On Friday we put a saddle on Riley. Bob was there to videotape, but he missed the first minute or so. As it happens, you didn't miss anything. Riley took it all in stride (so to speak), and we had to "make" him canter so that he could get used to the feeling of cantering under saddle.
Watching him I can't help but think he's not quite right from the abscess, or perhaps the saddle is really inhibiting his movement. He just looks a bit flat to me. Can't put my finger on it...
And here is the desensitization session.
Well, that was my trainer's jumping saddle -- so light, so small! Sunday I put my 18" heavier dressage saddle on Riley. That got a bit more reaction, but it lasted only a few seconds. He kept turning and walking toward me, with a look that said "Can we be done with this?" If I was ever nervous about backing him (and riding him) I'm over it. My goal is to be on his back by July.
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Nice job! My Tucker was similarly unimpressed with the saddle. I think the bronco image so often expressed is not necessarily the norm.
ReplyDeleteRiley is a nice mover and a pleasure to watch. I especially like his canter. He looks really well balanced. He's going to be a wonderful ride.
Thanks! His movement has improved steadily since he was a yearling, but I think he is moving a bit short due to the abscess and subsequent hole in his foot. Someone recently emailed me that he had a problem -- said that he was landing toe first, navicular waiting to happen, etc. I suspect they wrote out of concern, but FWIW he has his mom's gait mechanics. I'd like to try to do a slow-mo of his foot falls...
ReplyDeleteLove your annotations and choice of music! Also, just goes to show, that when you do all your ground work, saddling is no big deal. Ah, and you're on "Twitter" so will go find you there!
ReplyDeleteD'aww... Riley is so cute.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like your progress is steady - that's how it's supposed to be - uneventful! Riley is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the big step! Riley looks completely unimpressed with the "desensitizing". :)
ReplyDeleteYou and Riley are getting along famously. He looks like he will be an intelligent mount for you. Check the kidneys for the "flat back" you mentioned. You might even try acupuncture with him to relieve stress in the area.
ReplyDeleteRiley looks unphased, which is great. He's very cute, hunter judges would love him!!! I have been working with my youngster who I think is about the same age as Riley. The first time I got on her she could have cared less.
ReplyDeleteAw very cute! Riley has very nice movement.
ReplyDeletenicely uphill in the first picture!
ReplyDeleteBay horse, I think he was born desensitized :-)
ReplyDeleteFive O'Clock, he's pretty hunter-y, but he needs to do dressage too! Let's hope.
Congrats!!
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