so embarrassed part2 pics

[Tuff_up]

i am going to go into the past about 6 months ago when my mare wouldn't allow an english rider(even an experienced rider) on her let alone an english saddle (that fit). she was getting very dangerous...

now we gave up the idea of english riding until the really good deal and i decided to give it one more chance. ME a rider that has barely any experience in english is going to try!

well the saddle arrived and lets say my confidence went down a bit when my 17 yr old mare started acting 3! first it was spook at everything, next it was chew on everything mommas bringing out, lets bolt whilst lunging, lets spook some more then lets escape! so good thing i had all safety procautions on.

so we tacked up and as you can see she wasn't very pleased (hence high avoiding head)
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t230/Tuff_up/P1010778.jpg

then i got on ...
as i promised here are the pics they aren't the greatest i only did walk/trot on her today (she has a wonky western pleasure lope so it should be fun). ohh and amazingly i can sit pretty well to an english working trot:D oh by the way can you tell i like purple?

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t230/Tuff_up/meenglish1.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t230/Tuff_up/meenglish2.jpg

so before i allow some criticism i need to say that if you didn't read my first thread i am a western rider, if my stirrup leathers are longer than should be please tell me but i put them there because i felt comfortable and it was either be comfy and nervous, or uncomfy and nervous which one would you have choosen? i also know that i am looking down i do it all the time not only in english, its a habit that i am trying to break. but any more critism is welcome. enjoy

[5.7FB+16.2FC]

you both look fab!!:D

[Est]

Great - I've been waiting for this update with my fingers crossed for you! :D
She looks very relaxed and calm when you're on. I'm not going to critique your riding, you look fine. I LOVE all the purple BTW! :D

[Tuff_up]

thanks guys i was hoping to go for another ride today but unfortunatly work calls. Est Great - I LOVE all the purple BTW!
i have more purple stuff
- protection boots
-western blankets
-winter/summer blankets
-my shipping boots(purplish brown)
-halter/lead
-lungeline
-polo wraps
-tail bag
-my western saddle (the leather is dyed to have a purple effect(walnut))
-my western show bridle (same as above)
-my english tack is the same as above (its walnut)

[lauraandharvey]

no the strirrups look fine
they maybe need to be a little longer if you were schooling
but definatly take them up a notch for hacking
and espeically for jumping
hope to see more pics of your mare in the english saddle!
xx

[cwb]

Looks like you are sitting too far back in that saddle and possibly you have the saddle too far forward on the withers 'cos it looked canted backwards - pommel & cantle should be level.

May just be the photos, but you sould be in the deepest part of the saddle and be able to put one hand on the saddle behind your bum!

[Tuff_up]

thanks for that bit of info-i plant to never jump.

that one picture did look weird to me too i hope its cause the saddle isn't to small! i think its just me being so used to having a huge western saddle and being able to sit back on "my pockets to say" now i have to ride more on my crotch. see my horse was spooky so i was sitting as deep as i could possibly go.

[KAB]

You both look like a natural to it - well done to both of you! First impression for me was that the saddle did look a tad too far forward, but again it may be the angle of the picture. I am dreadful when I am putting the saddle on, I always worry that I havent got it in the correct place - but has time has past I have got the hang of it. Your stirrups look fine sweet!

Well done - there will be no stopping you both now!

[Tuff_up]

well my pictures are not working today but i will be posting MORE pictures and these ones will show the saddle properly and me riding more on my crouch. the saddle is a bit small but its my weight loss goal:D i have already lost 25 pounds so i am working on it ( i acctually have a medical problem).
so i will give you the update ...
so busy cramming for final exams so this will be the second time i rode in this saddle...
she was being a nag (tried to bite me when i tightened the girth) but had no problem when i got on. practiced our outline, i went for a few trots, some sitting trot/jog. it was going well so i asked for a canter and as soon as i asked for it she bucked and i stopped her from doing any more(i was a bundle of nerves). second round we acctually did canter for about 20 meters before i decided that i had passed out of my comfortable/confident boundary and we ended it on a good note. pictures will come out sooner.

[PurpleHammer]

First of all, there is nothing wrong with the color purple. In fact, I'd say we need more of it and more people to like it! :D

When you're riding English, you need to keep your knee rolled in towards the saddle (there should be no daylight between your knee and the saddle). I can't see too well (I'm legally blind) so I don't know if you have this problem or not (although I'm sure others here can point out how useless that thought is for you), but I thought I'd mention it just in case.

As for your horse and being crabby, is that only happening when you ride English? I ask because you might want to make sure the saddle fits right (for example, maybe you might need a bounce pad?) and if you're using the right bit. (In this sense, maybe have a vet check your horses' back and mouth.) Also, some horses don't like the English stirrups because they can bang on their sides and that might be bothersome. Or, maybe your horse might not like English because you're supposed to have more rein contact? Just some ideas, hope things go well for you!


~PurpleHammer~

[Tuff_up]

we have had the chiro work on her for 2 sessions, and that bit is what i rode her in last year aswell but i have switched the bit to a curb for my western riding. she completely hates short rein and in huntseat for American Quarterhorse shows we don't use a tight rein in driving, western, or english so the tight rein aint it. I think i mentioned this before but she has been in work for 10 months now she is 17 and hasn't been ridden for 10 years. she is always testing you and this is just another test even a western well fitted saddle she does her butt popping so i think just like my western saddle i have to show her that she can treat me the same as before.