Second Saddle Tryout Take 3

Take 3 was much better! I was kind of in a hurry so when I brought Ava in I immediately tacked her up. I usually warm her up with no tack first. After she was ready to go I lunged her for a while. She did pretty good with lunging, got a little fast when a horse in training was misbehaving but she eventually calmed down.

When I started riding I could tell she was starting to listen again. Then towards the end of the ride she was definitely doing better. A couple things I noticed: she is nervous towards the far end of the arena (there are big doors with windows on them) and gets faster going away from them, the other thing is that her mouth may not be sore anymore, so she isn't quite used to it. It kind of makes sense. Someone told me that their horse had been injured but after she healed it took her awhile to learn there was no pain anymore. So, it could be the same with Ava.

I worked Ava for a little bit then went outside. Gorgeous day by the way. I could almost wear a short sleeve! Ava spooked and was nervous about this one area so we stayed there for a bit but then we made our way out into the huge field! The cows had been taken out and the gates were left open so what the heck! It was incredible. The pasture was so big it was hard for my eyes to adjust. I didn't really know where to go, there were so many places. We just ended up staying fairly close by. It couldn't have been better though. Ava lowered her head and was starting to relax, perfect.

After we were done I checked Ava's back for any rubs. Her hair laid flat. The saddle has also broken in a little more since the first ride and the stirrups don't squeak anymore. I'm liking it a lot more than in the beginning, a lot! I'm going to keep it until the weekend before I make a decision. We'll see what happens!

Second Saddle Tryout Take 2

Just a quick update!!

I don't know if Ava was having an off day again or that the saddle was doing something to her. She was loco crazy while being ridden! Not in a bucking way but in a running "I must go faster" kind of way. I literally had to just ride with her until she had no more energy to go on... I almost felt sick afterwards and Ava was drenched in sweat. It never felt like she was trying, only trying to get away. She was also very difficult to move into a canter, which is usually not the case. Needless to say I was really frustrated (I was already agitated with her but this made me even more...).

I think I will try the saddle a couple more times to be sure; but otherwise I'm trying that Stubben one again. With the Stubben she acted the complete opposite; so smooth, calm, and relaxed... I want that horse again and I bet Ava wants to be that horse too.

Hopefully we can figure this out.

Second Saddle Tryout

I did a second saddle tryout today. This time I tried a western saddle. It is a Classic Star Pro Series saddle from Mc.Allen Texas. The leather is rough out suede and looks almost new. I wanted to try this saddle because after holding up Ava's tracings this was one of the two that fit or were slightly larger. So, I decided to give it a shot.

It was great! And you want to know something else? It fit Ava! I was really happy with that. I felt multiple times for even contact with and without the pad. It passed the tests! It was comfortable for me as well. The only downfall is that the stirrups were squeaking, it was kind of annoying but nothing a little oil couldn't help with.

Riding in it felt like floating on a cloud. It seemed fluid for Ava to move also, it didn't seem to me that her movement was resisted at all. It was different riding on the rough out rather than slick but I never felt like I was going to fall off, even when she spooked multiple times... The saddle is light weight and I don't think it is the best brand out there; but all I really want is something Ava and I can go on adventures in and of course be comfortable in as well. If it meets those requirements then I'm happy.

The gear we ride in.

I think the saddle looks great on her. Look how flat the top is!
 It is also cinched! This looks like Ava's saddle.

I will try it for the next week or so to see how we like it. I'm excited, it would be awesome if this saddle could work out!

One Floated Sleepy Pony

Ava was visited by the horsey dentist today.

I had to get up early; it was freezing! I really just wanted to stay in my nice warm bed; but I got out of bed into the freezing cold, took care of my ferrets, and headed to the barn. Ava had just finished breakfast when I got there, so I haltered her up and took her inside the barn. She was antsy, so I lunged her a bit to get her fresh off. It helped a lot; the rest of the time I groomed her until the vet arrived.

Finally when he did arrive (which was like twenty minutes late...) I got Ava and took her into the vet room (which was awesome! I never knew that the barn actually used it.) Ava was a champ, she has never been in there and it was pretty confined too. I placed her in the stocks and then the floating proceeded.

Of course I forgot to take pictures of the actual procedure...

Everything went very smoothly and couldn't believe Ava stood so well. She was sedated but still... The vet said she had some sharp edges and an ulcer on her left cheek; otherwise they looked good. I'm really glad I got them done.

My sleepy pony. She did not move one step the
whole time (unless I had to move her).

I had to wait an hour until she completely came out of her stupor, but it was worth it. I wish everyone could have seen her face. She looked happy and content with her newly floated teeth; she kept licking her lips and figuring out that they don't cause her pain anymore. It was a priceless expression and I will never forget it.

First Saddle Tryout

Our first tryout and most likely our last. The reason it is most likely our last is because I've actually found the saddle I want to buy. It wasn't the one I tried out yesterday. Although I really liked the saddle, it still looked too small on Ava... But not small enough to make her uncomfortable, she actually performed beautifully. Ava was relaxed the whole time which is usually not the case. I couldn't believe how soft she was and how calm she behaved especially for all of the events happening in the barn. Now that I think about it, maybe the saddle does fit? Maybe Ava was meant to act this way but couldn't deal with the pain from other saddles? Did I make a wrong move to take it back? Maybe I should try it out a little longer to make sure... *thinks* Yes! That is what I'll do. Can't hurt right? That is what I'll do, at least for now.

If the saddle doesn't work out I really wanted to buy a Thorowgood saddle. I've only heard good things about them and feel it would be a great decision. The only thing is, is that they are kind of out of my price range by a lot. So, we'll just have to see what happens.

This was the saddle I tried out, the lovely Stubben. Looks like a jumping style.

Time for Tryouts!

These aren't the kind of try outs you may be thinking of. These are saddle tryouts! I went on down to my local tack shop and sought out their used saddle section. Then after looking for... oh... 30 seconds I found one I wanted to try out. I asked the lady for a tape measure and found that the saddle was quite wide! It was also a freaking Stubben! I saw others that I may want to eventually try out but the Stubben will be my first. Anyways, after my short visit I took the saddle home; only to find that it most likely won't work out... I cut out Ava's gullet tracing and held it up to the saddle. Although Ava's gullet was just about right if you look farther down the tracing would protrude the saddle. Which kind of sucks. I know that the tracing is not the most accurate, it is still better than nothing before I try the saddle. So, we'll see how this goes. I'm kind of nervous, anxious, and excited! But some of that has to do with all the snow we are starting to get here... Yay...

I will get some pictures soon. I want to document every saddle I try out.

Along with that I scheduled Ava's floating appointment, which I will be dreading when I receive the bill. It will be good to get them done though. I tried looking in her mouth the last time I went out. From what I could notice (for the millisecond she would keep her mouth open, haha!) is that I possibly saw a front hook and of course her molars were becoming uneven. So, interested to see what the vet says!

Stand for Tracing Please

I took some advice yesterday; from Val at Memoirs of a Horse Girl. She suggested to send in some tracings to this saddle site and have them recommend a saddle for me. Genius idea!

So, I followed the little video and got her back all traced up. I'll send them out at soon as possible, I can't wait to see what they say.

"Hey mom, look at my weird back!"

Ava's tracings. #1 is for gullet width, #2 is the lowest part of her back, and
T18 is the slope of her back.

This is helpful too. Ava only measured barely 6"! That is quite strange...
I found this picture from this site [here]

Ugh I Need a Wintec!

Haha, I have just realized that 95% of the time I post on here is of me complaining about something. I can't help it, I love to complain!

After riding today I noticed that the saddle Ava's using was rubbing her pretty bad. It's rubbing on both sides of her withers and where the cinch is. After seeing this it made me think if this is why she hasn't been performing as well. She has started to canter really fast and she won't soften as well either. I'm getting FED UP with this saddle business. The only saddle that came even close to fitting her is now sold, so now I need to find something else. I'm thinking to get a Wintec with a changeable gullet. The other saddle that fit her was also a Wintec. So, maybe that is the way to go for a saddle. I'm going to search around; eBay, the local paper, and local tack shop, hopefully I'll find something. Although, since Ava is so wide I don't know if I'll be able to find anything with a fixed tree. Oh boy, we'll just see how this goes.

Until then, I don't know what I'm going to do about riding. I will feel horrible putting either of those saddles on her. Hopefully something comes up soon.

Something like this with a changeable gullet and a size 16" would be amazing

!

Some Oldies (Photo Overload!)

Here are some old photos that I found. They aren't organized but I'll label some of them. Have fun!

The very first picture I took of her.

First time sitting on her back.

Before I adopted her.

One of her first rides with all gear.

At district

In other news I think I will be renovating my blog's layout. I think it needs something different.

It's a Matter of Teeth

The title doesn't lie.

Just another thing I need to worry about. I guess I should have seen it coming though. Miss Girl hasn't had her teeth done since *checks records* October 2010. So, her due date is right around now. I was just hoping that I could push it off for a while, guess not.

I have been noticing that she has been yawning a lot more than usual. I also began to notice her slightly shaking her head (slightly meaning like she had a fly on her ear) when I ride. She takes the bit fine and eating doesn't seem to be a problem for her. Those were the only things that made me stop and think if she really needed it. But I know she does. So, guess what? I now get to spend a ton of money on more medical needs! Yay...

Sometimes I wish life was easier or at least I wish I had enough money to make it easier.

Why Am I Still Debating Over This?

I can't remember if I've already made a post like this... Hmmm... Anyways!

Good lord, this is driving me insane. I've been trying to decide (for years) whether to ride english or western... I can't pick, I just can't, I need help! So, hopefully this can help me decide over the two. I want your feedback also! I already asked Ava what she likes better and she many times said english. I think it's because english saddles fit her about a thousand times better. I've never found a western saddle that will leave an even sweat mark on her back whereas almost all english ones have. I've tried a lot of different western saddles too! It's weird. Ava has a short, wide back with high withers. So, it sounds like an easy answer, maybe it is.

Now I'd like to do some pros and cons about each.

English

Pros:

•Shape of saddle fits Ava a lot better

•LOVE the look of english saddles

•Pricing is a little easier for me

Cons:

 •I don't feel as secure in an english saddle (mainly because I hadn't ridden in one for a while)

•Usually have to mount up with a mounting block

Western

Pros:

•I feel more secure riding western

•The horn makes me feel safer

•Being able to get on without a mounting block

Cons:

•Can't find one saddle that will fit her (this is a big one)

•I can't afford a custom saddle. Not for a VERY long time

So, looks like they are opposite of each other. Western saddles won't fit but I feel secure in them whereas english saddles do fit but I don't feel as secure in them. I haven't ridden in an english saddle for a while so it would just take some getting used to. Hmm... Possibly english? All I want is to feel confident that she is comfortable while riding. I can't stand seeing those dry marks on her back anymore, it starting to drive me a little crazy!

As for showing I don't think Ava could get very far in anything. I would love to do jumping but she doesn't seem to like it; I would love to do reining, cutting, roping but she could never get to a high enough level. The only thing she would be good at is showmanship. Overall, I think she just wants to be my horse; take me on trail rides and adventures. I don't know, I could be completely wrong! Ava never tells me these things, haha!

Anyways, does anyone have any insight on this? Everything is certainly appreciated.

Horse Trick Video!

Oh my gosh, I love this video! Their are no words for it, just watch.
 

Want to Ride in the Cold? You're Crazy... NOT!

Riding in the freezing cold is by no means fun. Freezing your toes, fingers, even your face can actually be quite painful at times. But does your horse feel the same way? Actually most of the time he doesn't. Horses handle the cold quite a bit better than us humans do; which is no surprise but still good to know.

I'm always a nervous wreck about riding Ava in the cold, or even worse, the rain. I constantly think she won't be dry enough after a ride and shiver at night or even cramp up! I can't stand to think about it.

I've pulled some awesome articles about riding in cold weather, rain etc. If you're as nervous as I am about it hopefully these will give you a piece of mind.

Horses and Riding in Cold Weather - packed with information!
Horseback Riding in the Winter/Cold - read the Best Answer

Julie Goodnight on Riding Horses in Really Cold Weather

Cold Weather Riding Considerations

Grooming After Cold Weather Riding - some of these answers were helpful

10 Tips for Horseback Riding Safely in Winter

Stuff I've Bought #10

Just the other day I bought some beautiful Weaver split reins and a dewormer for the highness. I was prepared to spend a lot of money (my tack shop always over charges on things). But want to know something really cool that happened? I got them for free! Yes, for free! I forgot that the store owner accidentally sold a saddle pad of mine (I had a saddle for sale but ended up taking it down). So, she said that I could pick something out the next time I come in. Well, it has literally been months since that had happened and I totally forgot! But, I was so happy. I really didn't want to spend my money again. Although, now that I think about the other things I could've bought I am now regretting the reins and should've gotten Ava some hind boots. But I don't want to complain, the reins are incredible, super soft and already supple, I love them.

Above is what they somewhat look like. Overall I am really happy I got these, I can use them every single time and they definitely won't go to waste.

All Ready for Winter

Got Ava's feet all nicely trimmed the other. I can tell she feels better. The farrier said that her feet look really good and was also surprised how well they held up from all the riding that we do. I was really happy, I didn't think her feet looked the best but it made me glad for him to think so.

Also I started noticing some puffiness around Ava's ankle's. I've noticed her having it before but always thought it was her fur making it puff up. They are actually wind puffs/wind galls. I asked my BO and he confirmed it. He said I shouldn't need to worry about it. I may need to eventually put boots on her if they get worse. They don't seem to bother her and don't look too bad but actually now that I think of it she has been getting worse about being caught. Maybe work is causing her some pain? Maybe icing it should help or even some Sore-No-More. I don't know.

Windpuffs from EquiSearch
Windpuffs from SmartPak

Lastly, miss girl is completely ready for Winter. She's been dewormed, vaccinated, and trimmed. Ava is ready to go, finally! The only other thing is that I'm not sure if I should blanket her or not... Hmm, something to think about.

We Like to Rope and Pony

Well, these past few weeks have been quite interesting. Although, there are two big things that stood out the most.

The first thing being is that Ava has a job now. She ponies horses! It's true! My aunt's horse Poco doesn't need to be trained by my BO anymore so to help out Ava ponies her before she is ridden. Ponying is kind of difficult to manage but it is so good for Ava to get used to it. Sometimes Poco will rub right up against Ava and she tolerates it so well. I'm glad she has a little job, I think it makes her feel like she has a purpose.

The second thing is that I roped and caught a calf off of Ava!! Besides rope burning the top of my hand hand pretty bad it was a lot of fun. I was even surprised that she didn't get more freaked out when we went into the arena with them, so proud! It was kind of hard having to deal with the rope, controlling Ava, and getting a good position with the cow but practice makes perfect! I hope we get to practice this more.

Besides that she is still doing pretty good with her riding. Today she was a little off and wouldn't soften as easily as she usually does but it may be because she is a little sore. The farrier will be out in a few days, so maybe that will help. We'll just have to see.

Snaffle to Shank

On Saturday I rode Ava in a shank bit for the very first time. It wasn't too different from riding in the snaffle except it felt looser. She did wonderfully. I can't believe how far she has come, from bitless to a shank bit! We just worked on our normal routine; rollbacks, 360s, stopping on the hind, bending the ribcage etc. She is getting kind of bad about stopping really hard on her front end so we've been working a lot on that. It's getting better and sure doesn't hurt as bad.

Besides that, everything is going smoothly at the moment. The weather is getting cooler and bathes are almost out of the picture for miss Ava. School for me is as always keeping me busy, I don't like it. I want to be doing what I want, not stay cooped up all day studying... The up side is that I'm one step closer to a degree. Other than that I wish I could get rid of it.

This is the bit we used. I've had it for a while. It worked really well. I bought it off of horse.com and got a good deal for it too. The only thing was that it seemed a little small for Ava's mouth. I'll have to find a different one soon.