In order to really accurately measure your stirrup length you may want to have a helper. Having someone else to help you will allow you to get in the saddle and assess where the right length should be. This person can also help hold the horse still while you are making adjustments and they can help you get up into the saddle if you need help. If you are a beginner, have a teacher or a more experienced rider help you choose the right saddle and stirrup length. They should belong to the same discipline of riding as you do. Once you get up into the saddle, make sure your ears, shoulders, hips, and heels are all in straight alignment. Making sure that you are in alignment will help to assure that you get the right stirrup measurement. Put your feet into the stirrups while you are assessing your alignment. This help you get a general feeling for whether they the right length or not. Take your feet out of the stirrups. Have your friend make sure that the bottom of the stirrup is level with your ankle bone when your feet are out of the stirrups. This may be hard to see because of riding boots, so the friend may need to feel with their fingers to know where your ankle bone lies. If you are doing a type of riding that requires shorter or longer stirrups, take that into consideration here. For example, if you want shorter stirrups because you are going to do some jumping, make sure that the stirrups hit your leg above the ankle bone. If you want longer stirrups for dressage or cutting, the stirrup should line up below the ankle bone. With your feet in the stirrups once again, you should assess whether the ball of your foot is resting on the iron. If it is, your heels should be pointing directly downward and your toes pointing forward. Once again, your helper may be in the best position to judge whether this is the case. If you don't have a helper, you can stand up in the stirrups and judge the amount of space you have between the saddle and your seat. There should be a space about the size of a fist, but this is a relatively inexact measurement. Take a ride around your corral or ring and ask your friend to check your alignment. Have them look at the angle of your leg when they are perpendicular to you. Also, the angle of the upper leg should equal the angle of the horse's shoulder. There should be an equal angle between the thigh and the knee and the knee and the lower leg. If not, the stirrup is usually too long, creating a straighter angle in the lower leg.

Summary: Ask someone to help you. Align yourself in the saddle. Assess the stirrup length when your feet are out of the stirrups. Assess your position when your feet are in the stirrups. Check the stirrup length while you are riding.

Many people become jewelry makers without formal training or education. About 1/3 of jewelers work independently or from home. In some cases, they make jewelry as part of a side business or hobby. In other cases, jewelry making is their full-time career. However, the costs and risks to this path can be quite large. Keep in mind that start-up costs of jewelry making include: Business and self-employment taxes Fees to show your wares at shows or conventions Renting a workspace Equipment for metalsmithing, gem-setting, etc. Supplies (metal, beads, charms, tools, etc.) Fees to maintain a website or collect payments online Work at a local jewelry store until you have enough capital and experience to start your own business. In order to succeed, you will have to understand the jewelry making business thoroughly, including fashion trends, business expenses, the time involved in making large amounts of jewelry, and sound construction techniques. It is wise for you to become independent only after you have learned the industry backwards and forwards. If, however, you hope to make jewelry as a side business or hobby, there are fewer risks involved and you can simply jump right into making your craft. Jewelry design encompasses as many styles as there are tastes. It's possible to specialize in anything from baroque style jewelry to minimalist jewelry to charm bracelets to body jewelry. Perhaps you love to create vivid, colorful, 3D printed necklaces. Or perhaps you love making steampunk necklaces with octopus pendants. Or perhaps you are passionate about making eco-friendly jewelry out of recycled materials. Concentrate on the style you enjoy most and that allows you to express your creativity while still making saleable jewelry. Though many people initially plan to become designers, some discover that they have a talent for fabricating others' designs or repairing jewelry. Be honest with yourself and select the field you enjoy most. There are countless types of jewelry that you could consider making yourself. Some of these can be high-cost and require specialized equipment (such as setting your own diamond rings). Others are lower-cost and can be accomplished with supplies from any art supply store (such as resin pendants). A few kinds of jewelry that are feasible for independent jewelry makers include: Custom engagement rings Charm bracelets Beaded earrings, necklaces, and bracelets Jewelry made of carved wood or other eco-friendly materials Depending on the type of jewelry you wish to make as well as the amount you wish to create, your supplies will vary quite widely. Some jewelry makers require microscopes and welding equipment. Others might simply require paper and a simple silver-link chain. Consider carefully the supplies you need to make the jewelry as well as the supplies you might need in order to ship your jewelry safely to clients. If you plan to sell large amount of jewelry, you should develop a relationship with a wholesale provider of jewelry supplies such as metals, chains, gems, and beads. They can provide your supplies at a lower cost. Many jewelry makers advertise their creations on large websites such as Etsy or Ebay. However, it can be difficult to use web-based clients as your sole source of revenue. Consider other in-person and digital ways to advertise your wares and grow your client base. This will be an important part of your business plan as a jewelry maker. These might include: Art fairs or conventions Charity events Social networking websites and events Demonstrations or classes you might offer locally

Summary: Understand the start-up costs of jewelry entrepreneurship. Consider working for an employer before striking out on your own. Choose your style. Choose your specialty. Purchase necessary supplies. Develop a client base.

Standing up for too long can make varicose veins worse, as your body is having to work against gravity to get blood back to your heart. Similarly, if you sit too long, your blood has a chance to pool in your legs, leading to varicose veins. Make sure you move around from time to time to get your blood pumping. When you do sit, put your feet up. When you elevate your feet, your veins don't have to work as hard to get blood back to your heart because they aren't working against gravity. When you can, try to get your feet above your heart when you're sitting. Also, don't cross your legs when you sit down. Doing cardiovascular exercise gets the blood moving through your body. In turn, that can help reduce varicose veins. Walking, running, bicycling, and swimming are all great options. Strength training is also beneficial. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. Elevate your legs when you're resting between exercises. if needed. Being overweight can make varicose veins worse, but losing weight can relieve some of that pressure. Eat well, exercise, and drink plenty of water to lose weight in a healthy manner. Opt for lean proteins and dairy, and get more fruits, veggies, and whole grains in your diet. Try keeping a food journal to check up on how much you're eating. Fiber is good for veins, so try foods like whole grains and beans. Also, the bioflavonoids in things like dark, leafy greens, onions, garlic, and dark berries help with vein health. These supplements support good vein health. Rutin is a bioflavonoid, and it can be found in most health food stores. Some people have good luck with herbal supplements helping varicose veins. For instance, horse chestnut, butcher's broom, grape (leaves, seed, fruit, and sap), and sweet clover may provide relief. However, these supplements can interfere with other medications, so it's a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting one.
Summary: Move around instead of sitting or standing still for long stretches. Exercise to get your blood pumping. Lose weight Eat your way to better veins. Consider taking vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and rutin. Talk to your doctor about an herbal supplement.