This harness is missing only two pieces: the throat latch for the headstall and one of the traces, which function to attach the harness to the actual cart or carriage. The buckle on one of the lines (reins) also needs replacing. Fortunately, I know of some leather craftsmen who can make the missing parts and replace the buckle.
I'll post photos of the harness in use as soon as it's ready.

The restoration process to date:
Clean the leather with warm water and original Dawn dish soap.
Wipe dry.
Second cleaning of the leather with glycerine soap.
Conditioning of the leather, twice, with Lexol leather conditioner.

Many thanks go to Polo for an excellent job modeling. Polo is an Off The Track Thoroughbred, OTTB, originally trained for flat racing. He's never worn a harness before!

#harnessrehab

One of the many things that I enjoy is restoring usefulness to neglected items. 

After just a good wash with dawn and a wipe-down with a towel, this headstall is significantly softer and more pliable. Next up will be a secondary cleaning, this time with glycerine soap, followed by leather conditioner.
As I clean this harness, I will be making note of an damage and will have the questionable spots inspected by a qualified harness repair shop. 
Follow the progress! #harnessrehab

I love tack sales and swaps. They're a bit like a treasure hunt. I never knows what cool, unusual, didn't-know-I-needed-it things I will find. They're also a practical way of recycling and saving money. Horses are expensive to keep, so I do try to buy used whenever it's both possible and practical to do so. I also love the camaraderie that develops as a result of a tack sale. Being able to "talk horse" with like-minded people often results in new knowledge and fun stories. 
I'm off to a sale this weekend, with the goal of selling the items I have on hand, ultimately freeing up some space in my house. 
The sale I'm attending has been organized by the Pinto Organization of Kentucky and will be held Saturday, April 5th, from 9am - 2pm at the Harrison County Fairgrounds, 2500 US Route 27, Cynthiana, KY. 
If you're in the area, stop buy, say hello, and shop.
Kim

Last weekend I had a great time volunteering as a spotter for the Masterson Equestrian Trust Benefit Hunter Pace at Masterson Station Park in Lexington, KY. In addition to providing directions to the riders and making sure everyone traversed the water obstacle safely, I was able to take lots of pictures. The weather was perfect and the smiles infectious. Enjoy!

Above is the latest piece from Off The Track Designs. This bridle rack was a commissioned piece. The board has been stained red mahogany and is protected by several coats of polyurethane. The hook in the center was purchased separately by the owner and affixed to the rack. This lovely piece is already hanging in the barn, holding bridles, halters and helmets.

This rack is a work in progress. It will be a personal piece and hand painted to resemble a 19th century Paisley Shawl that has passed through my family for generations. I can't wait to finish it!

Finally, after a few more rides, I've decided to sell my new-to-me saddle. It is a 2010-model M. Toulouse Annice close contact saddle. 18" seat, medium, spring tree with matching M. Toulouse stirrup leathers. I love the flap position and length (13.5") as well as the grippy leather. It's a very balanced saddle and quite comfortable to ride in. I've found that I prefer a flatter seat to really get off my horses' backs while cantering and jumping. 
For more information, check out the M.Toulouse Annice page in the Tack Sale.  Thanks for looking!

Times have been tough for many, many people over the last several years. Many, myself included, lost good jobs and are digging deep to survive.
Over the past nineteen months (yes, you've read that right), I've tried my hand at several different professional opportunities. I've learned something from all of them and thoroughly enjoyed working with new people. Sadly, none were permanent.
Happily however, I have just started yet another new adventure with a great company and great people. I am excited to be working and I sincerely hope that I can help this organization grow and succeed.
Nineteen months has taken a severe toll on my savings. My personal horses are up for lease and I shall be hosting a sale at my house in Lexington, KY next Saturday, July 20th. The sale will include my own artwork and photography as well as pieces from my own meager art and accessories collection. There will be free coffee, tea and water and samples of the baked goods that I will also have for sale. 
Keep watch on this page for previews of the items available and, if you're in Lexington, KY next Saturday, stop by. I'd love to meet you!
Here's to a better next nineteen months!

2009 Bay Thoroughbred gelding, 16hh.
Karanos (AP Indy - Bless) is a stunning young horse who needs some extra time off following a non-displaced condylar fracture of the left hind. His rehabilitation is going smoothly and he is expected to be sound for a new career. Due to the nature of the injury, his vet has recommended that he NOT be considered for jumping. Instead, he's seeking someone interested in dressage, trail, pleasure classes and/or driving.
$1 with bill of sale
Contact Danielle at Chesapeake Farm, [email protected]

I've added a new page to the website! Horses Seeking People is just that; a listing of horses available for sale or lease by their owners.
In immediate need of re-homing are:
Boogie - 3 year old grade gelding
Noodle - grade pony gelding
Sebastian - 4-5 year old bay OTTB

Still looking for her forever home is Robyn's Sapphire who was featured on the website in 2012.

For more information about the horses, click Horses Seeking People to go to the page and then contact the sellers directly.

Thank you!

In my latest push to clean out my hoard of used tack and riding apparel, I decided to use the opportunity to practice my e-commerce and catalog marketing skills by utilizing my website, kcorneliusimagesandmarketing.com.
I wanted the page to be visually appealing as well as being easy-to-shop and I want visitors to have a great experience. On the back-end I have utilized PayPal as a shopping cart tool, and I have even created "Sold Out" and "Thank You" landing pages. 
On the front-end I have tried to take and use good, clear photographs that show the items as honestly as possible. Most of the items photograph just fine laying flat on a clean surface. But some items, like bridles and other horse equipment simply look better on a horse; and so yesterday I subjected one of my horses to a brief modeling assignment.  
On the bright side of the session, Polo (my horse) was a champ. He stood quietly while a young lady from the barn held a lead, showing off a colorful racing headstall set and his former set of protective boots. Other good things from the session: Polo was clean, the tack was clean and fitted properly and I did think to stand him up against the plain backdrop of the indoor arena.
It wasn't until I got home and began looking at the photos that I realized I wasn't looking with both of my eyes when I began shooting. I have some lovely pictures that are unusable due to things such as twisted reins and/or my angle, which captured other things in the background that are distracting to the eye. Then there are the fabulous  faces made by Polo - probably his attempt to tell me I was "doing it wrong." Fortunately this was my personal photo shoot and one that I could re-do as necessary. Had it been for a client, I might not be so lucky.
Lessons learned: Slow down. Keep both eyes open. Review the shot or shots in the camera's viewing screen before moving on to the next set. Enjoy the outtakes!

It's an annual rite of spring here in Lexington, KY. I've been every year for six years, enjoying the fabulous horses, brave riders and, of course, the shopping!
Here are a few favorite photos from this past weekend. Enjoy!