I have to get this out of the way--I'm not really about stuff. In fact, the obsession with what you own  as opposed to how you ride drives me absolutely insane. If you know my blog, you know why...I'm Carla of the Frugal Foxhunter. My blog is all about how I started foxhunting on a shoestring budget and encouraging others to try the sport. I think it's one of the most economical disciplines around because the more you hunt, the cheaper it is!

You don't need a certain brand of breeches to be a foxhunter. But there are certain things I treasure or that I have found particularly useful to my riding habit.

My knockoff Barbour coat

A waxed cotton coat (also known as an oilskin coat) is essential for riders who want to make weather completely irrelevant. They are 100% waterproof, breathable, lightweight, and loose enough to layer underneath. I hack out in all weather so my horse learns to deal with it, and this jacket has proven itself in everything from a light drizzle to accidentally getting caught in a raging downpour (oops).

Barbour is the gold standard when it comes to oilskin jackets so if you can afford it, power to you! I wanted the same features but a more budget friendly price tag, so I have an Outback Trading Jill-a-Roo jacket. An additional plus is that it comes in more fun colors than your typical green or brown oilskin.

Multipurpose leather belt

I bought this for $5 at Maryland Saddlery in 2009 and I didn't even realize what an amazing find it was until I started foxhunting in 2013. This belt (aside from having a cool quick-release buckle) can be used as an emergency stirrup leather, rein or leadrope. I have never had to test it out, thankfully, but I have had it engraved with my horse's name and I wear it all the time at the barn and casually.

This is the closest thing I've found to it online...but I have to say, I like the quick-release snap way better. 

Under Armour EVERYTHING 

The one brand I am really loyal to is Under Armour. What can I say, I'm a Maryland girl and I'm contractually obligated to wear Under Armour at least 1 day out of every 7. 

I ride out in all weather--as long as it's not icy, I'm on the trail. But I am not one of those New Englanders who take a perverse enjoyment in the freezing cold. My favorite weather is 80s and sunny. But Under Armour allows me to be comfortable in any weather, because it just works to keep you warm or cool. I especially love their Base Layer tights under my breeches on super cold days. They actually make me feel warm, as opposed to just "not cold."

Horze duck boots

These have become my go-to barn boots and they're going strong after 4 years. That's pretty good for a $30 pair of boots! Since they are short, they would not work well if you have a very muddy pasture situation, but they keep my feet dry and warm while doing stalls or washing horses on a hunting morning. The toe box has plenty of room for a foot warmer.

Also...the brand name is funny. Horze. Horzzzzze. Not weird at all.

But the most important part of my riding habit is...

A Bad Ass, Can-Do Attitude.

Can't buy that! Particularly when your horse is spooking halfway across a field, or you're being run away with in front of everyone who is anyone in the local horse community.  "Just keep riding" is the mantra I repeat in my head over and over, and it has served me well!

Carla LaFleur blogs at The Frugal Foxhunter, a website dedicated to helping new people try foxhunting, one of the most affordable, fun, and social horse sports around (not that she's biased or anything). She also hosts a free Equestrian Pen Pal exchange and sells framed bits on Etsy.