Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Jumping lesson and saddle review

Since I told myself I had to write a recap post (which I might add was incredibly frustrating since blogger was being a PITA with my pictures!), I've procrastinated on writing about our jumping that happened last week.  We made the trek up to Tryon to Amy's last Wednesday - it's been a while since we've been to Amy's as in before Thanksgiving.

Amy was running a little behind and I got to do my new warm-up which was even better since it was in a flat arena.  I was pretty happy with how Charlie went on the flat and Amy was as well.  We still have work to do with regards to him pushing more from behind but he's getting it!  

I was a little nervous for the jumping since we haven't really jumped that much - maybe 4 times since our last lesson.  Amy's favorite warm-up exercise is 2 rails on the ground, 42 feet apart.  The goal is to canter over them and get 3 strides comfortably in-between.  I hate this exercise since I can't do the pole thing to save my life.  Charlie was little strong and I had to work harder then usual to keep him supple but forward enough to get the 3 strides.  We then moved onto a small vertical with a placing pole, landing left and then right.  He was quite good for this exercise - I just need to make sure I don't duck right when we turn that way on landing.  This ended up being the theme for most of the jumping.  After this, we did 4 canter bounces.  I was little worried about this one as I don't think Charlie had ever done a canter bounce but he was great.  Amy basically wanted me to gallop down to them and let him figure it out - eeeek!  I think I may have closed my eyes....just kidding!  But I wanted to! 

After the bounces, we moved onto little courses and this is where my ducking really became evident.  My right side is definitely weaker and Charlie is more prone to falling in on the right so that just compounds the problem.  Good thing Cherie's showing up this week - she's going to whip us into shape!  All in all, it was a good lesson and lots to work on - too bad the weather has been crappy and too wet to really ride.

Now for the saddle review.  I've had my saddle for about a year now so I feel like I've had it long enough to have a good feel.  I have a CWD SE01 which is the somewhat flatter model and I absolutely adore it!  I am most definitely a tack snob and will go without before I sacrifice on leather quality and I have been extremely happy with how this saddle broke in and how it's worn.  My second ride in it was XC schooling and I felt so secure even though it had been oiled maybe once.  Charlie likes it too!  I was a little concerned about the foam panels just because I had no experience with them but I really like them so far.  My only concern is how do you know when they need to be replaced?  

I will say the one major downside to this saddle was having to go through a rep.  I didn't really like that process - maybe it was just the rep but I was very unimpressed.  If I hadn't liked the saddle so much (and I mean I flat out knew this was The One), I would have been very turned off of the brand.  

 
My lovely saddle which will be pried from my very cold, very dead hands.

In other news, I clipped Charlie AGAIN!  For those of you counting, this was clip #3.  I know he doesn't look furry but his coat is incredibly dense and since it was 74 freaking degrees this past weekend, he needed a haircut!  Besides, I had to test out my new clippers (Christmas present!) and they worked brilliantly.

Haircut!  

I found this on Facebook for some company I like - can't remember for the life of me which one it was. Seemed appropriate in light of everyone's 2013 goals posts (originally inspired by A Filly's Best Friend).  I've decided I'm stealing SprinklerBandit's goals so I don't have to make my own. ;)

 

Dressage lesson with Carolyn tomorrow and then hopefully one with Cherie on Friday afternoon.  So excited that Cherie is here for her annual 8 weeks!


15 comments:

  1. Hey..I love it! Aint that the truth :)

    PS I have major saddle envy!!!

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    1. ;-) Saddle was totally worth spending 6 months in the desert - only way I could afford it.

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  2. Haha, it will be easy to keep ourselves accountable that way. :) Love the saddle, agree on the reps. Steph's theory is that people like to be treated like crap when buying expensive items because it makes them think that EVEN MORE IMPORTANT people are buying it ahead of them. Lol.

    4 canter bounces? That sounds really fun.

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    1. She is sooooo right! She made me feel as significant as a piece of lint you pick out of your pocket. :(

      4 bounces = terror the first go round. After that, fun. ;)

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  3. I love the look of that saddle, Gatsby's saddle is awful! Sounds like you had a really good ride, and I bet you can't wait to see Cherie :D

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    1. Oh my gosh - so excited to see Cherie! And can't wait for her to see Charlie!

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  4. DANG 3 clips, I can't even imagine! Your saddle is beautiful!

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    1. Me either - silly pony! And it's not like I let him freeze - the horse has more clothes then I do!

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  5. Um yeah I love your saddle.. you should send it to me to "try" :)

    LOVE that quote/fb pic! So true!

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    1. Haha! Thanks - I'd say I'll think about it but I don't want to lie. ;)

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  6. Your saddle looks like a dream to ride in.

    Have fun in all your lessons, sounds like a great lineup!

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    1. Thanks! Very excited to see Cherie - most excited for her to see how much progress we've made!

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    1. Yup - luv the french saddles! Had one before this one and loved it too. I quite like my dressage County but I think it's too curvy for Charlie - fits him perfectly in the shoulder though.

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  8. Your saddle is gorgeous. The new clip looks great :)

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