Trying new things

It's been some time since I've updated.

One thing I've found that really has helped me with my confidence is finding the right saddle to ride in. I had been riding my paint mare in a child sized western saddle, and every time she did something silly I'd fall off. Last time I hurt my knee pretty badly. The seat size was fine for the saddle, but the stirrup length was just too short. So I did some research and bought an Abetta endurance saddle with a memory foam seat (Abetta Trinity). It's amazing how much that's helped! Not only do I feel secure, but it's super cushioned. I haven't come off once since I bought it. I left it at the trainer's stable for a week and it's too bad I'm not an Abetta rep, because I sold three of them. Just to brag a little, I didn't even feel my hear rate raise when I was trotting my horse around the arena and he tripped and fell to his knees. It just felt like I was going down an incline.

I really want to ride English, but right now I just need help getting my confidence back. My next transition will probably be to more of an English style endurance saddle. And as much as I love my limited edition Crosby saddle, I think I'm done using it. It's just too slick for the type of horses I ride.

So now I'm enjoying riding a lot more (doing more cantering and jumping), and have a lot more stability. I feel like I can't fall out of my saddle, which has done wonders for my ability. I didn't realize just how important this was, but it makes sense...I have a fear of falling off, and now I have something that helps me keep from falling off. Of course, that comes with lessons 2-3 days/week, too.

Well, off for the weekend. Keep riding!