dancing horses

dancing horses

Monday, March 29, 2021

Leather and Lace

 So, I, um, did a thing a couple weeks ago. 

I don't know if anyone remembers but a few years ago I started searching for a western saddle for Carmen. That was when having a 'holy jesus' handle seemed prudent. I tried a few second hand saddles but her andalusian build didn't seem to work with any of them and I gave up. (I know I could have spent a lot of money to get one that fitted but I decided to drop it). 

Then I went to Rachael's and had a chance to ride in her Dom Vaquero saddle. I began to idly look for one but, not surprisingly, there weren't a lot (or any) around for sale. Buying online was a risk I didn't want to take. I decided to leave it up to the universe. Or I gave up. 

Then Rachael decided to move to Portugal and put up one of her spanish saddles for sale. I messaged her to see if she thought it would fit and we arranged for her to come and try it. 


Carmen: What is going on here? 

It turned out that it fit and I decided to buy it instead of the new Mac Book I had been planning to buy.  It doesn't have wifi but isn't it pretty? 

It's a Marjoman Protrera Royal 

Rachael made me some matching leathers to go with it. I picked it up the day after my lesson and decided to try riding in it. Rachael had assured me that it would hold me nicely in place should there be any antics. I found that the stirrup leathers a bit too long so my foot was not firm in the stirrup. However, it felt pretty balanced.  Carmen was being a bit up but not too bad. Julia was riding with us which helped. Then, when we were down at the far side of the ring I spied Willow (my cat) down in the field. Carmen gave a look and then took off on me. I totally lost my stirrups but the saddle worked as advertised and I didn't feel like I was coming off at all. I got my balance back and we walked down to look at the cat. I wonder if that was what set her off the other day? (although I will say that I have seen Carmen chase Willow out of the field, so WTF horse?). 

My plan is to use it when she seems 'up', in the obstacle clinics and trail rides. I think it looks good on her. 

Carmen: I look good in everything

Of course, all my tack is black so I need a matching bridle and girth. I figure you guys could help me source some matching equipment (the colour is 'hazelnut' fyi). 




31 comments:

  1. Oh much better for those *ahem* antics! Once you get the leathers the right length you will be even more secure.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh no! You have to buy a new, gorgeous bridle and girth? And, I'm sure a sparkly browband for the princess? What a shame! By the way, nice saddle. I'm sorry that you need to buy more nice tack...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Fantastic! Nice to have options ...
    A lady at our barn had an alta escuela and sang its praises!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It’s quite comfortable. I’m looking forward to riding in it.

      Delete
  4. Replies
    1. It was so hard to not tell you. Now you can help me find matching tack....

      Delete
    2. Most of my sources are US-based so I'm not sure if they ship to canada, but I loooooove El Sueno Espanol! Lisa is da bomb 😁

      Delete
  5. Very cool!
    I'm low-key looking for a western saddle too. I got one online, based on back tracings the saddle shop said should fit, but Cupid clearly disagreed.

    ReplyDelete
  6. oooooh i love it!! it's fun to have different pieces of tack for different moods and uses <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thst is true. I’ve only ever had one before so having choices is new to me.

      Delete
  7. It looks like Dark Horse Saddlery in Alberta has a small selection of Marjoman bridles.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a comfy looking saddle. It’s beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  9. How did the saddle feel, other than secure? Does it feel wider in the twist than a standard dressage saddle? I've always wondered what they are like to ride in.
    Depending on how full-on Spanish you want to go, have a look at Dark Horse Saddlery in Alberta. She's gone to mostly Spanish stuff.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It feels more padded but not like it’s pulling my legs apart. The biggest adjustment so far is that posting is not easy.

      Delete
  10. Wow. It looks wonderful. You'll have to let us know how she moves in it. I wonder if they move more similar to a dressage saddle or like a western saddle, depending on the feel. Do you still feel pretty close to the horse?

    I love the security of the western saddle, but I currently don't have one that fits Chili, but grew up riding western, but dang, I feel like you lose so much "feel" under your thigh and leg.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I will keep you posted. I think I need a few more rides in it to be able to really tell. However, on my first ride it felt more like a dressage saddle than a western one.

      Delete
  11. That is BEAUTIFUL.
    I feel like it would be like riding in a Lazy Boy - so soft and secure and just... lovely.
    I cannot wait to see what kind of matching gear you get!! Are you going get matching breeching too?!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Congrats! That is an interesting looking saddle, looks comfortable too

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for leaving a comment. I love the feedback.