It was at Lexington Junior League when I first saw a Friesian. I stared wide eyed at the glamorous woman driving this stunning black beauty and told my mom, “Someday, that’s gonna be me.” I bought Wendy as a yearling fifteen years ago and, when she was old enough, sent her off for a carriage training. Sadly I never got to drive her that summer (long story) and my harness sat unused in my garage for a decade but finally, finally, I’m about to make my driving dreams come true. Well actually, Laurel Ridge Stables is making my driving dreams come true by training her! Here’s everything I purchased to drive her.
I ordered a custom driving bridle from Shelby Horse Supply and couldn’t love it more. Engraved with WATSON at the poll, the hand-stitched leather is as high quality as I’ve ever seen. I opted for black leather with silver furnishings for Wendy, since she’s black. It looks so fetching on her and fits her perfectly! I couldn’t believe how quickly Shelby Horse Supply got this to me either. I think it was delivered one week after I ordered it!
I also ordered her custom blinkers from Appointments USA with The Rose Table logo. That was my trainer Hannah’s idea! I texted my former dressage trainer Jessie to ask her what she thought about putting my logo on the blinkers and she said, “I don’t know why that horse isn’t covered in your branding at all times like a race car.” Ha! I went with all black blinkers with charcoal piping that really let the logo pop. What a thrill to see my logo used in this way!
Of course you already know about my cart, an easy-entry two-wheeled exercise cart from Carolina Carriage Superstore, the first of what I hope someday will be my vast carriage collection. It has pneumatic tires for all-terrain driving, which means it positively flies out in the field. You can read more about my cart here.
I don’t know about you but I’m getting pretty excited to drive her. The Rose Table will truly never be the same!
