I've learned a lesson!

I decided to put on my big girl hat and starting thinking responsible. I decided that if I ever want to move out and be on my own, that I need to know exactly how much I spend on things. I decided to try my experiment first with horses. Oh my lanta, what a mistake that was. I never knew how quickly my bills for CW could rack up in one month, and I am only one month into this experiment. I still have a year vet visit, shoes, and a bunch of other stuff coming up.

How am I ever going to be able to afford all of this?

I will say I did splurge a little bit this month. I bought some awesome Gary Mundy leathers (picture to come). It wasn't an immediate need, but it was needed after I was adjusting my stirrup the other day and notice how little stitching was actually keeping my leathers together.

Then I was browsing the WWW before coming across a pair of really cool stirrups. I already have a pair of Sprengers that I love, but my leg has become pretty unsteady while using them. These stirrups though were composite irons and colorful. Yes, colorful. So again, I didn't need them, but then again I also didn't want my leg to get worse. So I could fix the problem now, right?

I mean seriously, aren't they awesome?

I also switched CW's bit after reading a lot of COTH forum and doing a lot of debating. We have been working a lot on getting off his forehand, but I just needed a little bit more elevation (and breaks). So I switched him from his snaffle to a 2-Ring Happy Mouth Elevator Bit. We are in the stage of our training right now that two reins aren't a great idea, so I needed bit converters. Now before you all throw tantrums, please note that I also watched a ton of GM clinic and noticed many of those horses going in these bits (or variations of) with converters. If you don't believe me go have a look for yourself. I did not have converters (so I borrowed some old stiff ones), but I found some online that were barely used and like 10 bucks. So naturally you can't pass up a deal like that. I think it is totally worth it (the two ring bit and the boo-his looks people give me). If CW is happy then momma is happy.

Those winter woolies are baaaaad.

My last purchase this month was totally not a need but a 100% want and splurge. I would like to pat myself on the back though for splurging when these breeches were 20% off (plus an extra 5% off due to AQHA membership). Smartpak had a flash sale on Piper Breeches. Oh what a glorious flash sale it was! So, of course, I had to splurge and buy a pair in Merlot. I am so excited for them to come in, because after all who doesn't need more colorful breeches?

Anyways, I learned a lesson that it is very hard to tack expenses. What did I learn from the lesson? That I should ignore the excel form and just keep on trucking. What am I actually going to do? Well, there are no more breeches or nice things in my future. Next month is vet bill month. -insert crying face here-

The struggle is real my friend.