The sun was out today and the temperature ended up being around a whopping 40 degrees with almost no breeze, so warm! I took my littlest brother down to the barn with me but he only played his PSVITA in the car until the end. I went out to get Ava. I have been leaving her halter and lead at the gate lately so we can start connecting before the halter goes on (don't want to jinx it but she has also become easier to catch since I've done this). I then went out to the outdoor arena and practiced some Parelli. The Friendly Game, of course The Circling Game, Porcupine Game, Yo-Yo game and few other things. She was being very good and I stopped before things could get worse (we have all Summer for her to be naughty but for now I'd rather not deal with it). We then ventured inside and did a little more lunging just to make sure she didn't have any "fresh" in her left. I then tacked her up with our western saddle pad and bareback pad on top and then I got on. I felt so much more secure with the pads on her. We walked a little but then we moved up to trotting and then cantering! Today was the very first day ever cantering her bareback! It felt awesome, I almost cried, I was so happy. Also surprisingly, I felt more secure cantering bareback than in a saddle... Which is weird. Anyways, we cantered both ways and then we cooled off, I love riding bareback but I don't want to sore Ava's back. After this my brother, Ava, and I all went on a walk around the barn and down the long driveway towards the highway, Ava did so well. I think the walks really help her and I know she likes them too. It was a great day at the barn.
On our way home I stopped by the tack store to see if they had the dewormer I was looking for but before I could look at them I got mesmerized by the saddle consignment section. I looked for a bit but didn't notice anything that stood out until I was about to turn away I noticed a saddle at the end of a clothing rack. I looked at it and thought to myself "this is the one," even before I barely looked at it. It was a beautiful saddle and looked perfect for Ava and I. The only thing I was dreading was the price tag... I just knew that the world wouldn't let me get such a wonderful saddle at a price I could afford. I looked at the tag and the world surprised me, it was only $275! No, that is not a typo! My heart leaped. Also, not only do you get the saddle but you also get two very nice Australian saddle pads, a complete bridle set, an Australian girth, a nice halter and lead, as well as a breast collar! It almost sounds too good to be true right? That is what I keep thinking but so far this is no dream. I of course took it for a trial and will hopefully try it out tomorrow. I am so stoked and truly feel like this saddle is "the one," as silly as that may sound. Anyway, I will of course keep you lovely people updated and let you know as soon as possible how the saddle worked out.
Wow, your bareback ride sounded great! Me and my pony have been having bareback cantering problems lately, I am asking her differently when I'm bareback for the lope, and she's getting confused and trying to spin in a circle and do other silly things, but once we get into the gait its great! It's really just the transitions that I have a problem with!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about feeling so secure cantering without a saddle. The first time I did it I was surprised by how easy it is to stay with their rhythm! It makes me feel so much more secure to not have a big bulky saddle between me and her!
Sweet stuff about the saddle too! It's pretty, hopefully it fits you both well! I have only ridden in an australian saddle once, but I remember being surprised at how much like a western saddle it felt!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you had a good day! Cantering bareback is one of my favourite feelings in the world :)
ReplyDeleteGotta love a good old-fashioned stock saddle.I learned to ride in one of those (as most aussie kids do) and lemme tell you, you will have a hard time falling off while riding in a stock saddle.
It's gorgeous. Hope it works out!
I hope that saddle works out!!
ReplyDeleteAnd great job on the bareback canter!!
i have heard that aussie saddles are the best
ReplyDeleteWow, $275 for a mounted saddle? Not bad!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be the party pooper though and say..... I don't like stock saddles. Yuck. That's just me though :)