So its not really a battle - he actually seemed to like the latest trial saddle, an Albion K2 Genesis (if nothing else, the name sound cool). It seems to fit him very well and is a great fit for me. Immediately found the balance point, nice long flaps, and it helps with my tipping problem. I wish the seat were a bit squishier - I can imagine it could be uncomfy on long trail rides.
I hadn't ridden the beast in a week, so I expected the worst and was pleasantly surprised. He was relaxed and rhythmic throughout our ride, which was mostly spent on 20m circles in every corner, attempting to get a connection to the outside rein, which was sporadic, as usual (can i get another comma in there?). He did do his usual spook at nothing, which is a given after a week of not riding. I have learned that he always spooks in the same direction- to the left. I'm onto your nonsense, Skate!
His canter was lovely and I got a moderately balanced 20m circle in his bad direction and let him relax. We did some walk spiral ins to a TOF in both directions to end the ride. I started in his bad direction so we would end on a good note, but he hardly fought me at all. Good pony.
He had a chiro cracking on Monday, so that could have contributed to his relaxation. She said he was out in multiple places, although the worst was his lower back and hips, which is probably why he feels so stiff in the hind end. She wants me to do belly lifts and butt tucks with him to get his back up.
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I know how to do the belly lifts, but how do you do the butt tucks?
That's great that he was so good after a week off! :) A little vacation never hurts them and I've heard that it can even be good to help "solidify" new things that they're learning, so what you might lose in fitness, you gain (hopefully!) in understanding. :)
INTERESTING that he always spooks left...I bet he'll be mad to find out that you've discovered that trick!
Oooh, congrats on the potential new saddle. And good boy Skate for being good despite the time off!
Butt Tucks: If you're standing directly behind the horse (if they don't kick!) - about 4 inches out from the top of the dock of the tail, in the hamstring 'groove', you can scratch upwards and they'll do the butt tuck.
Kate- Or can you just be evil and spray cold water up their tail. That also works as really great butt-tuck! Hehehe! (evil grin)
Gabby, I'm glad YOU'RE not abusing Skate by doing that! And I'm glad the ride went so well!!
Btw- the saddle sounds uber-nice!
Sounds like he was ready to get back to work. Congrats on finding a saddle that fits both of you!
Hahah Mary - I do that in the summer! Ellen's method sounds a bit more friendly for the winter. ;)
Oh, yeah - if you want a serious butt tuck, do the water thing with freezing cold water in the winter! I did that accidentally the other day when I was washing Skate's tail and he folded up to 1/2 his original length!
Skate Origami!
yay, new saddle!!!
It sounds like this was a really good ride! Yay!
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