My man suggested I ride around the neighbor's arena Sunday, and he'd take photos.
As soon as I got on I felt something was wrong. My saddle was pitching me forward as if we were on a slope. I'd already fit it to her, and unweighted it appears balanced. She's a little rump high but this was really bad. I've used that saddle on at least 6 horses and never had it tilt forward like that.
So these videos show me fighting this tilt and attempting to just walk around calmly. And grimacing that I could see my man wasn't just taking photos, but videos, agh.
Of course, this day would be the first time the mares would have access to two sides of the arena, and they decided to use it, and were prancing around, reaching over to touch us, and even racing each other the length of the arena. I couldn't believe it. The geldings were on the other side, but they were just watching nicely.
The mare was great, she doesn't move off when you mount, although mounting such a round horse is really hard, the saddle kept rolling and I hate to have to clamp it down so tight: (
The first vid shows me leading her around first, and the moment she decided to talk to the mares. No talking!
I cannot seem to get the vids to embed properly so I'll have to just link them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=jPoHRLdKFpQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8sYcpv1Sgw&feature=player_detailpage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62plohzBeP0&feature=player_detailpage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47bFBoRE8p0&feature=player_detailpage
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16 comments:
She did pretty good considering all those other horses wanting to socialize. That pony was a riot.
I agree with Nuzzling. She did a lot better than my Rocky mare would have done. I also liked her trot in the last video. It seemed pretty smooth.
Dan
Your mare is darling! She seems very calm and willing.
The line created by your shoulder hip and heel doesn't show that you are being pitched forward. I wonder if the feeling comes from the way your mare is built? I always felt I was going to flip over Pippin's shoulder, for some reason. I guess he had a shorter back and maybe a 'short' shoulder (although confirmation wise he looked fine). You could also check to see if the saddle is back enough. On round horses it is a bit harder to tell if it is situated correctly. I used to put my hand under the front of the saddle flap to make sure I could feel that the saddle was behind the shoulder.
Thanks for sharing the videos. I fell in love with your man! Love his accent!!
I like the last video the best. Trotting! And SMILING!
I think you look great! The mare does too!
LOL! "That was all?" Hehehehe! Love it!
I can't even tell it's pitching you forward. You look great! And she did so awesome! What a good girl. :D
And last, because I am obsessed, you have a Friesian living near you and haven't posted pictures for me?? *pouts*
What a good girl! I can't tell it's pitching you forward either.
You guys look awesome! Love those forward pointing ears with one flicking back now and then to you. That chubby little pony in the first video cracked me up. Next time you are over there, please take a photo of it, he just makes me giggle. She looked calm to me, and I coulden't tell that you were having issues with the saddle. She really looks good, I like her sturdy, but still feminine build. Have fun with her!
Ooh - she's CUTE and so SOLID!!!! Very nice mare, Lytha. I am really impressed with how willing she looks. Nothing about her body language suggests that she's stressed or nervous. I think you picked a good one! :0)
OK I will try to get photos/video of the pony Shiela, and the Fresian. I adore little Shiela too, and hate to see her suffer from sweet itch in the Summer.
Dreaming - my man has an accent?: )
You guys are right, she's pretty calm in the video. That was our 4th visit and I think she really likes it there. Walking through the neighborhood after the ride she was a nervous wreck, gasping, trembling, it was awful. I sure hope she's one of those horses that are braver under saddle!
I measured her again and sure enough it's the extra wide gullet she needs, so I'm confused about why the saddle sat like that.
I hope to start having fun soon - right now it's kind of stressful. This getting to know each other period is sure bothersome, for example, not knowing if she's actually gonna try to kick me when I touch her in ticklish places. Patience is hard.
Just don't rush it. If she's going to work out - you'll find out soon enough - if she's not - you'll find that out too. Patience is a virtue! :-)
Ah, saddle fit. There is so much really good info on the web. Here is a good place to start. http://www.trumbullmtn.com/saddle-fitting/
She may need a saddle with a hoop tree. My Arabian did.
Hey got your message. Sounds like you guys are doing great! For settling in it's hard to tell, Dani got injured within a couple weeks so was stall bound then back in the pasture. I'd say 2-4 weeks is a good adjustment period and then just building your relationship...that's ongoing with Dani for sure!
I totally understand mounting round horses! I got a little antislip pad I put under her regular pad http://www.doversaddlery.com/rider-s-international-no-slip-saddle-pad/p/X1-19059/ It seems to do the trick and a neoprene girth helps. Perhaps is the saddle is too low in front would one of those wither pads help? I've never used one but cheaper than a new saddle and it doesn't seem like you need a totally new saddle just some adjustments.
You guys look great and she is so cute!
wonderful!!
good girl(s)!
- The Equestrian Vagabond
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