Claremont Riding Academy, New York

I was inspired by another blogger who posted about an Edwardian riding academy in Montreal (sidesaddlegirl.blogspot) and thought I'd post some photos and information about the Claremont Riding Academy in New York near Central Park. Could you imagine renting a horse for the afternoon to go for a ride through Central Park?


It was built in 1892 and housed horses on the 2nd floor and the basement.


Horses were brought up and down to the arena from their stalls via ramps.


As you can see it has a small indoor ring that was obstructed by posts. Could defintiely make for some interesting riding!


I wonder if the riding academy in Montreal was inspired by this one? There must be more of this type of urban riding stable in other big cities. They're so neat!

Weeds! Darned weeds!

Well we spent a good part of the day weeding the gardens. I've been wanting to get it done but the weather has just been too rotten lately. So today was the day, partially because it was nice and partially because I received an email from Breck's Bulbs telling me my bulb order had been shipped. Our yard looks 100X better now.

I still haven't figured out how to get rid of the darned 'Ground Ivy' that I planted a few years ago. It's just taken over everything. I ripped and tore and pulled today and then took some 'Roundup' to it. Hopefully that will help. Don't EVER plant that stuff unless you're sure you'll want it there forever!

Wanna see the bulbs I ordered?

Some lillies...


And lots more tulips!








I want spring again.... :(

A nice new chapeau!

Sorry again for the lapse in posts, I have been super busy with my new job (which I LOVE), teaching lots of riding lessons and to tell you the truth, I haven't been riding much at all. I haven't ridden sidesaddle since my last post which is part of why I haven't had much to post about.

I did FINALLY get a proper top hat to go with my habit though! It's 6" tall and quite old. Gotta love Ebay! I've been kind of looking for one for awhile, they're so elegant looking! The only ones I've found in antique shops in my area have been horribly overpriced and in bad shape. This one is in pretty good shape and was a good price! Perfect!


I was soooo excited to get it! Although when I tried it on I laughed at how silly I looked! LOL I definitely think you need the whole outfit on for it to look good! So no pictures of it on me yet!