Altho we had spent the first part of the weekend traveling over an hour to sporting events both Friday evening and Saturday morning, we decided we need to ride while we can. The boys will be coming home soon. We headed back on the road Saturday afternoon, to enjoy a quiet early Fall ride at Iron Horse.
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| Our humans are here |
I was curious to ride in the new saddle again. It got oiled, billet's cut and stirrups re-turned. The second time I arena rode in it, I was having trouble with my legs. My feet (especially my left) constantly slip through the stirrup. Being preoccupied and trying to reset them, instead of concentrating on my riding, was frustrating. We tried shortening, lengthening and made sure nothing was caught up underneath.
In addition, something has been wrong all along when I lope. It feels like I am lifting out of the saddle, and unbalanced. Nothing I've ever felt before in any saddle, or on any horse. I had three people watching, reassuring it wasn't me. I've never ridden in a saddle where there was such an obvious "sweet spot"...
The oiling & turning did help to get my legs under, and consequently my lope - but the stirrup thing is not resolved. My lope still feels a bit awkward. I think my smart hubby figured out what may be wrong with the stirrup. He said he can see under my foot, as in the stirrup is not flat/wide enough. A new discussion to have, thank goodness our saddle fitter is patient. I never knew saddle buying would be so hard. Much to my chagrin, I am still undecided on the saddle. I really really like it, but need to get the stirrup thing figured out - which will hopefully finish resolving the lope thing.
On the brighter side, we had great weather to ride in the outdoor. It was just us, and very peaceful. After grooming and warming up, we practiced our gaits, some poles, turns, side passes, L-backs, slow spins (Note to self, I need to work on these with our trainer. They are getting worse, instead of better) rope gate, and rock bucket etc. There is so much more to do in the large outdoor, then indoor. We ended with a short trail ride around the field. Pretty much covers everything I love doing, with my beautiful boy...
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| Koda |
5 comments:
Hope you get the saddle issues worked out. Beyond that though it sounds like a wonderful day =)
Good advice! Hope the saddle is working out for you now.
Koda is beautiful! Great picture!
After all the issues you have had with the saddle fit I don't blame you for not being sure.It is a big investment and it needs to be right for you and your horse
Saddle issues can be so frustrating. It's ok to take your time and be sure, like fernvalley said, it's a big investment. Your Koda is a very beautiful horse, sounds like you have a nice relationship with him.
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