I Love Wet Saddle Pads

Today was quite eventful and long. I stayed down at the barn for around four hours. I did a lot though and if Ava behaved better I would have stayed even longer. I also tried out my Wintec Pro Endurance saddle that I own (I've had it for a few years) on Ava and. . . It fits her!!! I took a picture just to show the even sweat marks all over the pad (it already started to dry when I took this). Oh, happy day! Now I can use all that hard earned money for something else. The reason I hadn't tried that saddle earlier is because it is quite uncomfortable for me, especially on my bum. Right now I'm sitting on two bruised tush cheeks. But as long as the saddle fits my girl then I am happy. I can just buy a seat saver or something. 

In other news, I rode Ava. We started inside to get warmed up and hopefully a little worn out and then we went out in the outdoor arena with the BO's two sons. They are practicing for their 4H fair next week for trail and had an obstacle course set up so I thought I would tag along. But while I waited for them to get ready I walked Ava around outside the barn. We even found a new spot to explore, it was a nice little loop and Babe did good for her first time. When the boys were ready I was already trying out the course. Then Ava started being a little pill ever since they arrived. I got her to do things but it wasn't willing or "nice" like. It was more like she was giving me the bird every time she would respond to something I asked. Nice right? . . . Then to top it off the youngest son started to try and scare Ava by like running his horse up next to her and stopping, stuff like that. . . He was being a little turd but I guess in a way it was good Ava was experiencing some of that, I want her to know that she doesn't need to freak out when a horse does stuff like that. But it was still rude for him to do that. . . Oh then after I did the course a little longer we then went over to a barrel that had a red saddle bag filled with cans in it. I thought, "Ava can so do this, she's done it a million times before" oh but what happens? She totally freaks out and I almost fall off... Luckily I stayed on and was able to gain control of her. Of course I started to get quite agitated with her but I also realized I had been riding her for over three hours and we were doing lots of new things too. I think her mind just couldn't take much more, I felt kind of bad. To end the ride I desensitized her to the noisy red saddle bag (she was great!) and then I hand-walked her back into the barn with the older son riding next to me (he was much nicer, didn't try to scare my girl. He does like to tease/make fun of me though.) After things were all done I gave Babe her "after ride" rinse then put her away. Those baths are definitely growing on her, she almost falls asleep every time! And that is so unlike her!