Chipping Away

It might be the holidays, but somebody lost his jingle bells.

Strax. It was Strax.

I will not apologize for the lameness of that opening line.

Anyway, Strax got neutered last week. So far, knock on wood, he looks fantastic. The hardest part was getting him out of the vet clinic with the cone on his head – it took him 7 tries to make it out of the door successfully, while the entire waiting room laughed at his misfortune. Bless him, he really couldn’t master that thing. I ended up getting him one of those inflatable donut things instead, which has worked way better. Trazadone is a joke though, he’s been parkouring like a lunatic. Luckily his incision looks fantastic, and it was tiny, and he’s shown zero inclination to mess with it, so… fingers crossed it really did go that smoothly.

It’s also very nearly season here in Ocala, which means we’re basically in pre-season mode. The h/j pre-circuit shows have already started at WEC, and Luxe EQ is already here.

Hello giant trailer full of temptation

Which means I’ve been logging a few hours here and there, either doing inventory or actual retail. It’s a nice supplement to my income and between me and the two other workers we’ve made the hours quite flexible, so it’s definitely not a bad gig. I like all the pretty things and the WEC hot chocolate.

I also got a couple lessons with Presto last week, trying our best to get back into a regular swing of things. On Monday we had a jump lesson, and he was really really good. Trainer had set up a course in the arena that also has a couple bounces on the short sides that can be either ridden alone as a circle or sprinkled into the courses, which she also had set up last year. And last year, the exercises were a lot more difficult for us. This year you can see a marked difference in his rideability and his power… it felt pretty easy and I was really pleased with him. We didn’t get video though, which was a bummer.

Orange

Argo is continuing along on his schedule, still working on the basics. The progress remains incremental… a little more swing through his back, a little more steadiness in the connection, a little more desire to stretch over his topline. Just like 1% every day, but it adds up. So far he’s proving relatively simple, if a bit lazy.

On Friday Presto and I had a dressage lesson, our first in like 3 months. I do a lot of flatwork with him at home, pretty intense and demanding and structured, but lord above we did a lot of canter work in the lesson and my abs were SCREAMING.

large boi

He’s just really big and a lot of horse to ride as far as general mass goes. He’s long. He’s big. He’s thicc now too. If he was in Europe he’d probably be described as a “man’s horse”. And he has a lot of power but generally kind of wants to offer about 80%, so it’s still an effort to coax 100% out of him. You can see the change in him even from the spring/early summer as far as his balance and his ability to carry/sit but we’ve still got to work a lot on keeping him in front of the leg. He’s fun to ride though, even if I sometimes feel like I got hit by a Presto-sized bus.

On Saturday Holly came over to take Argo for a spin.

Good Orange

I was kind of curious to see how he’d go for someone else. He’s still not that many rides in – maybe 15? But he will be intended to be a sale horse eventually, so I think having other people get on him regularly will be a good thing for him. Plus it helps me see how he goes for other people and if I need to re-install or move any of the buttons I’m putting on him.

He was really good for Holly, but really spectacularly lazy that day. Argo is snoozy by nature, and I don’t necessarily want to take that quality away completely because I think it’s a benefit to his marketability, BUT he does still need to go forward when asked the first time. Holly doesn’t have as much leg as I do to be able to wrap ’em around, plus I think he was kinda like “I don’t know her, maybe she doesn’t know how to find the go button” and proceeded to feign a bit of ignorance. She did find the go button eventually but it took some doing. She rode him well though (especially considering she’s used to riding an actual pony!), and he was very well-behaved, so I was happy with that.

On Sunday I took Presto down to Three Lakes for their pre-season XC Open Schooling day. They host two shows every spring but I have never been there, so it was new for me. It was a little bit Stable View-esque with the wooded areas, and the rest was open and next to, as the name would imply, lakes. Presto was a little wide-eyed about the giant bodies of water at first, but was actually quite well behaved.

one lake

I think part of that was because when we got there, it was already a scene. I had come by myself, with Hillary as my ground person (bless her, she did so much walking) but there were several larger groups there with trainers. In the first 5 minutes we were there, two people fell off right by us. There were a lot of questionable things happening. Presto was like “well since the scene is already here, I guess I don’t have to be one” and proceeded to be one of the most level-headed animals on the property.

not a scene, for once

Mostly I had just wanted to get him out somewhere new, school the ditches and water, and knock more rust off. He was really exceptional, jumped all the ditches like a good boy (and even served as a lead for another horse that was having a problem), did both waters, and jumped some other stuff along the way like an angled brush and a combo of corners. It was a good day, even if driving an hour and a half each way to an XC schooling felt very far and ridiculous (yeah I know, Texas Me hates Ocala Me).

Tonight we’ve got a special equine genetics webinar for our Patreon group (members, the link to join is on your dashboard!) and then my days are mostly filled with various work projects and a couple more Presto lessons this week. This weekend we’ve got more XC schooling and then I’m gonna take him around a Training XC round at the schooling show on Sunday. Chipping away at the rust before season starts for real!

New Routines

Somehow I’ve managed to fill up December with article assignments, copywriting gigs, tack shop inventory, and retail commitments. Tis the season. But I’m exceptionally grateful for the freedom to (for the most part) make my own schedule, since I’ve now got 3 riding horses. Just FYI horse gods, that is not a complaint, I am enjoying having 3 in the rotation, please don’t curse me. I ordered a calendar white board to help me keep everything straight so I’m basically just waiting to be smited at this point.

The sweetest little Argie boy

Presto is back to his full-time schedule now. I need to find a day this week to get him out to gallop, but we’ve got a jump lesson today and he’s been giving me some REALLY good work on the flat. I’ve been trying to ask him for more – more quality in the gaits, more prompt responses to aids, harder movements, more accuracy. He is, after all, about to be 7, and he’s feeling so incredibly strong now. The difference in his physical maturity over the last year is just incredible. Now my job is 1) keep it up 2) make sure to keep directing all of that ability into something good. That horse is clever, and juuuust lazy enough to where he’d easily become a large, heavy, dull, gallump of a horse if I didn’t always hold him to a high standard. He requires a lot of mental and physical strength on my part, but he remains one of the most rewarding horses I’ve ever ridden. When I raise the bar, he meets it. I’ve never had one quite as capable as he is. It’s fun. It’s work, but it’s fun.

Soon we’ll start looking at some jumper rounds for him and get back out to XC schooling. We had a nice little break, but it’s time to crack on.

I’m also really enjoying getting to know Argo. He’s a genuine, sweet, good boy. Lazy, yes. Not always the sharpest tool in the shed, perhaps. But he’s just an easy horse to have around, he catches on fast, and he’s low drama. For a 1k facebook purchase, I’m really pleased with him.

We hit the December 1st RRP mark (horses aimed for 2024 RRP can’t have had more than 15 rides before December 1) with 9 rides under his girth, and it really just gave me a good idea of what we’ll need to work on and what he might be best at. Those rides mostly helped me make a plan for him, and now we can hit the ground running, so to speak.

best orange, always trying

Priority number one is to really continue to focus on resolving all the body tightness he came with from the track. Racing consistently for 5 years will take some kind of toll on even the most sound horses, and with him it shows up in his musculature. When he came he could barely bend his neck around to touch his sides, and his walk step was very short. His neck, shoulders, and lower lumbar were just absolutely rock hard. Between the chiro and the bodywork and daily stretching and riding him in a purposeful, targeted way, there has already been a ton of improvement. He can now reach around and touch his stifles easily and I’m seeing an increased range of motion in his shoulders. Every time I get on him I feel a liiiitttle bit more swing and suppleness in his body. Slowly but surely making progress, and it’s fun to tailor his schedule and rides around goals like that… seeing and feeling the progress is always rewarding.

I’ve also been making sure to ride Henry every other day, with the goal of keeping him loose and strong. Kind of a mixture between Presto and Argo. He does lots of lateral work, transitions, and long and low, and he’s been feeling really good.

I’ve also been working a bit with Michelle’s 2yo filly Pippa, just doing some Baby School basics with voice commands, intro to lunging, and some basic desensitizing. She’ll learn to wear tack and then go back out for winter, but so far she’s been really good.

very brave about the tarp

Some of the fun Black Friday spoils started to arrive too, including new sheepskin girths from Engel. Well… I ordered the black one, and Hillary ordered the brown one, but I like them so much that I’m gonna order a brown one for myself too. They have a sale all the way through December that makes them only $100, which I think is a steal. They’re really similar to the Mattes but significantly cheaper and the horses all seem to love them. Y’all know I’m a sheepskin fan. Cover everything in it, let’s go.

SO FLUFFY

I noticed too that Presto and I managed to cling to the USEA leaderboards for Training and Modified, despite a) not having run Training since April, b) missing the fall season. We only ran 4 Modifieds. There are perks to being in the old lady “Master” division I suppose, even though I feel like that’s rude to do to someone at age 39. I am the Master of nothing. I’m not even a real adult most days.

Training
Modified

But hey, I’ve never found myself on a year end USEA leaderboard before, so I’ll take it. Thanks Presto, you’re the sauce.

All the Arion

Before we get started it’s important to note that, despite the volume of product I own, I am not in fact sponsored by Arion. It would be a lot cooler if I was, alas I am not anyone important, I’m just an enthusiast.

ya know who’s important though? this guy.

I still get very regular emails from people asking me about my Arion, if I like it, how the ordering process went, etc etc etc. Lately I’ve also been getting people asking if I know anything about their accessories too, so I figured – ya know what, let’s put everything I know into one post. That way it’s searchable and easier for everyone, plus there are quite a few things I have that I’ve not actually mentioned or talked about before.

Let’s start with the biggest thing.

I love her ❤

I have a 17.5″ monoflap cross country saddle with a forward, regular length flap in brown buffalo leather with black glitter piping around the back. Some of you may remember that this is not my original saddle – the first one had a very small, minor flaw at the bottom of one flap, and Arion re-made my entire saddle. Not only remade it, but the rep came out to check the fit (it had been almost a year and Presto is young, so she wanted to make sure that the specs were still right) and decided to order the new one with a slightly different panel because he’d packed on so much topline. So basically, they remade me an entirely new and updated saddle a year after my original purchase (and didn’t take the old one back until after my new one came, so I was never saddleless) and that’s my current saddle, which I’ve been riding in since this spring.

Here’s where I have to back up a step and say that when I was choosing a brand to order my very first brand new saddle from, customer service (or lack thereof) was the reason that multiple brands didn’t make the cut. I’d seen too many firsthand horror stories of disappearing reps, saddles that didn’t fit, brands that blamed the client or the horse, big restocking and repaneling fees, etc etc. It’s nightmare central out there. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to try to order a new saddle when I was shopping because it made me so nervous.

stunner

I had it narrowed down to a couple brand options when we went to Kentucky in 2022, but I wanted to talk to them and get a feel for their vibes. You know what I mean, right? The vibes gotta be good. Not snooty, not aloof, not cagey, not condescending, not dismissive. Anyone who has shopped for saddles before, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN. I also wanted to check out Arion HST, a relatively new-to-the-US brand that I’d heard about but hadn’t seen in person yet.

And y’all… while the other brand’s vibes were somewhere between sketchy and meh, the Arion vibes were immaculate. Everyone was very helpful, very knowledgeable, and the saddles were beautiful. To add further incentive, their turnaround time for custom was 1/2 to 1/3 what a lot of these other brands were quoting, and the price was lower too. I got hooked up with a rep and within a couple months had tried some saddles and ordered one for myself. Did it feel a bit risky going with a lesser-known brand? At the time, maybe, but I was hoping that my gut instinct was right. Clearly it was, because here we are a year and half later and I’m a big Arion fan. The vibes were correct.

Aside from their dedication to customer service and making sure that everyone is happy, the saddles are just really freakin nice. I find it a lot more comfortable (for the horses and myself) than my Devoucoux and I think the balance is considerably better than the Voltaires I sat in. Hillary, who’d had a Voltaire before, borrowed my Arion one day and soon after ordered one for herself. They’re just really lovely saddles, and I feel much closer to the horse in the Arion than I did in anything else.

Hillary got sliver glitter, it’s chef’s kiss

Presto loves their shoulder-free panel design, there was an instant difference in how he moved, and he’s always looked and felt great in his saddles. Y’all know he gets chiro and bodywork regularly as part of his general sporthorse maintenance, and he’s never been even a hint of backsore (knock on wood) plus he packed on an insane amount of topline after getting this saddle. It’s why we had to change the panel, but it’s a good sign that the tack is right!

When I got my saddle, I also nabbed some accessories, namely a saddle pad (which is well-loved, much-washed, has seen a lot of Florida sun, and is therefore a bit faded by this point, but still in great condition otherwise) and some stirrup leathers. I’ve been really happy with both. The saddle pad has a nice waffle lining that seems to be comfortable for the horses. Also, can we take a minute to appreciate the fact that Arion’s colors are navy and white, not like… green and yellow or brown and teal or red and black or whatever else is trying to assault my eyeballs. Just a nice navy. My retinas thank them greatly for that.

this saddle pad has done it’s time

My leathers still look brand spankin’ new, too, hardly any wear at all, which is fantastic considering how soft and lovely they are. They’re lined calf, so no stretching, and nice and soft so they don’t rub or damage my saddle. I mean yeah, I got a buffalo saddle so that it would be more resilient (and so far it definitely has worn like iron) but still… she deserves some nice soft leathers. She bougie.

In all seriousness, it’s because this is my very first brand new saddle and I want to do my best to take care of her so that she lasts a long time.

Hillary has some of their stirrup leathers too, but she got the wide stability ones. I haven’t tried that style yet but I know she’s been really happy with hers too.

stability leathers

Since then I’ve added a couple other Arion accessories to the line-up. Last winter we got one of their figure 8 bridles, which I really like. The leather is soft, the crown is nicely padded, and the nose floof is the floofiest. All very important requirements.

floof

Their sizing runs a bit generous I think (pretty common for French strapgoods) but it works on Presto, and it’s held up nicely. The leather is soft, but not so soft that it feels oversaturated or mega-floppy, and so far it hasn’t stretched, which is a common problem with some brands.

I think the Smartpak modeling gig went to his head a bit

I also picked up a set of their training boots when I was at Kentucky this year. They’re really lightweight with a mesh lining, and a really simple design. the elastic straps are very light and thin but strong, and they velcro onto any spot on the outside section of the boots. They’re definitely the quickest and easiest boots in my collection to put on, and they wash up really well. Granted, Presto the boot destroyer did reach down and rip one of the straps off on like his second time wearing them. I wish I could say he’s never done that before, but uh… he has. He’s a serial boot killer. I got the strap sewn back on and they’ve been doing a-ok since then, under close protection from Presto’s mouth.

simple, clean look

I have yet to get something from Arion that I haven’t liked. I almost bought dressage leathers at Kentucky too but my budget was like “hahaha no”, and I’ve had my eye on a stud girth for quite a while (I do legitimately need one now), which might be the next addition. I don’t even want to THINK about having to replace my old dressage saddle yet, but I know that’s probably coming within the next couple years… when it’s time, Arion will be first on my list to try.

And a perk of buying anything from them is that I know without a doubt that if I had an issue with anything, I believe 100% that they’d fix it or replace it. Having talked to and interacted with so many of the reps, as well as the owner of the company, they’re just really dedicated to getting it right… something that has become a rare quality in this industry, especially with the French brands. With big purchases like these, having confidence in the brand is a major selling point.

From Water Jumps to Wellington

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?”:

Wow Argo. Much effort.

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.

Henry just loves showing all the babies how to horse

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

Henny just out here racking up more members of his fan club every day

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.

goodest orange

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.

snoozy Argyle Socks

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.

wheeeee

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.

bougie

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.

BabyJayBee

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.

ok there buddy

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!

2023 Equestrian 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.



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.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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.