Neck Strap DIY

So, neckstrap DIY time. I roached Gwyn's mane and needed something to hang onto in moments of super fast acceleration. This was my solution.  Material: Nylon webbing and a buckle.

I chose bright lime green because I'm in the Green Bean Endurance group and I wanted some way to identify myself. Once Gwyn's mane is longer I'll just braid in green ribbon. 

First, secure the strap on the non adjustable side. Some buckles are adjustable on both sides. I opted for one side fixed.

Square and cross with a straight stitch.

Add pyrotechnics to seal the edge of the nylon so it won't fray.

Thread the adjustable side and seal the edge again with fire/heat.

Test it.

Approval! With extra length just in case.

Bonus: I made two more belts! These are for sale and will fit a larger waist size rider.  There is a black with gold geometric ribbon and a navy with teal ribbon.

It was sunny and warm today so I removed Gwyn's blanket.

We had kisses and cuddle time

*SMOOSH*

"I nom your phone, Mom"

Then I got itches in return for scratching her.

Equestrian Surcingle Belt

I follow a horse blog called DIY Horse Ownership.  It's pretty much in line with my thoughts on horse ownership, and I do love to DIY something if it means it'll be cheaper. I also feel like I own the end result more, take pride in it.

In December, they posted a link on how to make your own Surcingle Belt! Now their thought process was mostly driven by cost. Mine is driven by 'what is available in my size'? Belts for riding are NOT one of them. To that end, this DIY project was right up my alley.

I finally made a trip to Joann Fabrics (before I got sick on Saturday, it really came out of nowhere) and got some supplies. Because really, this looks like an amazing project and if I can sell some... well, that's even better! I could even market to the plus size rider group. 

Tonight I finally felt well enough and had kid free time to sit down and make one.  When I got the cotton belting, one of the pieces was less than a yard. Not great for an adult size belt, but perfect for Kaylee. I also found some clearance ribbon with Frozen characters which Kaylee immediately took a liking toward. So my first attempt won't be for sale, but will be for Kaylee!

While I do a basic DIY, I recommend heading to the blog link above. Their instructions are fantastic.

My short piece of belting and the clearance ribbon.

First, measure out your ribbon so it's 6 in longer than your belting. Pin the ribbon to the belting.

Sew the ribbon to the belting

Attach all the buckles and badaboom, you're done! (LOL, told you to go to the other blog)

I think Kaylee will be thrilled.  

This belt has a waist size range of 20-32 in so perfect for kids and highly adjustable. Total cost, not including thread, needles and pins is $11.14. It took me less than an hour to make, my very first time. I consider myself an advanced beginner sewer, fwiw.

January Fitness Roundup

This is for accountability.


The goals I set for myself in Endomondo include treadmill walking/cardio 3x a week, yoga/core workouts 2x and 30 minutes minimum of riding each week.   The 30 minutes is more to encourage me to actually get out and ride, not because I think that's near enough with my show goals for the year. I'll actually be tracking mileage.


Let's see how I did, eh?

Endomondo has a handy visual calendar we can use!

The first week is a known bust. This challenge to myself starts on the 8th

Week 1: 4 cardio, 1 horse (.33 miles), 1 day of yoga/stretching
Conclusion? Pretty good.

Week 2: 1 riding (2.53 miles), 2 cardio on the same day, 1 yoga, not as good

Week 3: 2 cardio on the same day, nothing else, bleh

Week 4: 1 awesome ride! (6.31 miles), 1 cardio session

So I was gung ho the first week on, and okay the rest. I was active every week, and that is an improvement from nothing. Each week is a fresh start!

January Mileage Total for Riding: 9.17 miles
This will only increase as I figure out scheduling and as the weather starts to improve. This is way better than January of last year.