[Laura Loves] Pikeur Spring/Summer 2015

Pikeur is one of those brands that I forever lust over, yet I have never actually bought from  and their Spring/Summer 15 collection is no different (although I may actually buy something this time!). I have come to notice that the majority of my riding wardrobe is navy so I really want to branch out into other colours (as contrary to my riding wardrobe - my normal wardrobe is full of colour!) and this seasons Pikeur have some truly gorgeous colours available! 

Latina Grip Breeches

These Latina Grip Breeches (£105 from Equine & Country) are my absolute favourite! I love this shade of green and front pockets are a must for me when it comes to breeches/jodhpurs! I think I may have to purchase these one pay day! They also have a polo shirt and sleeveless polo shirt in the same colour. 

Caralina Fleece

This fleece is available in a whole host of colours. The orange looks really nice in the photos on the model (£69.99 at Naylors) but I think I would have to see it in person to truly decide - though being ginger means I'm not sure if I could get away with it anyway! An alternative, however, is this grey one (£81 at Fur Feather Meds). Grey is another favourite colour of mine as it's such a classic colour. 

Ellina Softshell Jacket

I quite like the look of this jacket and feel that it would be perfect for Spring/Summer as it doesn't look too thick and would be suitable for this sudden outbursts that the English weather gods love! It's available in Navy, Orange and Green varying in price from £99.99 to £129. 

Sophie Star Sweater

This sweater is perfect both on and off the yard, or possibly even the gym! It looks slouchy in fit and rather comfy! I'm not normally a fan of pink, so again I would have to actually see it, but I think it looks really nice. It's priced at £54 on Fur Feather Meds and is also available in orange or lime (which looks more pale yellow on the website!). 

Blanca Softshell Gilet 

The final product is this gilet (£66 on Equine & Country) as no spring/summer collection is complete without one! They are the ideal item for those in between days. This one has the same softshell material which makes it wind-proof and waterproof whilst giving that bit of warmth when needed without the need for a coat. 

Thanks for reading,
Laura xx

The Best Way To Start A Day

Misty sunrises + pony ears = a great morning

Luckily for me, on a Friday I start work later (half 9) and as it is now a lot lighter in the mornings, I decided to take advantage and hack Pea out this morning. What better way to start a working day than by tacking your horse up and setting out at 6:45am in the sunrise. Not entirely sure Pea fully agreed with me when he realized he wasn't getting breakfast and was instead being worked! I decided to brave him in just his snaffle which I started to regret on my way down the drive but actually he was perfect! As some of you may be aware, we can only canter out hacking or on the lunge in a very large space and so we've not been able to do much cantering as I haven't hacked in a few weeks. Hence, this is why I was a bit concerned hacking him in just his snaffle, first thing in the morning when he's been in all night and hasn't had a proper canter for a few weeks! Going down the drive he was looking at everything, and as soon as I asked for trot he was more than happy to oblige! Therefore, when I reached the straight section that we canter I expected a buck or two but no! He was forward going, but perfectly fine to stop if I asked and no two feet stand offs at all! Happy days! If only I could spend every morning like this!

Thanks for reading,
Laura xx

What's In A Name?

This is a slightly different post, but after reading the story of the police horse who was called Brian but police wanted to rename it, it got me thinking..What's in a name? (In case you haven't heard, Thames Valley Police wanted to rename the horse something more war-like such as Hercules or Thor as they believed Brian was too wimpy - needless to say, people objected so the horse is sticking with Brian!).

I think it's safe to say that 'Paddy' is a very popular horse name! There is currently two Paddy's in Pea's field - himself and another (much larger one) and I know of quite a few others who also have a Paddy! It's traditionally quite an Irish name (Pea is connemara x so it's understandable) and so you will undoubtedly find quite a few Irish breds with the same name. As for the Pea, I genuinely have no idea where that part came from, but if I'm honest I love it! As many of you know, I very rarely call Paddy Pea, Paddy...I literally always refer to him as Pea. However, many people seem to think it's just the letter P so it's odd having to spell it out for people when entering competitions or phoning the vet/physio etc!

After a quick Google search, I have found a website which claims that:

           "people with the name [Paddy] are excited by change, adventure & 
excitement. They're dynamic, visionary & versatile, 
able to make constructive use of freedom. 
They fight being restricted by rules. Tend to be optimistic, energetic, intelligent 
& able to make friends easily. May be restless & rebellious."
She Knows

Obviously, that definition is aimed at humans rather than horses, however there are a few elements which do, surprisingly, fit Pea such as the rebellious bit (for definite!), excited by adventure - even though he takes it in his stride, and he is rather intelligent. I was having a conversation with both the Physio and someone at my yard about how he hates doing the same thing too often and when he's learnt things, he'll have the odd days where he refuses to do it! As my physio & instructor rightly said - he can do it, he just chooses not to today! The quote below is quite good as it links with what someone at my yard said about how Pea will not always do what he's learnt or whatever is a sign of intelligence as it means he's thinking of other things unlike some horses which once they learn they'll do that, no questions asked! 

Do you know what your horses' name means? Or what do you think of the name Brian - worthy of a police horse?

Thanks for reading,

Laura xx