Time to Start Saving

Well, I have come to a conclusion. With all of this saddle debacle muddling around in my mind I finally know what I am going to do. I asked on a horse forum I frequently go to about what they thought of Ava's body shape for a saddle and they thought she was pretty wide. My saddle (the old Stubben one) is pretty wide but may not be wide enough, it is wider than almost any other saddle I've seen but Ava's back will not have an even sweat mark on her back, so I'm thinking it is still pinched a little. So, what I've decided to do is right now I'm going to buy a half pad, it could help with the unevenness on her back, and then after I've saved up enough money I'm going to buy either a Bates, Wintec, or Collegiate saddle with the easy-change gullet system, most likely a Wintec. English saddles have always fit her better than western ones have and since I've decided not to show her in riding it doesn't matter if the saddle is super fancy or not, comfort is the main factor!

Nothing Will Fit!

It's true! I absolutely cannot find a saddle that fits Ava. My BO lets me use their western saddles and none will leave an even sweat mark on her back. My english saddle may be the closest one to fit but if she spooks I don't want to go flying off. The western saddles always leave dry spots on each side of her withers - this horse has it almost in the exact same spots that Ava has [click here] but since she is white I can't tell if they are actually making sores, all I know is that they are making dry spots... Maybe western saddles just don't fit her as well??? Stupid question but it could be true. Ugh, I feel like she could be much calmer if I just found something that would fit, any suggestions?

In Other News: Excitement and Progress!

First things first. My internet/computer ended up being safe from the virus so I'll be more active now.

Anyways. I don't want to jinx anything but I think Ava and I are pretty much confirmed for the horse show in September! Super excited! Some awesome friends of mine said I could trailer with them they just have to make sure the driver agrees to it. If everything works out we're going to show in showmanship, that is going to be our main class. I'll most likely enter a couple other riding classes just to keep Ava and I occupied, my friend enters a lot of classes and I don't want to be standing around in the hot sun all day (Ava either!), hehe! But showmanship will be our most serious class and the riding classes will just be for experience, I don't plan to do well in any of them and frankly I don't really care, I just want Ava to get used to showing again (and I really want to dress up in my show clothes!).

I just got back from the barn. It was around 90º but felt like 1,000,000º. I lunged Ava then saddled her up. When she was ready to ride I took her to the arena and worked on backing, stopping, relaxing, leads, and just guidance in general. It has been a long time since I hadn't been afraid to canter with her, she used to throw a fit or throw me off (try to at least) and eventually I lost so much confidence while riding her. Now, she doesn't even think of tossing me off the side anymore (or maybe she does and just doesn't do it) and her cantering pace is becoming slower and slower. She's becoming the horse I want her to be, I'm very proud. We also rode outside and around the barn for the first time since we arrived. I think over all she did good for her first time, she was a little nervous (even though she has been lead around it like a thousand times) but after she got more used to it she started becoming an old pro.
 

I need some more pictures!!!

Russian Virus 'Flame'

This is a non-horse related matter. Launching tomorrow is a computer super virus that is programmed to steal usernames and passwords. I don't know how long it is supposed to last but in the meantime I'm going to keep my computer shut down until it blows over. I just wanted to let you all know, hopefully it won't affect any of us and we can go on our happy ways but for now just be on the alert. Here a couple articles you can read about it.

[click here]
[and click here]

Be careful out there! See you in a few days, I'll have some news when I get back.

Worn Out in Warmup

I rode Ava today. It was a fine ride but I didn't work her too hard because she wore herself out when I free lunged her in the arena. I usually warm her up in the round pen so today was the first time I did it in the arena. Wish I hadn't. She went galloping, more like racehorse galloping (she's related to Bold Ruler and Three Bars so no surprise, haha!) around the whole arena for as long as I let her, she would have kept going unless I told her to stop. I don't like it. I get afraid if she doesn't eventually easy down she going to hurt herself. So, next time I warm her up it's either going to be in the roundpen or with a lunge line where I have more control.

My mom took some photos of me riding. The indoor has horrible lighting but some of the photos turned out pretty good! So, here you go. I know that my position is not the best but I'm working on it. Ava did pretty well while riding, I feel comfortable cantering, she will get her leads, her trot is still quite fast, and she is pretty soft laterally. Things we need to work on are a more even tempo in the trot, becoming softer vertically, and finding something to compete in!

I'm having such trouble figuring out what to show her in. Everyone tells me that she could go any way that I want but that isn't super helpful, I am the kind of person that can't make up their mind. I also can't afford to go both ways, it is too expensive, so, I need to pick one thing and then branch off after she is established. As of right now I am thinking possibly reining or barrel racing or something that gives her a job. Does any one have any ideas? I would like to stay western, maybe something with rodeos, I plan to rodeo queen next year as well. It would be great if anyone had some suggestions! Thanks guys!