Making progress!

Although I have to admit this summer is not going as I planned, I'm staying optimistic.  Copper isn't limping anymore, and I'm looking forward to starting her on light work to get her ready for lessons.  I don't know when that will be, but as long as she's okay, I'll be okay.  Phoenix has had his back adjusted and I'm figuring out what kind of saddle he needs.  This has been soooo educational!  I feel pretty sorry for him that it's taken me this long to figure it out, but luckily for me he's pretty forgiving.

I'm currently trying out a Western Rawhide Barrel Racing saddle.  It's kind of funny, because Phoenix is not naturally a speed horse!  However, there's a good chance he'd move better if he's comfortable!  I really like this saddle.  It's lightweight, nice looking, and fits him the best of the seven saddles I've tried out so far!!  He is moving so much more nicely with it.  On our last right I had him loping off from a standstill, on both leads, which he hasn't done in… well, I can't remember if I've ever been able to get him to lope from a halt on the left lead.  So there's definitely an improvement!! There's still a problem though.  After a half hour of riding, the saddle has slipped back about a hand-width from where it was when I cinched him up.  I'm not sure if it's settling into where it should be, because it doesn't feel right from where I'm sitting, and it doesn't look right either.  But then, at this point, I'm doubting everything!  My next step is to try different saddle pads and cinches, because those things all can make a difference too.  I figured out years ago that he's got a short back compared to the rest of his proportions. Phoenix is a very unique shape!

I'm grateful to all the help I'm getting from Dennis Ropp at Sprucewood Tack Shop.  He's been here to check the fit and give advice and it's been valuable, especially with them being just down the road from me.


As a result of being sore, he's developed some cranky habits while being ridden.  Right now I'm sorting out what's actual discomfort and what's attitude.  I can tell he's slowly dropping his sourness as he figures out that he's not hurting.  Horses are creatures of habit and if they get used to pain, they react, they expect to feel pain, and that reaction becomes behaviour.  Luckily for us, that can be reversed if we can prove to them that they're ok!

So there hasn't been much action out here, and yes that is worrisome when I've got bills to pay and less income!!  But I thank you all for your patience!

I didn't think I needed  so much time off this summer, but apparently my horses decided otherwise.

I hope to be getting back to lessons next week (august 18th) and have a few booked.  Remember, if you need a horse fix, just give me a call and see if I'm home.  The horses and I would always like to see you!