Busy weekend - and some minor frustrations

Saturday I took both boys for the first time by myself to Sandy’s. Luckily Saumur and Remy load and travel well. We had really good lessons, with voluntary (saddle trial) and involuntary (left double bridle at home) equipment changes.

Remy sported the Triumph saddle to see if he and I like it. It really fits him well, and I do like it, too. Sandy commented on how good my position was in this saddle as opposed to my Wave. Still, this is a big investment, so I need more rides before being absolutely sure. Luckily Luanne let me have it for a 10 day trial.

I do feel a bit awkward about the saddle situation, as Sandy is sponsored by a different saddle company that takes very good care of her. So naturally, it is important that her students should support that particular company. I’d like to do it but.. The saddle fitter comes from out of State. Sandy does a great job organizing the fittings at her barn, but naturally there are often months before the appointments, and then everybody has to be scheduled at a specific day.  OTOH, Luanne has been working with JP and me for years, and she always provided great service. And I do like the saddles better… and Luanne is local, and very accommodating to our schedules.

Saumur got to go in Remy’s snaffle, as I had left his double bridle at home. He was a very good boy, but note to self: if it is hot, hands are sweaty, and you are having laced reins: wear gloves! We did a cool exercise: 10 m canter circle on the center line then continue on the 20 m circle in counter canter, returning to a 10m circle on the center line in true canter.

The boys got a stay for a slumber party while we had a nice dinner with Sandy and Francis at the Redwood lodge. I definitely prefer sitting on the patio, inside I feel like my salad and I are scrutinized by the huge stuffed moose head on the wall.

Sundays lessons were more challenging, and I got really frustrated with myself. I am, and always have been, my own worst critic. Sandy wanted me to do a counter turn on the forehand, and with my left/right issue (“no, not this right, the other one”!) I felt I’d never get it. Good thing two out of three (Sandy and Saumur) kept their cool!

Then frustration with the saddle – I could not get the stirrups onto the trial saddle (I had been swapping leathers and irons between the saddles). The space was way too tight. In order not to waste too much time I used Saumur’s saddle and have to say, both Remy and I would have preferred the new one. With Remy, the key still is determination on my part. To make him more supple we work on breaking straight lines up with a lot of circles. The nice thing is that each ride is another building block on the previous one. Sure is better than me building up my left-right issues!