Monday, February 23, 2009

Sailing with Skate

Man, it was windy on Sunday! I went out to have a quick ride and found myself wondering what the heck I was thinking? No horse could possibly stay quiet and focused in those winds!

Surprising, Skate handled it very well. I didn't get a whole lot of really good work in...but he was very quiet. Coming down the long side a few times it was so windy I thought I was going to get blown off! I did some good trotwork and some nice cantering and called it a good ride.

I have switched his bit from a plain mullen mouth to a Sprenger due - which is like a Nathe, but cheaper. I was hoping the rubbery surface would reduce the gnawing...and it has, but just a little. Now I just can't hear him gnawing : ) Unfortunately, I'm already noticing some gnaw marks in the rubber...even though its guaranteed for 3 years! Plus, the brakes in that bit are almost nonexistant. That doesn't really bother me, b/c it just shows me I need to work more on stopping him from my seat, but it might not be a good choice for trails or jumping. Ha.

5 comments:

Andrea said...

Well, I'm impressed you rode. Pro just got lunged and even then the lunge line was catching the wind and giving him some very odd signals!

I like the idea of rubber mouth bits, but I've never had very good luck with them holding up. Good luck on keeping yours in one piece.

Double A Training said...

Sounds like an exciting ride! I haven't ever had luck with rubber either. They always seem too thick and get in the way of my signals.

ChristieNCritters said...

I am impressed you rode, too! When my lesson was canceled, I must say I decided to not ride in that wind.

Kate said...

YAY, great motivation to get out there and ride in the wind!!

Look at the progress with his squirrely-ness. :) He handled the wind great!

PiaffePlease said...

wow, yay for him being a trooper in the wind!!