10 Things I Almost Purchased at the Pau Trade Fair

By on Oct 31, 2015 9:00 am -

At any big event the next best thing to the competition itself is the trade fair, amiright? While the Rolex edition is hands-down The Greatest Equestrian Shopping Experience on Earth (it’s basically our version of Black Friday), overseas event “investment opportunities” have their perks as well. Passport: check. Heavy-duty credit card: check.

When in Pau last week I couldn’t help but peruse the goods, and by “peruse” I mean moderate a knock-down drag-out battle between the common-sense part of my brain and the part of my brain whose motto is #YOLO! Here’s how it all shook out.

Clothes

What I wanted to buy:

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Omg, Dubarry, you are killing me. I fell head over heels for this Bracken Women’s Tweed Sports Jacket, even more “Peaky Blinders” when paired with the matching cap. Note to self: need more hunt breakfast invites. I sent this photo to my husband. Christmas is coming up, sweetheart!

I cannot even handle these boots, especially the smoke-blue ones on the back table. Unfortunately, I also cannot afford them.

I cannot even handle these boots, especially the smoke-blue ones on the back table. Unfortunately, I also cannot afford them.

What I bought instead:

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I have a bit of a sock fetish, and my favorite color is red-white-and-blue, so you can imagine which pair came home with me.

Food and Drink

What I wanted to buy:

There's no telling how many horse show hot dogs I've eaten in my life. Don't I deserve a little lobster and champagne?

There’s no telling how many horse show hot dogs I’ve eaten in my life. Don’t I deserve a little lobster and champagne?

Or perhaps some foix gras?

Or perhaps some foie gras, s’il vous plait? (Actually I’m not that into foie gras, but those cheese pies? Sign me up.)

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There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a Nutella-smothered crepe for an afternoon snack. Until the next time you try to zip up your breeches.

What I bought instead:

Candy. A big ol' bag of candy. #YOLO for the win.

Candy. A big ol’ shameless bag of pure sugar poetry. Because that’s what elastic waist-band sweatpants are for. #YOLO for the win.

Drink

What I wanted to buy:

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A glass of vin was literally cheaper than a bottle of Coca-Cola at Pau, and several local vineyards were out selling their goods.

What I bought instead:

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Haha, gotcha! Of course I bought some wine, duh. And champagne also, because when in France. Here’s a photo of some French booze classing up my refrigerator — move over, box o’ wine (or, as I like to refer to it, “cardbordeaux”). p.s. Please do not assume that wine is the only thing in my fridge. There is also some cheese in the bottom drawer, thank you very much.

Horse Stuff

What I wanted to buy:

Love these stars-and-stripes stirrups. If the USET ever needs a fashion coordinator, I'm available.

Love these stars-and-stripes stirrups. USET: If you ever need a fashion consultant, I’m available, just saying.

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I briefly considered donating all my clothes to whatever the French equivalent of Goodwill is to make room in my suitcase for these Eskadron saddle pads. Why does horse stuff have to be so bulky?

What I bought instead:

But do you know what IS really easy to carry back to the States? Nutella-covered crepes. Straight to the thighs, baby, Obviously, I changed my mind on this one. Viva la France!

But do you know what IS really easy to carry back to the States? Nutella-covered crepes. Straight to the thighs, baby. Obviously, I changed my mind on this one. Viva la France!

Go Eventing.