Post weekend show report

I checked my email yesterday evening and found multiple messages titled "Anne Field tagged you on Facebook."  This can only mean one thing:  Yay! Live show pictures!  

These photos were taken by Anne at the Albany Area Regional Performance show, which was held this past Saturday in East Greenbush, New York.  

Anne is one of the hobby's best known doll-makers, but it turns out she's equally talented in the costume department.  I really like her show-ring style Arab costume, and it looks like the judge agrees!

Proving that some people can make darn near anything, here's Anne's Bold Endeavor resin  with a whole bunch of stuff--dolls, food, even the picnic table--made by Anne.  All this entry needs is a donut eating dog, and it would be perfect.

Fortunately for us tackmakers, Anne would rather trade for tack than make it herself.  The saddle and pack sets shown in this photo were made for Anne by my friend Sara Kucharski of PawPrints Saddlery.

 On to Western!

Anne showed several models in this division.  This one is Flash in the Sky, a Carol William Matriarch resin painted by another multi-talented doll-maker, Joan Yount.  She is shown with a barrel spin obstacle that includes several of my photos in the documentation. 

Here's another one of Anne's Western horses competing in a Versatility Challenge.  Mocha Latte is a Liesl Dalpe Loping Leggs resin painted by Liesl.  Her saddle was made by Pam Perkins and her bridle by Danielle Hart.  It goes without saying that Anne made the dolls.  The English saddle might be one of mine, but I'm not sure.

This is Flash in the Sky again.  Her doll was made specifically for this class! 

Flash in the Sky was division Champion.  Another one of Anne's models, Bootlegger, was Reserve.  Bootlegger is a Sarah Rose Reiner painted by Meghann Lorei.

Finally--English!  These are the pictures I was tagged in.

This nice grey horse was sculpted by Mindy Berg and painted by Joan Yount.  He is wearing a BCS saddle and bridle.  Anne made the doll, saddle pad and horse sports medicine boots.

Anne also showed two other models in the English classes.  The walking Leggs wore tack by me... 

but this adorable pony named Halestorm was dressed in a saddle and bridle by Pat Coulter.

Here's another one of Halestorm's entries.  Performance newbies should pay attention to the documentation.  All of Anne's entries have really nice supporting materials with clear photos, diagrams where relevant and not an overwhelming amount of text. 

Well thought out set-ups + nice horses + great dolls+ good tack + excellent documentation  = SUCCESS!

Congratulations on all your wins, Anne, and thank you so much for allowing me to share your pictures!

Sunday

Yesterday the mail man brought me two boxes of tack making supplies.  That should have resulted in a studio marathon today, but unfortunately, nearly everything needs to be returned.  I somehow managed to order the wrong color stirrups, and the lace...  Ugh, that lace!  Each spool is a slightly different color, and none of it matches what I have on hand.  Typically, I use three or four widths on each English bridle.  If the colors don't match, it doesn't look right.  There's no way to work around this--it's all got to go back.

This is frustrating, but also kind of liberating.  With my work plans foiled, I was suddenly free to spend the day doing something else.

Since today is also the second anniversary of Emma's "Gotcha Day," James suggested a trip to the dog park.

We chose a dog park with a permanent agility course.

Darcy is a very good jumper, and I take great satisfaction in watching her clear the biggest fences.

I blame that on my hunter/jumper roots! 

 She's good at the other obstacles, too.

She's happy to go up and down the A-frame, 

through the giant paw,

and in and out of the tunnel. 

 I think she could have been a wonderful agility dog! 

Emma is a lot braver than she was two years ago...

but busy dog parks still bring out the feral little dingo in her. 

Despite that, we managed to coax her through the tunnel... 

and onto the A-frame. 

It was really fun spending the afternoon outside with my girls... 

and this kid. 

I feel refreshed and happy and almost ready to deal with my leather lace issues...  Almost!

Six years

The Braymere blog turns six today.

 It's been six years of horses...

and ponies, 

donkeys... 

and dogs, 

dolls... 

and all sorts of critters... 

especially.... 

rats! 

Thanks to everyone who makes this blog a part of their day.  I appreciate each and every one of you!

Lauren's list

Yesterday I invited readers to suggest small tack items for my Facebook short sale.  Most people asked for halters, bridles, boots and martingales... you know, the usual things.

Then there was Lauren.

Lauren isn't a performance shower, and her list reflects that.  These aren't things you'd use in most live show set-ups.  Instead, they're hunter princess luxuries.   I wish I knew how to make them, because I'm sort of a wannabe hunter princess.  Also, I think I need miniature monogrammed standing wraps.

A Challenge for Miniature Equestrians

by Lauren Mauldin

Though I'm not currently involved in the model horse hobby, I'm still an admirer of all things miniature.  The detail that goes into the tack and equipment featured on this blog and others never ceases to amaze me!  That being said, I see some missed opportunities :)

Mostly to satisfy my need for all things mini, I set forth a challenge to the tack and prop makers out there.  Perhaps I'm wrong, but I've never seen some of these items miniaturized before!

Standing Wraps 

Photo by Dover Saddlery

Great addition to a trailer scene?  Or maybe the inspiration for a post-show groom and magnetic therapy session scene?  Either way, bonus points for monograms.

Scrim Sheet

Photo by Dover Saddlery

Go to any big hunter/jumper show and these are everywhere in barn colors.  Another really cool detail for a scene class, or maybe your hunter over fences entry needs a groom holding one of these bad boys until the horse gets out the ring.  

Composite Stirrup Irons

Photo by SmartPak Equine

These are all the rage lately, and they come in a wide array of colors and prices.  Composite irons can be found in the hunter, jumper, and eventing rings (keep in mind they are illegal for equitation unless they are silver).  You'll see jumper riders of all ages using them in really fun colors like pink, teal and more!

Memory Foam Half Pads

Photo by Ogilvy Equestrian

If you are a jumper rider, chances are you have or want a memory foam half pad.  There are several brands, but Ogilvy is the name of the game currently.  Replacing fleece, these custom half pads are super technical AND come in a rainbow of custom colors.  Think of the customizing possibilities to match your model's items!   

Shipping halter

Photo by SmartPak Equine

I know, I know... you're saying "Breyer already makes this!"  Sure, they do... but do they make one where the sheepskin covers all the leather?  Do they make one with a name plate?
 
Thanks for the list, Lauren.  I'll be sure not to get on any of that!

(Except maybe the shipping halter, because I'm pretty sure I can make a shipping halter with a nameplate...)

Short sales

I buy leather and hardware in bulk, which means sometimes I run out of everything at exactly the same time.

I'm currently experiencing one of these shortages.

In an effort to fund the new supplies, I've listed several small items for sale on my Facebook page.  These are first come first serve, and if today is any indication, they don't last very long.  

I'm not taking orders, but I am open to requests.  Just remember, small items only please!  As soon as the new supplies arrive, I will get back to working on the backlog. 

I love ewe

Jane gave me two goats and a sheep.  

I love the sheep, but couldn't get past the sloppy black paint on her nose and hooves.

Fortunately, that was an easy fix.

So much better!

I made her a simple rope halter...

and now she's ready to hit the trail.

The large goat also got a little attention.  I repainted his horns...

and customized the hair around his neck.

Now he's fit to be tied!

Thanks again for the critters, Jane.  I'm having way too much fun with them!