Spoiling the saddle .. and a butler for Remy

So, the new saddle is home for daily massages. Hmm, with all the TLC I'm sure it wouldn't want to go back home to Canada. JP built a very nifty saddle stand that converts from a regular stand so the saddle can be upside down safely for cleaning. Perfect, of course, to apply conditioner and massage the flaps to make them softer. The stand has three wheels so it rolls easily, an extra storage compartment when its closed, and a retractable handle. Pretty ingenious!

JP said "It's not Christmas if Remy isn't home" so Remy came home to enjoy R&R with his BFF Chambord. I was leery about the weather, but Remy deserved his Christmas vacation. And Michigan being Michigan... there is no way I can get him back to Judy's today in the snow storm. Merry Christmas, Remy! Your personal stall butler will be happy to spoil you a bit longer. But I do think a generous tip for Christmas would be appreciated... May I suggest more consistency in the changes?

Did I finally find my Holy Grail of Saddles? - Perhaps, but it first needs massage

Well, Thursday was the day: My new Schleese Tribute finally arrived. The whole new saddle process took about 15 months. Normally it takes three months for a custom saddle, but the one I had ordered previously was built wrong so it had to go back. Other saddles along the same line I tried also felt "off" (like sitting on a 2 by 4).  Luanne (the saddle fitter) is a super knowledgeable and patient professional and without her I would have given up on Schleese. After much trial and lots of "nope, not liking it" I finally ordered the Tribute - but not before swallowing very hard at the price tag.

The Tribute I test rode was beautiful, two tone with floral tooling. I liked the feel, but not the looks. Too flashy for me ... and as Judy reminded me "If you show up in this you better ride darn well". Duly noted! So I designed it to my liking :-)

With all the trials and tribulations to get the saddle I was pretty nervous to ride in it. Even though I rode in a demo and liked it, there was a chance that it could be different as every saddle is unique because it's hand crafted. What if it didn't fit/feel good to me and/or Remy?? I gingerly gave it a try with Luanne watching with an eagle eye. Well, Remy had a new swing to his step immediately. Whew! I rode it in my lesson on Friday and more Whew! Judy liked how Remy was going and my position after some fumbling around on my part. It's a bit more challenging for me to find my 'sweet spot' due to a more forward balanced seat..

All is well... except... the lower edges of the flaps are darn stiff.  No worries, says Luanne: "JP just has to massage the flaps this weekend and it will be fine".  Somehow I don't think massaging a saddle was JPs plan for Christmas ... pass the Woodford Reserve*, please!

*Kentucky Bourbon

A new resolve - and he still amazes me

Resolve = "Decide firmly on a course of action"

It was a bit of a bumpy road back to riding, marred by my being sick, but now Remy and I are finally  back into the swing of things. I am full of my new found resolve to be the leader that Remy needs: I will not get rattled when he tries to get out of work by resorting to antics!  Experiencing the show in Stuttgart was really an eye opener: All the horses performed at the top level in the very charged atmosphere (8,000 screaming people and music blasting) ... and I worry about Remy shying in Judy's indoor arena?! Really?!

So during the last rides I really buckled down and stayed focused. Sure enough, Remy did the same. Hmm - Duh! Things are going well, Remy is more through, and I think we are very close to nailing the changes consistently. It would be presumptuous to think that me currently still pretty much dilettante attempts using the Masterson Method make a big difference, but I do think it helps. Can't wait for the advanced course in Tucson in January (and yes, leaving Michigan in the midst of winter for sunny Arizona is an added perk).

Today was a cold, snowy and blustery day - and  I had another reminder how JP still wows me after 28 years together:
He came home asking if we had a spare horse blanket we could donate "because the horse down the road looks cold".
How many men would do this??

And yes, we did have a clean blanket - and the 20 year old Standardbred recently rescued will be sporting it.