I debated taking this week off from the blog since I’m busy wrapping up a couple projects, starting another, and we’re leaving for Stable View on Wednesday. But every time I disappear for too long people start to assume that I’m dead, and we wouldn’t want that. No worries, not dead.
Last Thursday we had a jump lesson, our last before we leave. I used the pelham again and Presto was still quite good in it. A couple times he thought he knew better than me (he’s probably right) but he does seem to like it. We’ll see which one we ultimately decide to SJ in at the show, but we’ve got options.
He’s so funny in our lessons, because as soon as we get to Steph’s place he goes into lazy boy mode. At home he’s wild half the time, but there he knows he’s there to work, so he automatically decides he should preserve his energy as much as possible. He’s also convinced that if he follows Steph around she’ll save him from me making him work… he doesn’t realize she’s the source of all his required efforts.
Last Friday we finally made it down to the Ocala Oddities Market, which is a monthly market with local artists selling all kinds of just… weird shit. Dolls with crocodile heads? You got it. Skull lamps? You got it. Crystals? omg so many. There was just tons of stuff and I loved it. They also had a band playing emo hits, so like… you don’t have to keep selling me on the Oddities Market, man, I’m already sold.
It was really fun though, and I came home with a few things that were a steal of a deal. We’ll definitely be going back.
I also finally got around to changing up my stirrups. Some of you may remember that a couple years ago I painted them navy with holographic glitter. Since I’m no longer doing navy, it was time for a facelift.
My XC stuff is black with silver glitter, so that’s what I went with for the first pair. I sanded them a bit, washed them, did the black coat, and then many coats of silver glitter. I got some video of the steps so I can make a little tutorial, that’ll be on Patreon at some point.
For the other pair (I have two sets of FreeJumps, they were both navy with holo glitter before) I decided to change it up and do purple. I have a few hints of purple happening now, in my jump whip and with my purple coat, so… why not.
I did the base coat of purple and then put silver glitter on top, and it made a really pretty dusty lavender color. Which was great, but not the color I was going for. So I sanded it back down, did the base coat again, ordered purple glitter, and did that on the top instead. That kept the stirrup a darker, more true purple. I ended up doing a few good coats of purple glitter and two light sprays of the silver glitter.
The black ones went on my jump saddle… not sure yet how much I’ll use the purple ones or when, but they are definitely pretty. Pleasingly sparkly.
Yesterday we hauled over to Magnolia Sands to pop over a few XC fences before we leave. They normally have lots of skinnies/combos/water questions, and they had a few things this time, but not as much.
We popped through a crater combo, some half coffins, a bank to skinny, and an up bank out of the water. This outing for us was mostly to see how the pelham worked for XC. I’m not 100% certain that I’ll have brakes if he truly decides to fuck right off, but he does lay on it less in the gallop stretches than he does the Myler. We’ll try it at Stable View and see.
I’m going to try to make time to go get some pics of the babies so I can have a Foal Friday post drafted and ready to go for this week, but no promises… depends on how much time I have amidst everything else. We’ll see what I can get done!
breedrideevent.com 
My “give me alllll the bright colors and everything must be purple and teal” endurance rider WANTS those purple stirrup! I wish I could do the same for my endurance stirrups, but alas, they’re black leather-covered western style stirrups, so it wouldn’t quite work. (They’re comfy. When you’re riding in them for 6+ hours you want comfy stirrups. And also the leathers on that saddle are 2″ wide so it’s tricky to find options.)
I do appreciate when you pop in just to say “nope, not dead”. So thanks.
LikeLike
I need those purple stirrups! I haven’t been on my horse (or any) since last summer and that was only twice and it’s been more than 2 years since I’ve ridden regularly because my body decided to attack the joints in my hands which makes it really difficult to hold the reins and sometimes painful…but even so I need purple stirrups 🤣🤣
Also I miss when you posted everyday, I don’t comment often but I look forward to your posts and have been a fan since before Presto was even conceived 😁😁
LikeLike
I am a Patreon supporter and I feel like I’m getting less content since I started paying for it. Sorry to be that guy…!
LikeLike
Sorry you feel that way. We’ve posted as many videos and podcasts as I’ve been able to record. Are you in our Facebook group?
LikeLike
I honestly just cannot picture complaining about the content received for the low monthly price of this Patreon. I will spend more on a cheap lunch on Friday then the median Patreon price. I’m more likely to yell at my server then (that will never happen) then I would be to complain and demand more from someone that I claim to support.
I’m so glad Amanda is busy with so many cool things, and leading such a neat horsey life in Florida, that she doesn’t have time to do command performances like you’re complaining about not receiving.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m another patreon supporter and I love the content I get, it makes my day when I get the email notification that there is new content! I am one who doesn’t have Facebook, (I quit it more than a decade ago), so I miss out on the fun community aspect. Have you considered maybe using an app like Geneva? Where there is the same community experience but is more private and doesn’t come with the added drama that comes with having a Facebook account? I belong to a few Geneva rooms where I’m involved in book clubs, women/femme/LGBTQ+ only groups, fandoms, etc and it’s such a fun way to experience social media in a more private, theme focused setting. Totally understand if that’s too much work, I know how full your plate is, and am happy to support your patreon because I’ve been reader of your blog since the early days, so it’s just a casual suggestion for an alternative community option.
LikeLike
I will look into Geneva and see if everyone might like that! I’m always open to suggestions.
Honestly whoever That Guy is has kind of crushed my spirit, I’ve tried to do the best I can with juggling all this but the truth is that my life is very different now from how it was when I was blogging 5 days a week. My time to sit down and write is very short, so everything I do online has had to be scaled back. I’ve kept some content here on the main site because I didn’t want to put it all behind a paywall, and I try to post as much as I can to Patreon (but god, uploading ANYTHING on my very shitty slow internet is quite an undertaking) and mostly keep our facebook group active. Now I’m questioning if any of it is even worth it.
LikeLike
I can see how a sour remark like that would be deflating. Personally, the fact that the comment was made anonymously and publicly vs. Privately reaching out to you directly makes me think it was a troll just looking to spread negativity.
Your blog is wonderful and I really enjoy what you share here. I’m not riding at the moment, and your words help me feel connected to the equestrian life I’m looking forward to resuming one day! All the best for your Stable View adventures .
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry!! I really did not want to be discouraging!! Like the above commenter, I also think your new horsey life in Florida looks so fun and satisfying and I can 100% see how busy you are, etc. I think some of it is how I use the internet. I don’t use FB much. The blog shows up in Feedly which I find easy to access. The podcast I can’t listen to via the regular iPhone podcast app (correct me if I’m wrong about this!!!) so I just don’t listen. Same with the videos – when I want to watch videos I go to YouTube. Maybe I’m just lazy/stubborn and in the minority and other folks have no problem accessing the content. I know there’s a Patreon app, I just…don’t use it.
Has anyone suggested a newsletter?? Those seem to be on trend right now and I am subscribed to several, one of which I pay for. I think they’re mostly through Substack. I like them b/c they come to my inbox and I don’t have to remember to go to a new platform. Though, I don’t think they support video/podcast content.
Or, could you do a poll where people pick 1-3 platforms they’d like to see you on and then you can narrow your focus to those?
Anyway, please don’t let me bum you out! I don’t plan to stop supporting on Patreon anytime soon. And feel free to delete this or my other comment, no need to have any negativity permanently inscribed on this website. Take care.
LikeLike
I LOVE your blog and have been following it since you got Henry, which seems like a lifetime ago! I’m always excited to see a new post and very much enjoy following you and your ponies on y’all journey! I honestly don’t know how you do it all, so I certainly appreciate anytime you find the energy to share some content and updates! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
have you ever used Discord?
LikeLike
You always do the best DYI jobs!
LikeLike
DIY*
LikeLike
Yes! I’m not active on there at the moment but Discord is similar Geneva, it’s another good one! Even if you keep everything on the Facebook group, I so appreciate you looking into different avenues for the community. I understand that Facebook is easy for most people, and still enjoy the patreon and blog as it is.
And know that SO MANY of us love the ride (pun intended) you take us on in any capacity. its fun to connect with the stories other people have about their day to day musings of the horse/farm/show life so many of us have in common.
LikeLike
Been following since 2010 and you’re by far the best blogger in terms of interesting, useful content! So thank you, I think there are a lot of us out here who, like me, read daily but don’t comment (I’ve been out of horses for a while but still like to keep up with eventing news, etc).
LikeLike
Long time lurker here. I know it can be discouraging to have folks complain about whatever it is you’re providing.
I also want to say that it’s OK to give up some things as your life changes. It’s OK to blog less. It’s even OK to wind down the Patreon group. Your whole life has changed in the past 2 years (outside of the massive changes all of us have gone through with ::waves hands:: all this). You’ve moved from being a ammy rider and blogger to (again, in my impression) a farm manager, subject matter expert reporter, equine breeding consultant, foal trainer and I’m sure I’ve missed a few things you’re doing. Not only that, you’ve got a spectacular young eventing horse to enjoy and bring up, Henny who deserves you feeding him cookies all day every day, and (I’m assuming) some level of personal life that none of us have any business knowing about.
Anyway, you’re doing amazing and while I (and others, I’m sure) love watching you thrive and blossom and succeed, you don’t owe us anything. Even if we’re paying you – if we’re unhappy with what we’re getting for our money, we can always just stop paying. Complaining about it publicly is just … rude.
(I don’t think I’ve ever felt so mom-like in my life).
LikeLiked by 3 people
I love everything you said! 100% completely right!
LikeLike
I am another long time blog reader from Pre-Presto era (just saying that makes me sound like a dinosaur). 😀 I am not a Patreon member, and I appreciate you keeping this blog going. I really enjoy your sense of humour & writing style. Reading about your life, and your equestrian adventures is a pleasure. It’s been fun to be a long for the ride as your life has evolved. I recognize that you are incredibly busy juggling many aspects of your life and appreciate when you take the time to share.
Have fun this weekend, I am sure your away show will be a blast.
LikeLike