Mrs. Conn's Bath Sponge Review

By: Shea Walker

By far, my new favorite bath products are the Mrs. Conn’s bath sponges. What are Mrs. Conn’s bath sponges? Well, they are soap-enriched sponges used for bathing horses. They come in many different scents, colors, and purposes.

They have 5 different scents, which all do different things for your horse:

1. OATMEAL - SOOTHING WITH COLLOIDAL OATMEAL.  CALMS ITCHY, SENSITIVE SKIN - A GREAT ANTIDOTE TO SEASONAL ITCHIES!
2. RUIT SMOOTHIE - SHELTERS AND RELIEVES STRESSED SKIN AND COAT WITH WATERMELON EXTRACT.  PERFECT FOR TREATING YOUR HORSE TO A POST-SHOW SPA DAY. OUT OF STOCK
3. HERBAL TEA- GREEN TEA EXTRACT AND TEA TREE OIL PROVIDE ALL OVER HEALING AND PROTECTION.  IDEAL FOR PROBLEM AREAS.
4. LEMON MERINGUE - WITH BAMBOO EXTRACT TO SMOOTH AND SHINE.  JUST RIGHT FOR PRE-SHOW PREP.
5. DESERT QUENCHER - POWERFUL HEALING WITH CHAPARRAL AND SAGE.  A GREAT REMEDY FOR ESPECIALLY HARD TO TREAT SKIN PROBLEMS.

 My personal favorite is the Fruit Smoothie; it’s packed with watermelon extract to help relieve stressed and overworked skin.

Not only do all of these help with skin issues but they also leave your horses coat smelling amazing and looking shiny and smooth. I love the super cute bright flower shaped sponge and it is so easy to use. 

For Use: All you do is put water on it and its ready to go!

When I was done bathing my horse I could have sworn she was sparkling.  Another great part of these sponges is that after 2-3 washes; when you’re all out of soap it works perfect as a tack sponge, face sponge, or body sponge! Not only do humans love the smell of this, horses and ponies do too! I have purchased several for myself and they make such great gifts I have given them to many of my friends.  My friends and I have all unanimously agreed that Mrs. Conn’s bath sponges are a definite barn favorite!

Retail Price: $10

Purchase all the scents here on Equestri LifeStyle! 

Blue Ribbon Fashion: Sarah Ryan of Sport Horse LifeStyle

Soo recently we came across a rider who is so fashionable we are taking LOTS of tips from her! Sarah Ryan, 24 who splits her time between Connecticut & Wellington (yes we are jealous) just stared the best equestrian fashion website. We adore the site as well as the Instagram that we religiously follow and comment (and have gotten multiple ideas of products for our store!) 

I think everyone can agree after sorting through her business Instagram that she has some serious style and we can all take a tip.

We caught up with Sarah, who is very busy showing her BEAUTIFUL string of jumpers to learn about some of her favorite in ring fashions.

P.s. make sure to follow her website, Instagram and Facebook!

Website: http://www.sporthorsestylist.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sport-Horse-Lifestyle/261780110673886
Instagram: @SportHorseLifeStyle & @Auer_Sport_Horses_

Name: Sarah Ryan 

Age: 24

Barn: Auer Sport Horses

Horses: Orleen (18), Carisco (12), Costa De Baughy Z (7), Imerald van het Voorhof (6)

Discipline: Jumpers

Favorite brand of the moment: Asmar Equestrian

Favorite breeches: Animo Nimo Breeches

Favorite show coat: Equiline Ladies Competition Jacket

Favorite show shirt: The Essex Classics Girls Shirt

Favorite schooling shirt: Asmar Equestrian Compression Top

Equestrian fashion pet peeve: For some reason it really bothers me when riders show with their hair in a ponytail. It just seems strange to put so much effort into getting your horse ready to show, and not take even a little time to put your hair up or braid it to appear more put together. As my mom would say, they look a bit like an unmade bed.  

Summer style tip:  I think that equestrian fashion is undergoing a transformation for the better. Fashion now is all about customizing your clothing to reflect your personality. That being said, I love all the products by Personally Preppy. They provide fun and innovative ways to personalize your riding wardrobe, while still maintaining the polished and sophisticated look that is synonymous with equestrian style. 

Our Most Loved Belts: Make a Statement!

So as always I am really into belts... because it's one of the only things that you can personalize for your outfit no matter what ring you ride in. 

 All of the belts featured are available now on www.equestrilifestyle.com

Spur Belt

These belts are to die for! Made in Brooklyn, New York from the same manufacturer of the belts sold at Neiman Marcus. They are super quality as well, all handmade to order from 100% leather. There are 3 different leather options, lambskin, patent leather and crocodile. The colors are virtually endless if you are looking for something specific. The spur hardware also comes in two options, gold and silver. Keep in mind this is a much wider belt than normal but it fits in breech belt keepers perfectly, because I'm sorry but wearing a skinny belt in large breech belt loops looks absolutely ridiculous! $175

Colors availibale now: Orange Lambskin, Cobalt Blue Lambskin (1 Large left), Black Lambskin (1 Large, 1 XL left), Light Pink Patent Leather, Hot Pink Lambskin, Black Crocodile. 

Coming for Fall 2014: Berry, Navy, Orange, Denim Python & Black

Lionheart belts

featured is the “Reagan Belt” Now I love these belts, they are simple, easy to maintain and affordable. They are handmade from 100% fabric, and also custom made to order. There are over 25 fabric options as well as personalization options; the belt featured is a top sellers & also a summer 'editor's pick' from Equestrian Culture Magazine. It really adds a pop to any outfit. I paired it with an Asmar Wool Merino Sweater and B Vertigo Charcoal breeches and I love how it looks. $45-$60

Check out the summer chevron line of Lionheart belts now!

Rebecca Ray Bit Belt

This is a super classic belt that everyone always gravitates towards. This belt is 100% leather, with a snaffle bit hardware piece that can be worn on the front or side of your pants.  It comes in red, black, dark brown, chestnut & natural $110

Charleigh's Cookies

If there is one thing we can agree upon it's that our horses ALL love cookies! With so many different brands and flavors on the market how does one choose?

I think a lot of people have taken a dive down the path of what's the most popular at their local tack store as well as finding a cheap bag with a large quantity of treats inside.

A few months ago I was introduced to Charleigh's Cookies, one word AMAZING. Not only do the horses love these treats but they are all organic, and sugar free !!

Cordelia Wolf and her daughter Charleigh started making these cookies in their kitchen as a wholesome healthy treat for their horses- and it is still run by Cordeila herself- so you don't have to worry about these being cheaply made in a factory. (You can find Charleigh and her pony in all the ads :)


Trust me on this... the flavor (and yummy smell) of Charleigh's Cookies is not compromised without the sugar and additives that a lot of cookies unfortunately have hidden in them. 

Why would you want to feed your beloved horse a bunch of cheap ingredients ridden with sugar? 

Now what's so wonderful about Charleigh's is that they smell amazing and I would have to assume taste great because people keep coming back saying their horses are addicted! If you so desire to these are completely edible for people too ;)

When people are contemplating buying Charliegh's Cookies I have them smell inside and the deal is done- smells like a bakery inside each case.

There are three different flavors: 

• Sweetheart Swag (my favorite), a dash of cinnamon inside
• Southern Swag, each cookie topped with a fresh Georgia Peach 
• Essential Swag, the original cookie 

The base ingredients include: rolled barley*, rolled oats*, flaxseed*, wheat bran*, unsulphered blackstrap molasses* & cracked corn.

* indicates organic ingredients 

Charleigh's offers a ton of options for purchasing:

• 1 lb XOXO jar, mini bite size cookies done in the essential swag flavor $16.95
• 2 lb jars- all flavors $19.95
• 2lb gift box- all flavors, and comes in a cute box complete with a ribbon! $19.95
• 4 lb jar- all flavors $33.95
• 6.5 XOXO bucket- Essential Swag $62.50

& for the repeat customers (which happens ALOT!)
Club Charleigh's- All flavors, includes a 15Lb initial bucket,and each month you receive a 17lb refill bag $106

Equestri LifeStyle carries the Charleigh's Cookie 2lb jars, gift boxes & 1 lb XOXO jars, or you can visit their website for more info and ordering !

Find Charleigh's on Facebook

Oh and make sure to check out the Charleigh's Cookies blog each week for fun stories from Cordellia and Charleigh!

Noel Asmar Polo Shirts

Because lets be honest.... why would you want to wear a cotton polo shirt anymore?

Equestri LifeStyle has always carried Asmar but we just recently picked up the polos and we are so glad we did- especially with summer fast approaching!

This polo shirt is EVERYTHING- the fabric is made from my most favorite Asmar material which is a wonderful soft sport fabric (no heavy cotton here!) AND it has UPF5o protection.

It is cut a tad longer than an average polo so you don't have to worry about it coming un-tucked (so annoying)

-and, the colors are kind of amazing, so bright and fresh.

Oh and it washes very well in the washing machine- the stains pretty much just roll right off. 

After riding in this polo I guarantee you will be kicking all your other polo shirts to the curb. 

Sizes: XS-2XL
Colors: Turquoise, Hot Pink, Orange, Red, Chocolate, Heather Grey, White, Navy, Black
Priced at $80

Turquoise Polo 

Hot Pink polo paired with the "Alexa" belt from Lionheart belts

Lionheart Belts

So I think that it's always fun to find new and exciting brands that not a ton of people have seen and also stuff you can't find at your local tack store.

Soo... today I added a new belt line to our store called, Lionheart belts & they are so cute!

I stumbled upon these belts a few weeks ago when I was vending down in San Juan Capistrano, a lady had walked into the tent and the first thing I noticed was her colorful belt. Of course this is my favorite way of finding new brands so I asked where she got it. Turns out a woman at her barn startedmaking them for herself because she was tired of the over priced belts on the market.

After a few phone calls I got to go down and see all of the beautiful belts today and LOVED them.

Honestly, belts are very overpriced but of course we all still buy them. Lionheart belts though, is such a great option for everyday lessons or even down at the show. It was such a hard decision, which few to start with but I know everyone is going to love them.

Aside from the belts being adorable the lady making them is so sweet and someone I would want to have as a friend at my barn, the belts are named "Lionheart" after her first horse and the complete love she had for him. (we love )

Everything from the gromets down to the buckle being sewn on is done by hand, all laid out on her kitchen island. No cheaply made warehouse belts done here, just pretty fabric stitched with love :)

Belts retail for $55, email alexaskonieczny@gmail.com for orders

Blue Ribbon Fashion: Alison Randall of Plain Bay Farms

Alison Randall hails from Scottsdale, Arizona, but has ventured far from the desert with her new barn, Plain Bay Farms, which is owned and operated by the very well known Henri & Katie Prudent.

Her relationship with the Prudent's goes way back from the time her mom used to ride with them. (Her mom is now their assistant & she also owned Katie's World Equestrian Games gold medal winning horse.) 

Now, aside from accepting a position to ride for the Baylor Bears next year, Alison spent her last junior year down at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington showing her mount "Red, White and Blue" all winter. 

 Her next stop... Middleburg, Virginia where she will continue showing before she departs on a European tour with her barn (can we come with?) 

Name: Alison Randall

Age: 18

Barn: Plain Bay Farm

Discipline: Jumpers

Favorite brand of the moment: Asmar Equestrian (What a surprise? It's ours too)

Favorite breeches: Tailored Sportsman & Pikeur

Favorite show coat: Custom Winston done in black/brown to match her barn 

Favorite show shirt: Alessandro Albanese & Essex

Favorite schooling shirt: E.I.S Mesh Shirts 

Equestrian fashion pet peeve: When people don't show with a belt or have their hair done correctly (snaps for that)

Rebecca Ray Maryann Tote

Rebecca Ray makes some REALLY GREAT accessories, but if there is one item I had to choose... (very hard) it might just be the very popular Maryann Tote. 

This beautiful bag comes in a variety of colors and is made from super durable cotton duck canvas. (What is duck canvas do you ask? Well lets just say duct tape was originally made with this material) sooo...this bag is not going to fall apart anytime soon, which makes this the most perfect barn/ or non-barn tote bag. 

Many different people have boughten this bag from barn moms, my own mom,  to a rider who traveled a lot to a lady who bought it for her daughter to keep her helmet and gear in, this bag wears many hats. 

I've also had a saddle rep tell me that she keeps all of her work/barn stuff in this bag, it gets laid  on and off the barn ground all day and its still in great shape- I've even had someone tell me that they threw their bag in the wash a few times. 

This is Rebecca Ray's most loved tote and you can obviously see why, not only is it durable but its ADORABLE. The leather trimmed handles really compliment the look of the bag and if you don't have any free hands there is a cross body strap you can wear as well.

I always show my customers the inside of the Maryann Tote if they are contemplating buying and right after that it's sold. The inside is trimmed in a beautiful brown and white design that really just puts this bag over the top. 

This bag retails for $185 at Equestri Lifestyle (email Alexaskonieczny@gmail.com for orders)

Our most popular color of the moment is navy. We also carry orange & pink

Not Your Mother's Wool.... Asmar Wool Merino Sweater

Ok I know what you're thinking... a wool sweater for the barn.... are you crazy?!

Well actually I am not crazy and neither is Asmar because they make a bangin' v-neck sweater called the Asmar Wool Merino.

I am ALL about these sweaters, from the contrasting elbow patches, to the fit & fabric, all the way down to the Asmar crest logo, there is nothing not to like about these ultra smart looking sweaters. 

The Asmar Wool Merino falls under the cross over category (our favorite equestrian category) which means this is not just a sweater to wear at the barn, which makes the $136 price tag worth it. 

Now my first thought about wool is ITCHY. Rest assured this is the softest, thinest sweater you can get your hands on. Not only did they sell out in a matter of a day at a horse show but the girls were wearing these over their show shirts in the Scottsdale heat because they loved them so much. Also after showing many took their show shirts off and just wore the sweater because it was so soft.

Elbow Patch Love

For the sizing I would go up a size if you plan to wear it over your show shirt or any shirt for that matter. 

The features: 

• this sweater runs a tad bit longer than most- so you don't have to worry about it coming un-tucked or riding up.
• machine washable
• regulates body temperature
• can be easily layered over your show shirt or polo

The colors: Black w/ grey elbows, Caribbean w/ tan elbows, Coal w/tan, Cobalt w/black, Funghi w/black, Heather grey w/black, Lavender w/ royal blue, parchment w/black, Royal Blue w/ lavender, Scarlett w/grey, Thistle w/grey

Price: $136

Free Shipping from Equestri LifeStyle Boutique (alexaskonieczny@gmail.com for orders)

Scarlett w/grey

                                                                                         

Royal Blue w/ lavender

Coal w/ tan

Lavender w/ royal blue

Black w/ grey

Carribean & Cobalt

Cobalt, Black & Carribean

Funghi w/ black

Heather Grey w/ black

Blue Ribbon Fashion: Megan & Ellie Buscema

I hope to do this bi-monthly and here is my first interview with two girls who have totally influenced a few new brands coming to the store. 

The Buscema Sisters

I met the Buscema family while riding in college in Arizona... put very smart, very talented, VERY funny, & super fashion forward together and you get these two sisters (and their horse show mom Elizabeth :)

What I love is that they are not afraid to take a risk but they don't take the tacky route which, I have seen a lot of. They throw color in where it needs to be but still keep it conservative and classy.  My favorite outfits they have worn were Ellie's white ECE Equestrian competition shirt w/ shiny black buttons, bright orange lambskin Sandy Duftler spur belt, white breeches and her tall boots with just a slight hint of patent leather & Megan who opted for a beautiful navy Animo show coat with hot pink details, a white competition shirt and an Alessandro Albanese two tone belt.

You can find both of these gals in the jumper ring from the Colorado Summer Circuit to the Sacramento International horse show and everywhere in between.


Name: Megan Buscema
Age: 20
Discipline: Hunter/Jumper
Favorite brand of the moment: Asmar Equestrian
Favorite breeches: Tailored Sportsman
Favorite show coat: Animo or Grand Prix
Favorite show shirt: ECE Equestrian "Competition Shirt"
Favorite schooling shirt: Asmar Long Sleeve Logo T or the E.I.S mesh shirt
Equestrian fashion pet peeve: Ill fitting breeches

Megan Buscema & Evita

Name: Ellie Buscema

Age:22

Discipline: Jumpers
Favorite brand of the moment:Asmar Equestrian is definitely my favorite brand. Because it's not super expensive and the products are stylish and fit nice.
Favorite breeches: Tailored Sportsman
Favorite show coat:Alessandro Albanese
Favorite show shirt: ECE Competition Shirt & Essex show shirt w/ breathable sleeves
Favorite schooling shirt: Asmar compression top & the Asmar long sleeve logo T. I show in the compression top too during the week because it's stylish enough but has a really good fabric for the warm weather
Equestrian fashion pet peeve: Too much bling- there's nothing wrong with expressing your style with fun colors and cute clothes but too much bling is too much sometimes.

Ellie Buscema

Megan & Ellie sporting their Asmar Merino Sweaters

Asmar Long Sleeve Logo T

The Asmar Long Sleeve Logo T...It's safe to say that our store completely sold out of this shirt within a day at the Scottsdale Spring Horse Show. 

When I first ordered this Asmar style I knew they would be a hit, they are ultra soft, sun protected, long sleeve, comfortable and obviously cute. 

Once you see one person in this shirt you'll see about 10 wearing it the day after.

There is so much to love about these shirts- lets start with the price, $60. Yes $60 for this luxury branded shirt with so many features, I think thats a steal. Some may say it's only a long sleeve shirt... well... come try it on then you can talk about it after you end up purchasing it. 

White w/ mandarin

The shirt also comes in an array of colors like, mandarin, navy, white w/mandarin, black, red, charcoal, plum and Kelly green. 

I can't say one color did better than the other because we sold them all. The logo down the sleeve of the shirt is also a great component I think it makes it look really sporty and really if you don't know or haven't heard of the brand Asmar Equestrian- it's safe to say you are a tad bit out of the loop..... and that's being nice.

The fabric: UPF 50 sun protected, it's stain free (yes I have spilled pretty badly on this shirt and it washed right off!), wrinkle free, and static free ( no more clingy shirts)

What else I love about this shirt... it is long sleeve, I personally do not condone having a farmers tan. Our clients were wearing these shirts in the 85 degree heat at the Scottsdale horse show and were loving how cool and comfy they were. 

This shirt gets an A+ and I will continue to add colors to my closet. 

Equestri LifeStyle carries, mandarin, navy, white w/ mandarin, red, black and Kelly Green. $60

Instagram: EquestriLifeStyle
Facebook: Equestri Life Style Boutique

Free Shipping, Order Today! Alexaskonieczny@gmail.com

Allison Kroff in the black LS logo

Red

Ashley Stannard & Allison Kroff sporting their Asmar LS logos in Navy & Black

Mandarin

Kelly Green

Navy

Black

Candy Colored Schooling Gear, Annie's Equestrienne Apparel

Who says schooling gear has to be boring? Because we sure don't think it should be. 

We just received the CUTEST candy colored children's line, Annie's Equestrienne Apparel. We love it so much, it's so sweet, the colors are bright and fresh and it's so nice to finally have a new children's line that stands out among the many plain black and white schooling shirts out there. (boring)

We love, love, love the striped polo with ruffled sleeves & mini flower buttons and of course the white long sleeve T with a chevron print and a tall boot that reads "Heels Down"

The material on this is super soft and great quality. The sizes are S (5-6) M (7-8) L (10-12) XL (13-14)

The line was just started in Ohio by a mother and her 8-year-old daughter and is beginning to make its way around, you can see it featured in the Chronicle of the Horse and Horse & Style... Keep your eyes peeled for some adorable pony riders totting around in this brand in the near future.

Also arriving in April is the Tiff-Annie colored breeches, which are SO splendid and have been generating a lot of interest over social media, I mean I've never seen such a cute pair of breeches this color! (See the photo below)

Striped Polo: $27
Heels Down T: $25
Tiff-Annie Breeches (April Arrival): $55

For orders on the shirts or pre-orders for the Tiff-Annie breeches contact Alexaskonieczny@gmail.com

p.s. I think these shirts would be dashing with a custom Rosie Bowsie pony bow to match these shirts :)