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Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Dream Horse Studios Contest!! (plus review)

Dream Horse Studios Carnivale Boot Review

Rocking the C-rage style
As most of you probably noticed, I'm a total tack whore who loves trying new things. I have a wide variety of boots to suit my very different and very picky horses.

I was thrilled when Lauren, the super-nice owner of Dream Horse Studios, reached out to me to see if Courage and I would be interested in doing a review of her Carnivale open front boots. They're standard jump boots with a twist--lovely blue patent leather with a soft black calfskin lining and stud closures on black elastic.

Yes I did just say blue patent leather.




Design and Construction

Still in the plastic!
I tried not to squeal when the box showed up at my house and promptly set up an epic photo shoot to test the boots out. They were neatly wrapped up and smelled amazing right out of the box. I did everything but put them on and prance around the house.

The white stitching is tight and even. The calfskin lining is soft and smooth--no funny edges or uneven patches touching my horse. There are easy to clean--just a simple wipe down. The stud closure looked sturdy enough to handle the demands of every day riding.

Stud closures aren't the most flexible option--there are 2-3 options for how tight to make them. That said, the Equifit T-boots utilize the studs and are massively popular. I've neer had stud closures before, I wanted to know how they would work for a variety of horses with different legs.

Patent Leather Boots in Action


Photoshoot time!!

The gang
We were working with a full set of horse sized boots--open fronts and hinds.

In addition to Courage (16.1 OTTB, medium bone and cannons), we had Diva (17.0 OTTB, big bone, long cannons), and Vegas (15.1 paint, medium bone and short cannons).







Yeah Vegas!
First they went on Ms. Vegas, the completely adorable and awesome paint mare owned by Alyssa at Four Mares, No Money. Vegas is super competitive in the local open shows and has won some serious swag.

She is definitely a candidate for the cob sized boots. The front boots went on her just fine, but her 15.1 self was just too petite for the full size hind boots. That said, she was demonstrating some of her english pleasure/pattern moves and did a couple of jumps in the boots. They didn't move at all and she was perfectly happy.

Diva looking fancy
Next up with the supermodel--all 17 leggy hands of her.

Diva is all legs and built lean, but she has lots of bone. Both front and back boots fit her comfortably. The boots seem to be cut just right--they weren't too tall for Vegas, but they were still perfectly respectable on Diva.

It did take me a couple of tries to get them on right. For reference, the top strap on the front boots goes straight across. The bottom two straps cross. It's perfectly intuitive and fairly obvious when you look at the construction, but somehow I kept messing it up.










AND THEN COURAGE!!!!

Might as well put three rides on the boots for their first day. I put the full set on Courage. He has had mental issues with back boots in the past, but he seemed ok with these.

We had an excellent ride, walk/trot/canter and a few jumps. Courage wasn't bothered by the boots at all and when I got off, they hadn't moved around or caused him any problems.

Plus, they looked totally cute.


At $90 for a full set, they are an excellent value. Even a set of cheap synthetic boots will run you close to that, so I say you might as well have some fun and order a cool color in patent leather. Blue isn't the only available color--there is quite a range available on the website.

CONTEST!!!!

The Calypso boots. Pretty sure I need them too.
Remember how I said Lauren is super nice? Not only did she send me a set of boots to review, but she's also giving another set away to a lucky reader!! Here's the deal: go to the Dream Horse Studios website and look around. Come back and comment on this post with your favorite product. Your comment enters you in the random drawing for a winner. For an additional entry, share the contest on your facebook or blog and let me know you did it.



Entries close on Monday, November 4th (2013) at midnight, so you have a full seven days to enter and spread the word!

112 comments:

  1. Does it have to be a horse product? Because I am completely in love with the custom beaded dog collars and will most definitely be requesting a few for my babies for Christmas! Aside from that, I do love the custom beaded halters too. I'm looking for a new halter for Fiction and it will definitely be in consideration :). I'll be sure to share this on my blog later!

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    Replies
    1. Mentioned here: http://nolongerfiction.blogspot.com/2013/10/new-saddle-contests-i-want-to-win.html

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  2. I am completely convinced that Miss Diva needs a custom beaded halter!

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  3. I want want want the Calypso boots in black leather and red lining!! I've been eyeing them for a while. Although, I'm pretty sure I would be quite happy with anything from Dream Horse Studios. I need to win, k? K! :D Oh and I'll be sharing this on facebook and my blog as soon as I get a chance.

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    Replies
    1. shared it on my blog and facebook. http://keepingitlowkey.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-contest-and-i-seriously-love-my-horse.html

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  4. I am also in love with the Calypso boot in black patent or leather so hard to choose, with pink lining!

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  5. Those Cardiff boots are drool-worthy- I'm such a sucker for brown leather boots. But the Calypso boots have me thinking I need to go for a little bit of color. Either way, with Dream Horse Studios offerings, any of their gear would look great.

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  6. Oh man, I have to agree with Hawk -- I am IN LOVE with those custom beaded dog collars!! So cute!!

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    Replies
    1. Also mentioned your contest on my blog: http://flyonover.blogspot.com/2013/10/68-side-saddle-seriously.html

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  7. I love the Calypso boots! Black patent with teal or royal (hopefully available soon!) linings? Yes please! Even a white lining would be sharp :)

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  8. Holy crap, how have I not heard of this store before? I am in love with the Calypso Boots with hot pink lining and matching pink fancy stitching. I am working on a blog entry for tonight and will mention your contest there!

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    Replies
    1. http://lucysquest.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-return-of-winter-horse-and-sunshine.html

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  9. I LOVE Dream Horse! I'm dying for a pair of the Churchills!!

    PS- I'd love for you to come introduce yourself and your blog in our equestrian bloggers group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/153571864852426/

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  10. As a broke college student, my "need" for the Churchill open front boots in chestnut will go unsatisfied... And with the Carnivale boots coming in Saltwater blue I might as well cry in a corner. I am glad I do not have money to spend, as the Calypso boots are fabulous as well and I would never know how to decide!!!

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  11. Omg! The Churchill's are my favorite. Though I'd love a bling-y browband for Riley!

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  12. Those Calypso boots in black and red are just awesome!!

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  13. I love the padded fancy stitch halter. :) I'll share the contest on my blog soon.

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    Replies
    1. I shared it!
      http://paolashorseblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-dutch-warmblood.html

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  14. So much good stuff! The dressage Calypso boots in turquoise. Pretty much all the damn boots in turquoise are so amazing! Also, the padded halter, the custom brow band and the rider apparel set were all amazing. I will be sharing on my blog today too!!

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    Replies
    1. Aaand shared on my blog! http://panicandthepony.blogspot.com/2013/10/lessons-in-love.html

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  15. I'm so broke and I don't even have a horse but I want these!

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  16. I need the Churchill jumping boots in my life in a major way. So classy!

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    Replies
    1. Shared on my blog FB page - https://www.facebook.com/shemovedtotexas/posts/583294368390930

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  17. i love love love the churchill boots and would be so thrilled to win a pair. :D

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  18. Dying to try those Churchill boots...gorgeous!!

    I shared on my Facebook...https://www.facebook.com/Jealoushe?hc_location=stream not sure if you can view.

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  19. I want the The "Fair Hill" 5 Point Breastplate.

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  20. Oooh, so many choices...I think the Calypso black with hot pink lining our winning out, that's just classy :)

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    Replies
    1. oh yea and mentioned on my FB too:

      https://www.facebook.com/code3kitty

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  21. Oh my goodness, I've been drooling over those Calypso boots for quite some time now! I'm thinking chestnut leather with saltwater blue lining would look pretty snazzy on Jetta :)

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  22. What's not to love!? Emi is definitely going to need a fancy browband and would look so cute in purple "carnival collection" boots. http://www.dreamhorsestudios.com/#!product/prd1/1047174861/the-carnivale-collection%3A-fleece-lined-boot-set

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  23. Hampton needs a double dutch swavorski browband in silver. His double bridle is so plain right now. He needs bling!

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  24. I'm pretty sure Gatsby needs the blue fleece lined Carnivals...

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  25. River needs the Ivy League browband. :) And the custom beaded halter! So much gorgeousness!

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  26. OMG. 1) I never enter contests. 2) I am a raging tack whore. 3) 2>1, ergo I enter contest. :)

    While I'm hunting for leather Eq boots, the "traditional" options on the site are a little too light to look not-ridiculous on the mare. SO, I would, (desperately) want the Carnivale set in dark Cocoa, with the black calfskin lining. I think that would be subtle enough not to be kicked out of the show ring with! Though a set of the calypsos (in black or brown patent) with the lime green would firmly kick my t-boots off their status as my daily go to's!!

    Also, I will (clearly) be blogging about this. SO MUCH COLOR!

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  27. So I am fairly sure the Calypso boots in Emerald have my name all over them. Not only is my 'color' green, but my sad-gross-falling-apart-damn-near-hazardous open front boots that I currently own need replacing. Please oh please pick me! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Also mentioned on my blog!
      http://ourhouseonahill.wordpress.com/2013/10/30/must-buy-all-the-things/

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  28. http://dondeestahenry.blogspot.com/2013/10/everyone-is-hosting-contests-i-want-to.html

    Um Yes i NEED these :)
    http://www.dreamhorsestudios.com/#!product/prd1/958070224/%22cambridge%22-jumping-boots

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  29. I have to say that I love the Double Dutch Swarovski Browband and the 'Ivy League' Browband. I also have to say that I love The Carnivale Collection Calfshin Lined Boot set! Can I just have an unlimited budget??

    Also here is a link to my blog post sharing your competition http://thewaytoheavenisonhorseback.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/blog-contest.html

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  30. I'm pretty sure the Churchill Jumping Boots are calling to me!! So pretty and stylish!

    Shared on my blog...
    http://agifthorse.wordpress.com/2013/10/29/the-winter-nasty-arrives/ ‎

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  31. I NEED the Churchill jumping boots. It's actually vital.

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  32. Okay I loved ALL the things!
    But I loved the The Carnivale Collection: Calfskin Lined Boots
    and the The Diamante Halter
    and the Double Dutch Swarovski Browband
    and the The Pirouette Snaffle Bridle

    What? I can't help it that George has very fancy taste! He is sick of looking like a hillbilly... now to start looking for a second job to support his addiction to fancy things...

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  33. Droolski. I would actually put boots on my horse if I had the Cardiff jumping boots. So fluffy. So dreamy.

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  34. The Half Chaps!!! The quilting detail is to die for. Posted it on my bloggy blog too.

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  35. The Carnivale Collection Fleece Dressage Boots in Saltwater Blue are calling to me!!

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    Replies
    1. On another note, I have awarded you the Sunshine Award! eventingincolor.blogspot.com =)

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    2. Also, shared contest on FB!

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  36. I've been swooning over the Cambridge boots for too long now! Or maybe the Cardiffs....
    I know my coach would probably love the brown Carnivales with purple lining for her birthday!!

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  37. http://www.dreamhorsestudios.com/#!product/prd1/1047174861/the-carnivale-collection%3A-fleece-lined-boot-set - These boots would be my fav on their website! I love all the colours :) I will mention this contest in my next blogpost :)

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  38. Calypsos with purple lining! Eeeek!

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  39. Ooh I'd love the calypsos with pink lining too! My pony would look so cute... Nevermind that we jump maybe once a month and he's a gelding. Oh, the things he puts up with :)

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  40. LOVE them all ... but the dressage boots in orange or yellow just make me smile ::D - sharing on Facebook now :) on my horsie page - Quirk :)

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  41. LOVE them all ... but the dressage boots in orange or yellow just make me smile ::D - sharing on Facebook now :) on my horsie page - Quirk :)

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  42. Lots of gorgeous boots! I am most in love with the Churchill jumping boots (although it looks like that set doesn't come in oversize, which I'm guessing Stampede would need). Classy enough for showing in equitation but with that little pop of white. Otherwise I would get a set of calf-skin lined Carnivale boots with the dark blue or brown, and they do come in oversize. :)

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  43. Great giveaway! So many products to choose from. I must say though that the The Pirouette Snaffle Bridle was close to my favorite one.

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  44. I also shared this giveaway on my blogs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Life-on-Horses/270723443048093?ref=hl

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  45. I love it all. I have ordered a pair of the carnival boots already but am thinking I need the calypso as well :)

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  46. I love all of these!! My favorites are the fleece lined Carnivale boots or the Calypso ones... I can't decide!!

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  47. Calypso in the darker color. And a collar for Fred, and and... So many good things! How nice of her to sponsor a contest!

    Shared:
    http://www.equestrianathart.com/2013/10/clipping-and-contests.html?m=1

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  48. I am totally in love with the Carnivale overreach boots. My mare doesn't even have shoes - so I have no logical reason to fall in love with overreach boots! - but WOW, those are gorgeous! And pink!

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  49. Um, so I'm not a boot girl at all (I prefer polos - for no particular reason) but those boots are all kinds of gorgeous!!! I might have to convert in honor of shiny pretty things!!!

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  50. The Diamante Halter needs to be miiiiiine!

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  51. WOW! I love those boots! I think my favorite product is the Dressage Boots, but I really want to win these boots! I am posting about this contest on my blog for the extra entry! www.olympusranchstables.blogspot.com Come on over and check out my blog :-)

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  52. Ahhh the Calypso boots in black with purple lining, yes please!!!!

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  53. Love the "Churchill" Jumping Boots!!! So CHic!

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  54. ohhhh I LOVE the Cardiff jumping boots, I wish they came in brown though!

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  55. I love the Cardiff Jumping boots. It is time for some new boots and those are just perfect!

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  56. Like the Double Dutch crystal browband, coming soon.

    I see Deam is a Kickstarter project. Great idea to raise money to get a project going!

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  57. Turquoise boots? Say no more! The browbands are fun but I'm definitely in love with the boots. I have the SMB Elite set but the fronts fit and the rears don't, B would love a set like this... Or at least I would! Facebook and Blog?! CHECK!

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  58. I'm still waiting for my boots to arrive. I ordered the orange carnival boots with calfskin lining.

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  59. OH MY GOODNESS my friend just bought the ones I LOOVE (The Cambridge boots). They are so classy with the tan and white. Of course, the ones up for winning are stunnerific as well. I NEVER win contests so this would be sweet. I shared on me blog too!

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  60. I want the carnivale boots!! I loved your review- I've kept my eye on dream horse studios for a while. I'd love some items one day when I can afford it...

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    Replies
    1. Oops, I meant the carnivale brushing boots! I love her new products coming out!

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  61. The Carnivale Collection: Calfskin Lined Boot Set in Cob size, Midnight Blue. So cool and comfortable looking. I shared on my FB too :)

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  62. Soooo many shiny things.

    I would definitely have to have those black boots with a purple lining

    http://www.dreamhorsestudios.com/#!product/prd1/1047994171/the-calypso-collection%3A-open-front-boot-set

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  63. I am with AnEnglishRider Steff and Kate And Beauty, that is EXACTLY the boot and color combination I love too. Black with purple lining? Glad it is such a popular choice, it means I actually DO have decent taste in colors!

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  64. Shared here: http://liz-stout.blogspot.com/2013/10/sunshine-and-contest.html

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  65. And I am really impressed with the workmanship of ALL of Dream Horse Studio's products. Very impressed. The boots are beautiful.

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  66. The Carnivale boots! or Calypsos! It's a tie!

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  67. The Carnivale Calfskin Lined Boot Set in Emerald Isle!! I've drooled over these boots ever since I first saw them. I love them but just don't have the money right now. I would be truly honored if I was to win the set of boots no matter what kind. My horse would look amazing in them and I would feel comfortable knowing his legs are safe! Thank you DHS and you for giving away this amazing boots!!

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  68. I'm in love with the Canivale, Calypso, and Cambridge boots! I don't think I could pick just one. XD

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  69. Hmmm so stinkin cute! I'm really digging the black and red brushing boots for Grayson!

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  70. I love the Carnivale Collection - I need a set of pink, teal and yellow!!! Shared the contest on my fb page.

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  71. I love the Carnivale boots in brown. I'd love the Calypso boots if they were available in brown with yellow lining!

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  72. That custom beaded halter is absolutely lovely. Saving my pennies for that one, but the price is really reasonable!!! Could Koda pull it off? Hmmmm... :)
    Also shared it on my blog

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  73. I shared on the TFS FB page!! And you can send me...I think the Calypso Open Front Set is my favourite! Leather with blue would be sexy!

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  74. the carnival boots in red please! Love these!!!

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  75. I really love these Calypso boots, although it's so difficult to choose only one product!

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  76. Great contest!

    I like the Churchill boots as they align well with my simplistic taste, but are oh-so-pretty!

    Shared on my blog:
    http://thelittlebayprincess.blogspot.ca/2013/11/extra-extra.html

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  77. I am in LOVE with Dream Horse Studios' Beaded Halter and of course the black and red Calypso boots (in size small :). I am also posting this to my Facebook page (Save The Bullet). Thanks so much for the insightful review of these boots!

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  78. I love the carnival calfskin-lined boots! Definitely in midnight blue!

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  79. All the boots come in interesting colors that are pretty cool!

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  80. I'm torn between the Carnivale in Saltwater Blue with fleece or the Cardiff, because they look so classy. Shared here.

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  81. Wow, look at all of those comments!
    I have to admit to a certain leaning towards the Cardif Dressage Boots (of course).

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  82. I have a leather halter obsession, so I have to say I'd love to get my hands on the Padded Fancy Stitch Halter. So pretty, and I love that they thought about the name plate. So many halter makers don't think about that and it can be a pain to install the name plate at times.

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    Replies
    1. I also mentioned the contest on my blog today: http://adventuresincoltstarting.blogspot.com/2013/11/super-sweet-contesthurry-before-it-ends.html

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  83. So I never win anything but Lauren's stuff is too nice not to at least give it a shot. Charlie says he would really like a set of the Cambridge jumping boots. He thinks they look super comfy in addition to being very attractive. Thanks!!!

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  84. The Cambridge Jumping Boots are exquisite! They look like boots twice their cost, and they look super comfortable for the horse! Tucker would love a set... :D

    I shared the contest on Facebook; this should be the link: https://www.facebook.com/cassandra.dietman/posts/589337407769849

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  85. Pretty sure Kanye is going to need the Churchill boots to learn how to be as cool as Gatsby and C-Rage.

    Also shared on my blog:) http://outofthebox-elena.blogspot.com/2013/11/a-little-bit-of-catching-up.html

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  86. How about that lovely Fair Hill 5-point breastplate. And the fleece lined boots. Yes. Both!

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  87. Ohhh my goodness!! I'm just starting English riding and I'm in desperate need of some stuff and I don't have the cash to buy everything! I would love the fleece dressage boots in red! :O http://www.dreamhorsestudios.com/#!product/prd1/1290992551/the-carnivale-collection%3A-fleece-dressage-boots

    Will be posting on my blog www.sittinginthesaddle.blogspot.com!

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  88. Love the Calypso boots...red lining...drool

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  89. Definitley The churchill jumping boots!!!!!!!! my favorite!!! Writing a blog post tonight! sorry this entry is late!

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  90. http://youngdreamsandeventing.blogspot.com/2013/11/check-it-out-entry-for-contest.html heres the link

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  91. My favorite has to be the overreach boots- the pink ones with the bling! My mare is totally, unashamedly girly; she needs these for sure. If only payday came faster *sigh*

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  92. Um, I'd love a pair of calypso boots in Havana with teal!!!

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  93. Carnivale boots were my favorite. I prefer the more traditional look but they were all gorgeous!

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  94. So glad I didn't miss this. I LOVE the Carnivale boots!

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  95. Pick me pick me!! A little bay mare would rock these!!!!

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