Month: November 2023

I feel like I’m emerging from the battle that is Black Friday, covered head to toe in soot and bleeding from multiple places, dragging an axe behind me. I’m never prepared for making that dang list and have a lot of mixed feelings about it. Alas, we survived another year and lived to tell the tale, and I don’t have to think about it again for like 11.5 months. Delighted.

I had to go back through my phone pictures to remember last week, it was a bit of a blur. On Monday Argo went on his first XC adventure, down to Naked Horse with Freya and Henry. The general plan was to walk him around, lunge him over some logs and ditches/bank/water, and see what his vibe was. True to Argo form, his vibe was “yes, and?”:

I mean don’t get me wrong, for him he was definitely on his toes in a new busy wide open environment, but his version of that is extremely mild. He walked and trotted over some logs, I led him up and down a bank, and popped across a small ditch. None of it was that interesting. Then I handed him over to my friend Lija, who was on Henry, so she could pony him through the water.

Admittedly I thought that the water might be the thing about XC that Argo wasn’t so sure about. He’s a clean horse, not particularly playful or overly curious, and those types sometimes just really don’t want to go in the water. So ya know… color me shocked when he eagerly took himself in. Not a single bit of encouragement required.

If anything he really seemed like he’d love to roll in it, so had to be encouraged to keep his head up and keep moving. Overall though, easy peasy, no hesitation. Good boy Argie.

After that I decided to hop on, since it had been so uneventful. We stood around and watched Henry and Lija for a bit

And went off exploring, trotting and cantering over some little logs, popping over the ditch, and trotting back and forth through the water. He was not impressed.

He was a little wiggly when it came to the stand-still-and-wait-your-turn part, but not bad. Stuff like that is to be expected. I thought that in general he handled it really well, especially because this venue is on a sorta-busy road and several times some very loud trucks rumbled by. No reaction. He cared more about what was going on in the barn behind the field and wanted to be a little nappy heading away from it, but there wasn’t much of an effort on his part.

On Tuesday we checked off another ArgoAftercare item with a visit from Auntie Jenn, the best and most favorite bodyworker. She’s married to Maya Black and they just came back into town for the season, so I had to have her out ASAP for Presto and Argo. She thought Presto felt great, strong in his muscles but not tight. Argo was obviously considerably more tight obviously, and she worked a lot on his neck, shoulders, and SI region. Argo slept through the entire thing.

I feel like every bit of work we do on him makes him look just a little bit better, so seeing the incremental improvements is nice. Confirmation that we’re headed in the right direction, at the very least.

On Thursday morning I took Presto over to Majestic to gallop, his first one since he’s been back in work. Because duh what else would you do on Thanksgiving. Mostly we just did slower gallops – slower and shorter than his normal peak fitness sets anyway – but at the end I let him sprint up the long hill. He feels great, and really propelled himself up that hill in a way I haven’t felt from him yet.

And then on Friday, Hillary and I left early early to head down to Wellington to visit some friends. You may remember that the owners of the farm where I lived in Texas moved to their Wellington property full time when I moved to Ocala, and I had yet to make it down there to visit them. What better time than a holiday weekend? The drive wasn’t too bad, about 4 hours (a lot by Florida time but a drop in the bucket for Texas time) and we rolled into town about mid morning.

I had not been to Wellington before but it was pretty much what I expected. Definitely horse world central, but a very very different feel and atmosphere to Ocala. It’s beautiful, for sure. When we got to the farm we got a tour, ate lunch while we watched Michelle Gibson school some horses, and then headed out to a couple tack shops. Because why not hit the Wellington tack shops on Black Friday?

First up was On Course Consignment, which was massive and overwhelming even without the added effect of all the people. So much stuff. So many people. I didn’t even know where to look. I tried on a shad that I loved but it was still a bit more than I wanted to pay, and a gorgeous Samshield show coat that I definitely would not let myself purchase but really wanted to. With an unlimited budget I could have done some real damage in there. Alas, we’re in frugal mode, so all I got was a pair of white Pikeurs for $20. Those were a steal.

Then we headed over to Tackeria, which is also A TON OF STUFF. I almost bought a dressage whip there but my brain prevailed and I put it back.

After that we headed back to the farm and I hopped on JB, who some of you may remember. He and Presto grew up together for a couple years in Texas and were the absolute Shenanigan Duo. JB is now huge and stunning and definitely seems to have retained some of his cheekiness. Sounds familiar.

The next day we had some breakfast, watched Michelle with another nice young horse, and then hit Tacknrider on our way out of town. They had a lot of brands in store that I’ve only seen online in Europe, so it was nice to get to see and touch things in person. Then we hopped back in the car and headed home, which took considerably longer with all the holiday traffic. Did not love.

To cap off the week, yesterday Presto and I had our first jump lesson in two months. He was very excited to be back jumping, but was overall a good boy.

Argo got a week off, with everything going on, so he’ll be back on the roster this week! And Henry of course, he’s still getting ridden too. You’ll be shocked to hear that this week is already full. At least there’s no time for boredom?

Hope everyone had a good holiday and scored some Black Friday deals!

Who’s ready to set some money on fire in the name of Black Friday???

Or, if you need to make it sound responsible and intelligent, we can call it “stocking up on essentials and buying holiday gifts while things are on sale”. Whatever you gotta tell yourself in order to feel less financially irresponsible. I’m not here to judge.

Either way, welcome to the Equestrian Master List of Black Friday sales for 2023. May the odds be ever in your favor.

Here we go with the usual spiel: some of these sales are already active, others won’t be live until later in the week. I’ve included date info where I can, but if you’re not seeing the sale yet, just try their page again later. What I’m publishing today (Wednesday) is very much just the tip of the iceberg – I’m tracking dozens of different sales that will be releasing their info later in the week. Keep checking back here, new ones will be posted AT THE BOTTOM BY DATE ADDED so they don’t get lost in the mix. Happy Shopping!

***Just a PSA, because apparently I have to say this… if you are a business owner who’s sale is NOT on this list and you would like it to be added, please just send me a polite email with the information for your sale and I will happily add it. I am just one person trying to do this as a public service in my spare time, so naturally there are plenty of sales I won’t see. Kind notes are always appreciated! Rude ones are not.

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If you value the (many days of) work that goes into making this list and want to help keep me caffeinated so I can continue to update it frequently (dopamine for errybody!), I appreciate you the extra mostest.

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Riding Warehouse – 20% off for horse and rider, plus various brands discounted and up to 75% off clearance items through 11/28.

Majyk Equipe – 25% off storewide plus free Santa bonnets with every order over $150 and some bigger discounts on seasonal items from 11/22 through 11/27.

Ride iQ – 30% off first membership payment for any membership type (so $90 off annual, for instance) on 11/24 and 11/25 with code TGIF30. Note – you must redeem this via the website, not the app.

Higher Standards Leather Care – EXCLUSIVE TO THIS BLOG get 20% off your order from noon EST on 11/23 through midnight 11/27 with code ARGO.

Trafalgar Square Books – 20% off storewide plus free shipping

Dark Jewel Designs – storewide discounts from 11/23 through 11/29.

Free Ride Equestrian – 15% to 50% off storewide

Corro – 20% off Veltri Sport, Horseware Ireland, EquiFit, Back on Track, Baker, Equifuse, Cavalor, Kunkle, and Walsh. Up to 40% off blankets. Buy 2, get 1 Free Infused Equestrian products through 11/24-11/27.

Remarkable Leather Goods – 15% off storewide from 11/24-11/27 with code RLGBF23

Retired Racehorse Project – 20% off storewide with code JINGLE (code stacks on sale items) and orders over $100 get a free RRP tote.

Arion HST – up to 50% off accessories starting 11/24

Vitalize EQ – 20% off Vitalize Alimend through 11/27

The Connected Rider – up to 70% off select items and free gifts

Stockbubble – 25% off stock pins

Ecogold – 15% off all saddle pads using code BLACKFRIPADS through 11/27

Hufglocken – 30% off storewide with code BLACK30

Equizone Online – 30% off storewide (some exclusions) with up to 77% off selected items starting 11/24

Cambox – various deals up to 50% off all week long

Eponia Equestrian – up to 50% off starting Black Friday

Decopony – 20% off custom stall swag and 30% off gloves, automatic discount at checkout

Fundis Equestrian – various deals up to 90% off during Black Week plus an additional $10 off with code BLACK10

Pivo Pod – up to 50% off sitewide

HLH Equestrian – 25% off storewide (excluding the already discounted pre-order collection) discount applied automatically in cart

Calverro EQ – 15% off the Perfect Show Jacket and 25% off everything else, discount automatically applied in cart

Dreamers and Schemers – storewide sale plus daily specials

Equestly – Buy one get one 50% off or buy two get one free

Royal Equestrian – 25% off anything already on sale with code BLACK25

Romitelli Boots – sale starts 11/24

Kastel – 30% off storewide on 11/22 and 11/23

Lumiere Equestrian – storewide savings through 12/4

The Urban Strides – discounts up to 70% off during Black Week

Anique – Buy one get one free

Espoir Equestrian – 50% off sale items, discount applied automatically in cart. Additionally, on 11/24 all Black items will be 25% off.

2point Eq – 30% off storewide, discount applied automatically in cart

Mrs Ros – up to 80% starting on 11/24

Equi In Style – Buy any shirt and get one of equal or lesser value free through 11/27 with code BUY1GET1

Nunn Finer – 20% off storewide plus free shipping on orders over $50 to Continental USA through 11/26

Pinsnickety – 20% off storewide from 11/24 through 11/27 with the code LOOKSHARP, plus free shipping on orders over $80.

Bridles and Reins – Buy one Get one free with code BFCMBOGO

HKM Sports Equipment – buy two products get 10% off with code BLACK-2, buy 3 products get 15% off with code BLACK-3, buy four products get 20% off with code BLACK-4

The Infused Equestrian – Buy 2 get 1 free with code BF23

Equisite – Lucille breeches 50% off plus get a free Otto belt; spend $300 get $50 off, spend $400 get $75 off, spend $500 get $100 off through 11/27

Anatomeq – 15% off Fit blankets, AirSupports, and PoloPillow liners, 10% off Perfeq jumper pads, dressage pads, Airguard brush boots, apparel, and more through 11/28.

Devoucoux – 25% off accessories

Leveza – various discounts storewide

Correct Connect – storewide sale starting 11/22, $20 off orders of $100, $40 off orders of $200, $60 off orders of $300.

Punk Ponies – 30% off storewide through 11/30

Gutzbusta Hay Nets – 20% off storewide through 11/27

Victoria Rose Equestrian – 60% off the Cassie Sanger collection, 50% off the core collection, and 40% off the Paige Ramsey collection starting 11/24

Manhattan Saddlery – 20% off Equifit, Baker, and Tipperary, and 15% off Kask, De Niro, and house-brand with free shipping over $99.

Pomme Equestrian – 30 to 50% off storewide during Black Week

Etalon Vert – 25% off storewide

MadBarn – free 1kg package of MSM when you spend $100 or more

Dy’on – up to 30% off from 11/24 through 11/27

The Collected Pony – 25% off storewide (clearance excluded) with code BLACKFRIDAY23 from 11/24 through 11/27

Kentucky Horsewear – 30% storewide and up to 50% off select items from 11/24 through 11/27

Design by Dalia – 20% off storewide with code BLACKFRIDAY2023

Voltaire Designs – 20% off select items from 11/24-11/27

Equilifestyle – 20% off with code EQUVIP23

Thinline – 20% off with code BFCM23

Ponyo Horsewear – up to 70% off from 11/24 through 11/27

Smartpak – 20% off storewide with code BF2023

Kentucky Horsewear – 30% off storewide with some discounts up to 70%, from 11/24 through 11/27

Fager Equestrian – 20-50% off storewide through 11/27

Ice Horse – 20% off storewide with code BF23 through 11/27

PS of Sweden – up to 70% off storewide

Veltri Sport – 20% off storewide 11/24-11/27

Equestrian Club Shop – Pre Black Friday sale get 20% off with code THANKS

Saratoga Horseworks – 30% off horse and dog clothing, 20% off grooming carts

The Brave Pants Company – up to 50% off storewide

LA Saddlery – 30% off storewide, discount automatically applied at checkout

EnviroEquine – spin the wheel on their website for up to 50% off

KMA Equestrian – Buy any full price pair of breeches and get a second pair free, plus free shipping with code BETTERBREECHES

Henry James Saddlery – up to 80% from 11/23 through 11/27

Kyro Riding Gear – up to 50% off select items

Levade Kentucky – Add any two items to your cart for an automatic 30% off your order through 11/26

RX Equine – 25% off storewide from 11/22 through 11/24

Botori – 20% off storewide from 11/22 through 11/27

100X Equine – up to 60% off storewide

Equipad – up to 50% off horse and rider equipment and apparel

Cavalliera International – 20% off storewide through 11/29

Adam’s Horse Supplies – up to 20% off various brands

Fairfax and Favor – up to 20% off

Haybales and Barbells – 50% off all programs

Le Fash – 25% off Le Fash 2023 shirts, Cavalleria Toscana, and Tee shirts with code Black25, 15% off Samshield, belts, home, outerwear, sweaters, and tops with code Black15, and an extra 15% off already reduced sale items with code Extra15. Some exclusions, and free gifts.

Horseplay Apparel – 25% off storewide from 11/24-11/28

Airstride Equestrian – $20 off black and navy sets plus $20 voucher with code BF20

LeMieux – up to 50% off select items

Old Mill Saddlery – up to 50% off from 11/24 through 11.27

PurVida Healthy Horse – 20% off storewide and free shipping on any order over $50 through 11/27

Maximillian Equestrian – 20 to 60% off storewide

Flexible Fit – 30% off sitewide from 11/23 through 11/27

Asmar Equestrian – up to 80% off sitewide

Bling Your Horse – up to 75% off

Counter Canter Designs – 25% off storewide from 11/24-11/27

The Tack Hack – 30% off storewide

FarmVet – 15% off storewide with code BLACKFRIDAY15 plus free shipping over $75

Sync Equestrian – 20-60% off storewide

Maya Delorez – up to 40% off storewide

Divoza – 20% off 1 item with discount code PREBF through 11/23

Stubben NA – 10% accessories and tack, up to 60% off used saddles, and free shipping on orders over $50 through 11/27

Gala Equine – 20% off storewide with code BLACK20

Derby Clothing Company – markdowns storewide, plus 20% off gift cards and an additional 10% off orders of 2 or more pairs of breeches.

Criniere – 35% off orders over $200 through 11/27

XLR8 Equine – 15% off through 11/27 with code BF2023

Noelle Floyd – $100 off All Access Annual Membership and a free Equestrian Masterclass journal

Horse Pilot – select items up to 70% off

Weatherbeeta NA – up to 70% off Weatherbeeta and Dublin in the Pre-Black Friday Early Bird sale 11/17-11/22

Kerrits – up to 70% off storewide

Fenwick Equestrian – 20% off storewide through 11.27

Lady Godiva Equestrian – up to 80% off through 11/24

Equiline America – extra 10% off sale items and 20% off early fall collection with code BLACKFRIDAY

Discount Equestrian UK – early bird deals up to 50% with more to come starting 11/24

Divine Equestrian – 30% off jackets, 20% off breeches and belts, and 15% off sunshirts

Masego Horsewear – 25% off all orders with code BW25

Equestriess Atelier – 50% off storewide with code HUNTMAS through 11/27

Yagya – 20% off through 11/27

Solo Equine – up to 30% off select items

FITS – 15% off Pre-Black Friday Sale through 11/22 with code FITS15

Gallagher’s Water – on 11/24 geta free contianer of Trace Minerals and free shipping with every order

Dancing Equestrian – up to 40% off through 11/28

Equestrian Stockholm – up to 50% off, free gift with every purchase, and free bell boots with orders over $150

Mochara – 15% off storewide with code BLACK15 and discounts up to 70% on select items from 11/21 through 11/27

Fit Equestrian – 25% off with code EARLY25

Horse and Country TV – 20% off from 11/23-11/27

Swanky Saddle – 30% off jewelry through 11/22 with code BIG30

It’s a Haggerty’s – buy one jacket get another item 50% off, 20% off all holiday lookbook items through 11/22

Saddle Mattress – $10 off orders over $100 with code HOLIDAYHORSE from 11/24 through 11/26

Hunt Seat Paper Co – 30% off bundles through 11/27 plus deals each day

House of Montar – 30% off select items

Smart Grooming – 10% off orders up to 50GBP, with code BLACKFRIDAY10 15% off orders from 50-200GBP with code BLACKFRIDAY15, and 20% off orders over 200GBP with code BLACKFRIDAY20.

Nupafeed – Cyber Monday ONLY get $39 off 5 liter Magnesium Daily Liquid, $27 off 3 liter, $22 off Magnesium Paste.

Laguso Equestrian – new deals each day during Black Week (check the scrolling top banner of their website for deal and code)

Rose Hip Vital – 50% off storewide plus free express shipping with code BFCM2023

Redingote Equestrian – 10% off storewide

Black Horse Clothing Company – 25% off sitewide (excluding sale page) through 11/27

Shop Hunt Club – 30% off storewide with code SHINE and free shipping on orders over $150

Kavallerie – up to 40% off select items

Hy Equestrian – up to 60% off through 11/27

Dover Saddlery – 20% off plus various deals and discounts through 11/26

Ikonic Saddlery – up to 50% off select items

Goode Rider – up to 30% off storewide with code BF30

Equinavia – 20% off storewide plus up to 50% off clearance

Pony Jet – 40% off

GG Equine – 20% off storewide through 11/28

Bit of Britain – discounts on various brands up to 65%

La Mundial Boots – buy two pairs get $400 off, buy one pair get $150 off

Ellany Equestrian – Buy one belt, get another belt 50% off

Horseloverz – various deals up to 80% off

Haygain – up to 10% off storewide

Schwarze Equestrian – up to 70% off storewide with code BW2023 during Black Week

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11/23 UPDATE (8AM EST)

Luxe EQ – use code BlackFriday23 at checkout for 15% off, plus up to 40% off sale items (Samshield, Animo, dada sport, Cavalleria Toscana, etc)

Ride Equisafe – 40% off Equitheme, 30% off Cavalleria Toscana, 20% off For Horses, TKEQ, and Weather or Not, and 10% off Penelope. Plus all purchases over $200 get a gift card for 10% of the total purchase price. Discounts applied at checkout. 11/23 through 11/27

Spot on Braiding Wax – 15% off 11/23 through 11/27 with code GOBBLE15

Hypostore – 30% off on 11/23 with code EARLYBIRD, some exclusions. Starting 11/24 get 30% off Kentucky and Dy’on, 20% off KEP, Trust, Ego7, Veredus, and Samshield, and 15% off Kask.

CANTER California – 30% off their eBay store from 11/24 through 11/26. All proceeds go to the care of the OTTB’s in their program.

Etalon Equine Genetics – 15% off Equine DNA packages through 11/27

Bow Horse USA – 25% off all blankets and 35% off orders over $500 through 11/27

Farmhouse Tack – 20% off storewide, discount applied in cart.

Grey Horse Candle Co – 20% off storewide with code BLACKFRIDAY23

Starpoint Horsemanship – 25% off orders of $100 or more with code BFCM25

Esprit Equestrian – starting 11/23 at 10pm get $5 off classic and kids tights, $10 off pro and winter tights, free shipping on orders over $100

Practical Horseman – 20% off Practical Horseman On Demand

Equivont – up to 50% off, various discounts and BOGO offers

Dubarry – up to 70% off select items through 11/27

Cavallo Hoof Boots – 30% off all hoof boots when you buy two or more pairs with code BF30, or 20% off one pair with code BF20

Dapper Horse – storewide discounts through 11/27

CWD Sellier – 25% off storewide

Ethos Equestrian – 20% off the cranberry Logan breech with code THANKS2U 

Shop USEF – 30% off storewide, excludes gift cards and Community Outreach Pins.

Weather or Not Equestrian – 30% off all orders through 11/25, discount applied at checkout

World Equestrian Brands – 20% off storewide from 11/24 through 11/27 with code 23BFCM20

Two Dark Bays Custom Tack – custom halters 20% off through 11/25.

Alpine Tack – 20% off storewide with code FRIDAY23

Omega Fields – on 11/24 get 25% off 9.5lb bags of Horseshine Complete, 3pack and 6pack of Canine Shine, 3.5lb peppermint and apple Nibblers.

Unicorn Grooming Spray – BOGO bottle refills from 11/23 through 11/26.

Spur of the Moment – 25% off pre-made browbands and spur straps, 20% off custom browbands

Ruff Riders Co – limited codes available: two customers get 50% off with code 50BF, three get 40% off with code 40BF, four get 30% off with code 30BF, and five get 20% off with code BF20.

Uhlan Equestrian – 25% off storewide plus up to 70% off select products

Arista Equestrian – additional 20% off sale collection with code BF23

Vanner House – 20% off storewide with code EarlyBird20

Stable Feed – 25% off select items starting 11/24

Horseman’s Pride – buy one get one 50% off through 11/27. Discount in cart.

Equus Now – up to 80% off various items

American Equus – get free black label signature gloves with the purchase of any stirrups

Devon-Aire – 25% off storewide starting 11/24

Stablewear – 20% off storewide with code BLACK

Mane and Tail Equine – $2 off everything in the store with code BLACKFRIDAY through 11/27

Rebel Equestrian – 30% off storewide on 11/24

PennyForever – buy 2 pads get one free, buy one browband get one free, buy 2 carrying bags get one free. Discount in cart.

Schneider’s Saddlery – various deals up to 70% off

All Things Equestrian – $20 off all sun shirts

Equilab – 50% off one year of Equilab premium from 11/24-11/27

Achieve Equine – Buy any Iconic Equestrian Original 2-IN-1 Saddle Pad and get a free Olympic White Original 2-IN-1 Saddle Pad now through December 31st.

Quick Knot – up to 25% off with code BLACKFRIDAY2023

USEA – 15% off USEA apparel from 11/24 through 11/27 with code BLACKFRI15

Alympic Equestrian – 20% off jods and breeches with code HOLIDAY2023

Foxy Equestrian – 20% off from 11/24 through 11/27

Mare Modern Goods – 20% off with code BF2023

Riviera Equisports – 11/23 through 11/24 – Chelsea tops $35, mock neck $50, Monday collection sweaters up to 20% off

Callidae – up to 70% off sale items

Hound and Hare – 15% off through 11/30 with code USEAVIP

StressLess Supplements – 20% off with code BLACK23

Auven Equestrian – 20% off storewide with code THANKS through 11/26

Mane Event – 20% off storewide plus a free pack of stickers with every tumbler purchase

Breeches.com – up to 40% off store brands and up to 30% off other brands (some exclusions)

Ready to Ride Equestrian – 30% off with code BF23

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11/24 UPDATE (5:30AM EST)

Halter Ego – 25% to 55% off storewide, discounts appear in cart

Kentucky 3Day Official Store – up to 70% off in their Clearance Sale

Dapple Bay – 40% off select items, 20% off almost everything with code BFCM2023, and free gift with purchases over $200

Armateq – 30% off storewide with code BLACKFRIDAY (*prices are marked reduced up to 20%, get an additional 10% with code)

Emmers Equestrian – 30% off Kentucky, Dy’on, and Grooming Deluxe, 20% off Veredus, Trust, Ego7, KEP, and Samshield.

My Breeches – 20% off storewide (some exclusions)

Tried Equestrian – 20% off storewide, discount applied at checkout

Tacktical – 30% off with code TACK30 plus free gifts and free shipping over $250

FR Vincitore – 30% off all safety reins

Struck – build a bundle and get 20% off through 11/27

Rider’s House – 25% off Vestrum jackets and dog coats, 30% off eQuick and Back on Track

Espana Silk – 20% off all orders through 11/27, plus save $10 off Gift Packs with code BlackFriday23

Worldwide Tack – 20% off storewide with code SHOPPINGSPREE through 11/28

Agile Equestrian – Free barn store set up ($150 value) through 11/27. Trainers get 10% commissions back of profit. 15% off custom sunshirts (discount at checkout) and free shipping over $80.

Tack of the Day – up to 90% off various items

Fleeceworks – free shipping with code THANKFUL on orders over $100

Back on Track – 20% off storewide (dscount at checkout)

Secchiari Boots – 15% off with code BLACK23

Equestroom – 45% off storewide with code BLACKFRIDAY23

Old Mill Saddlery – up to 50% off various brands

Horseplay Bend – 20% off consignment

Euphorice Equestrian – 25% off storewide with code shopaholic

Eqyss – up to 50% off with code SAVEBF23

Cavaliere Couture – 25% off storewide with code BLACKFRIDAY

GhoDo – 20% off with code blackout23

Aisling Equestrian – 20% off storewide

Pony Macaroni – 20% off all quick ship items with code BF23 through 11/26

Natalie K Reinert, Author – 40% off all ebooks with code AWH23 through 11/27

Chicks Saddlery – various deals and discounts

Redpost Equestrian – various deals up to 50% off

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11/24 UPDATE (5PM EST)

The Posh Pony Boutique – Save 20% storewide with coupon code BF2023 at checkout through 11/27

Zandona – 20% off with code 20BLACKFRIDAY and get a free saddle pad on orders over 100 euros.

Harcour – up to 50% off select items through 11/27

Sporthorse Lifestyle – 30% off your entire order with code BLACKFRIDAY

Country and Stable – 15% off storewide through 11/27

Annie’s Equestrienne – 25% off storewide with code BLACKFRIYAY

Equine Velocity – 25% off with code BLACKFRIDAY

Black Diamond Designs – free shipping on any product, just message them and mention Black Friday 2023.

Equifit – 15% off storewide through 11/27

Teddy’s Tack Trunk – 15% off bath and coat care products, 10% off Leistner brushes and brush sets

Thrifed Equestrian – consignment 25% off, Tidy Rider collection 40% off

FOMO body protectors – half price colored cover when you buy a black body protector

Fun Bonnets – 20% off through 11/26

geblingt – 20% off Animo wth code BL*FRIDAY*WKND through 11/26

If The Bonnet Fits – through 11/27 all custom crochet bonnet 15% off, all custom air mesh bonnets 20% off, all ready to ship bonnets 25% off.

Clip My Horse – 10% discount on the first year of every new premium or premium pro membership

The Barn Book – use code THANKSBB20 for 20% off

Novella Equestrian – up to 50% of select styles

Aztec Diamond Equestrian – up to 70% off select items

Zero Proof Horse Treats and Barn Dog Bites – offering 25% off with code AWH23

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11/25 UPDATE (9AM EST)

My Barn Child – 25% off storewide, discount at checkout

Spiced Equestrian – All polos, towels, and watches only $50 through 11/27

The Engraver – free nameplate with belt or phone case with code SBSFREENAMEPLATE

Clever with Leather – padded neck strap with attachment on sale

Shine Equine – 20% off storewide, discount at checkout

Pony Suds – 40% off storewide

Pioneer – 30% off with code BLACKOFF2023

Blossom Creek Equestrian – 20-60% off storewide

Chagrin Saddlery – various discounts up to 70% off

Bit Bank – 10% off with code BLACK23

The Faire Equestrian – 10% off orders placed on Small Business Saturday with code Faire10

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11/26 UPDATE (6AM EST)

Royal Equine – small business specials up to 70% off, plus on 11/26 get 15% off all show coats. Discount at checkout.

Ring 10 Equestrian – 30% off storewide, discount at checkout

MVP Horse Supplements – 15% off with code BF15

Sporthorse Essentials – 15% off storewide

Flair Strips – spend $30 and get a free red Flair strip

Silver Lining Herbs – 25% off sitewide with code BLACKFRIDAY23

Riderzon – 10% off Flex-on, 40% off Seaver Air Vest, 60% off Fabbri boots through 11/27

Equestrian_Co – Spend $150, get $20 off. Discount in cart.

Oughton Unlimited – 25% off every style through 11/27

HayChix – buy two nets get 25% off, 4 for $100 on the Half Bale Original, free shipping on orders over $200

Seaver – 20% off with code SEAVER20

Top Reiter – 20% off with code BLACK2023 through 11/27 (some exclusions)

Equishop – up to 70% off through 11/26

Woof Wear – 50% off select items through 11/27

Monere Equestrian – 25% off storewide plus gift cards for orders over 170 euro.

Equine and Design – $50 off orders over $200, $75 off orders over $300, and $100 off orders over $400

in2green – 25% off storewide with code GREENFRIDAY25

Centerline Candles – sets are $35 each, or 2 for $60

Jeffers – various deals each day through 12/6 plus 60% off clearance

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11/27 UPDATE (8AM EST) AKA THE LAST ONE, PRAISE BE

Tack Shack of Ocala – additional 15% off their Amazon store

Ride Heels Down – 20% of with code RHDBF23 plus free shipping on all in-stock items

Aiken Tack Exchange – BOGO Fenwick products and 10% OFF Orders Over $500 with code 10%OFFBLACKFRIDAY

NRS – get $15 off $75 with code 6AV97W, get $30 off $150 with code 6PWJQP, and get $50 off $250 with code C8CHWY.

Kyro Equestrian – 45% off black Leo breeches today only with code CYBERMONDAY 

Saddlefit4 Life – $1,000 off The Equine Ergonomist saddle fitting course

Dover – cyber monday specials and get a free $50 gift card on orders over $150 with code CMCYBER

Hypostore – new code for 25% off, CM25

Equiline America – higher discounts the earlier you shop: 30% off through 10am, 20% off from 10 to 1pm, 10% off from 1 to midnight.

Onyx Equestrian – 30% off storewide and 15% off custom orders

Calevo – create an account and get 20% off with code CALEVO20

Emcee Apparel – various markdowns up to 50% off

Enviro Equine and Pet – 30% off orders of $300 or more with code CYBERMONDAYEE

Draper Therapies – saddle pad sale plus free shipping with code freeship

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Thanks for visiting! If you value the (many days of) work that goes into making this list and want to buy me a coffee, I appreciate you the extra mostest.

Whew, what a week! Last week was jam-packed, in a good way, and we even got some rain in the middle of what is Florida’s dry season. Bonus.

Last Monday Argo had his first chiropractic appointment with our favorite sporthorse vet. She’s the same one that saw him week one for his gastric scope and she said she thought he’d gained a little bit of weight since then. I’m not sure I see it yet (he wasn’t particularly underweight to start with) but I’ll take it. I had a feeling the chiro would be very needed, given how tight he is, and I was correct. I’m not sure how much he enjoyed the appointment – he kind of just stood there with no comment – but the difference in the range of motion through his neck and body was immediate. He’s much less stuck in his front half now for sure. The notes for all his adjustments this time were “Left neck C3-C6BL. Right neck C3BR. APR. T14-T18 P, PL. LPI”. So ya know… basically all of him.

We were going to go for a hack afterward and I took a few minutes beforehand to trot and canter him to see how he felt. Definitely better. He for sure had increased range of motion through his body, and more suppleness from left to right. I think he’s still got a ways to go (and prob needs some massage to accompany the chiro) but it seems like we’re on the right track.

On Tuesday morning we went on a XC field trip to Majestic Oaks. I took Presto, Hillary took Freya, and Kathleen took Henry for a spin. He was delighted to snack on her offering of pastries (Honey Buns) and add a new fan to his club. She rode him great and he had a superb time bebopping around.

On the Tuesday trip I just hacked Presto and he hung out with Freya, who was a little excited to be there on a cool day. We went back to Majestic on Thursday with our friend Emily, and that time Hillary rode Henry. I popped Presto over a few things, mostly the ditches. He did the half coffin and then I turned around and went through the Modified route, which was ditch, 2 strides, bending line 5 strides to a corner. He was excellent and feels really good. Fingers crossed we can get back to lessons this week maybe.

The rest of the week I flatted Presto and just kind of played around with Argo. At this point we’re still learning each other, and I want to spend enough time with him so that he knows I’m his person and he’s safe with me and I’m the leader. We did some groundwork one day, he did some lunging another day to work on his voice commands (which are pretty darn super now, he’s a fast learner) but mostly we just… hung out. I groomed him, we meandered around the riding field handgrazing, and we walked around the property just investigating things. He walked over a tarp and through a puddle, and spent some time napping with his nose smooshed into my head. It’s important for me to feel like I have a good bond with my horses and that at the end of the day, we’re friends, so that’s what we’re doing – making friends. I think it’s time well spent.

On Friday Presto and I headed over to Steph’s to partake in a Smartpak photo shoot that was happening at her farm. Not gonna lie, I was dreading it. I do not like having my picture taken at all, despite having done a few stock photography sports modeling gigs in the past for running and cycling. I let myself be pressured into participating and strongly debated having an urgent illness instead. Alas, I did it, and it wasn’t that bad. I actually kind of liked the first shoot, which was mounted. We just walked back and forth from different angles for like 30 minutes. The second shoot I did not love, mostly because the pants for that outfit were about to crush the bottom of my ribcage. At least I had Presto with me for both, and he also got used in one more set of shots as well. The boy is gonna be Smartpak famous in the spring!

I can’t really share pics from the shoot yet since it’s unreleased items and new colorways, but here’s a pic of Presto between shoots getting a change of outfit.

Despite his face he actually LOVED this gig, he was an absolute ham for the camera and seemed to relish being the center of attention. A total shock, I know. Everyone was very nice and props to Smartpak for using some “real rider” models rather than just the standard professional models. And we got some gift cards and swag items, so ya know… bonus. After the shoot Presto and I went for a hack with Holly and Nacho where Presto strongly debated trying to eat Holly and/or Nacho but did not succeed. All around good day.

On Sunday I swung aboard Argo again (ride number 7, although two of his rides so far have just been hacks) and he was his super good self as usual. I think the groundwork and stretches, along with just time and settling in, are definitely helping, he feels better and better every ride. He had some really lovely moments coming down into my hand and carrying himself forward and light.

He’s not strong enough yet to hold it for very long but he sure is trying, so he gets a big shiny gold star. We walk/trot/cantered both ways (he got both leads first try) AND – he jumped!

First we trotted a pile of poles on the ground, then half a crossrail, then a full crossrail. After the second hop over the crossrail he landed in a nice canter so I just let him keep carrying it around and popped over the crossrail again, and he was really good. We ended with that and he got many cookies. I still haven’t quite figured out what his forte might be yet (we’re still solidly in the “discovery” phase)… part of me is leaning toward trying to aim him for the field hunter division for RRP, but it’s still too early to tell. I know he’s quiet and simple and has a super rhythmical and lovely canter, so we’ll see where that takes him.

As of today Argo has been here for 3 weeks! Tomorrow our favorite massage person is coming out to continue with Argo’s post-track care plan… I’m excited to see how that goes for him. It’s also Black Friday week, and yes I’ll have a list of sales up this year as well – probably with the first round posted on Wednesday!

Patreon folks, today is the last day to sign up for our group Secret Santa if you want to participate, and you have Argo’s week 2 vlog on your dashboard!

It’s possible that I got way too carried away using Bing’s AI image creator thingy. But like… tell me these aren’t absolute masterpieces.

or, alternatively for Argo, because I couldn’t decide if he should channel his CIA roots or his Greek ship roots…

Argo has been here for two weeks as of today! Time flies. Last week he celebrated his Happy One Week by getting something very exciting – his first set of sporthorse shoes.

His feet were lookin ROUGH when he got here. The hind shoes had already fallen off, one front shoe fell off 12 hours after he got here (he came off the trailer with a flip-flop. Luckily I was able to at least get it tacked back on the same day.) and his toes totally grown over the edges of his shoes. My farrier is exceptional though, and I was excited to start working on fixing the angles on Argo’s feet.

I’m still learning about Argo so I opted to hold him rather than put him in the crossties, but that definitely wasn’t necessary. Argo literally never moved. Not even when his feet started to smoke as his hot shoes were fitted to his feet. It’s pretty rare that we’d go ahead and hot-shoe one it’s first time being done off the track, but Argo was being so dang quiet we decided to try. And well… he didn’t care. Exceptional boy.

The before and after is just *chef’s kiss*. We’ve still got a little ways to go, but for one shoeing the difference is exceptional. No more aluminum racing plates – now he’s got some wide web steel shoes! He’s entering his SportyBoi era.

Presto also got a shoe put back on his naughty foot, and knock on wood, so far so good. The bruise seems to have resolved and there was never a sign of it wanting to abscess. I’m taking it slow getting him legged back up just to make sure, especially because this is our dry season and the ground is hard at the moment, but he’s felt really exceptionally good so far.

He has been an absolute pest though, and gets very offended if I do anything with Argo before I get him out. Like full blown tantrum. Banging his feet against his gate, throwing his ball up in the air or over the fence, tossing his feed tub around. It goes on for at least half the time I have Argo out. Maybe he should have considered his actions more thoroughly when he ran around like an idiot and hurt his foot and fucked the whole season.

I’ve done a couple more rides on Argo. We can’t do much before December 1 to retain his RRP eligibility (you can’t have more than 15 rides), so we’ve mostly just been doing some groundwork and lunging and stretching his body a lot on the ground. I did another ride at home though, in the field, and cantered him for the first time. He was – you’ll be shocked to hear – super good. That day I finished the ride by hacking him out down the road around the farm, and when we passed Presto, he tried his absolute hardest to rile Argo. Running up and down the fence, bucking, rearing, tossing his ball up in the air. It was a scene. Argo just looked at him like “so he’s the village idiot, huh?”. Totally non-plussed and zero percent interested in engaging in the shenanigans. Presto was furious.

The other Argo ride (for anyone counting, he’s 5 rides in now) was his first field trip. Lex was getting a trainer ride and I thought it would be the first little haul out for Argo to tag along. It’s just 5 minutes away, and her farm is busy but not like showgrounds busy. I tacked him up but planned to just let him hang out in the riding field if he was nervous (which I expected him to be). I brought my helmet and bridle but had no expectations of getting on. And, well…

He was curious and alert about everything, but not worried. I got on and let him just chill and hang out while Lex jumped (Argo was like what in the hell is he doing and why?) and then walked him over some cavaletti. I probably could have just flatted him some but I wanted it to be a very easy and chill experience, so we just stuck to walking and standing. Super well-behaved orange.

Also big bonus points for the fact that he loads and hauls like an actual champion. So easy. 5 stars.

I had started body clipping Argo during the week (it was in the upper 80’s here and he was HOT) but didn’t have time to finish it. Yesterday was finally the day – I decided to just rip off the bandaid by finishing Argo and clipping Presto in the same morning. What a joy. Just loved it. (heavy sarcasm)

But true to Argo form he was a super good boy and didn’t move a muscle the whole time. At the end I needed a bit better light/angle to do touch-ups and finish his head, so I just unclipped him from the crossties, turned him into the light, and left him standing there untied. Even clipped his ears like that… absolutely no problem. The only time he moved at all was to play with a saddle pad.

The Argo experience is definitely different from the Presto one. Presto was not still. He’s not naughty, but he just wants to either play with the clippers or have you constantly clip over his itchy spots, so he’s a constant wiggler. The only part he stands still for is his ears, and I’m convinced it’s because the vibration to his brain finally occupies it enough.

Now both boys are looking sleek and shiny and won’t be dying of sweat anymore at least! My arms are tired today, and my back is like “why tho”, but ya know… at least I’m done clipping for maybe a month or so…