I saddled up Ruby. Well.... first she had to let me know she Wasn't Best Pleased about being haltered. She has Opinions about being caught, I have to convince her by walking and blocking with her. But I always let her know I'm pleased once she's haltered! Silly mare.
The new stirrups didn't add any weight to the saddle, in fact they may be lighter than the leather wrapped ones it came with. That was the only thing I was concerned about, so bonus!
Ruby has definitely gotten... rotund, shall we say?
That back cinch is on the last hole, both sides and it's pretty snug! I always ride with the back cinch laying on the belly, so I reckon in another month I won't be saddling her, so I hope to get in a few rides this month while the weather holds, even if they are only round pen rides. I didn't really ride this time, just had Ted longe me on her so I could get the feel for the stirrups. Her back has gotten really round too, so the saddle is wanting to roll a bit. I also had to go with a longer cinch.
I took her for a stroll up to the mail box and back through the hay field, we both enjoyed the walk. She strides right out beside me on a loose lead, not perfectly but pretty good. A couple times I had to ask her to move over and not crowd me. Although I wasn't riding, everything I do with her is a learning curve for both of us. I see that she is willing and not reactive, and she sees that I am paying attention to her and keeping her safe - and letting her have a bite of one of the bales that are still on the field! Partnership isn't always achieved only in the saddle.
I will trim the excess strap from the bosal hanger, and add a throatlatch rope.
Ruby isn't the only one getting large- check out Velvet's baby belly!
She looks huge already but remember she is only 14 hands. She is due in 4 months! For an older mare, she is holding her weight really well through this pregnancy, and I see no reason that she won't have a lovely healthy foal at the age of almost 24. (Which she will be on May 16 next year.) Here is what she looked like as a baby.
If her foal looks anything like that I will be over the moon!
4 comments:
So good to hear that you are enjoying the girls! Foals are something to look forward to...lets think a Filly or two!
What a stunning photo of her!
I love lighter stirrups, they are always easier on the knees too. My girls get a little rounder in the winter also.
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I can’t wait to see the babies!
You’re going to have a fun spring/summer with those babies. I hope you get one like that! What a beauty.
I agree about the benefit of hand walking. It adds to the relationship in saddle. I’m thinking of doing one of the goal challenges again this year. I did a 100 and a 150 day challenge in past years, and those were my best years with my horses. Life gets so busy and the horses get pushed to the back burner.
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