Travel – Tack and Tweed Equestrian: The Love of Horses

Hunter Paces….

My sweet steed, Chance, is really shaping up. Minus an old stifle injury as a colt, he’s been sound. He’s not going to any grand prix competitions any time soon (neither would I, by the way), but he has gotten in shape enough to “compete” in some regional hunter paces. My son rode in last weekend’s Rombout Foxhounds Hunter Pace up by Hyde Park, NY.

The hunt club did a wonderful job setting up the jumps (all decorated beautifully), tabletops and food. Catering was delicious (pumpkin soup, chili and desserts too numerous to count)!

I love hunter paces. From beginners to super-competitive riders, all are welcome. Dane (my son) and Chance had lots of fun and Team Beech Hill (our group of three riders/horses) did great! Not in the ribbons, but there were many teams and their time was pretty darn good.

Have any of you done hunter paces? How do you like them? Post your pictures/videos here or on our Facebook page!

Tack and Tweed’s Holiday Gift Guide for Winter 2014

Tack and Tweed Holiday Gift Guide Cover — Tack and Tweed Holiday Gift Guide Winter, 2014

Wondering what to get your horsey loved ones? We have some ideas to help you out!!!

We feature some of our favorite brands, as well as some new ones, most of which can be purchased online simply by clicking the link in the guide. For items sold by Ride Bedford, please give Courtney a call – she will personally help you with anything you need and will be sure to give you the best product at the best value.

By the way our very own Tack and Tweed limited edition cell phone covers designed by Beatrice Bulteau and made in France, may be purchased here, or by emailing me directly (Lisa@TackandTweed.com)!

Tack and Tweed Holiday Gift Guide 2014

Happy Holiday Shopping!!!

There’s a bun (or two) in the oven…

No, I’m not with child, but we’ve been busy here at T&T! We’ve been collaborating with renowned Equestrian Artist Beatrice Bulteau to create a gorgeous new product just in time for the holidays – will launch tomorrow….

Also, we’ve put together our annual Tack and Tweed Holiday Gift Guide which will be published in less than two days….can’t wait!! Okay, back to work….

Equus Film Festival NYC

I’ve lived in and around NYC for almost 20 years now and I’m a little sad to say I’ve never participated or attended any film festivals. I’ve thought long and hard about getting my butt to the Tribeca Festival, but never actually made it. Last Thursday, when I heard (last minute) about the Equus Film Festival at MIST in Harlem Friday and Saturday, I called in a last minute babysitter, grabbed my notebook and jumped on Metro North. Quite clearly, hours of horsey films take priority over a DeNiro (my favorite actor, by the way) sighting ;).

It took me a couple minutes to find MIST, but once inside I felt very much at home. Three theaters playing equestrian cinema, world-renowned artists and horse activists all convening to share a drink and a bite at the delicious bar of Madiba, and the 7 or so obligatory protesters (anti-horse and carriage types as there was one short film being screened that defended NYC’s horse carriages) out front all conspired to make a wonderful and entertaining evening. I had a bite to eat at the bar, and I realized that this was of the same Madiba of Fort Greene Brooklyn fame, right down the street from where my husband and I lived years ago. It was one of our favorite haunts, so I was happy to see them thriving. Not to mention, the food was amazing. My little hand meat pie and truffle fries were perfect, as was my husbands dish of Chicken Durban Bunny Chow (spicy curry-like dish served in a hollowed out organic bread loaf). DELISH.

Okay, so I grabbed another glass of South African chardonnay, and sat through some evening flicks. First, some shorts. A short about Dr. Maria Katsamanis, who specializes in classical horsemanship, then a quickie about the Festival of the Horse and Drum, which looks to be a fun event scheduled for next August 15th and 16th in St. Charles, Illinois. Sorry to report that the Asmar Equestrian (my regular readers know I love this brand) ad wasn’t aired at this point, but was seen on screens across the lobby and perhaps at another point in the festival. We then screened Free Rein, a glimpse into the life of a natural horsemanship trainer in Cananda named Jessica Fobert. She teaches us to listen to horses, and gives them a voice – they also happened to win the “Best Equestrian Series” award – congrats! Next was the talented and artistic Riders of McCrae Farm. Specializing in French Classical Dressage, movements are given by, not forced from, the horse. Not the best cinematography, but a great performance and fun to see.

The next film was a treat. Animaglyphes, a labor of love by director and creator Manolo Bez, creative mind behind the Theatre du Centaur along with his wife, Camille. The film takes us on a journey of animals and man, so that we cannot tell where one ends and the other begins. They bring together a collage of hundreds of people, sheep, horses and onlookers as they undertake an epic journey across many miles through the south of France, ultimately parading though the un-barricaded streets of Marseilles. A piece of art, his objective was to demonstrate the oneness of man and animal while capturing different points of view, the most striking being one of birds as they witness hundreds of sheep being herded behind a female “centaur” (actually Manolo’s wife riding standing up on anywhere between 1 and 3 horses). When I asked what were some of his largest challenges making the film, besides securing the necessary bureaucratic permits, the largest challenge was the massive amounts of animal and human waste and how it was to be controlled and kept clean. Poo above all. 😉

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After this, I took a break to see what was happening in the lobby. I wasn’t disappointed as there were some protesters trying to cause a ruckus over the screening of a 10 minute movie named Save the Horse Carriages by Mary Haverstick (narrated by Liam Neeson). Eh, what’s a good event without some rabble rousers to bring in some media attention :)? I’m posting it here – reason for protest? I’ll let you decide.

Anyway, on the lighter side of life, I also met a wonderful artist named Beatrice Bulteau, who specializes in equestrian art and the celebration of movement and capturing the essence of the horse. She also happens to be the artist behind this year’s festival poster. As much as I wanted her beautiful watercolor mural (and everything else I saw), I only walked away with a signed festival poster and a beautiful iPhone 5 case. Hailing from Paris and now living in Portugal, Ms. Bulteau has been at her art for decades. I am sure that any piece of hers is a wise investment; tasteful art that will ad beauty and class to any room.

If I had more time and less children, I would have attended Saturday – all day. Alas, I had to call it quits after Friday. I’m anticipating next year, and will absolutely make time for the train ride back to the city to attend. Well worth it!

Sorry Nassau Surrey Horses Need Help

We’re on a family vacation this week (taking a wonderful cruise with grandma/grandpa/aunt/uncle/cousins) in the Caribbean, and while we’re having a great time, I couldn’t help but feel really shocked and sorry for the little Surrey horses pulling carriages in the port of Nassau, Bahamas. They looked totally broken, skinny and sore (terrible shoeing and rub sores all over their little bodies where their tack was digging into their skin). In torrential downpours or oppressive heat, they pull their loads: tourists that weigh more than they do, time and time again.

When we got back to our room, I found more information on these “Surrey” horses, and what I found wasn’t very encouraging. Between collapsing on the job, like the one (of several) that died horribly in the street, to malnourishment, their lives look pretty dim; obviously abused. I then looked for any organizations trying to help these little guys. I found a Facebook page with a stop the abuse petition, and of course I signed it (please sign it too). I just hope that there is someone with authority out there to take it seriously and find a way to stop the abuse. I’m trying to find a more organized effort to help these equines; if I do, I’ll spread the word.

https://www.facebook.com/surreyhorsecause

“My Pony”

“I want a pony. I want a pony more than anything else in the world.” The artist and children’s book author and illustrator, Susan Jeffers opens her book, My Pony, with these words. What little (or big) child bit by the horse bug hasn’t uttered this phrase? This is a book about a little girl, who dreams of having her own pony. Her family cannot afford one, so she draws a beautiful dappled grey mare named Silver, who becomes her dreamy equine companion.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Jeffers this past weekend at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival this past weekend, (the CCBF is one of the most notable of book festivals in the NYC area). A rider herself (in fact, she used to have a horse not too far from where my son and I ride), Jeffers’ love for horses and children’s imaginations shines through in her beautifully illustrated books.

Jeffers has been writing and illustrating picture books for over forty years. She received the Caldecott Honor for Three Jovial Huntsman and has been honored with many other awards, including the Golden Kite Award for Forest of Dreams. Susan says she realizes now that she has always done the same things. When Susan was little, her best moments were spent drawing pictures, reading stories with her parents, playing with friends and sitting by the Ramapo River dreaming of horses. This has not changed. Being a children’s book illustrator has combined all of these things.

I read it to my daughter, Annalise, yesterday and she, even at three years old, loved it; she keeps flipping through the pages, perhaps dreaming of her own pony. I’m excited to read the next pony installment, My Chincoteague Pony.

Susan signed a copy and made a pony sketch on the inside front page especially for Annalise. We’ll have to be careful not to beat it up too much, but it will be a book that she and I will cherish for years. Click here to see a list of her other selections available on Amazon.com.

JeffersProfilePic — Susan Jeffers with her now retired “pony”. 🙂

Simple Summer Style

Finally taking a break, sitting by the pool (yay), I’m noticing that my swim/summer wardrobe is woefully shabby, and definitely not chic. As we are recovering financially from our house purchase, I need to limit my summer spree to a few essentials.

Most importantly, I need a new bathing suit. I’m not a spring chicken any longer, so my tiny bikinis are getting less and less wear. If I can find a gorgeous one piece this year, I may just wear it. After all, I’m no longer in the market for a killer tan, so covering more skin is probably better. I love these two options:

I love this little number, very surfer…but a little out of my price range – hmmm, but if I’m only buying one suit this year…..:

Lisa Marie Fernandez The Farrah neoprene swimsuit $395

This is adorable, and I love the color….and for a bikini, it really seems modest (although the price isn’t):

Norma Kamali Bill ruched bikini top $175 Briefs $175

Once a suit is picked out, I’ll need a new coverup. I love the long kaftans, but maybe something different this year. Cover up pants are great, comfortable and I can roll them up when it’s time to wade in the baby pool. I love these and they would look great with the swimsuit!

Onda De Mar Swim - Coverup Pant — Onda De Mar Swim Coverup Pant Sale price: $118.80

Unfortunately, ballet flats are out (boo hoo), and typical flip flops, while easy and comfy, are getting rather boring. I need the speed of slip ons so, roman sandals for day to day wear are out. I hear that Chloe featured Birkenstocks on the runway. Hmmmmm, interesting. I haven’t seen these on anyone other than pseudo-hippies since my crunchier days in college. I’m not exactly a bleeding heart, so can I pull them off? Yes, I think so…in this cute, preppy, neutral orange, I believe I have my summer shoe (not a bad price, I may add):

Now, how shall I carry all my swim diapers, half-used sunblock vials, spilled juice boxes, broken sunglasses and unread summer novelettes? The Beau Beach Bag is a very cool option, with space, style and eco-friendly ideals. Created by Anne Epstein of Beau Soliel, this modern and super hip bag is almost entirely dye-free with recycled cotton handles. I love the breezy beachy feel – it’s great for anywhere.

Lastly, I need a loose fitting shirt and lightweight sweater to wear with my jeans and many leggings. What better designer than Vince to fill this need?

Here’s a simple V-Neck sweater and silky t-shirt that can be literally worn anywhere with just about anything – which is exactly why I love Vince.

Vince 'Popover' Cap Sleeve Silk Blouse — Vince “Popover” Cap Sleeve Silk Blouse – $265

Most of these pieces are not cheap, however, they are great quality. I wear my clothes often and hard, so I’m shopping for great values. I think I may have found some.

Bottoming out at Topping Riding Club

Beautiful day? Check.

Beautiful location? Check.

Preparation? Done.

Horses in costume and ready to ride? Check.

My son in his squirrel costume and me with my kitty mask and ready to ride? Check.

Practice round successful? Check.

I was so excited to blog about my first Mock Hunter Pace, well…actually my first show. It was just a casual show for fun in costume at the gorgeous Topping Riding Club in Sagaponack, NY (in the Hamptons). I knew my little teammates were going to ride circles around me, but I was ready to give it my best shot. Warm up went great. Trotting away, I approach my first (low) jump. Yay! I’m balanced, feeling confident, having fun and looking ahead to all the jumps on the way. Second…third, whew, going well! Stop for the cup of water from attendant, and I’m off again. Fourth jump, eh, I’ll take this one at a canter – yay!

My cute grey mare is feeling spicy, but I have control. Until. Scary. Big. Bush. Blows. In. Wind.

And…we’re off to the races! Full gallop towards large jump (in the shape of stone wall), I decide to bail before I’m thrown over the big obstacle and land on my face. Down I go. DAMN! I was so excited to finish. DAMN! I let my team down. DAMN! My butt hurts!

As I iced my sore rear end and nursed my bruised ego with a glass of rosé, I looked around and was so proud of my little teammates! The gals of Greenlawn Equestrian (one of our other teams) took first place in the mock hunter pace 🙂 We have some pictures, but my son was in charge of the camera. He did a good job for a 7 year old, but many faces are missing. He’s the little guy in the Rigby costume (from Cartoon Network’s Regular Show).

On the plus side, while I wait for my bottom to heal, I’ll have more time to plug into the fashion network.

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A “Shout Out” to the Schramms – Q & A

As a relative newcomer to riding, I find myself voraciously consuming anything equine-related to help me get to the next level. One of my newest go-to places is EventionTV.com. Originally on YouTube, founders Dom and Jimmie Schramm, professional three day event riders and owners of Schramm Equestrian in Cochranville, Pennsylvania, shared their endless knowledge of all things equestrian. It took off. After my first view, I too, was totally hooked. Now in their second season, the adorable Dom and Jimmie combine expert advice, real riding examples, humor and loveable personalities into digestible horsey segments on their very own newly-launched webTV channel EventionTV.com.

Their warmth, caring and expertise is a welcome addition to the equine airwaves. I especially love that every episode includes a “Schrammo’s Shoutout” where Dom and Jimmie bring much needed attention to equine-related charities around the globe. Consider EventionTV a horse treat for us humans.

I recently caught up with the super busy super couple to ask a few questions:

lb: What is your riding background? How did you guys meet?

dom: I grew up in outback Queensland Australia. I had the typical ‘bush’ start, tearing around on ponies and being a boy. My mum was the one who got me started competing in the show and dressage ring bit. It was when my father was on a military posting in the UK when I discovered eventing at age 11 and I never looked back. Since then I have ridden track-work, broken in lots of horses, and re-trained problem horses to fund my eventing habit.

jennie: I am originally from Dallas, TX and went through pony club which is where I learned about eventing. I rode with Chrissy Allison who also happens to.be where Tex aka Mellow Johnny came from. I went to college at Auburn University where I had the opportunity to work for Mike and Emma Winter who taught me the ins and outs of upper level eventing. I then spent a few months in California with Tamie Smith and that is where I found my current mount Bellamy and have been striving to make it the the top with him ever since. Dom and I met through our good friends Ryan Wood and Jennie Brannigan. We did the long distance thing for a little over a year and then got married and the rest is history.

lb: What is EventionTV and who is your main audience/ who are you trying to reach?

d&j: EventionTV is a FREE web based how to tutorial series that presents practical information for horse enthusiasts in a fun, fresh and easy to digest way. We target any one who enjoys horses, wants to learn and likes to have a laugh!

lb: Why did you guys start this channel/ what prompted you to start making your show?

dom: To be honest it actually started as an idea to write a book, but I realized living in a digital age, online and visual made more sense. We try to answer simple questions people may have in the least condescending way possible as we thought a lot of what was out there was making people feel stupid. We also realized being broke ass event riders that we didn’t have mom and dad with the never ending checkbook that we were going to have to differentiate ourselves if we were ever going to get off the air mattress and pay the bills!

lb: What will be different about your second season? What is “new and improved”? Any spoilers to share with my readers?

d&j: We have put a tonne more effort and money into this season. Viewers can expect more in depth explanations. Visually it will be broadcast quality and revamped. We will be trying out new technology to do things that have never been seen before in equestrian videos so it is a really exciting time. As far as spoilers, well, you can expect some more humorous segments as well as some special guest appearances!

lb: What is your favorite riding gear – what do you guys use on a regular basis (I know you use Stubben saddles…anything else)?

d&J: Really all of the Stubben gear is fantastic. Not just the saddles but the bridles and all the accessories as well are such great quality. My new favorite piece of tack is a Stubben jump bridle with fancy stitching. I like that sort of thing.

lb: What is your recommended show clothing? Hack clothing? Does it really matter?

j: For me it always matters, you want to look professional and put together. It obviously helps if you ride well too: ) I wear Pikeur breeches in competition and I have been searching for new competition jacket and tails and really like the Charles Ancona ,their stuff is beautiful. For every day in the summer the EIS sun.shirts are a staple. In the fall and winter I like polo shirts and rugbys. Ralph Lauren makes some really fun ones as well as Joules. As far as breeches go I like Pikeur and Cavallo. Yes they can be expensive but for someone that rides a lot of horses every day, they last.

lb: What is the best advice you have for an adult beginner rider? Is it worth their time working towards a show?

j: The best advice.I have for an adult beginner is to make yourself a realistic schedule and most importantly STICK to it. And by schedule I mean daily rides, lessons working up to possibly a competition. I also think it is worth aiming for a show because it gives you a goal you can work towards and a reason to improve your horse and your riding.

lb: What was/is your biggest challenge putting this show together?

d: Two things, finding the time on top of running a busy barn and second, paying for the production!

lb: Will we get to know some of your staff better in any upcoming episodes?

d: Steph, our barn manager/superwoman of all things is crucial to everything we do. I really want her to be more visible on the show but I know she will groan when I ask her. Hopefully you will get to see more of her.

lb: Where/when can fans come and cheer you on (your show schedule)?

d: Things are actually quieting down for us however we do have our biggest show of the year coming up in Fair Hill MD Oct 16-19. I will be in the CCI** on Cold Harbor and Jimmie will be contesting the CCI*** on her superstar Bellamy. We love seeing Evention fans at the shows so come out and say G’day!

————————

Personally, I would love to cheer them on in Maryland this October. I may need to use some of their horse loading tips to load my kids into the car for a road trip – so we’ll have to see 😉

Check out these pics – I wish I could do this!!!!

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Hunter-Jumper: Hot in the Hamptons

: I love their shirts – I want one for my daughter and me.

It was an amazing day at the Hamptons Classic yesterday. It was a little crazy to go as a show virgin on Grand Prix day, but it was so worth it. The weather held out and last year’s winner, Kent Farrington, won again. This time, his mount was Zafira. It was so amazing to see such steeds soar. I was happy just getting over a low jump last week; it surely was inspirational.

I have so many pictures and stories I’m weeding through, but I thought I would get some of the more fun pictures up for everyone to see. Please forgive my celebrity pictures – I’m not exactly paparazzi, being on the shy side, so I just took silly pictures from behind the pros. I was more interested in what people were wearing and what they were eating and the HORSES, of course!

My attempt at shooting the fashionable and famous:

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Les Enfants: the Fashionable Small-Set at the show:

I love their shirts – I want one for my daughter and I as well.

Oh, and thank you guys for voting on what I should wear! I have to give props to Haute Hippie for sending me my size in the Paprika Onesie in time for the classic. It was perfect: comfortable, chic and got noticed. They rock!!

More to come!

Deliciously Danish

Sandwiches from Smorgas Chef Restaurant in the Scandia House Center in New York City

I’m an American mutt: on my mother’s side, I’m Italian, and on my father’s side I’m Danish. Years ago, Sundays with Grandma and Grandpa would begin with about 3 hours of Lutheran church (I was jealous of my Catholic friends who got to go home after a 1/2 hour mass). Upon our return, we would all assist in assembling an immense table-full of the week’s leftovers, all rearranged and presented to perfection on thin-sliced heavy pumpernickel bread. In Denmark, this is known as Smørrebrød, meaning “buttered bread”. The bread is traditionally smeared with super thick delicious butter (think Lurpak) before toppings are added (the butter keeps the bread from getting soggy), and eaten with a knife and fork.

These little open-faced sandwiches can get very fancy. Indeed, there are restaurants all over Copenhagen (and a couple here in NYC – my next trip will be to Aamans Copenhagen in Tribeca) that specialize in these tasty morsels. In my family, we concentrated on every bite having a perfect blend of bread, dressing and topping. We didn’t worry too much about garnishing, as we were too busy stuffing our mouths. The adults (in my family, age 16) chased the food down with a Tuborg beer (no all but impossible to find) and a shot of Aquavit: Scandinavia’s potent “water of life” made with caraway.

Smorrebrod at my father's house. You can use anything in your fridge! — Smorrebrod at my father’s house. You can use anything in your fridge!

As a fun idea, you should try throwing a Danish Smorrebrod party. Slice and lay out thin slices of heavy pumpernickel, wheat and baguette bread. Place assorted toppings on small plates or on one large platter in the middle of the table, and let your guests make their own sandwiches. Have plenty of Carlsberg and Aquavit on hand to wash down the morsels.

Check out DanishSandwich.com it’s a wealth of information and tons of traditional recipes for sandwiches, homemade pickled herring, cucumber salad and other must-haves. They are one of my favorite blogs.

MOMMY NOTE: If you have young children, the smoked herring may be too much to ask their little taste buds to gobble – stick with the roast beef and pork options!

Skol!

Asphalt Green NYC and Me

I love chit-chatting. I just found out that I can chatter my brains out starting September 9th. I am proud and excited to be one of a few lucky cooking instructors participating in the launch of a new culinary program at NYC’s famous Asphalt Green. I’ll be teaching their Culinary Boot Camp Series in September. Too bad I won’t be demo-ing my favorite knives….

Asphalt Green opened their new gorgeous campus in Battery Park City with a new culinary center. They have an amazing 25 yard lap pool, warm water exercise pool, full workout equipment and weights, wood floor gym, 156 seat theater, culinary center (woo hoo!) and 6 multipurpose classrooms. Members enjoy babysitting (this is amazing), youth, teen and adult oriented programs and access to all fitness centers, programs and classes (some have an additional fee). There’s no excuse not to exercise, except I don’t believe they have a barn and jumping ring….

AsphaltGreenPool — Their gorgeous new lap pool.

My class, Culinary Boot Camp, starts September 9th at 7pm. We’ll be working on basic cooking techniques and making delicious dishes that participants will cook themselves (everything is hands on). There is still some space left, so sign up. Only 14 per class.

The Battery Park City Asphalt Green’s brand-new culinary kitchen

I took these pictures, please forgive my amateurish photography 🙂

Asphalt Green’s Mission: “Asphalt Green is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting individuals of all ages and backgrounds achieve health through a lifetime of sports and fitness. One of New York City’s most valuable resources, Asphalt Green is acknowledged for its unparalleled programs and expertise.”

xo

lb

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