New Saddle, Improved Attitude!

Well the rain and snow have hit us big time this week. We took a day off to find a saddle that would better fit Nike and went to the Fairgrounds Arena again on 01/13/16, braving the heavy rain and chilly temperatures, to test drive the newly acquired saddle. Argent had a foot owie so he got the day off and got to hang out to watch the shenanigans. After our groundwork lesson review –which went really well and we introduced some new to Nike exercises – and then Laurie played stunt rider to test out the new saddle so I could focus on Ronan (we have a 3 Day Clinic coming up with Clinton Anderson in about four weeks). The ride went really well. Nike flowed into the trot MUCH easier and even got into the lope for partial laps around the arena several times! We worked on the walk/trot/lope skills together (both horses), worked on several “bending” exercises, worked on our steering wheels and evens some Forward/Backward/Forward transitions. All in all it was a great session and we could not be more proud of Nike. Finding a saddle that fit her better was really helpful too. We still need to get a smaller cinch (like 24”) but that may have to wait until later in the week. It is a journey but we are seeing Nike really begin to find herself and her confidence! It can only get better from this point!

Saturday is our next Downunder Brumbies group practice at Ed Hughes Memorial Arena in Ione (home of the COWS). Nike should be ready for ALL of the groundwork focus exercises and most of the riding focus exercises. Should be a fun day!