This week’s “ears” photo definitely conjures up visions of summer time. One of our readers (although they didn’t include their name!) sent us this photo of a quiet summer day’s ride. Only about four more months and the days will be longer, the air will smell sweeter, and all will be right as summer will have returned.

As a quick note from our friends and sponsors at World Equestrian Brands just in time for Christmas: Does your horse love the decadently soft calfskin of his Vespucci bridle? He’s in luck, then, because that same lovely leather is available in the form of our Vespucci girths. The short girths are available in black as well as brown and oakbark to accommodate monoflap jumping saddles as well as dressage. The long girths come in brown or oakbark with a subtle centered D-ring and dark elastic to match the leather for a seamless and finished look. SRP $155 for short and $175 for long.