FINALLY the new saddle arrived Monday safe and sound. This morning I decided to take it for a test run. Rhonda and Mark were there to watch and I am sure Mark was hoping for some rodeo action!
The new saddle fitted beautifully and there was no buck with the rear cinch after some lunging at all three paces. I headed to the round yard and jumped on board again no buck no nothing at all three paces.
Full of bravado I decided to head out into the paddock. My first hint at evasion of some sort (not moving forward) was when we were going past the feeding yards..no biggie just a smooch and a flick on the rump and we kept on towards the gate. However, I was prepared for some kind of resistance to heading out away from the yards. Sure enough once I mounted up on the other side of the gate and asked her to go forward, she began to resist and some popping of the front feet started.
Everything I have been reading and watching on videos starts rushing into my head, loose rein, keep her moving, dis-engage the hind quarter. Then at one point she gets her chance and up she goes in a mini rear to try and turn back towards the gate, however I felt safe and fully in control thanks in part to my new 'non self emptying saddle' and months of riding good ole Monty and getting my seat back.
I was ready to take her on and we persisted up the hill with some more resistance but no more rearing. A few one rein stops and circles were required, but other than that I believe today's victory was mine...mmwwwaaahhhhhh. We even crossed some water with no evasion whatsoever which previously would have created an issue for her.
I am left thinking that after Roxy was started, by her previous owner, there wasnt an awful lot of trail riding involved. She is very much at ease in the round yard or arena, but not so keen on riding away by herself. I am going to need to put some hours in that is for sure, but now I am armed with the knowledge and the tools to see this thing through and at the end of the day Roxy is my bud and we have a great bond....she just wasnt really expecting me to know more than her today and she sulked a bit. Back in the yard after she ate she stood with her head against my thigh just basically admitting defeat.
Round 1 to me but I am sure being a female Roxy will have other days where she might test me...I am ready!
Love Lorrie
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