3rd assessment of the Albion-our first ride in it.
Side note- I know this is not %100 the saddle he had also been adjusted since the last time we had a ride so I know that had something to do with it. But it has to be half of it. I did also use my Lami-cell pad to ensure the wither clearance I want.
First off HOLY fricken Lazy-boy, riding in that thing is like making sweet, sweet love to the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man(glad my family doesn't read this cause they may be blushing).
I am slapped right into a great position and not shoved in the back seat like normal. It fits me like a dream. My knees don't come near the edge of the flaps like every other saddle I've ridden in. It is like my knees are sitting in a big fluffy cloud of perfectness. It was amazing!
But all that aside and in all seriousness I have NEVER ridden Steady Smiler happier than he was today. I can't put into words how amazing it was. He offered round from step ONE! He was stretching and reaching for contact every single step. For one stride he threw his head up in the air and it was like he realized, "wait, this doesn't hurt! No need to fight." and that was the only stride like it. If this is the horse that I will have all the time when he is comfortable I am clueless how far he could go. I have seen moments of him showing that quality of movement so I knew it was in there but I didn't know why it wasn't consistent. Just moments here and there. His free walk was SO big and swingy that it could jar one's lower back with his neck stretched low. I was walking around with tears running down my cheeks because I have NEVER ridden this horse before. I mean I have ridden Steady hundreds of times but I have NEVER ridden this horse. I have never felt that kind of relaxation during a ride from him. The same thing at the trot, tears, tears of relief, guilt, joy, and excitement. Relief knowing my horse is happy. Guilt knowing he could have had this all along. Joy to be riding the horse I was riding. Excitement for what the future holds for us.
Yay!!!!
ReplyDeleteLose the guilt, hold the joy, and lean into a wonderful future, you!
ReplyDeleteYAY!!! I am so happy for you!! Also I busted out laughing at your reference to the marshmellow man. LOL!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat Muddy K said.
ReplyDeleteThis is sooo wonderful! I'm excited for you. I remember the feeling when I got Rogo's good saddle a year ago.
That is so awesome!!! I really hope this saddle works out for you. Aren't you going to a saddle fitting clinic soon (or am I thinking of a different blogger?)? If you are you should take it with you. I'm so excited for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for cheering us on, I love having you all in my corner! I am going to a week long clinic and we will be seeing a saddle fitter while there so we will be getting an expert opinion soon.
ReplyDelete