Finals season is nearly upon us, just a few more weeks left to the season to get those points, get qualified or just meet your goals. After a full season of showing expenses, trying to keep your show clothes looking fresh can be tough. We’ve got 5 ways to freshen up without draining your bank account!
1. Boots Have Taken A Beating
If the ankles of your boot trees are looking a bit crushed – get some boot trees STAT. Those saggy boots boots and their zippers will thank you for it. It won’t fix the damage but it will keep it from getting worse.
Boot zippers getting sticky from all the ring dirt and debris? Get an old toothbrush and some WD 40 –spray a small amount of the WD40 on the tooth brush and slowly work it through the teeth of the zippers. I shouldn’t have to say this but I will anyway… Do NOT spray the WD40 directly on the boots. The WD40 will help lubricate the zippers while scrubbing away grime, sweat and salt from the teeth of the zippers.
Are your boots looking dull and impossible to buff that blinding shine into? URAD – we love URAD. It’s a great tall boot polish that conditions the leather. A nice, inexpensive way to give your boots that beautiful shine.
2. White and Horses = Stains Galore!
I keep a pair of full snap off pants in my trailer.. Yeah I look like a little questionable when I yank them off, but it keeps my breeches clean and they are light weight so I don’t roast to death. I also keep an over size ‘barn’ tee shirt with it to cover up my shirt. – What can I say… my horse is grey folks– they enjoy being filthy and getting the filth on anyone in arms err.. muzzle’s reach.
I’ve had some good luck with Oxy-Clean on my white breeches after my grey gives up a standing applause worthy trip in the mud. ( oh — wait.. was everyone already standing around at the in gate.. hmm. 🙂 Be sure to follow the instructions, and consider trying a hidden test area first.
White shirts are just tough… keep that t shirt handy, or have a plan to take it off ASAP and get it on a hanger. Keep them out of the sun, the fabrics will yellow with prolonged sun exposure, it’s just a fact of white clothing. 🙁 If you’ve got something beyond salvaging, always give our closeout closet a check, we usually have some white shirts in there. It may not be your favorite brand, but it will get the job done until you can get a new one of your favs.
3. Stinky Helmets
There’s nothing worse than a stinky helmet… oh wait… yes there is… a WET stinky helmet in the middle of summer. I’m sure you can almost smell it right through your screen. Luckily many companies have interchangeable liners and they are quite affordable. Do yourself (and everyone you share the tack room with) a favor and pick up a spare liner! One to wash and one to wear… or at least have handy. That being said, if you are in the market for a new helmet, I have to say I am MOST IMPRESSED with my Samshield. The liner of my Sammy dries incredibly quickly, compared to other helmets I have worn.
If you have a hard shell helmet and it’s looking a bit scuffed, or possibly like you took a header into the fence, several of the manufacturers suggest cleaning it with a soft towel and some glycerine saddle soap. Many of the scratches will buff right out!
If you can’t wear your helmet with out a hair net (like myself), rinse your hair nets before you put your tack away and let them air dry. They will last a little longer and it helps keep the odors away. 🙂
4. It’s the little things!
A new stock tie for the derby or classic rounds is a great way to upgrade you look. Retire the sad yellowed beast in your jacket bag for a new crisp one, maybe in a a fun pattern, or color. Boom – you’ve got a whole new look without spending a lot of money.
Shadbelly points are another great way to spice up an old jacket. We offer lots of our own custom unique reversible points to freshen up your look.
Pair them with a new stock tie and a fun belt and it’s like you bought a brand new coat!
5. Gloves – A Necessary Evil to Some
In all honesty I only ride in my gloves if I have to lunge before I ride, at lessons and at horse shows. That said, it is incredibly easy to peel them off and wad them into a sweaty mess to be forgotten about at the bottom of your trunk. This is actually really terrible for the leather. Those super soft leather gloves you cherish will dry out in a that wadded ball and harden up like your farriers anvil. Be good to your gloves and they will be good to you. If they are sweaty and gross, take the time to clean them with some saddle soap (no oil, unless you don’t really want to hold on to the reins) and a damp cloth. Wipe them clean and leave them to air dry – preferably not in the sun.
If that still doesn’t do the trick, we have a fabulous selection of gloves for all budgets. Nothing feels better than a new pair of gloves!
Now that you are armed and ready, click on the links to some of our suggestions, and take the end of show season by storm!
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