View this post on InstagramA post shared by CDCTA (@_cdcta_)Tuesdays always a key day each week for US-based eventers because thats the day that event entries around the country open and close. As always, well be running you through todays fixture deadlines before we dive into the round-up of links and articles, but I wanted to make a special mention to one event thats closing entries today. Thats CDCTA Fall H.T. in Berryville, VA, which has taken on board lots of competitor feedback and implemented some really exciting, very welcome changes to their horse trials, including a new layout, with relocated showjumping and dressage arenas, lots more space to warm up, and some very cool new tracks, too.Thats just the tip of the iceberg, though. New at CDCTA Fall is the CDCTA Team Challenge, open to groups of four riders and held by level, so you can compete at Modified/Training, Novice, Beginner Novice, or Starter/Intro. Therell be great prizes on offer, and ceremonies following each division, and best of all, there are no additional fees for entering a team you just need to corral your barn pals and eventing buddies and pop Coree Reuter-McNamara at cdctanews@gmail.com with any of your questions. Coree will also be able to slot you into a team if you dont have quite enough people, or if youre coming to the event solo and still want to get involved. This feels like an AMAZING way to make new friends on the circuit, frankly.CDCTA is also putting on an Instructor Incentive Program, and the trainer with the most students competing at CDCTA Fall will earn themselves a free entry for next springs event. Heres a quick look at the rules:competitors must declare their instructorcan only declare one instructor per horse showevery rider/horse combination that starts the event will earn 1 point for the instructormust email Stephanie with instructor atcdctaht.sec@gmail.comwith your entry in order for it to countthe instructor who brings the most students will win entry to the next showentry is non-transferable and must be used by the instructorriders must start dressage in order for the instructor point to countHappy entering! Heres a look at the rest of those key openings and closings today.Events Opening Today:Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T.,Miami Valley H.T. at Twin Towers,Apple Knoll Farm H.T.,The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm,Ocala Fall Horse TrialsEvents Closing Today:USEA MDHT YEH Qualifier,CDCTA Fall H.T.,Five Points H.T.,Flora Lea Fall H.T.Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:44 combinations will tackle the Advanced class at the 2024 American Eventing Championships.Take your first look at the field of entries, and start picking your favourite for the win, with this quick run-down from US Eventing. Whos the busiest rider in the class? Which horse is the oldest? All that and more, inside.Speaking of the AECs, Ill tell you something for nothing: Ive always been so envious of the plethora of amazing prizes that winners get.This years no exception theres $100,000 in prize money up for grabs and so many different physical prizes that the article listing them all feels a bit like an epic poem. Saddles, riding gear, boots, supplements, treats you name it, you can probably walk away from the AECs with it. Check out the full haul here.Run this one through your translator (and try to ignore the fact that they used a header photo of Lara de Liedekerke-Meier) this is a lovely interview with Belgian stalwart Karin Donckers, who became the National Champion once again over the weekend at Arville, riding her longtime partner Fletcha vant Verahof, whos still thriving at nineteen years old. Theres some great insights into Paris in here, too, like why Karin went with Fletchas younger brother, Leipheimer, instead of the big man himself, and what might be next on the horizon. Give it a read here.Its nearly Paralympics time, and if you tune in for the dressage, you might be confused to see a second horse in the arena.Thats whats called a friendly horse, and its an essential role in this remarkable competition. Find out more about their duties in this interesting piece from H&H.And finally, modern pentathlon has said its goodbye to the showjumping phase at the Olympics.Paris was its last hurrah and arguably yielded better pictures of the sport than Tokyo but whats the legacy left by its existence in the sport, and how did the Olympics actually work for horses and riders? If you read one thing today, its well worth making it this fascinating dive into the thorny topic.Nicolas Touzaint and Absolut Gold HDC. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Sponsor Corner:Entries for Defender Burghley are starting to pour in! Now up to 77 entries, the growing field features fan favorites like Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, Austin OConnor and Colorado Blue, and Cooley Rosalent, ridden by Oliver Townend. Interested in supporting Mia Farley and her intrepid OTTB Phelps on their journey to Burghley? Buy a Phelps jacket here. Eventing Nations coverage of Burghley is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. For over 25 years Kentucky Performance Products has been committed to producing high-quality, research-proven supplements. Shop their range of proven supplements here. Watch This:Nothing to see here, just two legends of the sport enjoying some quality BFF time together.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Phillip Dutton (@duttoneventing)

Section Key Points Understanding the Importance of Riding Gear Proper equipment reduces injury risk by up to 70% (USEF). Provides protection from falls, impacts, and other hazards. Specialty Equestrian Stores Stores like Dover Saddlery, SmartPak, and HorseLoverZ. Offer a wide range and knowledgeable staff for recommendations. Online Retailers Retailers like Amazon, REI, and Equine Superstore. Customer reviews, product descriptions, and competitive pricing available. Check return and exchange policies. Manufacturer's Websites Websites of Ariat, Charles Owen, Samshield. Exclusive deals, discounts, and loyalty programs. Local Tack Shops Found in rural areas or near horse shows. Personalized recommendations from knowledgeable staff. Best Riding Gear Items for Young Male Equestrians Jodhpurs: Comfortable, flexible. Jodhpur Collection Riding Boots: Support and stability. Horse Riding Boot Collection Riding Gloves: Protect hands, better grip. Horse Riding Gloves Collection Riding Socks: Prevent blisters, provide cushioning. Horse Riding Socks Additional Tips for Parents Fit Matters: Proper fit is crucial for safety and comfort. Look for adjustable straps and padding. Quality Over Price: Prioritize high-quality gear over cheaper options. Consider Your Child's Riding Style: Different styles require different types of gear. Stay Up-to-Date: Keep informed about the latest gear technologies and innovations. Keeping Your Horse Healthy and Comfortable Horse Treats and Gifts: Build a bond with your horse. Horse Treats and Gifts Everyday Horse Vitamins and Supplements: Maintain horse health. Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements Stable Rugs and Turnout Rugs: Keep your horse warm and comfortable. Stable Rugs, Turnout Rugs Fly Protection: Protect your horse from flies, especially in summer. Horse Fly Protection Where to Find the Best Riding Gear for Young Male Equestrians: A Guide for Parents As a parent, you naturally want the best for your child, especially when it comes to their passions and interests. For young male equestrians, finding the right riding gear can be a daunting task due to the various options available. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best places to find high-quality riding gear for young male equestrians, ensuring they stay safe, comfortable, and confident in the saddle. Understanding the Importance of Riding Gear Before diving into the best places to find riding gear, it's crucial to understand why proper equipment is important. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) states that wearing the right riding gear can reduce the risk of injury by up to 70% (source). Proper riding gear provides protection from falls, impacts, and other hazards associated with horse riding. The Best Places to Find Riding Gear Specialty Equestrian Stores The first stop for quality riding gear should be specialty equestrian stores like Dover Saddlery, SmartPak, and HorseLoverZ. These stores offer a wide range of riding gear for young male equestrians. The staff is usually very knowledgeable and can help you find the right gear for your child's riding style, skill level, and horse breed. You can visit their websites or physical stores to explore their collections. Online Retailers Online retailers like Amazon, REI, and Equine Superstore also offer a vast selection of riding gear from various brands. These retailers often provide customer reviews, product descriptions, and competitive pricing, making it easier to find the right gear for your child. However, be sure to check the return and exchange policies before making a purchase. Manufacturer's Websites Many equestrian gear manufacturers, such as Ariat, Charles Owen, and Samshield, sell their products directly to consumers through their websites. This can be a great way to find high-quality gear, as you can often find exclusive deals, discounts, and loyalty programs. Local Tack Shops Local tack shops, often found in rural areas or near horse shows, carry a selection of riding gear. These shops may not have the same variety as larger retailers, but they usually have knowledgeable staff who can provide personalized recommendations and advice. Best Riding Gear Items for Young Male Equestrians Jodhpurs Jodhpurs are essential for any young rider. They are comfortable and provide the flexibility needed for riding. Explore our Jodhpur Collection. Riding Boots Good quality riding boots are a must. They provide the necessary support and stability. Check out our Horse Riding Boot Collection. Riding Gloves Gloves protect the hands from blisters and provide a better grip on the reins. Visit our Horse Riding Gloves Collection. Riding Socks Good quality riding socks add an extra layer of comfort. They help in preventing blisters and provide cushioning. Explore our collection of Horse Riding Socks. Additional Tips for Parents Fit Matters Ensure that the riding gear fits your child properly. Ill-fitting gear can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. Look for gear with adjustable straps and padding to ensure a secure fit. Quality Over Price While it's tempting to opt for cheaper options, prioritize quality over price. High-quality gear is designed to provide protection and comfort, making it a worthwhile investment for your child's safety and well-being. Consider Your Child's Riding Style Different riding styles require different types of gear. For example, if your child is an English rider, they may need a helmet with a different type of visor than a Western rider. Stay Up-to-Date Equestrian gear is constantly evolving, with new technologies and innovations emerging regularly. Stay informed about the latest developments and advancements to ensure your child has access to the best gear available. Keeping Your Horse Healthy and Comfortable Horse Treats and Gifts Rewarding your horse with treats can be a great way to build a bond. Explore our collection of Horse Treats and Gifts. Everyday Horse Vitamins and Supplements Maintaining your horse's health with vitamins and supplements is essential. Check our collection of Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements. Stable Rugs and Turnout Rugs Ensure your horse stays warm and comfortable with the right rugs. Browse our collections: Stable Rugs Turnout Rugs Fly Protection Flies can be a nuisance for horses, especially during summer. Check out our Horse Fly Protection collection for effective solutions. Conclusion Finding the best riding gear for young male equestrians can be challenging, but by understanding the importance of proper equipment and exploring the best places to find it, you can ensure your child stays safe, comfortable, and confident in the saddle. Remember to prioritize quality over price, consider your child's riding style, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the equestrian industry. For the best selection and expert advice, consider shopping with Just Horse Riders. References: United States Equestrian Federation, Safety and Equipment

Chanel Rhodes of Mane Tresses. Photo by Andy GarcesChanel Rhodes is a first-generation equestrian in her family. Growing up in the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, Rhodes didnt have access to horses in the city. However, she always dreamed of owning a horse one day.As a young girl, Rhodes didnt see Black cowboys or cowgirls being represented on TV or in magazines. She asked her mom, Valerie Griffin, if horseback riding was something she could do. Griffin encouraged her daughter to pursue horses, cultivating Rhodes love and passion for the equine industry.As a busy single mom, Griffin instilled a hard work ethic in Rhodes and took her to riding lessons sporadically throughout her youth.Finally, HorsesRhodes spent her entire childhood dreaming of and praying for a horse. When she turned 20, she began a serious search, determined to find a way to be around horses without having a lot of money or resources.She began her journey and became a working student for Cliff Salter, a trainer in Long Beach, Calif. Under Salters guidance, Rhodes learned about training, horsemanship and horse care.Photo courtesy Chanel RhodesAfter seven long, dedicated years and with the help of her mom, Rhodes finally purchased her first horse, a dependable bay gelding named Cha-Cha. Fast forward another five years, and shes currently a working student for a hunter/jumper program at Mountain View Farms South in Anaheim, Calif., with trainer Jasmine Wheatley.Rhodes currently has two horses: Lady, a 16-year-old Paint mare, and Gabriel, an 11-year-old OTTB who belongs to her mom, whom Rhodes inspired to ride.The Art ProjectIn 2019 during Black History Month, social media and other news outlets shifted the focus to Black cowboys and Black equestrians in the industry.I noticed a lot of people doing a lot of different projects with their horses during Black History Month, says Rhodes. Thats kind of the time when the media started to shine a light on Black cowboys and we finally got discovered.She felt inspired to try her own project. Creative by nature, she had been doing her own hair for years. Rhodes made a prototype wig for Lady to match her flashy tobiano colors and emphasize her beautiful mane.Photo by Andy GarcesInitially, the wig didnt work how Rhodes envisioned, but her fianc (now husband) Andrew Garces wanted to capture a video of the pair together. She called this art project Afrocentric Pony.Shortly after releasing the video, the Young Black Equestrians podcast (now called Black in the Saddle) contacted Rhodes about coming on as a guest. When she was asked about her plans for her creation, Rhodes initial reaction was that this wasnt a business. But that burning question fueled something in her, propelling her to push forward into the unknown.Meet Mane TressesProduct development for the hair piece proved to be challenging and frustrating for Rhodes. If it was going to be marketed and sold, it had to be perfect.Every time I wanted to try the wig, Id have to drive 10 miles down the street to the barn and wait for my product to fail, says Rhodes. And then Id go back home to the drawing board. It became very tedious; I resented it for a little bit.When Covid came along and put Rhodes out of work, it gave her unexpected time to focus on product development for Mane Tresses. A professional manufacturer was unaffordable, but Rhodes mom bought her a sewing machine, so she began to watch YouTube videos and learned how to sew her wigs.Photo by Andy GarcesAfter going through about 50 prototypes, the result is a flexible, colorful, synthetic hair piece that seamlessly attaches to the mane, tail or forelock. Mane Tresses officially launched in 2021.Being a Role ModelDespite all the roadblocks and struggles along the way, Rhodes maintains a positive, can-do attitude and encourages anyone with a dream to make it a reality.Ignore those outside voices, she says. If you have a passion for something, thats what life is all about. If you have something in your heart that you love, you should work toward it. Start that business, get it off the ground, and never give up, because youre going to fail 100 times. But those failures just propel you forward.Along the way, Rhodes has had the Hollywood spotlight shown on her entrepreneurial spirit. She was on Access Daily with Mario Lopez, Tell The Truth on ABC, and a commercial for Facebook.While these are notable highlights, she says her proudest moments come from positive feedback from customers. She ships worldwide and is always humbled when she hears from a mother or grandmother who has a child that looks up to Rhodes as a role model. Those are the moments that make it all worthwhile.For more information on Mane Tresses, visit www.manetresses.com or @manetressescc on Instagram and Facebook. Follow along with Chanel at @cowgirl_chanel on Instagram.This article about Chanel Rhodes and her business Mane Tresses appeared in the July 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Meet Chanel Rhodes of Mane Tresses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

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