2014 - How Exciting
So it's March and how much have I gotten done for 2014? Probably nothing. I can't complain too much because I can get on my horse right? But I want more. I want him to really start to get soft now. That is probably the most important thing. I've always been told I the feel and the timing to get a horse soft, but apparently Brantley's issue is that he just can't get enough of his hind-end under himself.
One big thing is his "lope". It's dreamy, and comfortable, and his stride his huge... Although his head is low, his nose sticks out and he flattens out like he's on the track and just... Goes. Don't get me wrong, I love it. But I also love asking for a little more contact, tipping his nose, and have him bend around my leg in a nice circle... Not a shoulder in, nose out, race around the barrel spin. I want to be able to rate the SIZE of the circle. It's either tight... Or half the ring.
Recently I got in contact with a friend who swapped lessons for pet sitting way back when I had LB. She was a dream for us and helped me get him back to where we were BEFORE the move to the-middle-of-nowhere. We had our first lesson last week and it was definitely different for B. Lots of contact, English saddle, but same snaffle. I noticed how he falls apart when I ask him to come into my hand. Not like he loses his mind but he just... Stops. It was interesting to see how off balance both of us were because we've been doing the same thing for so long. I am so out of shape in my "Hunter Princess" ways. It doesn't help that every saddle I try for me and him just don't work for either of us. K's probably works the best out of what I've tried but he just doesn't want to move under it. I feel so far away from him though (weird because I hear that when people hop in a western saddle with all the leather).
We had a ride last night that I called, "the ride that never happened". He's been worse than he was last night, but I was just completely all over the place (blame the weather) and we just couldn't connect. We loped around the arena until I finally had to PUSH him into it and called it a night. Gave him a day off today and maybe tomorrow we'll hit the trails. We really need it... Get back in the zone, for me and him.
Thinking about life today... And how much I love my job... But asking myself if it's really the right fit for me. I know you'll find the B.S. anywhere you go, but it's getting kind of ridiculous. Doing a big project tomorrow with the boss that if I screw up, it may make or break me... Maybe if it breaks me it'll be for the better.
posted by Madeline C. @ 6:36 PM
8 Comments
8 Comments:
Sometimes things work out for the best, or better if you can roll with it (which I definitely think you can) you'll recover and do fine. :)
Do a barrel roll! *geek moment* Thanks. I have to agree... I think I'll make it no matter what life throws at me. I've made it this far.
^--- now thats what i like to see :D
I blame the weather. I still love western saddles, I feel at home there, I have yet to have an English saddle that feels the same.
I'm super particular about saddles and how they feel as well. I only sat in one Hunter/Jumper saddle that I've ever liked, I much prefer my dressage saddles.
Too bad I don't have a dressage saddle that you could borrow. That might be a better feel for you. You'd still be able to get him more under you, but your seat would be much closer to what you're comfortable with.
That's why I love the barrel saddle, it feels like a dressage saddle. Just not as spongey in the seat. I can really sit on him and get him together... I just don't because I'm lazy hahaha. CORE STRENGTHENING EXERCISES!
Barrel saddles have that deep seat.. I agree with Kate, a dressage saddle might do the trick! :)
Post a Comment
Brantley & I would love to hear from you!
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home