Hank was reunited with his brother last night and it was a complete overload of cuteness.
In other news. Sadly I must plan a funeral. I knew the day was coming and some say that knowing helps when the time actually comes. While that may be true it still doesn't make it any less sad.
RIP my $189 Ovation boots. You served me well and even up to the very end.
I am not sure what I will do without you but know you will be missed..........Until you are replaced at least ;)
Darn it. I did know the day was coming but I was hoping that it didn't come before Rolex. Last night it became official they must be laid to rest.
Now what to replace them with?? In conversation with a friend she mentioned how her Ariats gave out after 3 months of daily use. That was disheartening because I thought of my Ovations as low end and was hoping to upgrade to a "better" quality boot when I replaced them. I guess I wonder does higher price tag neccessarily mean better quiality. When I told her that my Ovations have lasted me 3 years and they were my every ride boot. Those are all I have worn to ride in since I purchased them 3 years ago. She was surprised. I was happy by how much life I got out of them and if it hadn't been for the darned zipper they would last much longer. Oh boy if I spends several hundred dollars on boots and they don't last me at least as long as my trusty Ovations I may just want to decapatate someone. Hmmmm....
Last but not least I am going to look at a possible project horse. eeeek....I am excited and questioning my sanity at the same time. What would you do if a 6 year old Grey, sound, sane OTTB landed in your lap and you owned your own farm?
I would take him, because I think with my heart and not my head!
ReplyDeleteCan the zipper not be replaced on your Ovations? I had used no name pull on field boots that I wore every ride for 2 years - the soles split wide open this Winter. I went with Mountain Horse boots and like them so far.
Looking forward to seeing pics and videos!
I've heard wonderful things about Treadsteps! Also I have those same socks (Target FTW!) and if I owned my own farm and a grey 6yo OTTB landed in my lap I would take on the project!
ReplyDeleteI have Ariats and have never had any issues with them :) Good luck boot shopping!
ReplyDeleteUm you can send that gray ottb to me! :)
I've had a pair of Ariats that have lasted me 7+ years of abuse, riding in them everyday, cleaning stalls, washing horses, etc. so it seems kind of hit or miss with them! And I would take the gray OTTB too, I love grays.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question, I would think I'd died and gone to heaven. :-) Pretty much my dream horse...
ReplyDeleteCan't help TOO much on the boot issue, as my own tall boots were purchased when Carter was President. And yes, they still fit but I'm embarrassed to be seen in them! As soon as I'm riding regularly again, a new pair is definitely on the agenda (I have worn half chaps and paddocks for almost all my riding in the last 12 years). I will be making a beeline for Tredstep Donatellos, as they are a great price, I hear great things, and they seem to have almost been custom-designed for people with super-skinny calves.
If I were you I'd check out the Review sections on Dover or SmartPak's websites, and also look on the COTH H/J Forum. People frequently discuss boots there. Warning: a lot of the talk does get on my nerves a bit because there's many people wishy-washying about "just can't decided what custom boot I want..." (same thing with high-end saddle threads: "Oh, poor me, I just don't know if I want a Devocoux/Antares/CWD/some other 5K saddle..." Give me a break.) But there are "normal" people reporting in, too! :-)
I will be at Rolex so if you need someone to cast a critical eye on purchases, look me up! I love helping spend other people's money, LOL.
Good luck with the boot search! What about shopping for new and also get the zipper replaced, that way you have a spare. (already have a grey ottb - maybe next one will be a blood bay!)
ReplyDeleteZippers can be replaced! Find a leather repair place, or, contact Ovation and ask them for recommendation of someone to do the repair. Not only is it cheaper to replace the zipper, but you already have those boots good and broken in and comfortable. Breaking in a new pair SUCKS.
ReplyDeleteI'd take the gray OTTB...but, I already have one (and a fabulous one at that!), so, of course, I'd need a matched pair. :D
I have a pair of JPC tall boots that I got on clearance for $30. I have been using and abusing them for about two years now and they are still completely intact. Sure, the leather isn't super nice, but I have basically done zero maintance on them other than to hose them off from time to time and they are still going strong. So, I don't think a higher price means a better quality product.
ReplyDeleteIf a 6 year old Grey, sound, sane OTTB landed in my lap...I would be over joyed. That is exactly what I am looking for!! My husband's friend's dad has a 4,000 acre 'refuge' for retired race horses. Each time he hauls a load out to the ranch he has asked my husband if I want one of the grey ones he has loaded in his trailer to be dropped off at our farm. The answer has been no, but since Piney died I think the answer might be "Yes".
ReplyDeleteI have a pair of tall Ovation dress boots, the first time I put them on the zipper broke, but I haven't had any problems with them since...But then again I hardly ever wear them. I usually wear short chaps and paddock boots...
Maybe just get another pair of Ovations? Mine personally broke after not that much riding (zipper), but I loved the boot otherwise.
ReplyDeleteNo help here. I'd take the horse and I know nothing about tall boots. That said, if I were buying, I'd snag the cheaper tredsteps. Dunno about longevity, but they are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhy not just replace the zipper? Seems much cheaper.
ReplyDeleteI would take the horse, but is that going to make your husband mad? I wouldn't want a project horse to make him resent Steady any more.... if I have it all wrong or if I'm out of line you don't have to post this comment... it's just the first thing that came to mind. :)
ReplyDeleteAchieve1dream you are not out of line at all and that is something I should have mentioned since everyone knows what a struggle it has been for me. It is interesting but the idea of a resale project does not bother him. I think the idea that I may actually get money out of a horse is right up his alley. Though he has mentioned more than once that he thinks its a better idea to sell steady first then take on another but I have explained to him why that can't happen. So if something does come along again I know I must tread lightly and always keep in mind his day on the matter.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I didn't offend. :D I'm sorry the resale project didn't work out. He sounded like a nice horse. Maybe something else will come up! You can have Faran if you want him LOL!!!!
ReplyDelete