Make sure you know how much money you can comfortably spend on the saddle. While some saddles are quite expensive, others can be found in a more reasonable price range. Affordable, quality saddles can be purchased for $500 to $1000. Higher end saddles are in the $1000 to $2000 range and up.  Whatever your budget, talk to your saddle shop openly, and ask them to help you find a quality saddle that you can afford. Say something like, “I want to find a saddle for trail riding that is less $1000. Can you recommend something of good quality in that price range?” If you cannot afford to pay large amounts of money for a saddle, consider purchasing a used product. Used saddles are often available from riding stables, tack stores, and even from fellow riders. Before purchasing a used saddle, make sure it fits your horse well. An ill-fitting saddle can lead to injury for the horse or rider. Keep in mind that many saddles do not come with cinches, stirrups, and girths, so these will be an additional expense. A good salesman can convince you you’re getting the deal of a lifetime regardless of how much you’re paying. That’s why it’s important to do your research before hand. A simple way to find current pricing is to do an online search for the type of saddle you wish to purchase. You can also visit several different saddle retailers and compare prices. Talk to other horse owners or riders about where they buy quality saddles at the best prices. There are several indicators that you’re dealing with a trustworthy retailer. First, the shop should allow you a trial period with your saddle to ensure it fits both you and your horse. A reputable saddle shop will also have a reasonable return or exchange policy, if your saddle does not work out. Do not purchase saddles from a retailer who refuses to allow you to try out the saddle, or who is unwilling or unable to provide details about the saddle’s materials and design.

Summary: Set your budget. Research fair prices. Purchase from a reputable retailer.


Having low self-esteem can manifest as feeling like you don’t deserve to be treated well or that things will take a turn for the worst. These thoughts can sabotage the relationship and will eventually become a reality. Instead of sabotaging your relationship, work on building your confidence and your confidence in your partner.  If you’ve been hurt in the past, heal those wounds and validate your worth, knowing that you are deserving of giving and receiving love. Instead of avoiding sexual intimacy because you’re self-conscious about your body, learn to accept yourself as you are. If you choose to make changes to your body (such as losing weight), recognize that being your ideal weight may not change your insecurity and that it’s up to you to feel comfortable in your own skin. Nothing kills a relationship like holding onto a grudge. If you and your partner have an unresolved issue that is putting a strain on your relationship, then it’s time to forgive each other and move on. Talk to each other openly about it and try to move past it. If you haven’t had success in letting it go before this, it might be time to see a couples’ counselor to help you get your relationship back on track. There’s nothing wrong with going to counseling, and it can be immensely helpful in finding ways to relate to each other and grow closer emotionally. Just because you are committed to one another, doesn't mean you have to spend every waking second together. In fact, spending some time apart will usually improve your relationship by allowing you to blow off some steam, reconnect with friends, and relax. Agree with your partner about how much time you want to spend together versus apart, such as having one night each week of time apart, or one weekend each month.  This choice show be arrived at by mutual agreement.  Take a girls' or guys' night out every once in a while, or take a spa weekend away to unwind. Being apart temporarily often sparks up the relationship, raising the anticipation and excitement of being reunited. Don’t drop your activities and hobbies when you’re in a relationship. Continue to paint, dance, draw, or go to the gym, even if your partner doesn’t participate. Experiencing a trip together can bring couples closer, especially when the focus is on each other and the relationship.  A trip allows you to shift your focus from everyday stressors to each other. You can try for a dream trip, or just a nice weekend out of town. List out places you both have always wanted to see, and choose one that excites both of you. Every day, take steps to get closer to you both getting there. Finally, aim to create new memories, snapping photos and taking videos so you can re-live the memories later.  You can go backpacking or camping to enjoy the great outdoors or plan a ritzy vacation away at a high class resort. International travel can be an exciting experience for the two of you! If you have kids, try to at least take one kid-free vacation every year.

Summary: Build your confidence. Practice forgiveness. Spend some time apart. Go somewhere together.


It would be silly to seal a two sentence thank-you memo in an envelope and formally present it to the recipient. On the other hand, you might come off as rushed or even lazy if you deliver a formal letter carelessly. The best way to give a smaller thank-you note is to put it somewhere he will normally go. Personally handing someone a thank-you note will come off as redundant, so it's best for the recipient to see it when you're not around. For example, if it is a fellow co-worker, you could attach it to his cubicle as soon as you get to work. Another opportunity would be to be to stick it to the recipient's door. Although it's not a likely risk in a professional note, it's a good idea to exercise some discretion with a note. Assume that anyone could potentially read it, especially if you're leaving it in a high-traffic area like the office space. If there is any doubt, it's best to seal your letter in an envelope. Unlike a simple note, which is more informal and spontaneous, giving a letter can involve some ritual and formal courtesy. Feel free to seal it in an envelope and place it in their inbox, or even hand it to them personally. If you give it personally, make sure to bolster the letter with a smile and a firm handshake. In some cases, it may be appropriate to attach something inexpensive (>$10) to the note as a way to better manifest the gratitude. Take care only to do this when it is appropriate however; you don't want to make it look like you're trying to bribe someone.  If you attach a gift, it is best to deliver the letter and gift personally. It's not recommended you personally give a short note to someone personally, but a bigger letter (especially when coming with a gift) may be appropriate depending on the circumstances. If you decide it's best to give it to the recipient directly, you should keep surrounding circumstances in mind. If the recipient is bogged down with work, he might be annoyed by any new distractions. Waiting until a lunch break or a lull in the day's busyness is a good time to hand it over. You would give very mixed messages if you don't personally show the same gratitude you wrote in your letter. This is especially true if you have written the letter purely as a professional gesture. If and when you deliver the letter, you need to make sure your personal behaviour is in line with the meaning of the letter. Be confident, and remember to smile. If you're feeling anxious, take a moment to remember the fact that very few people have felt anything other than gratitude and satisfaction for being thanked for something!
Summary: Decide how important and formal the letter is, and deliver it accordingly. Post it somewhere visible. Seal your letter in an envelope. Attach a minor gift if appropriate. Wait until an appropriate, quiet time if you choose to deliver the letter personally. Be polite and gracious while delivering your letter.