# @clairecumbee on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DeTRtbOurkQ
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/73485286-clairecumbee-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/4a69bc88bb.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-10-10T04:58:40.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Claire Cumbee (@clairecumbee) — https://gondola.cc/clairecumbee

## Caption

No one ever beat me at a horse show because they wore an expensive show coat….
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And I wish I’d had that voice of reason when at 28 I paid expedited shipping for my $900+ Samshield Shadbelly the week before my first 3* Long (on my credit card of course..)
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I’ve since packed a few pounds and in the market again. I  found a great used coat from the triedequestrian last week for $120, and I find it so interesting how the concerns I had in my 20s, are pretty nonexistent now.
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I no longer feel this “need” to wear something above functionality or safety. In my 20s I had this belief that if I presented myself in some way, with higher end clothes, boots, helmets.. it would somehow lift my status or gain respect (to what I don’t know)
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I don’t think that was ever a healthy belief system. I don’t think the apparel and in most cases tack, if chosen at the lower or mid price point, are going to limit competitiveness or safety. 
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Now, I can spend my money. I have a helmet with crystals to order in the next round of bonuses. But, it’s because I like it, just that. I like it and in the right time I’ll buy it.
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The difference now is my perception of necessity.
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That’s the part I wish I could just shake 28 yo me. When I’m already stretching to make the horses work, to afford a horse show... Don’t add some extra pressure to feel like you need to dress yourself above what you can afford. The designer coat, the dress boots with the snake skin, buy for yourself later, put it on the back burner… 
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#horsegirlenergy #equestrianlife #eventing

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 68
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 10

## Tags

horsegirlenergy, eventing, equestrianlife

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