Equitana Epilogue

It was an early start to the day as I was a lazy sod the evening before and didn't shower before going to bed so I had to get up at 5am to do so and be at the stable for the bus' 6.10am departure time. I walked my sleepy self to the stable for 6am so that I could say a quick hello to two surprised girls and then met up with my pal S who had suggested we go on the organised coach trip from the stable. It was a fab suggestion as it meant neither of us had to worry about the 3 1/2-4hr drive each way ;-) We could chill out and chat without worrying about sign posts etc and enjoy being chauffered.

Even the traffic lights are horsey

Bus got stuck in traffic just as we arrived at the venue, so we were 30 - 45 mins later arriving than scheduled but that is no one's fault. This thing is massive! S had never been before, but I had been to the last event 2 years ago (Links to post I, II & III for posterity) so I had an idea to find my way around.
For once my pitiful memory didn't fail me ;-)

I was too busy shopping to watch the displays,
but this coloured cob caught my eye
♡♡♡

We both had our shopping lists of what we needed/wanted and set to work. We had to be back at the entrance for 16h40 to go back by bus so that the bus driver could have the bus back at the depot within a certain time frame as per someone's regulations *shrug*
We stuck to the tack stand areas as S wanted breeches & rugs and I was looking to replace Kika's bit and the schooling whip & spurs I had carelessly left lying around in recent months so they had understandably gone walkies. I was also keeping my eyes peeled for a winter coat and stirrups bargain if I could find them and whatever else caught my eye. I also wanted to chat to Horseware representatives about stable rug options for Nancy as I don't like the way their new V-closure rubs her shoulders, I also wanted to talk to saddle makers to see who the reps for my neck of the woods are as I think it's about time I get Nancy her own saddle properly fitted to her. Plus my 30th birthday draws nearer everyday & I hope to use it to my advantage as furnishing the apartment has drained all bank balances & pay cheques! *blush*

Adorable standing area to eat

Now I'll shut up and leave you with snaps from the event and will share my splurges and the saddle time I've racked up in separate posts.

The zebra boots were actually hairy & really freaked me out!
I take it whoever buys these won't be cleaning stables or riding outdoors ;-)

Need more be said about this brand?!
After all the blog reviews I've read of late;
I may have specifically asked about retailers
in my neck of the woods *whistles*

Amerigo on left & Antares on right - two more superb saddle makers
Does fawning over the soft leather make me weird?! 

Two brands that caught my eye.
Left - Ikonic looks good, have never heard of them
 &
Right - Ultimate Bitless which caught my eye for $900fb 

Silky socks with funky cool patterns - wish they had been a little less pricey per pair &
I wouldn't have been able to leave them behind me...
maybe in 2 years I'll have a bit more ca$h to play with

These were the super #tastytimes actual potato rinds
fried chips/crisp heavenliness

And that?s it from me for today - hopefully I can type up a saddle time recap for tomorrows post & then share my splurges in a post on Tuesday...yay blogging & doing stuff for a change!