Reflections: Last Weekend--Dressage at Devon

As I'm gearing up for another homework filled weekend that will include tears, contemplating the meaning of life, and falling asleep with my most loyal companion–pen and paper, I can't help but think about what a great time I had last weekend. For those of you in-the-know about Dressage or even equestrian things at-large, last weekend was the annual Dressage at Devon horse show–a prominent horse show here on the East Coast were we shop all the sales until we literally drop (or run to our cars to stow away bags so we can shop some more), drink, and then watch horses prance around and ogle at all the cool helmets, saddles, jackets, bridles the competitors have.

We watched Saturday-Sunday and stayed the night at some nearby hotel to have the full experience of just being "away from it all" (horses and school) to watch horses (and I pretended to do schoolwork back at the hotel...except Minority Report came on and that's one of my fave movies sooooo).

But there's more: not only is Dressage at Devon a nice weekend getaway for some us, it also serves up a considerable amount of inspiration for us riders and trainers. Some people come as mere spectators looking to breathe the same air as these spectacular riders, while some of us come to watch and learn, and remind ourselves about our goals, even though we still do come to just watch for the fun of it. Events such as Dressage at Devon (and Gladstone which we went to earlier in the summer) remind us exactly why we do what we do–because at the end of the day, all those hours of frustration are worth it when it all just comes together... The dream.

 Annie's Equestrienne Instagram: @Annie'sUSA

 As I said, we did some shopping and I am so excited to now own a pair of the Tiff-Annie blue breeches I have been coveting since I first found out that someone is designing breeches in fun colours. I also got to meet the owner/designer and she's such a cool person. The Tiff-Annie blue breeches represent the original Annie's to me, although I'm not sure if they were the first pair Annie's designed, they were the first pair I saw and fell in love with when I discovered this new brand. It's also such chic colour and of course resembles another large designer out there who I hope to be wearing when I find "the one" (or whatever?)....

I have been wearing the pants [at the barn] all week now, and they feel great! They are so comfortable to ride in, look great on me and make me look great in the saddle. Besides the million and one lunges and squats I do (with weights of course!) they make my legs look fantastic, which is always and should always be a plus for any rider. Duh! Unfortunately because I ride alone most of the time now with my crazy schedule, I don't have anyone at the barn snapping pictures of me looking fabulous. Will work on that! Of course you can never have just one so now I'm coveting their Tardis Blue breeches (total Whovian here). I tend to stick to the classic colours for what my horses wear during work (black/grey/white/navy blue) so breeches and what I wear is a great way to add a pop of colour.

Horse show shopping is really something. It's a great experience that can only be understood as a bunch of [crazy] people who love something amazing coming together and participating in something else super great–shopping.

kisses & peppermints,
Rebekka Hov
tumblr instragram pinterest