McFluff
Well-Known Member
I’m too lazy to go for different looks, but no issues with those that do. Whatever floats your boat. As long as the horses real needs are met first.
Lemieux matchy craze?!
- Thread starter SWE
- Start date
shortstuff99
Well-Known Member
I keep thinking I should be all matchy matchy to make me look like an actual dressage rider, but I can't even be bothered to brush the mud off my horses legs so ?
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scats
Well-Known Member
I’ve got 4 Lemieux saddlecloths but I hate the fly veils, I find them small and tight on Millie, like they don’t fit her ears very well. They also fly off Polly and take the bridle aswell!
I buy cheap fly veils off eBay (they are about £8, far nicer and often have diamanté’s on them) and just match the colour to my saddlecloths.
Open to recommendations for saddlecloths that aren’t thick/padded and don’t have the close contact D ring loop. I like LeMieux but I think it’s very overpriced.
I buy cheap fly veils off eBay (they are about £8, far nicer and often have diamanté’s on them) and just match the colour to my saddlecloths.
Open to recommendations for saddlecloths that aren’t thick/padded and don’t have the close contact D ring loop. I like LeMieux but I think it’s very overpriced.
dogatemysalad
Well-Known Member
Ooh, love Dales. Long before matchy ever became a thing, I remember a young girl who had the most superb Dales pony. He wore a beautiful Spanish bridle and she put his mane in a Spanish plant threaded with fresh daisies. He looked stunning.
Cinnamontoast
Fais pas chier!
Definitely a craze at my yard, started by a new livery. She lets everyone borrow her stuff then they all get what she’s got. Bonkers. My horse has 3 saddlecloths!
mariew
Well-Known Member
I am finding the older I get the less materialistic I get lol. For those saying it's harmless, it's not really, not to the environment anyway 
materials, labour, transport, packaging - it all adds up.
materials, labour, transport, packaging - it all adds up.
SaharaS
Well-Known Member
If you need a spare horse(daughter?)..very happy to donate myself..currently in need of a new house with matching stables...and matchy matchy lack of no neighbours either side or anywhere near...once achieved will be happy to go back to slightly batty harmless addiction of Barbours...?
Lyle
Well-Known Member
I used to find it a lot of fun, but am far too busy with too many horses to work to bother. Plain colours in my property colours for me now!
Have no problems with it, it's cute and if it helps people have a sense of pride, fun and enjoyment I'm all for it. Although, I do cringe when I see the underweight, lack lustre-coated horse with overdue feet being paraded in the latest $300 outfit. Thankfully, this is not often!
Have no problems with it, it's cute and if it helps people have a sense of pride, fun and enjoyment I'm all for it. Although, I do cringe when I see the underweight, lack lustre-coated horse with overdue feet being paraded in the latest $300 outfit. Thankfully, this is not often!
AUB
Well-Known Member
Why does matchy outfits equal bad saddlefitting?
CanteringCarrot
Well-Known Member
What if I told you that there are people out there with saddles that fit, healthy horses, and matchy sets? Madness!
So rude to assume (and more than one person has done this here) that people with these sets or "excess stuff" don't care for their horses otherwise or don't spend money on the health and the well being of the horse.
Again, while I'm not into bonnets and bandages, I have more pads than I need. However, my horse has all of his needs met and I would put those before buying a new pad ?
Sure, maybe there are some people out there that spend too much on matching sets and their money would be better spent on other things for the horse. But these people also exist without matching sets ?
So rude to assume (and more than one person has done this here) that people with these sets or "excess stuff" don't care for their horses otherwise or don't spend money on the health and the well being of the horse.
Again, while I'm not into bonnets and bandages, I have more pads than I need. However, my horse has all of his needs met and I would put those before buying a new pad ?
Sure, maybe there are some people out there that spend too much on matching sets and their money would be better spent on other things for the horse. But these people also exist without matching sets ?
CanteringCarrot
Well-Known Member
I am finding the older I get the less materialistic I get lol. For those saying it's harmless, it's not really, not to the environment anyway
I get this. I am drifting this way somewhat. However I am not so pretentious about it. I'm sure you have some indulgences that aren't "harmless" and if you really don't, I admire that.
Muddywellies
Well-Known Member
See I've gone the other way. Up till about 5 years ago I had 2 or 3 numnahs. I'm fast heading for 50 and I now have eleveny hundred pretty saddlecloths which I love a bit too much. I suspect if there was a fire, I would save those first ??.
As previously mentioned, they are almost all ebay bargains, but when I was younger I couldn't have afforded them. I now have a better job and as I don't smoke, drink, wear nice clothes, have sky TV etc etc, then saddlecloths have become my indulgence. My saddle is checked twice yearly and tweaked if needed, physio every three months, and the horse absolutely doesn't go without.
pansymouse
Well-Known Member
I'm totally into matchy matchy; my horse an I never go anywhere without matching orange hi viz. If it's not hi viz it's brown. We are constantly complemented on our "look" - her orange ears with reflective stripes are a particular hit.
TheSpottyCobby
Well-Known Member
I have what many would consider to be 'too many' saddlecloths (I don't do the ears or bandages but I am a sucker for a nice saddlecloth), but many of mine are bought in sales when they are last season's colour (I don't think my pony really cares about the latest colours!). He's a black blanket spot so looks good in anything! He has a well fitted saddle and wants for nothing. I see no harm in it at all - when I was a child I used to collect beanie babies which weren't needed but I enjoyed collecting them.
ihatework
Well-Known Member
One of my friends got me a sign for Christmas that said ‘Did I Just Roll My Eyes Out Loud’
It’s pretty apt for this daft matchy craze.
But live and let live. As long as those people spending £££££ on matchy can still afford to spend money on stuff that matters - vets/feed/suitable livery/training when required then I don’t really care. It’s when the important stuff gets overlooked for the latest shade of turquoise that I start to bristle
It’s pretty apt for this daft matchy craze.
But live and let live. As long as those people spending £££££ on matchy can still afford to spend money on stuff that matters - vets/feed/suitable livery/training when required then I don’t really care. It’s when the important stuff gets overlooked for the latest shade of turquoise that I start to bristle
shamrock2021
Well-Known Member
Unfortunately there is people out there that who do ride in bad fitting saddle and than say they can’t afford a new saddle because they are constantly buying new matchy sets . Just to follow the the thread. I generally think in a 20 years time we will look back and cringe.
welshpony216
Well-Known Member
I always seem to get a saddle pad for Christmas and my b day, all kinds of bright colors, I always tell everyone 'I have enough! please no more! I could use a new roll of duct tape though! or maybe you could pay for the worming this month?' but still... I prefer to match if I can find a shirt that somewhat goes with it because it looks more organized, but I am not obsessive about it, and always put the horse first. I do know a few youtubers who are um very into Lemieux matchy matchy. If people can afford to buy expensive saddle pads and match everything, but not pay for vet expenses and saddle fitters among other things than . I wonder why we cant just go back to plain white or neutral color saddle pads, they go with everything.
. I wonder why we cant just go back to plain white or neutral color saddle pads, they go with everything.QueenBella
Well-Known Member
I used to have a few matchy sets when I first got back into horses a few years back. I've since sold them on as I just don't see the point in having loads of saddle pads when I can only ride one horse at a time and used the money to put towards a good quality proper fitting saddle. Also I was falling into a trap of wanting the newest ones when I seen other liveries on the yard having them. I decided to spend my money on pads that have a purpose rather than color and then one Equestrian Stockholm one for a pop of color.
oldie48
Well-Known Member
There's also lots of people with matchy sets that don't come into this category just as there are people who ride in the same filthy pad day after day. Goodness knows why people feel the need to link matchy matchy with horse abuse, it's really rather unjustified. If I'm still alive in 20 years I'm sure I will look back at pics of my horses (and me) in matching colours and think how nice we looked and I shan't be in the least bit bothered if others disagree.
shamrock2021
Well-Known Member
I didn’t say everyone and I have seen people do this in real life.
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SatansLittleHelper
Well-Known Member
I confess that I do LOVE matchy matchy stuff, just pads snd ears...I don't use bandages. All my dogs etc are in matching collars/leads/coats etc. I have to have matching tack tack...no brown bridle and black saddle combinations lol...it's just a tic I have I guess but it literally makes me anxious if things aren't "right".
However, I do only have a few sets (not Le Mieux) because I can't afford to splash out very often.
However, I do only have a few sets (not Le Mieux) because I can't afford to splash out very often.
mariew
Well-Known Member
Lol meow, I have never been called pretentious before.
Lady Jane
Well-Known Member
I personally don't do matchy matchy. Black brushing boots, black or white saddle pad, but its not offensive and does no harm. My water buckets and feed bowls do match when I can but using a few old ones at the moment as horse is a bit destructive. The practical side of this is I can tell my OH Axl is green, Squiggs is yellow, Jamie is lime green etc. I do use LeMieux brushing boots and personally think they are good quality for the price
CanteringCarrot
Well-Known Member
Meow? Is there a cat in here? ?
Your post came off a bit pretentious, maybe you did not intend that.
I mean, your post had some valid points!
But how should we acquire new things? Or just exercise moderation?
mariew
Well-Known Member
I am as bad as the rest, or at least used to be. I think moderation and second hand items is the way to go. And think twice whether you really need something. I very rarely buy new stuff now but scour FB marketplace and eBay for second hand items. It is so hard though as our whole society is based around buying things and a lot of us are conditioned into this.
If I buy new I try to buy stuff that will break down in years to come. So natural materials as much as I can, and local if possible. Easier said than done though and I fall down traps on a regular basis and feel guilty at the same time.
HashRouge
Well-Known Member
I didn't think she was pretentious at all. I did think you were a bit rude though ?
Ultimately, most of the time we buy new stuff because we want it, not because we need it. We should all be making an effort to buy less and to get more use out of the things we do have. Buying good quality second hand items also helps.
I've been trying really hard to do this since January 2019. I set myself the New Year's resolution of buying no new clothes (apart from socks and underwear) for one year. I didn't quite achieve it - I caved in the December and bought a gorgeous maxi dress. But it has dramatically changed my shopping habits. I only bought one "new" item of clothing in 2020 too - and I can't see that I will ever change back to just buying new stuff whenever. I still buy a lot though - I just get it all from charity shops and ebay. I like clothes and I still think I look nice - my students tell me I'm stylish anyway and that's quite a compliment from teenagers!
This isn't intended to sound smug BTW. I don't feel smug about my own shopping habits because I still panic about how much waste and materialism there is. If you really need regular new match match sets, why not try buying second hand? There is SO much of it out there. Within a week of deciding to get my sister some for Christmas I'd got a saddle cloth and bandages in plum, in really good condition. One from ebay, one from Facebook.
Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox now...
CanteringCarrot
Well-Known Member
Rude? OK. I literally said how I felt the post came off and further explained perhaps it wasn't meant that way and I misunderstood because the poster had some valid points. But if that's rude to you, then fair enough. There's definitely a strong "polite" culture on this board that isn't a thing where I live ? and I just slip sometimes.
I think, based off of what I see on Facebook, a lot of people do buy second hand. Myself included. I have quite a few second hand pads, blankets, and other tack. The only issue I have is that I've bought things that weren't as they appeared in photos and description, so it is a risk, and I have lost money. So I am really skeptical and careful. That, to me, is the main drawback of buying second hand online. In person, not such an issue. I wouldn't assume that people aren't buying a lot second hand.
The problem is mainly when "new colors" come out and people have to have them. I don't really get this impulse and haven't been interested in any new LeMieux colors, for example. I did treat myself to a new Equestrian Stockholm pad a while back *gasps* because sometimes it is nice to have something new and unused. Often people don't take care of their things and try try resell for a hefty price. I like to buy something new once in awhile and really care for it, to make it last.
I just can't bring myself to look down upon those that buy new. I think some people definitely (myself included) buy more that what they need. I don't care if it is rude, but there is a certain "air of judgey" at times. There is. Perhaps it is not intentional, and it is somewhat human nature. People have their "guilty pleasures" and I do think we could all live in a more sustainable way.
It's hard because I know it comes at a cost, but it is difficult for some to find joy during this "interesting" time. If a few matchy sets cheer them up, then who am I to judge. Perhaps they should find something else to bring them cheer, but you see how we can get wrapped up in this never ending loop of "what is best" and "what people should do" and so on. I feel like no matter what I do, there is always someone out there that will tell me it's shit. Especially on the internet ?
But, I do personally find your points about second hand and being more conscious important. As I previously said, I've moved more toward this as well. I think more when I buy too.
mariew
Well-Known Member
Lol I thought the ride but was towards me. Just shows you how easy it is to write something that people misread. I am scandi so I quite like straight talking which was maybe my fault. Apologies
The having to have the latest colour in a set is an odd human behaviour one. I see it repeated everywhere. I have seen it around kids, where demand for the latest pattern of a particular brand of clothing gets scrabbled over like your life depended on it. It was a thing in fabric nappies for a while, where people would pay many times the asking price for a limited edition. I wouldn't be surprised if there is some kind of psychology name for it.
The having to have the latest colour in a set is an odd human behaviour one. I see it repeated everywhere. I have seen it around kids, where demand for the latest pattern of a particular brand of clothing gets scrabbled over like your life depended on it. It was a thing in fabric nappies for a while, where people would pay many times the asking price for a limited edition. I wouldn't be surprised if there is some kind of psychology name for it.
Littlewills
Well-Known Member
There is quite a judgey tone to this thread tbh. I did state earlier than I buy second hand. Everything from rugs to saddle cloths, mine own clothes and I'm currently doing up my house using free or cheap second hand things.
But the judging seems to be mainly about having more than one saddle pad. I have absolutely no shame in that, My horse is fit, well and looks lovely in her matchy. I look like a tramp. Its not anyone business but mine. And my horses saddle most definitely does fit and she wants for nothing. The matchy is just something I like to have for her. Its a reflection of the care I take of her in my eyes.
But the judging seems to be mainly about having more than one saddle pad. I have absolutely no shame in that, My horse is fit, well and looks lovely in her matchy. I look like a tramp. Its not anyone business but mine. And my horses saddle most definitely does fit and she wants for nothing. The matchy is just something I like to have for her. Its a reflection of the care I take of her in my eyes.
CanteringCarrot
Well-Known Member
Lol I thought the ride but was towards me. Just shows you how easy it is to write something that people misread. I am scandi so I quite like straight talking which was maybe my fault. Apologies
The having to have the latest colour in a set is an odd human behaviour one. I see it repeated everywhere. I have seen it around kids, where demand for the latest pattern of a particular brand of clothing gets scrabbled over like your life depended on it. It was a thing in fabric nappies for a while, where people would pay many times the asking price for a limited edition. I wouldn't be surprised if there is some kind of psychology name for it.
Really? Nappies? Wouldn't guess that one ?
There are some colors that fetch a higher price tag. LeMieux Blueberry for example. Discontinued now, so all is second hand. I don't like colors because they are new to a collection, I like the color for the color...if that makes sense. If you stick "Limited Edition" in front of something, it definitely sets people off. I am certain there is some sort of name/psychology for it.
But on a straight talking note: there is indeed a difference between the German FB groups/pages/what have you and UK ones that I frequent. Or just in day to day stuff in general. I find it interesting, but I often have have "soften my edges" when speaking to those from the UK or also US. You'd think "rude is rude" but nope. If only it were so simple. And hey, I'm not everyone's flavor so it is what it is ?