Saving & Splurging

Moving to a new barn has inspired a few other splurges on Ransom’s care and wear, even though I am a horse owner on a budget.  I’m not in debt and live within my means, yet I still have a hard time spending money. This last month’s expenditures are a radical departure from my penny-pinching ways, which I can only justifiy by my fanatical saving.

First up was a new helmet. My trusty Troxel had served me well but fell victim to a sticky substance I couldn’t remove, even with goo-be-gone.

Next up was new shoes – of the metal, hoof shaped variety. Ransom has been barefoot for the last year and a half, but given his toed-out conformation and the upcoming dry season, I had him shod. In the region where I live, boy – are those shoes pricey! And he grows out of them every seven weeks like a child having a growth spurt. Ransom also got new leg boots which, I confess, was primarily to meet dress code expectations at the new barn.

But the big purchase was a new (used) saddle and pad. I knew I wanted to upgrade eventually, but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon. I normally agonize over a decision of this magnitude (financially speaking), but an opportunity presented itself and I seized it. It happened so fast I had no time to guilt trip myself about discretionary spending.

My old saddle was a well-loved hand-me-down that was too narrow for Ransom’s shoulders and a bit small for me, but we made do. My new saddle is the nicest piece of tack I’ve ever called my own. Its wide tree leaves a nice smooth sweat mark on Ransom’s back – no dry spots. It completes Ransom’s quality, coordinated ensemble, which means I can now return to the comfort of my frugal, guilt-free saving.