My favourite saddle is kaput. Done. It has a ralide tree and yes I could get the tree replaced- but why bother as it doesn't fit my horse and I may as well use that money to buy one that fits my current needs. Besides which, the saddle maker that made it is getting pretty old and the quality of his work has really gone downhill in the last 5 years as his body shuts down on him.
So- I'm on the hunt for a used versatility type saddle, that will fit Gussie. She has a steeper angle to her back than a lot of quarter horses, and a fairly high wither. My Wade saddle also doesn't fit her, it's too wide at the front. I'm thinking semi quarterhorse bars should be good.
Right side
Left side
The whole back tail of the bars on both sides is broken. I have had a good run with this saddle, I thinks it's 20 years old. I can use it for first saddling for the young 'uns but it's life as a trail and performance saddle is done.
And so.. the search begins for a replacement!
And now the good news....
The last 2 rides on Gussie were really nice . She is getting softer, and getting much better with her leads and not sticking her body out in all the wrong places. Rode her at home the other day, just a schooling ride, Shayla rode first and then me. I can really feel the difference in her, especially after today's ride. When I first started working her months ago, and asked for a lope she would rush into it , diving into the bridle, leaning on the bit and not bending to the right. I didn't even want to lope her until all that got fixed... and she is well on the way to being fixed. When I rode her today she just felt right; she wasn't perfect but she felt really good. I'm so happy!
Shayla got some nice softening in the bridle...
She feels strong to me in the lope, but with more work I think that she will relax more.
The hard part is done, now we have to work on consistency and getting her to stay in the gear we put her in. She's pretty sensitive and if you even think of stopping riding she just stops. All good, especially if you get off balance or something. But she really anticipates, so that's what we have to fix next. I tell ya, my legs are getting a workout! I really need to work on my coordination for feel and release.
Good girl, Gussie!
Riding days 46 & 47
3 comments:
You’re really hitting the riding lately! Gussie looks beautiful and you can see the change in her body with all the work.
That’s unfortunate about your saddle though. Finding the right fit in a saddle that’s still light enough to throw on, is like finding a needle in a haystack. But you’re good at it. Good luck!
Sorry about your saddle I know they are expensive. So happy Gussie is back with you! :)
I hope you'll be able to try out the saddle(s), before buying. Glad Gussie is feeling so good!
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