As reported on BoingBoing: “Prankster ‘tape sculpture’ artist Mark Jenkins recently redecorated the Thomas Circle traffic circle in Washington DC with cling wrap horses to create a merry-go-round. The horses are stationary but you circle around them in your car. If you’d like to learn how to make your own tape sculpture, Mark also maintains a tutorial site with step-by-step directions.” Link
The Texas Horseman’s Directory has some clear instructions for making your own cavaletti jumps. If you’re not good with power tools, you could always try sweet-talking the handy person in your life (everyone has at least one; it’s one of life’s unwritten rules…).
stablemate Morgan, originally uploaded by appaIoosa.
According to my stats, someone keeps coming to Bridlepath with that search string: “how to rewire a model horses leg“. Anyone out there actually know how to do it, so we can help this anonymous person? I was able to find this at Mane Connection:
Breyer models are made of Cellulose Acetate. The composition of cellulose acetate will not allow it to be glued with everyday adhesives like Elmers, model cement, or even Crazy Glue. For best results, you should use acetone, or an adhesive high in acetone to repair breaks. Nail polish remover, which is a dilute mixture of acetone and water, is usually too dilute to work well and should not be attempted if it contains skin softeners or moisturizers such as aloe or lanolin.Acetone can be found at hardware stores. Acetone is flammable slightly toxic and reactive to other chemicals that you may have around the house (for example hydrogen peroxide or bleach). It should be only used in a well-ventilated area and skin contact should be avoided.The following will make your broken model almost as good as new. The break point will have almost the same strength as it did before the break if the following steps are performed properly. If one of your favorite models needs surgery, it might be wise to first practice on a less favorite model to gain experience and confidence. Follow these steps to insure a good bond:
- Make sure that the surface of the break is clean.
- Put a small drop of acetone on each part and allow it to stand 10-30 seconds. Do not over apply the solvent or you risk over-softening (melting) the pieces and destroy the paint.
- Carefully put the two pieces together and hold for at least one minute.
- Let the bond set for at least an hour. Make certain that there is no pressure or strain on the broken area.
The break in a leg can be strengthen by putting a small pin in it. Drill a small hole (slightly smaller than the diameter of the pin) in one face of the break and insert the pin. Align the two pieces and press them together so that the pin makes a indentation where you should drill the hole in the in the second piece then drill the second hole.
OK, anonymous person, does that help? 
“Barding” refers to the armour and ornament on a medieval-era horse:
You can read a little about the history of barding here; she also has instructions for making your own (make sure your pop-up blocker is on first)
Here’s an example of barding from Germany, circa 1537, also with instructions for making your own.
If you’re not the crafty sort, Hightower Crafts has medieval-style saddles, stirrups, barding and chamfrons (heavy leather masks attaching to the bridle).
If you’re not into the re-enactment scene, you could (with a few modifications) have a way to transport donuts and spare horseshoes on those long trail rides:
Check out this spettaculary set from Mansour Designs:
Franga Designs also has some neat stuff; their new online catalogue is now up!
Finally, Brad Gorby at Geeb-o-rama takes us through the making of Breyer horse barding:
Yes, I know the weather’s foul (at least in the northern hemisphere), but we’ve passed the solstice and the days will only get longer from here on out! Dream of warmer days and nights as you make yourself a mosquito trap; couldn’t you use a few of these? You’ll need a 2-litre pop bottle, black paper, sugar, yeast, and these instructions. I also found some instructions for DIY fly traps here and here, while here are some tips for dealing with wasps and hornets.
It’s a bit early for show season, but that just gives you more time to practice, right? Great instructions and pics at Exhibitor Labs.
my Icelandic horse popped in to say good-morning, originally uploaded by Ms Nomer.
You know the drill: Do check the fine print to see if they’ll send to where you live; many may be US only. Also, please don’t abuse the companies’ goodwill! In case you missed it the first time around, here’s the other Freebies post with even more offers.
Sample of Mojojoint supplement (no PO boxes please)
Free Animal Poison Control Center magnet from the ASPCA
Sample of Crocodile Herbal Bug Discouragement (Best. Name. EVER.)
Sign up to win a free eBucket of horse treats
…or make your own with these free recipes from Animal Snackables
Download a free copy of Model Horse magazine (PDF format)
Free horse trading card with SASE (US only?)
All-natural horse treat sample ($3 s/h)
Free rope sample and catalogue from MyRope.com
Rein-Aid offers a free VHS video explaining the benefits of their products
Free horsey cross-stitch pattern
Bay Area Equestrian Network has legal forms (bill of sale, boarding agreement, etc.) you can download for your own use (PDF format)
Enter to win freebies from Your Horse magazine (UK)
Call for your sample of Winnies organic supplements
Embroider a horse tapestry with this free pattern
Free polarfleece blanket while supplies last (offer not valid in California)
Enter to win a $1000 shopping spree at Miller Harness
Download and print coupons for: Vita Flex, Rio Vista (grooming products and supplements), Farnam
Family Education has instructions for a quick & easy horse costume to make:
Time: 1 hour
Effort: Fairly easy - some sewing required
Materials:
Matching color shirt and pants Matching color knit hat Yarn Needle with eye large enough for yarn Black socks and shoes Black gloves (optional) Face paint (optional) Instructions: Sew yarn through hat to create mane, leaving ends 5 inches long. Tie ends together to secure. Make yarn tail desired length. Attach tail from inside of pants with safety pin (being careful about placement of pin so that it won’t stick the child). Paint face with white markings.
As for your critter, Equinarts has some great tips; they’re the people behind the fabulous Pegasus costume in the last post.
Ribbon quilt by Halt Near X
Are you fortunate enough to have a bunch of old show ribbons, and you’re not sure what to do with them? Try fashioning them into a beautiful keepsake quilt, wall hanging, or pillow! I bet they’d make cool lampshade covers too. Sarah at Halt Near X has made a couple of gorgeous quilts and is kind enough to provide instructions; I really like the horsehead one, above.
Pillow by ShowThrow.com
If you don’t have much of an inner Martha Stewart, Lani at ShowThrow.com will make something out of your ribbons for you.
There’s a great recipe for Stuffed Molasses Apples at Horse Bliss, complete with luscious photo; FruitFromWashington.com has treat recipes for horses and wild birds; more healthy homemade goodies can be found here courtesy of the Moniteau Saddle Club; and more treats for horses and other critters here.
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