. Where do you all live? We hear from all across the country and, of late, from our friends in France, Germany and also Switzerland. It's briskly cold in Europe I understand. The horses are happy with their warm blankets.

Here it has been what I call "Pneumonia Weather." One day it is cold and the next day it is warm - I'm saying over 40 and as much as over 60. Uncanny really. It's Janury and temps here would normally be the coldest of winter for about 2 weeks. Late in the month we'd get a January thaw, as it's called. Then it would get cold again for another four weeks. Finally, by the time March looms round the calendar, the weather would fluctuate greatly. This unnatural warm is not normal for us. I personally don't mind, the horses rather like it, but I'm afraid the vegetation is a bit confused.

The horses are snugly warm and pay no attention to their blankets whatsoever. Patrick is still only in his 600 denier with a stable sheet. I will soon dress him in his own flamboyant, ever-so-stylish Cowgirl Fever and Hood. He'll be quite the handsome fellow.

It's coming around worming time again. Patrick isn't so keen on getting the paste into his mouth and resists. Bad memories of getting forced from some other time, I guess. We have a negotiation and he's good to go.

Don't forget to give a call or write something. I know you great folks aren't into penning that much. No matter. I love your calls too.

Sending my fellow bloggers hoofy hugs!

Happy New Year

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:23:54 GMT

Happy New Year Everyone!

Everyone at www.DressYourHorse.com, www.BeautyofHorses.com, www.iDressYourHorse.com and www.OurHorseBlog.com is wishing you, our friends, our wonderful customers and all horse people the most healthy, happy, safe and prosperous New Year!

We wish you the very best of everything with heaps of love, blue ribbons, trophies and horsy kisses for a lifetime.

And, for goodness sakes, lets not forget that our horses have their horsy birthdays at the same time we welcome in a new year. We celebrate twice - one with all horses everywhere and another time on each horse's birthday. Patrick really loves it when he gets a special huge apple with a fake burning candle in it, and a lot of fussing. He gets to chew up the apple and finish it up with a sweet. We never take a burning candle because we don't want any risk. But the big fake christmas candle that lights with a battery works for the moment. Then it gets put away for the next time.

Did everyone have a chance to watch the Rose Parade? I did - it's something I do each New Year's Day because I watch for the horses. I watch on HGTV so I have no commercial interruptions. This year, I watched it on the HallMark Channel in the afternoon - Different presenters and more horses and floats.

Well, here's wishing you a Happy New Year one more time!

Hot Prices

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 02:08:17 GMT

If you're doing some serious shopping for Christmas gifts, the calendar is ticking .. tick .. tick .. tick ...

I have put out some pretty great sales. The one of a kind products that are listed under our Specials are probably the best prices going. They are all at cost or even lower in some instances. They are deals for sure. If you can use the size offered, better grab it. The prices cannot get any better than the throwaway prices right now.

There are also several great horse blanket prices. If you are in the market for a winter horse blanket or, in particular, a terrific turnout blanket, then have a look at the ever-popular Ozark Cowgirl Fever and Hood Horse Turnout, also the Ozark Tie Dye Wave Fashion Turnouts, and even the Tough-1 600 denier animal print horse turnout blankets. Each one is extraordinary in workmanship and quality and durability. These blankets also give your horse the fashionable look that many horse owners now seek. The prints are available so why put on a boring color. Get the same terrific horse blanket with the fashion statement.

I have to tell you what I primarily like about them. When my three boys are out together and I see them from a distance away, I know right away who is who. I mean it's instant. My big boy, Patrick, wears a blue sheet covering his turnout that is also blue. He sort of fades out in the distance but his color is bright red chestnut so he stands out plus he is a big fellow. The two little ones, Sebbie and Cooper, wear animal prints. Sebbie is leopard and Cooper is zebra. Neat. I can spot them in a snap!

Besides, I love the way they look. They're simply cute!

Thanksgiving Was Great; Patrick Took Nasty Fall

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 22:21:49 GMT

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Here in northern Connecticut we have delightful sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Our weather was a far cry from the unexpected freak storm we had last month - the storm I don't want to remember.

We had the typical Thanksgiving dinner, only made better by our own chef and cooking guru, Chef Amy. Her stuffing and turkeys are legendary. Yummy!

Since Mitch made pies - he always prepares our holiday desserts and Amy cooks - we had goodies such as apple rinds and cores for the three horse boys. I split the spoils between them and they had their own feast. They got their goodies early because the pies had to be prepared early and all day they were seeking more goodies.

Anyway, at noon I turned all three out. They ran and ran for the sheer joy of being horses and running. Until . . .

Patrick took his first digger. He slipped and fell and skidded sideways. He was in his horse blanket covered by a sheet so his body was fairly well protected. He took a hard fall but stood up, shook and took off running. Thankful, I watched him good as can be.

He took to running some more and then it happened again. He fell . . .

This time I stood in total dismay. Fear and panic seized me as I watched Patrick fall right in front of me. I did not think he could get up after this horrible fall. God be thanked, but Patrick did get up. He had gone down with his head first, going under his body. He had been at a full run when he lost his footing and tumbled. It looked at first as though he was going to summersault over completely but did not. Instead, he feel onto his head and neck - that was bent in an unmentionable and unnatural angle than normal. He had to unfold his body parts just to get into position to rise to his feet. He did, thankfully!

Patrick stood there a moment, dazed, then shook his head. He took several tentative steps, shook his head again. By now I was trying to get to his head to check him. He avoided me and trotted off several feet and stood, shaking his head. After several minutes, he allowed me to get the leadrope on him and check him over. His eyes were fine and he seemed fine with a slight bit of sweating starting. I watched him and the head shaking continued periodically. A few times in the afternoon he pushed the side of his face against a tree and gingerly rubbed it. That was it. He toughed it out for the rest of the afternoon with his two friends by his side.

It was a horrible fall to watch, knowing what could have, might have, but thankfully did not happened. Patrick's guardian angel, and I'd like to think he has one, helped him that afternoon. I am still monitoring my big boy. He seems fine - better than fine. He has his appetite, legs are fine, no problem about his head and his eyes are bright. He is attentive, responsive and eager for treats and human companionship.

We dodged a potential bullet, Patrick and I, and Thanksgiving Day was a day of particular thanks for us.

Ever considered an older horse as your own?

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 19:19:49 GMT

I recently published an article that may be of particular interest to folks considering the purchase of a horse for a favorite grandchild or as a first horse - possibly as a special Christmas present. I haven't posted it in The Old Gray Mare Articles yet. For that matter, I'm really behind in that department, being crazy busy. However, it's timely and has some good tips as to why the older horse might be an excellent choice. The link for this article is Consider the Benefits of Purchasing An Older Horse (If this doesn't work as a link, copy and paste this into your browser: http://the-old-gray-mare.wrytestuff.com/swa787840-Consider-The-Benefits-Of-Purchasing-An-Older-Horse.htm.

Our own Patrick is an older teenager and despite all his earlier rough times, he has proven himself to be one of the best horses we've ever had join the family. He is remarkable in every way (except his separation anxiety). Overall, he's about as perfect as any living being can get.

So, as you check out horses, include some older ones as well. I'm glad I did and you will be too.

A Word About Shipping Internationally

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:27:25 GMT

International Shipments

I have had an increased need to ship internationally. As the website is presently set up, it ships only to the USA. It will accept international shipments, however. It has always stated that we ship only to the USA so with the increased demand for international shipping, I have to readdress this.

For the time being, therefore, I'll continue on an as-needed basis. The policy continues to be no shipping internationally with exceptions. First, we'll need bonafide payment, cleared and in the bank. Second, I will require an additional shipping charge for the additional international charges, cleared and in the bank. At that time, the item or items will ship. If the item is a saddle, we'll split the additional charges. In addition, I am willing to split charges depending upon country, items purchased etc.

And while I'm on the subject of shipping - other websites do advertise free this and that. I've done a little checking myself - beware of added freight charges or added weight charges, whatever. My fees are based strictly on dollars purchased and hardly ever cover the real amount of shipping. I'm in Connecticut and shipping, say to California, costs a bundle more every time. I've never yet charged a freight charge, a restocking fee or anything else with the exception of the art by Sarah Richards. Original artwork or limited editions really require added protection.

Hope this clarifies shipping a bit more and I will post it officially in the immediate future.

Tie Dye Fashion Wave Turnout from Ozark

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 17:40:13 GMT

Just had some of the Ozark Tie Dye Turnout Blankets delivered for my outstanding orders.

Gotta tell you they are different, unique and pretty outstanding. The colors are soft and the tie dye process is new and elegant. I like it because is subdued and expensive looking. The colors blend so beautifully and the tie dye pattern itself is different from any tie dye I've seen. I'm thinking that it's infinitely prettier than a just-plain blanket.

So, if you're at all interested in something totally unique and at the time warm and cozy for the horse, give some consideration to the tie dye. Take advantage of the additional bucks off with Code 1224. It's a good thing.

Get them while the sizes are still available. Supplies are dwindling ffffaaasst.

Heidi aka The Old Gray Mare

Holidays Approaching

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:23:49 GMT

It's November 10. Good grief.

Much is behind us here at DressYourHorse.com, we've survived some weird weather with Irene and Albert storms, we're overflowing with exceptional vendors and products, and we've made a great like page on FaceBook to which you are responding. Some of you have used the coupon code mentioned only on that page. Every dollar saved is another one you can spend somewhere for something you'd like! That's a Good Thing!

Haven't heard from many of you since we stopped the guest book, sorry to say. Don't be put off by a "blog" - doesn't mean you have to write volumes about products or horses. It can be short and to the point. Or post a testimonial. Rate a product. Ask a question. I love the interaction and meeting new folks.

The holidays are approaching though. I am struggling to get caught up here so I can be ready for orders, shipping, products, listings, and anything having to do with making your Christmas and all festivities the happiest for you and your loved ones.

Hope you keep us in mind when shopping. Good thing is that I'm not adding freight charges, restocking charges or all the other possibly hidden charges to your orders. The basic shipping charge applies but it's a fraction of the actual shipping charge. You save.

Questions? It's easy to get me directly - I'm posting my (personal) number 860-974-0651.

Feeling Great

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:25:47 GMT

Yep, it feels incredibly fine to be back among the folks with power since the freak storm. I'm able to feed and care for the horses, check on them and generally fuss over them without carting around my cyclop (a worker-type light you wear in the center of your forehead that gives off a strong beam). I've come to really appreciate what we have in this age of modern conveniences. Having all that we lost with this last storm - power, cable, phone and internet - makes me appreciate anew the various blessings we take for granted. The last time we went through the 8 days of no power was with Hurricane Irene - then we had the phone at least. This time we were cut off from the world. Makes you think!

The wonder of everything is that the horses welcome you and love you just the same. They never missed a beat. We were able to care for them, with inconvenience of course.

Ever think about what you'll do without power. How will you water the horses, etc.? Now's the time to think about everything - while everything is normal and up and running.

Thank goodness we're back in the world again at our store . . .

Issues at DressYourHorse.com due to a Freak Winter Storm

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:39:38 GMT

We are under the weather!

Hard to believe what has happened in our state of Connecticut since last Saturday - today is only Wednesday - and I can tell you we've had a time of it. Weather - we've got weather! We've also got power failure.

Problem is, we had so much weather starting around five o'clock on Saturday the 29th of November, that everything in Connecticut came to a rapid standstill. It was snowing. Started in a rainy, snowy mess and quickly transformed into a mess of huge snowflakes. Some would say it was very pretty. I might even agree with them. Except -- I hate snow. Our trees still have leaves on them and the snow was heavy. The trees just couldn't carry the weight.

Before the night was over, the roads, the electric infrastructure of power lines, phone lines, and anything else connected to telephone poles was out - wiped out by the snow on trees that couldn't bear the weight and collapsed, mostly across the roads. What a mess. Worse than Irene. Worse than the parts of Massachusetts hit by the tornado.

So digging out was the immediate problem. Turning off hot wires the next. And now it's just plain a nuisance. There are power lines down everywhere. We have one curled up in front of our house. Down the street are three downed trees (big old timers) and one pole. Everything is intermeshed and as of this morning, they're still down across the street. That seems to be the common occurrence everywhere in the state. Get gasoline? Find a station that has power. If you can find one with power, then they're out because others found it before you found it and so on. Travel to the next town, same story, It's interesting. Turn on your generator. Fine, but you need to replenish the gas. Put high test gasoline in it? Can't. They ran out of road closed signs. So here you are driving along and the road is closed but you don't know it because there's no sign. But it's closed alright - the tree across it says so.

Well enough. It's been a few days of inconvenience and mess. I am getting to be great at power failure and remedies. It's cold at night. Everything we do takes thought, planning and coordination. We're lucky for the most part. I can't do anything with the website. Can't add the beautiful new products - we are getting orders out. I'm in the Library - the only one with power. Then it's wait your turn for an hour. No school for the kids. They'll be going until July, tee hee hee.

Don't worry about placing an order. We can handle shipments. It's just the new products that cannot go out - If you need to get me personally, (Heidi, 860-836-4477).

Baker Bags and Carriers

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:36:39 GMT

Baker Bags and Carriers

For about a month or two, we have been awaiting the Baker Bags to hit our store and allow us to ship. We are finally getting close to the shipping date - even though we were supposed to ship today, we've once again been held up. Our sincerest apologies! We are sort of "hanging in the breeze here."

Our store has been busy selling these bags in advance of actually receiving them. Somehow, the supplier has goofed and has left Baker and us (and other places) in a lurch. We'll be among the first to ship with our orders, thank goodness.

Please hang tight for the additional few days. Then celebrate by carrying these gorgeous bags where everyone can drool that you're fortunate enough to have one.

Hurray! They're worth the wait for status alone. Usefulness and elegance are unbeatable. Heidi R.

Separation Anxiety - Again

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:29:38 GMT

Separation anxiety still affects Patrick - and he gives in to it with a vengeance. He simply adores the little miniature horses and wants to be with them. He is a most obedient horse, considerate and mindful about just about everything with the exception of his willfulness to become naughty when it concerns the little guys.

His behavior is extreme. When he's in his stall, and he hears me getting one or both halters ready, it already starts up in Patrick's stall. He snorts and wheels around and I know he's going to get hot and bothered shortly.

If I take one or both of the boys out, Patrick gets upset. If both go out, I'm almost forced to let Patrick go out too. I've tried it in different combinations. Say today, I'm only putting Cooper out and I'll leave Sebbie inside. The little one remaining in the stall will call once in a while but nothing crazy. Patrick also settles down after some time. So one little horse staying inside with Patrick - either one - is OK with Patrick. Put both out and I've got the problem. And it's a big one.

Figure a hot, misbehaving "stallion" who is anxious to get out and won't take no for an answer, and you have Patrick. He rears, whirls, whinnies, carries on and doesn't really stop. In a short while he's hot. Then he lathers up. Well, we all know how much work I have then. I have to take all buckets and anything out that's in the stall. He'll carry on with the buckets until he has a foot caught. This is far from his normal sensible behavior.

So, I'll leave everyone with this picture in their mind. Hopefully, someone can take it up from here and give me some suggestions. I've tried many things and I'm looking for suggestions.

Use the comments form and give me a hand with Patrick. I'll try and if I've tried, I'll try again.

Colder Weather

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:23:31 GMT

Colder weather is starting to creep in. Our horses in Connecticut are starting to bloom in their heavier coats. Our little miniature horses are beginning to appear like teddy bears with goatees. Nature does take care of them well.

So the warmer clothing is coming out. Slowly.

I like to leave the horses in sheets as long as I can. We haven't had our first frost yet, and everything is turning colors. Won't be long now. It's the pretty time of fall. With all the rain during the last two weeks, the leaves should be coming down quickly now.

For all our customers who still need to decide on horse blankets, check out our new vendors. We still have Ozark, Curvon and Baker, but we've added Tough, Action, Abetta and are in the process of adding Triple Crown.

We'll be running a traveling coupon starting the end of October.

My Wife Is Called Five Horses

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:58:51 GMT

My wife is called Five Horses

A wise old Native American
Was sitting leisurely by the fire,
Enjoying the company of Young Man
And smoking a soothing peace pipe.

Both men were inclined to be the quiet type.

Conversation was mellow and soft.
Each man was puffing on his smoke.
Deep in thought, not looking around
They sat with each other in ease.

Only the faintest wind was blowing a breeze.

Young Man suddenly asked Holy Cow,
For that was the name of the old Indian,
“And your wife, by what name is she called?”
Taking a long, slow puff, Holy Cow responded.

“She’s called Five Horses.” Young Man was astounded.

“There is no horse anywhere to be seen,"
He thought to himself. But he said out loud,
“There must be a reason she is called that.
It’s an unusual name for your wife, I’d say.”

“Indeed. It was either that name or Clever Blue Jay.”

“Her father was a warrior who rode horses.
That was many years back. But regardless,"
Went on Holy Cow, “the name is perfect
For my wife, since it’s an old Indian name.

Her family never did much without thought and aim.”

“They named her Five Horses for her allure
For she was so stunning and lovely for sure!

"Yet these days, she’s turning into an old hag,
All she does is Nag, Nag, Nag, Nag, Nag.”

Springfield, MA - Equine Affaire

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:00:58 GMT

It's coming up again soon - November - the Equine Affaire and the Pfizer Horse Fantasia. This is a terrific event for horse people of all pursuasions - to be enjoyed and also to get gifts and mingle. The Horse Fantasia is a lovely event, with horses performing to specially selected music. We all remember music - how much better then to see beautiful horses performing to a beloved melody. Check it out with your schedule and take a drive. It's a little after the leaf peeping season but the weather is still great and the drive is easy to the grounds.

Wyoming Reinstating Slaughter of Horses

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:18:47 GMT

Any of our horse lovers paying attention to what's happening in Wyoming? Seems that a legislator has been putting out a lot of effort to get a slaughter bill approved. It's sort of masked as a "rescue" - Upon closer review and questioning, it is apparent that the horses would be brought in the Cheyenne Stock Yards where they would be held until further disposition which can vary, by their rules, as to whether they would find adoptive homes, get retrained or be sent out to slaughter. Hello folks. Paying attention?

She also wants to have a mobile slaughter house that will go to various locations to do their bloody horse killing business.

I mention this to you all so you can follow along. The Old Gray mare has an article, actually several articles now, specific to horse slaughter issues. This is not a small little business she's suggesting, trust the people that know. Wyoming gets this nasty business going again, guess what horse people?

Read up, stay active, and give them a little horse organization from those who care. Will say more, in detail, this week.

The Old Gray Mare

Barn Envy

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 01:25:39 GMT

Not long ago, I visited a dear friend's new barn. We used to frequently talk about ideal barns and what we'd build if we had no limits. This isn't talking any longer. My friend built the barn of her dreams, and my dreams. I'm green with envy and I told her my horses are moving in.

Her new barn is incredible - from the tack stall, grooming room, feed rom and wash rack. She's got all the bells and whistles. This barn is so gorgeous. I can see having elegant parties there in the future. She was chuckling at my reaction and we had some good laughs remembering all the talks we had about barns. Her sights were always set on a fabulous barn and she stuck with it.

I love her wash room with the adjacent laundry where she can wash all her horse items in the industrial size washer and then dry everything in huge dryer. I could easily fall in love with the hot and cold water too. And the manure spreader, the self waterers, the drop down chutes for hay, the vacuum system. Nice!

I'm back home again and relishing my horses. They told me they love it in my barn! I am wallowing in their loving nuzzles and nickering concerto as I prepare to feed them. You know, when all is said and done, I love my barn just the way it is, even without the bells and whistles I just saw. My horses are comfy and cozy and safe. They have great light that can get into the barn through perfect size windows (protected with horse-safe bars), see out over their Mr. Ed doors and feel cushioned on their stall mats. Even though they are in their own stalls, they can readily see each other. They get fed regularly and are happy to live here. They have electric lights, a radio, and are safe.

I've come full circle again. I love my own barn, the horses I have in the barn, and wouldn't change a thing. It was great seeing my friend's dream of a barn, and I'm so happy for her. But I'm better off - because I have the perfect horses in this barn. What can be better than that!

Patrick's Tail is now at least 2 feet on the ground

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 21:28:26 GMT

Hey Guys!

I took out Patrick's tail yesterday. My goodness is it looonggg.

This Saddlebred boy has a tail to envy. It is really getting too long for me. It's quite a big of work.

His tail is in two bags - his tail itself is split into three main strands, each of which is braided. Those 3 individual braids go into a tail bag with 3 separate slinky-type sections. I do this only because the hair is difficult to get into the sections but if they are already braided first, I can easily get them into the individual sections. Then I braid those sections as well. (The three-section tail bag cannot accommodate Patrick's tail and that part of his tail sticks out at the bottom.) Tail bags don't come long enough for the length of Patrick's tail.

Once the slinky bag and his exposed braids are completely braided up to the bottom, the now-single braid is pulled through his tail, in and out, several times at different places so as not to overstress one single area. Then the more-compact resulting "packed tail" is put into the second tail bag. Once everything is in place, the bag is pulled through his tail UNDER THE TAIL BONE and tried in a tight bow. I tie it in a bow so I can easily open it when the tail hs to be worked on again.

If this all sounds like a lot of work for one lush and lavish horse tail, it is! Frankly, I have proven that we can grow a fabulous tail, keep it healthy, and get it to a pretty amazing length. I know a lot of the growth habits of manes and tails depend on breed and genetics, but Patrick is a thin-skinned, short-haired Saddlebred. His tail is nothing short of amazing.

Measurement right now? Oh, I'd guestimate it at 2 feet on the ground, at least.

I'm thinking of cutting it off and restarting again. (Upps, just thought of another post - tomorrow? Manes. I have a sob story.)

Business as usual now that we have power back

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 00:27:29 GMT

We've been through Hurricane Irene and all went rather well during the storm with one major exception - we lost power even before the storm hit Connecticut. The hurricane hit our State and gusted, it huffed and puffed, and it dropped heaps of rain. Even though our area has a lot of lakes and ponds, it is not prone to flooding so we were spared any water damage. The wind, on the other hand, played havoc with the trees in our area. I realize parts of Connecticut had water damage and also wind damage. Here we had many downed trees and just about 85 percent of the State had no power at one time or another. Mostly everyone was getting their power restored but we were among the last.

So now we're happy to say that we have our power back. Woohoo!

Hurricane Irene made us rediscover candles and indoor camping. Watering the horses and other barn related duties were not really a problem - the generator helped us get through it. There was no PC nor any TV, hence all at our disposal were board games. It's great to rediscover them too, for about a couple of nights or so. Then you really want the modern electronics back. Hurricane Irene also caused boredom and a whole lot of sleeping.

Here we are now and I am going to have my work cut out for me this week. On Tuesday, I hope to have new products in various sections ready to shop. We've got some great stuff including gifts and sets and miniature saddles and a whole new selection of western saddles from several distributors. Yeah for me - I'm planning on being super busy.

Stop by and say hello.

Have You Ever Visited the Kentucky Horse Park

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:48:57 GMT

Have You Ever Visited the Kentucky Horse Park?

This is a Horse Park set apart from all the rest - it is big, is a working horse farm, is a theme park and regularly runs equestrian events. If you love horses, this is the greatest place to stop.

It opened in 1978. Located in Lexington, Kentucky, the Park features horses, horses, and even more horses. Wohoo! It is a place to visit and enjoy the horse.

The Horse Park is also a Kentucky Agency - It is Kentucky's Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. As such, it welcomes over a million guests and campers annually. Many thousands of show horses compete in horse shows and trials. The National Horse Center also calls the Kentucky Horse Park home, representing over 30 organizations from across the country.

The statue of Man O'War greets all visitors entering the grounds. He is the equine representative symbolizing wonder and magnificence of all horses. Admissions allows visitors access to the International Museum of the Horse and the American Saddlebred Museum. Each day, the Park presents its Parade of Breeds and Visitors are treated to horse trolley rides throughout the Park.

One of the great aspects of the Kentucky Horse Park is that it acts as a retirement home for world-famous equines that include several different breeds. The most recent horse to move in is Go For Gin who arrived on August 11. He joins Cigar and Funny Cide and others.

Guests can take pictures, pet and be around all horses. They can view many different breeds represented on the grounds including large draft horses and many lighter breeds. They are permitted to observe grooming and harnessing and generally all workings of the farm.

"There are many attractions for visitors in the Kentucky Horse Park but horseback riding and pony rides are among the most popular. Trail rides are available to take riders around the periphery and throughout the Park," says The Old Gray Mare from a published article in SearchWarp.

So, if you are ever thinking of a marvelous place to visit that has anything to do with horses, then head to the Kentucky Horse Park. It is "The place to get close to horses.”

Looking for info on Chestnut Saddlebred

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 22:08:02 GMT

I wish I could get info about Patrick - Can you help me?

Patrick has been with us for about six years, almost seven now. I still don't know any more about his background. He's such a special horse, it would be great to learn more about him, like did he show, did he win, who were his dam and sire. He's a pretty horse, able to slow gait and rack with lots of natural talent.

He's called Patrick because that's when a lady in Stonington rescued him away from a few roughneck Percheron horses that were intent on beating him up. It was after that he came to live with me in north Connecticut. My best guess is that he is about 18 or so now. He's been living the good life these days.

Patrick is quite the talker. He is forever whinneying and chuckling and is very kid friendly. He adopted my granddaughter and adores her most of all. This fellow forms tight alliances and has two chickens living directly with him to keep him company. It's really neat - the way he takes care of them and goes out of his way to avoid stepping on them. There's is nothing he likes better than playing guard horse, too. He'll stand at his stall window and greets everyone he sees. Since he's got a beautiful white blaze that runs straight down the middle of his face, you just cannot miss Patrick when he's watching out for you.

Patrick is 15.2 hand red chestnut gelding sporting three lovely white stockings; he has an even blaze that starts upwards of his eyes and extends down across the center of his nose, between the nostrils. Patrick has three white hooves and one dark one. He carries exceptionally strong hooves, barefoot or shod. There is what appears to be an old injury or depression on his left side, mid-belly, that has no scar tissue or white hairs; it is noticeable as a slight dip like a sideward seven. His mane and tail colors are a collection of chestnut, gray, silver and flaxen hairs. His tail has been set in the past.

He's got a great trot and he has quite an engine for the rack. He has a distinct slow gait and lovely canter. His ears are alert and not at all sour.

Won't you please have a closer look at Patrick under our Candids and as he talks in the video on the Home Page. I would be so grateful to learn more about him.

Lets Talk Horses - Blog

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:10:00 GMT

Happy Hoofbeats Everyone!

We're starting out with our onsite Horse Blog where all horse topics are welcome and appreciated. Lets keep it family friendly and hope you will send along your comments, ideas, suggestions. Oh yes. If you'd like to share your horse pictures, we'll post them here or in Picture It.