dancing horses

dancing horses

Thursday, October 22, 2020

October Reset


A few weeks ago   I began to suspect that Carmen's saddle needed adjusting. Carmen is usually quite sensitive to changes in her saddle fit, and will let me know with general crankiness under saddle and resistance to canter. However, it's also not that behaviour from her points specifically to saddle fit vs being in heat, or it's windy or birds are occupying the same space time continuum. 

Nevertheless I was feeling pretty confident that the saddle was creating some issues. It looked to me like it was too big in front. Back in March/April (I really can't remember or have blocked that time), we had to put in a bigger gullet. But she's lost weight since then and I thought that we needed to go down a size. 

Carmen: did you just call me fat? 
Me: who me? Never! 

While I waited for her appointment I put some extra padding under the saddle and we were able to get by. Rachael and Emily from Callan saddlery came Wednesday. Fortunately I was able to take some time first thing in the morning. Turns out I was right. Her saddle gullet was too big so we had to go down a half size. Not, of course, to one i owned so I had a to buy a new one. I think I pretty much have the full collection by now.  Not that I'm complaining, because replacing a gullet is a lot better than buying a new saddle. I did trade in an small one I had for Steele for a discount so that helped. 

After many days of rain, drizzle and fog, today was an unseasonably and warm day - it seemed perfect to ride. I booked a lesson for friday and it seemed a good idea to help Carmen realize that her saddle was comfortable. At first she was pretty sure that trotting was going to hurt but after a few minutes she relaxed and we were able to get some good work in. 

After I put on her rope halter and took her for a walk in the woods. It's all part of my plan to get towards hacking out alone. I wondered if she'd balk but she walked along quite content with this new activity. My plan is to walk her in hand and then as we progress mount her part way through. 
clearly stressed 

I'm hoping to continue to enjoy good weather for a while yet. I don't feel done yet. 

 





19 comments:

  1. Great stuff! Trail snacks will definitely make the detour much more fun!

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  2. When I first had Gem I spent a lot of time walking and jogging her on the trails in hand to get her used to being out. It really helped both of us and by the time I was brave enough to hop on her, she had it figured out.

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  3. Glad you were able to get her saddle situation sorted out! And hand walking out on the trails as a precursor to riding out on them alone is my favorite. Ruby caught on very quickly, but Cinna is a perpetual work in progress, lol :)

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  4. lol way to go carmen with losing the weight!!! no easy task this year lol....

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    1. Yeah., well, she might have some pointed observations about my weight!

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  5. Great to get the saddle adjusted fairly easily! We are having a nice warm sunny day here - it would be perfect for a ride. Handwalking on trails, etc. is a great idea. I do that with my horses too.

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    1. It’s important to take advantage while we can. Winter is coming. Sigh.

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  6. The walks transitioning to hacks sound like a great plan. Enjoy!

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  7. Glad you got the saddle sorted out. I like to do a hand walk first too. Just makes it all easier in the long run. Snacks are always appreciated!

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    1. The saddle is always so important. It's amazing how much more secure i feel now too.

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  8. Glad your intuition was right and the fix was simple!

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  9. Totally unrelated but I saw your comment on Sarah's post about the MadBarn Visceral+ - do you know if your coupons for it work in the US? I'm really interested in trying it for Archie!

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    1. you can definitely try it: 5%-OFF-FROM-TERESA-A
      I have to say that I really like dealing with Mad Barn.

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  10. Just curious what saddle you've been using? I've got an adjustable collegiate and am loving the changeable gullet factor, just looking to upgrade to something that fits me a little better now :)

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    1. I have a Kent and Masters. It's cob saddle fits the Iberian body nicely- i.e., small whither, round body, short coupled....

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