I was looking for that old EDS commercial "Herding Cats," for a friend, and in the process, stumbled upon some interesting footage of Robin Wiltshire, the Australian-born animal trainer behind those amazing Budweiser Clydesdale commercials. I always thought that funny feats the Clydesdales perform in the ads were done with computer graphics. Not so.
The horses, the punt, the streaking sheep- all real, and all trained by Robin.
Robin trains the horses at Turtle Ranch, his Wyoming home, and shoots the commercials on location. In this ad, the cowboy on the right is a local veterinarian in real life.
A great clip of Robin training some of the tricks. I think the most endearing thing about the Budweiser Clydesdale commercials is that the animals appear to be having fun. Here you can see why.
For "The Snowball Fight" the horses practiced the tricks with basketballs. To see how he trained these tricks, click here.
Above, an interesting interview with Robin Wiltshire from RFD-TV where he talks more about what it's like working with the animals.
To learn more about Robin Wiltshire, and see more of his funny Clydesdale Superbowl ads, like "Born a Donkey," visit his Turtle Ranch website, here.
And for my friend, here's "Herding Cats," also a classic.
I walk past this maple every morning on my way to the barn, and it seemed to get brighter and brighter each day. It began to remind me of Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face, in her brilliant red dress saying, "Take the picture, take the picture!"
This morning I couldn't ignore its almost fluorescent vermillion-ness any longer, I took the picture!
We think that country life is more a state of mind, than a state of, well... State.
Whether your home is the city, by the sea, in the mountains or Farm town, USA, country life is about how you approach living your day, how you feel about your home, and how you care for yourself and your neighbors.
Virginia Country Life from A-Z is a new series inspired by our homes in Virginia. It's about some things and people we love, and some ideas for making your life a little more country- wherever you are.
Next post... A is for Antiques: Some Collected Wisdom for Beginning Collectors
Favorites from our library:
Images: 1. Virginia, Barn walk November 9th 2. Funny Face 3. Virginia, Barn walk November 9th 4. Virginia, At the barn October 30th
Equestrian dressing in the country never goes out of style. Everywhere else, it cycles as a fashion trend on a regular basis, probably because riding clothes are comfortable and utilitarian while giving the wearer a patrician aspect and a certain swashbuckling, outdoorsy sexiness all at the same time.
The trick to pulling off this look while you browse antique stores or sip a latte with the Sunday crossword at a sidewalk cafe, is knowing something of the origins of the gear and staying authentic. Of course, you can always break the rules, but that's way more fun to do if you know what they are first.
For example, if you're wearing this snazzy boot while you ramble around the farmer's market, don't be surprised if someone asks whether you play polo.
Want to see the boots in action? Click above.
Captain George K.H. Cousmaker, 1782
by Sir Joshua Reynolds
There are generally two types of tall boots worn by riders in English disciplines, the field boot, and the dress boot, and they haven't changed much in hundreds of years. Non-riders rarely consider this, but one can buy beautiful authentic riding boots which are reasonably priced and better quality than typical fashion boots at any tack store that sells English riding gear. No horse required.
Alexander I of Russia, 1837
by Franz Kruger
Tall boots are made from cowhide, calf, or pigskin and their purpose is to prevent the rider's leg from being pinched or rubbed by the saddle and stirrup leathers, and to give some protection from brush and brambles.
The boot has a roomy, firm toe box to protect the rider's foot when on the ground, and a low heel to help prevent the rider's foot from sliding through the stirrup (and the rider possibly being dragged) should she unintentionally dismount.
Boot hooks
Both types of boot usually have a spur rest to support the spur, and these days are available with a zipper that runs down the back of the calf to make them easy to put on without the aid of boot hooks.
Important note: Authentic riding boots do not have zippers on the inside of the leg. If you want to appear horsey, this is a dead giveaway.
The topline of riding boots has morphed periodically through history. The popular "Spanish" topline is cut higher on the outside of the boot to elongate the appearance of the rider's leg when seated in the saddle, while still allowing his or her knee to bend comfortably.
To get a long, elegant look with breeches, leggings, jeans or skirts without the annoyance of having your boot poke you in the back of the knee when you sit down, measure from the bottom of your heel to the crook of your knee when seated in a chair, then add about an inch. That number is the height of boot that will likely be most comfortable for you. That extra inch is added because most boots will drop a bit as they break in. The sales associates at your local tack shop can usually help you with the specific break-in characteristics of your chosen style and brand.
While you're at it, measure around the fullest part of your calf. Boot length and calf width can vary considerably between manufacturers, and even between models by the same manufacturer. Shops that sell riding boots usually have a chart for the various brands and models to help you select the most comfortable boot length and calf width.
Field boots with a high Spanish topline, lacing, toe caps,
stitched down outside leather tabs, rear zippers and spur rests
Field boots have lacing at the ankle to allow the rider to be more comfortable riding with the highly flexed ankle and shorter stirrup length required for riding over fences.
Field boots are generally tied with a straight bar lacing so they can be cut easily with a knife if necessary. The shoelace ties at the center, or the ends are tucked in.
Brown field boot, plain toe, inner tabs, straight bar lacing
Field boots are preferred in most jumping disciplines, but are not considered correct for dressage or formal fox hunting meets. They have inner or outer leather tabs, and sometimes an extra layer of leather over the toe, called a toe cap.
It is acceptable for field boots to slouch a bit around the ankle. Black boots are standard. Brown boots are correct for schooling or less formal "cubbing" meets.
Dress boots with moderate Spanish topline, spur rests and rear zippers
Dress boots are plain black without a toe cap. They do not have ankle lacing and should not slouch. To this end, dress boots may be either kid glove thin and form-fittingly sleek, or they may be firm or lined leather constructed with boning or stiffening in the ankles. They are worn by dressage riders, eventers in the dressage phase of their tests, for everyday schooling and training, and by both men and women for formal fox hunts (unless the rider is wearing scarlet, or a frock coat in which case see the boots with "cuffs" below).
There are a few equestrian boot traditions that either originated or perpetuated through the sport of fox hunting.
I don't want to get too off-topic, but for Downton Abbey fans, Jane Asten's World at www.janeaustensworld.wordpress.com, has an interesting, balanced, and fairly comprehensive post on the history, traditions, attire, etc. of fox hunting here.
Men's dress boots with brown cuffed hunt tops and outer tabs
Black dress boots with brown cuffs are traditionally worn at a formal hunt by male members of the club who have been awarded their "Colors," and in modern times, a female Master or Huntsman. Colors are considered an honor, awarded by the Master of Foxhounds (MFH) at his discretion. For long-standing members of a hunt, wearing Colors means one has earned the privilege of wearing the club's color on one's jacket collar, club insignia on one's buttons, and certain other attire.
Ladies of the hunt who have been awarded Colors wear black dress boots with black patent leather cuffs. The wearing of cuffed boots is a tradition still known and actively practiced in the countryside, so do be aware of that when choosing riding boots for non-hunting wear.
Must Reads:
Images: 1. Vogue, 2009 via mermaidinmadras 2. via Mermaidinmadras 3. Dehner 4. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 5. Hermitage Museum 6. Cavenders 7-8. Vogel 9. Fieggen 10. Dehner 11. Ariat 12. Powderham Castle, Devon 13-14. Downton Abbey via janeaustensworld.wordpress.com 15-16. Dehner
In 2008 the Smithsonian National Museum of American History reopened its doors to the public after a much needed two year renovation. In addition to updated architecture, a more logical flow and educational displays, visitors also get a look at the newly preserved, almost 200 year old Star Spangled Banner- the 30-foot by 34-foot flag that inspired the National Anthem.
Entering the dimmed exhibition hall you'll be immersed in the Battle of Baltimore, which, as you know, inspired
Francis Scott Key to write his famous lyrics. When describing the battle of Baltimore he said,"It seemed as though mother earth had opened and was vomiting shot and shell in a sheet of fire and brimstone." The poem he composed after witnessing the bombardment, became America's national anthem in 1931.
The flag had been hand sewn in 6 weeks by 29 year-old Mary Young Pickersgill, a professional flag maker. The flag was made of 300 yards of wool, with cotton for the stars, which are 24" across. It is said that she and her daughter Caroline laid out the material for construction on the floor of a local Baltimore brewery.
This 1873 image from the Boston Navy Yard, is the first known photograph taken of the Star-Spangled Banner.
The Star-Spangled Banner arrived at the Smithsonian on July 6, 1907, and was displayed and photographed at the Smithsonian Institution Building that same day. If it looks a little short, that's because after the battle of Baltimore, General Armistead, commander of Fort McHenry, had cut off pieces of the flag to give away as souvenirs.
In 1914, the Smithsonian hired Amelia Fowler to replace the canvas backing that had been added to the flag in 1873. Having worked on historic flags for the United States Naval Academy, Ms. Fowler had patented a method of supporting fragile flags with a linen support that required a honeycomb pattern of stitches.
Some Flag Etiquette from the United States Flag Code. Read all of it by clicking here.
The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.
It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like.
It should not be printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes.
The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.
No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform.
The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.
