"Easy There Unsteady Betty!"

It has been hard adapting to being outside all the time instead of going into the nice cozy insulated, heated indoor arena. It's definitely not fun when it is cold and windy.

I started Ava's day with some grain, carrots, and even tried a couple bananas (which she despised!). I then haltered her and headed down the long path to the working arena. On our way down there she was breathing surprisingly hard and would stop frequently. Once we got to the arena I started by walking her around it, threw the rope over her a little and once I thought she was calm enough I let her lunge a bit. She was horrible in the beginning. Tossing her head, rearing, pulling, slight bucks, and excessive speed. I stayed as calm as possible and gave her the benefit of the doubt but when she got a little too forceful with her nonsense I got after her, hard. I don't mind some goofiness but when it becomes too excessive I have no tolerance for it. After that her mood was better, not completely, but better. I made her move her feet a lot, making sure I wasn't being too agressive, almost trying to make a game out of it. After she calmed dramatically I actually got her to calmly canter on the lunge (good girl!!). I then finished with some desensitization.

After getting back to the pasture I began to teach Ava how to come. It definitely worked after she was rewarded with a little bit of grain. She still did great though.

I also found a western Wintec saddle at the tack store and brought it over to the new place to try on Ava. It looked great on her and hopefully we can ride in it soon.

Still missing The Ranch but trying to make the best of what we have at the new place.

Happiness, Finally!

It was kind of a secret.

I was trying out a saddle in hopes not to jinx it and it looked like it worked! Because I just bought myself a saddle!!! I got an amazing price for it as well. They were asking only $300 but the tack store owner helped me get it down to $225!! It is a nice saddle too, custom made by someone I know that lives in my town. It is also light weight yet durable, nice supple leather, and so much more. I am so glad I found it and I finally don't have to worry about not having a saddle anymore!

Sweet girl <3

Sleepy pony

Strike a pose!

The field

Squared

Another Heartbreak...

Before getting out to the barn yesterday I returned the saddle... The more I looked at it it looked like it had a twisted tree... (boo) Which made me really sad/agitated/depressed because I would've bought that saddle if it didn't...

It was quite windy at The Ranch yesterday, windy and cold! I wanted to take Ava to the outdoor arena so we could have our privacy but instead I took her inside and worked with her in there. I worked on all the games with her and couldn't believe how well she behaved while lunging. I did not move from my spot and asked her to trot, she trotted until I brought her in. Very happy, even more so because the barn and wind was making her nervous. That was all I did with her, I didn't want her to get sweaty with all that wind outside!

In other news, I have another depressing thing to tell you all... I have to move barns (I only found out last night!)... I guess the lease is about to run out and my BO will not be renewing it (I feel bad for him because I know that he loves that place), so in turn all the boarders have to leave, like within two months at the most, more like that end of the month... Although I may complain a lot about being down there that has literally been my favorite place I've ever boarded, Ava would never be at the stage she is at if we didn't move down there. So, I am heartbroken (again...) and now I have to find a place pretty quickly. Just thought I'd update you all and thank you for all the wonderful comments you have sent me, they always lift my spirits.

Flag Fun and a Sunny Day

Thursday was a pretty good ride. My BO let me work the flag all on my own and although it was kind of difficult working the remote and controlling a green horse it ended up being fun. Ava even started to watch it! I know that Ava could be good at cutting, she could be good at almost anything! But I think I mainly just want her to be a trail horse and my friend. Ever since Wolfie passed relationships have become much more important to me. That includes Ava, I don't want to remember myself working her to death, I want to remember what a great bond we had and all the trail riding adventures we went on. That is also why I have been starting on Parelli (we are almost finished with Level 1!), they are known for creating a bond with your horse.

Anyways, the ride ended up being okay. The only thing was that the saddle pinched the inside of my calves so bad that I am now left with huge bruise marks. The way I can solve this is to wear different pants, my jeans kept riding up and revealed my skin which made it pinch me... That was annoying and on top of that there was a slight rub mark on Ava's back (I'm thinking the saddle may be a bit wide, so I'll add another pad to see if it helps).

The next day was much more chill. I took Ava to the outdoor arena (I had to walk all the way around because there were some cows blocking the way, such a long walk!) and started working on The Seven Games. She is basically a master at all of them but we still need to practice the figure-8 and a few other things as well. She did good and then after we were finished I walked her around the equipment barn and then down the driveway. On our way back I had her stand on the bridge, she was getting snorty because of some people doing yard work but in the end I got her to stop at a good point. It was gorgeous yesterday, I was basically sweating with my jacket on, I loved it!

Poco attack!

Picture, after it snowed again

That cute horsey in the middle is my girls pasture mate, Sugar.

Canterith with no Saddleith!

Despite all of the bad events that have happened lately today actually ended up being one of my favorite days out of this month. Let's begin shall we?

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.

Third Saddle Tryout Take 2

Take two for the third saddle I'm trying out. It worked out wonderfully! I lunged her in it and then of course rode around in the arena, it felt like this was our saddle. Ava was also lowering her head and seemed quite soft even with all the weather changes still happening. Surprisingly she got a pretty good workout although it didn't seem like it at the time; but she did great. I also tried a different saddle pad and it seemed to have solved all the problems, so maybe it was just the pad. I am so glad this saddle has worked out so far, we will try it once or twice more before I make a decision. Although so far it is looking very likely that I may purchase it. Finally after all these years! I also forgot to mention that this saddle had actually been sitting at the tack shop for a really long time and for some reason I never tried it! So glad I did though. They are asking $600 for it, a pretty good price for a Billy Royal but hopefully they will accept something lower, possibly $400? That would be my goal. We'll have to see!

Third Saddle Tryout & Frosty Ponies

Alright so yesterday I picked up a western saddle to tryout. It is a Billy Royal with a 15" seat. I rode in it today and actually liked it a lot. It seemed to be fairly comfortable for Ava as well because she would lower her head and soften her neck and poll much more than usual. I know that it is a little small for her but it didn't seem to bother her at all. Ava yet again did very well on her ride. You can almost completely neck rein her. Also, her gaits are getting a lot better and she responds to my 'asks' quite well. After the ride I checked to see if the saddle left anything bad. It seemed to have left some kind of slight rub all along her left side but that may have been caused by me taking off the saddle and fluffing her hair up. I am also thinking that the saddle pad I have might not be terribly comfortable on her either; it is kind of a scratchy wool type. I'm going to try one of my BO's and see if it makes a difference. I would be so excited if this saddle worked.

The lighting gives it no justice! It is a really gorgeous saddle in the right light.

Besides saddle fitting and riding the weather frosted everything the other night and left everything with white crystals. It was beautiful, I took a picture of the pasture fence below to show y'all.

Frosted pasture fence

Sleepy snow ponies

Winter at the barn

English, Never Again...

I took the western saddle back. It worked okay but the leather ended up not being great quality and it was too long for Ava's back. So, I went back to the tack store and returned it. Then I found this nice little Collegiate saddle and decided to try it out.

It looked great on Ava and actually sat even on her back. Riding in it was pretty nice too. Although, Ava is still being a little speed demon. I don't know if she is in pain or if she is just being a butt head. She does shake her head slightly when we ride and I'm still curious if something is bothering her. My BO pretty much says she is fine but I just have the feeling that something is wrong. I may need to get the vet out to check.

Well, Ava had a hard workout because of her speediness. She was really sweaty afterwards so I decided to take her outside to cool off. We went down to the big pasture, turned around then started heading to loop around the barn. Although as we were approaching a corner Ava heard something and did a 180; but as this was happening I went the other way. I tried to stay on but couldn't manage it and fell hard on the ground smacking my head against the hard ground and scraping and bruising my the back of my left hip. I then laid there. Suddenly I heard my BO ask if I was okay, I leaned up not looking at him but my head throbbed and I laid back on the ground. He asked if I was okay again and I responded with a 'yeah'. I finally leaned all the way up, my head hurting and tears filling my eyes. When I was finally standing he asked if I was okay again and I told him 'yes' in a weepy tone then grabbed Ava and started to slowly walk away. When we were finally out of sight I sat down on some stairs and cried.

I was not mad at Ava. She stood close by me after I fell and waited till I got her. I just wish that I was paying more attention. I was already tired from our workout and this just took it over the top.

It took me a bit to gather myself before returning to the barn. I really hoped no one else had arrived; I couldn't bare the embarrassment of telling somebody why my face was red from tears. Luckily no one else was there besides my aunt and BO. Surprisingly my BO was a good sport, he seemed to be trying to cheer me up and it helped, otherwise I would have started crying again.

After everything was done my aunt had me drive behind her on our way home. My head felt swollen, I was really tired (still am), I felt weak, and I just felt out of it, almost spacey. So, we went home.

I thought I felt better after I got home but ended up still feeling spacey; and my head would throb and I felt so tired. Then after I had some lunch I thought it would help but only minutes after my heart started to beat really fast, my body got all shaky, and I started crying again. I thought I was going to be sick but luckily I could keep it down. My mom took me to the clinic and she talked to a nurse. I felt really out of it, I didn't even want to answer any of the questions she asked me. I just wanted to sleep. The nurse said it was head trauma (duh!) and after Googling it, it sounds like a pretty mild concussion (maybe?). So, I'm super excited about that.............

At the moment my neck feels sore, my scrape is kind of stinging, and luckily my head doesn't hurt too bad (I bet all the Motrin is kicking in now). So, we'll just have to see what happens in the morning. Hopefully I will still remember who I am, haha!

Last things: I will not ride english any time soon and I will always be riding in a helmet. That helmet saved me from a much worse head injury. Thank you helmet!

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!

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!