If you've been reading regularly, you probably saw my one or two sentences about the saddles for sale.
16" barrel saddle
17" HDR event Pro , medium tree
17" Wintec 500 dressage, convertible gullet
17" Collegiate close contact, convertible gullet
This seems like it'd be simple enough to see these four. $400 for the barrel saddle, $300 each for the HDR and the Wintec, and $450 for the collegiate. Honestly, entirely fair prices for their condition, especially given the new purchase price, and the fact that all but the HDR look almost brand new, hardly used. I'd guess the Wintec and the Collegiate aren't even "broke in" due to low use and good care.
Yet the economy stinks, and everyone wants "something for nothing". I've been buried in questions, emails, and persistent emails. No, I don't want to sell them for less, I'm not that desperate for cash. No, I'm not going to google them brand new for you and get a "what they cost everywhere else" estimate - that's your job. No, I don't have serial or registration #s for them. One potential buyer and I exchanged 16 emails before she said "oh nevermind, I'm buying a different one". Another wanted specific measurements with a ruler, and when I told her, "If I do that, it costs my time and help to measure and take pictures of each measurement. Price increases to reflect you don't believe me on saddle size", she explained "she'll go buy somewhere else". Knock yourself out, ma'am, doesn't hurt my feelings.
If you're interested in any of these four saddles, please ask. I've got pictures, but I don't feel like paying for photo ads. The Wintec is listed on eBay as a trial for me, first item on the sale list. If it sells on eBay, I'll list the rest of them there too, one at a time.
Why am I selling this collection? None of them fit me, or Harley, for our given purposes. He's stocky, and the convertibles don't seem sturdy enough for his conformation. The barrel saddle has sat inside for over two years now, not been used, and takes up space. I'm hoping all four will sell so I can make a generous payment on a new jump saddle to fit Harley and I both.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
1-11-13 I thought I could
Harley longed in side reins, one ground pole set on the circle. He's slowly starting to learn to canter over the pole, not break to trot, canter back after the pole. I longed him for about 25 minutes in the side reins, then took them off. He immediately went out at a walk, long&low, stretched down. Fantastic.
Mo out on just the longeline, absolute friggen nut. Bucked and kicked out, then galloped like a wildman for 10 minutes. There was no stopping him, and if I tried, he'd just kick out more. He settled, he relaxed, finally, and after 25 minutes total, I turned him back out in to his pasture. He rolled, immediately. *sigh*
Since, it's been entirely to wet to consider riding. When it was dry enough, it has also been bitterly cold for South Texas. Wind Chills in the low 30s, with a nice stiff wind, moderate humidity, and the occasional drizzle. Yuck.
Tonight may finally be dry enough for some light longe and ride. I don't anticipate the daylight for both horses, and I'm pretty sure Harley won't see the side reins. Just a nice slow day, warming us back up to routine riding.
Mo out on just the longeline, absolute friggen nut. Bucked and kicked out, then galloped like a wildman for 10 minutes. There was no stopping him, and if I tried, he'd just kick out more. He settled, he relaxed, finally, and after 25 minutes total, I turned him back out in to his pasture. He rolled, immediately. *sigh*
Since, it's been entirely to wet to consider riding. When it was dry enough, it has also been bitterly cold for South Texas. Wind Chills in the low 30s, with a nice stiff wind, moderate humidity, and the occasional drizzle. Yuck.
Tonight may finally be dry enough for some light longe and ride. I don't anticipate the daylight for both horses, and I'm pretty sure Harley won't see the side reins. Just a nice slow day, warming us back up to routine riding.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
1-7-13
I set up a low crossrail, a higher crossrail, a set of three trot poles, alternating ends elevated 4", and one pole alone, elevated 8" both ends. The last time I attempted this mess with Harley, he stomped through the fences, and knocked down more than I care to admit.
Last night, hop hop hop. I warmed him up in the side reins to stretch his body and continue his new muscle training. When I mounted, he walked off nose tucked and body up and round. As he reached down and out, looking for the bit, he was still trying to be "dressage pony". Harley found the contact, on a fairly loose rein, and settled nicely. We must have gone over each of thsoe obstacles, spread out over the arena in various places, a dozen times each way. I worked him evenly, trotting over everything. Didn't see a reason to force the canter, since there wasn't much set up for that. It's something to work up to, for sure. Nothing was knocked down, nothing stumbled over, and when we completed the cavaletti work, everything was set just as when we started.
A bit of canter on the dressage rein, more transitions than actual canter, and he was done for the day. About 40 minutes total, since every pole he saw was "clear", I didn't see a reason to insist on more.
Romeo? Snarly grouch. He was more concerned with the blowing trees and weeds (and the dogs he could hear and not see next door) than with my leg or seat. So I pointed him at the trot poles. "That oughta wake him up." Instead, it woke me up. Thump, splat. Mo knocked down *every* single pole he saw. The three trot poles? Knocked down and tipped over. The 8" vertical rail alone? Knocked down and rolled away. Total monster.
So he worked. Hard. Lots of long trot. Quite a bit more canter than he's done since the injury. His head was high in the sky, and I realized in the long trot/canter work, Romeo is ready to go back to his snaffle ring bit, and "get back to work".
Both boys will be back in action after the heavy rains that start today and finish late Wednesday. Well, after the rains finish, and the puddles soak into the ground.
Last night, hop hop hop. I warmed him up in the side reins to stretch his body and continue his new muscle training. When I mounted, he walked off nose tucked and body up and round. As he reached down and out, looking for the bit, he was still trying to be "dressage pony". Harley found the contact, on a fairly loose rein, and settled nicely. We must have gone over each of thsoe obstacles, spread out over the arena in various places, a dozen times each way. I worked him evenly, trotting over everything. Didn't see a reason to force the canter, since there wasn't much set up for that. It's something to work up to, for sure. Nothing was knocked down, nothing stumbled over, and when we completed the cavaletti work, everything was set just as when we started.
A bit of canter on the dressage rein, more transitions than actual canter, and he was done for the day. About 40 minutes total, since every pole he saw was "clear", I didn't see a reason to insist on more.
Romeo? Snarly grouch. He was more concerned with the blowing trees and weeds (and the dogs he could hear and not see next door) than with my leg or seat. So I pointed him at the trot poles. "That oughta wake him up." Instead, it woke me up. Thump, splat. Mo knocked down *every* single pole he saw. The three trot poles? Knocked down and tipped over. The 8" vertical rail alone? Knocked down and rolled away. Total monster.
So he worked. Hard. Lots of long trot. Quite a bit more canter than he's done since the injury. His head was high in the sky, and I realized in the long trot/canter work, Romeo is ready to go back to his snaffle ring bit, and "get back to work".
Both boys will be back in action after the heavy rains that start today and finish late Wednesday. Well, after the rains finish, and the puddles soak into the ground.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
2012 Completion
Romeo is back to work. We've been working 3-5 days a week, in the arena, focused on increasing intensity and time at each gait. This past week, I finally let him be a nut on the longe line for about 15 minutes. Why? Because he was being a nut in the pasture, and it was better I could control where he was than him running wild. The other two days I rode him, I cantered. A teensy little bit. 30m circles, once each way the first day, twice each way the second day. I expected some wildness, but was delighted to get a hesitant canter. He feels a little stiffer going left, expected as the left front had the injury. Still, he's moving nice, and will now be able to start getting back to work more often.
Harley and I had a nice lesson at BRM. I was hoping to ride some jump basics, but that sure didn't happen. I arrived there to 40F temperatures, and a brisk wind. He handled it really well, more interested in all the other horses than the weather. Me? I was froze, and tense, and knew full well this wasn't a day I could calm down in a postage-stamp saddle enough to push him over fences.
Instead, we wandered to the covered arena, and had a dressage lesson. And a lesson it was! I rode a little, Barb rode a little, and she decided it would be easier to teach him true shortened dressage reins and beginning collection from the ground. Barb reintroduced him to longe line with side reins, quite the feat. I explained Harley had been hollow and tense on the side reins with me. She showed that's because they were too long, and he "had an out". After 20 minutes of longing, she put me back on top. Myler combo bit, and the reins are now on the bottom hole. I laughed when she said, "You know, I think, in your hands, even on the lowest hole on that bit, you've got less leverage than a real snaffle!"
I was praised for my leg control. And seat control. And core body position. However, from the elbows down, I'm losing it. I'm not "holding on to him". Harley gives just a tiny bit at the poll, I release all rein pressure, and he pokes his nose back out. We rode for at least another half hour, lots of transitions. LOTS. Mostly trot/canter/trot. Biggest focus? MUCH shorter reins, and quiet hands. I found myself ignoring everything else, and trying to keep my hands soft but steady. I even realized I let my hands reach forward with every try Harley gives. Now, I'm focusing on keeping them steady front-to-back. Barb put some white tape on the reins, so I wouldn't go home guessing, "So is that where they go??"
We checked my jump saddle. No-go on saddle fit. This has been an ongoing problem, and it's not getting better. I have one more gullet to try, but based on some other efforts at home, I don't think it'll help. I've got three 17" English saddles and one 16" Western barrel saddle for sale... Ask me for details.
Harley *does* now understand what a stretchy trot break is. We had a serious argument our first ride back home after the lesson. I think he was hoping for "business as usual" back at home, and hoped an argument might get him out of work. The next day (after a jump saddle near-disaster), I hopped straight on bareback, and shortened up the reins to the tape. Outstanding. Harley relaxed immediately, came up to the bit, and stayed there. Steady for walk/halt/walk and walk/trot/walk. I kept things short, hoping he'd make a connection to his good behavior.
I do hope soon to have some video of the new reins and my hand position. At least for my own reference.
2013 goals coming soon.. if I can figure out what I want them to be.
Harley and I had a nice lesson at BRM. I was hoping to ride some jump basics, but that sure didn't happen. I arrived there to 40F temperatures, and a brisk wind. He handled it really well, more interested in all the other horses than the weather. Me? I was froze, and tense, and knew full well this wasn't a day I could calm down in a postage-stamp saddle enough to push him over fences.
Instead, we wandered to the covered arena, and had a dressage lesson. And a lesson it was! I rode a little, Barb rode a little, and she decided it would be easier to teach him true shortened dressage reins and beginning collection from the ground. Barb reintroduced him to longe line with side reins, quite the feat. I explained Harley had been hollow and tense on the side reins with me. She showed that's because they were too long, and he "had an out". After 20 minutes of longing, she put me back on top. Myler combo bit, and the reins are now on the bottom hole. I laughed when she said, "You know, I think, in your hands, even on the lowest hole on that bit, you've got less leverage than a real snaffle!"
I was praised for my leg control. And seat control. And core body position. However, from the elbows down, I'm losing it. I'm not "holding on to him". Harley gives just a tiny bit at the poll, I release all rein pressure, and he pokes his nose back out. We rode for at least another half hour, lots of transitions. LOTS. Mostly trot/canter/trot. Biggest focus? MUCH shorter reins, and quiet hands. I found myself ignoring everything else, and trying to keep my hands soft but steady. I even realized I let my hands reach forward with every try Harley gives. Now, I'm focusing on keeping them steady front-to-back. Barb put some white tape on the reins, so I wouldn't go home guessing, "So is that where they go??"
We checked my jump saddle. No-go on saddle fit. This has been an ongoing problem, and it's not getting better. I have one more gullet to try, but based on some other efforts at home, I don't think it'll help. I've got three 17" English saddles and one 16" Western barrel saddle for sale... Ask me for details.
Harley *does* now understand what a stretchy trot break is. We had a serious argument our first ride back home after the lesson. I think he was hoping for "business as usual" back at home, and hoped an argument might get him out of work. The next day (after a jump saddle near-disaster), I hopped straight on bareback, and shortened up the reins to the tape. Outstanding. Harley relaxed immediately, came up to the bit, and stayed there. Steady for walk/halt/walk and walk/trot/walk. I kept things short, hoping he'd make a connection to his good behavior.
I do hope soon to have some video of the new reins and my hand position. At least for my own reference.
2013 goals coming soon.. if I can figure out what I want them to be.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
12-9-12 AhhF Training 1
12-9-12 All Heart Horse Farm
Diane Rochau, Judge
Score 61.250%
1 A Enter working trot
X Halt, Salute Proceed working trot
6.5 awkward halt. Unbalanced but very immobile
2 C Track left
E Circle left 20m
6.5 needs better bend and suppleness. Stiff in shoulders, neck and poll, circle good shape
3 A Circle left 20m, developing left lead canter second half of circle
AFB Working canter
5.0 running through bridle. Reluctant to canter. Came late
6.0 cruised through transition but maintained steady rhythm
6 A Circle left 20m rising trot, allowing the horse to stretch forward and downward
Before A, shorten the reins
A Working trot
6.0 inconsistent but occasionally head lowers but needs to go much lower than withers. Good last few steps
6.0 chooked in transition and on rail, especially after F
Diane Rochau, Judge
Score 61.250%
1 A Enter working trot
X Halt, Salute Proceed working trot
6.5 awkward halt. Unbalanced but very immobile
2 C Track left
E Circle left 20m
6.5 needs better bend and suppleness. Stiff in shoulders, neck and poll, circle good shape
3 A Circle left 20m, developing left lead canter second half of circle
AFB Working canter
5.0 running through bridle. Reluctant to canter. Came late
4 B-E Half circle left 20m
6.0 lays on left side, needs bend and suppleness
5 Between E & K Working trot 6.0 lays on left side, needs bend and suppleness
6.0 cruised through transition but maintained steady rhythm
6 A Circle left 20m rising trot, allowing the horse to stretch forward and downward
Before A, shorten the reins
A Working trot
6.0 inconsistent but occasionally head lowers but needs to go much lower than withers. Good last few steps
7 Between A & F Medium walk
6.0 needs activity
8 FXH Free walk
H-C Medium walk
6.5 could cover more ground, good top line stretch, quietly back to medium
9 C Working trot
6.5 lacks bend and suppleness throughout. Very steady in trot
10 B Circle right 20m
6.5 1st half a little large but some nice moments through back in 2nd half
11 A Circle right 20m, developing right lead canter second half of circle
AKE Working canter
6.5 awkward transition. Needs to be more supple and through more. Better canter this way.
12 E-B Half circle right 20m
6.5 lacks bend and suppleness
13 Between B & F Working trot 6.0 needs activity
8 FXH Free walk
H-C Medium walk
6.5 could cover more ground, good top line stretch, quietly back to medium
9 C Working trot
6.5 lacks bend and suppleness throughout. Very steady in trot
10 B Circle right 20m
6.5 1st half a little large but some nice moments through back in 2nd half
11 A Circle right 20m, developing right lead canter second half of circle
AKE Working canter
6.5 awkward transition. Needs to be more supple and through more. Better canter this way.
12 E-B Half circle right 20m
6.5 lacks bend and suppleness
6.0 chooked in transition and on rail, especially after F
Chooked?
HUH?
14 A Down centerline
X Halt, Salute
5.5 fairly straight centerline, but rider drifting left, especially in halt. Horse losing balance but was still
COLLECTIVE MARKS:
GAITS (freedom and regularity) 6.0
IMPULSION (desire to move forward, elasticity of the steps, suppleness of the back, engagement of the hindquarters) 6.0
SUBMISSION (attention and confidence, lightness and ease of movements, acceptance of the bridle, lightness of the forehand) 6.0
RIDER'S position and seat 6.0
RIDER'S correct and effective use of the aids 6.0
HARMONY between rider and horse 6.0
Very attractive horse. Good rapport with him. Really nice when he settled into his job and relaxed. Good luck.
14 A Down centerline
X Halt, Salute
5.5 fairly straight centerline, but rider drifting left, especially in halt. Horse losing balance but was still
COLLECTIVE MARKS:
GAITS (freedom and regularity) 6.0
IMPULSION (desire to move forward, elasticity of the steps, suppleness of the back, engagement of the hindquarters) 6.0
SUBMISSION (attention and confidence, lightness and ease of movements, acceptance of the bridle, lightness of the forehand) 6.0
RIDER'S position and seat 6.0
RIDER'S correct and effective use of the aids 6.0
HARMONY between rider and horse 6.0
Very attractive horse. Good rapport with him. Really nice when he settled into his job and relaxed. Good luck.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Fall Mo Update
Two months of stall rest.
Two and a half months total injury time.
He's back! :)
Last Thursday, Mo and I went to see Dr. Sam. We got the ultrasound going, on Mo's newly clipped leg. (At home, minus the downer drugs.. YAY!) All clear. I need to get comparison pictures. A little of the skin infection remains and is healing up nicely. Otherwise, there's no swelling visible, and the lesion wasn't detectable on the ultrasound. Dr. Sam compared old to new images, and cleared him to restart activity.
Mo and Harley switched side in the stalls, giving Harley Mo's grassy pasture, and Mo has H's paddock as his new, larger "home". Since Dr. Sam cleared Mo for light hand walking "15-30 minutes a day, for at least a week before progressing to riding the walk", I got creative.
Day 1, Friday, I saddled Harley up endurance, polo wrapped Mo and Harley's front legs, gave them both a stern talking to. Headed to the arena.
I ponied Mo from Harley. I was scared, I won't lie. Amazing Harley didn't jump out from under me, my legs were both shaking like mad those first few minutes. Harley isn't 100% confident all on his own, and knowing Mo could very well be fresh from his long vacation, when I got on Harley, I was terrified. Mo walked up behind Harley, and must've touched him on the behind. Harley spun around, faced Mo, pinning his ears. I forced Harley to move Mo's feet around a while, and then the two settled.
Twenty minutes, wandering around the arena. Direction changes, circles, lots of lines, all avoiding tight places and ground poles. I was delighted. Harley has NOT been a pony-horse before, and he's no perfect neck reining critter, either. Yet, once he understood his new job as "leader", he took it on proudly.
Both horses were rewarded with good pats, and lots of treats at the end of our walk. I plan on doing this more in the coming weeks, probably once a week until Mo is cleared to ride the walk again.
Two and a half months total injury time.
He's back! :)
Last Thursday, Mo and I went to see Dr. Sam. We got the ultrasound going, on Mo's newly clipped leg. (At home, minus the downer drugs.. YAY!) All clear. I need to get comparison pictures. A little of the skin infection remains and is healing up nicely. Otherwise, there's no swelling visible, and the lesion wasn't detectable on the ultrasound. Dr. Sam compared old to new images, and cleared him to restart activity.
Mo and Harley switched side in the stalls, giving Harley Mo's grassy pasture, and Mo has H's paddock as his new, larger "home". Since Dr. Sam cleared Mo for light hand walking "15-30 minutes a day, for at least a week before progressing to riding the walk", I got creative.
Day 1, Friday, I saddled Harley up endurance, polo wrapped Mo and Harley's front legs, gave them both a stern talking to. Headed to the arena.
I ponied Mo from Harley. I was scared, I won't lie. Amazing Harley didn't jump out from under me, my legs were both shaking like mad those first few minutes. Harley isn't 100% confident all on his own, and knowing Mo could very well be fresh from his long vacation, when I got on Harley, I was terrified. Mo walked up behind Harley, and must've touched him on the behind. Harley spun around, faced Mo, pinning his ears. I forced Harley to move Mo's feet around a while, and then the two settled.
Twenty minutes, wandering around the arena. Direction changes, circles, lots of lines, all avoiding tight places and ground poles. I was delighted. Harley has NOT been a pony-horse before, and he's no perfect neck reining critter, either. Yet, once he understood his new job as "leader", he took it on proudly.
Both horses were rewarded with good pats, and lots of treats at the end of our walk. I plan on doing this more in the coming weeks, probably once a week until Mo is cleared to ride the walk again.
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