Sunday's Ride On Sport

... so Sandy and Leslie have been working with Sport in the baby Weymouth bridle..or so that is what they call it.  Along with that, I was thrilled to have my Knoud sidesaddle back from Lillian to try out on him.

Welllll..... it was raining really hard Sunday morning and I tried to wait it out, but honestly after 30 minutes, I could hardly sit still!  I grabbed the Knoud saddle... the saddle pad.. the stirrup and stirrup leather which I had removed prior to shipping it out for repairs.  I grabbed my gloves, my cane and off I went ..... without my girth or balance strap!   AARRGGGHHHHH!

The grooms are amazing at Bluebonnet they used a saddle seat girth and something off of an old harness for the balance strap just so I could ride.  Trust me when I say it was not pretty.. in fact, it was actualy a bit difficult because the girth had elastic on one end.

First I rode Chippers.  He is such a great sport about it all.  With one sentence I can give you the whole picture... Chipper's is WAY too fat for my Knoud sidesaddle!

Sport, on the other hand is a bit more svelt.  The Knoud sat perfectly on his back...and I felt really good in this saddle too..albeit it was slipping to the left.  I believe it was because I did not have the correct girth and balance strap, but just in case, i will ride again next Sunday and compare with the right equipment.  I have a felt pad that can be easily inserted under the left panel if needed.. so we shall see.  And Sport.. well, he is starting to understand his new bridle a bit better.  He only flipped his head once during our whole ride and honestly, it was my fault.  I took ahold to quickly when adjusting my reins.

I wish I had a tack room full of sidesaddles to choose from.. but with what I do have, I need to have 2 that I can interchange easily that are both in working condition and that both the horse and I am comfortable with.  Inbetween the Owen and the Knoud, I think I have that recipe.