Friday, October 9, 2009

Someone Please Pass the Velcro

Back in the day...you, know, when I was younger...I had a velcro butt. And that was before Velcro was even born. Or super glue, for that matter. I stuck like glue onto the back of a horse. Even went sailing over 3' plus jumps out in the trees (I knew they were, because I measured so I could have bragging rights!) But now? Today? Oh dear...where did that seat of mine go?

I am, however, determined to get it back, so after a brief ride in the arena, Sandy and I pulled off the saddle and headed for the round pen where I learned once again how to balance on a horse. Darling was, of course, on hand to offer all sorts of remarks on my skills...and she didn't hold anything back, either! "Gee, you look like Mommy Long Legs" she said with a giggle. And then went on with her instructive criticism, which I'd share with you except as a mother it is my duty to tune out my children, and I did just that. So I really have no clue what she said...shhh...don't tell her!

Along with bareback shenanigans, Sandy and I are back down at Curt's where we're continuing our lessons on the bull. Curt loaned me a new bit; a short shank, twisted wire with a dog bone in the middle doosie and I have no clue what it's called, but it worked really well. He'd been blowing past his stop at the end, but this bit gave just enough leverage and our ends looked much better. Once he had the stop down, his turns got prettier, too!


10 comments:

Miss Penelope. said...

Oh I know what you mean by velcro! Just curious, why that bit? It sounds fairly intense. I went backwards and forwards in the video, and it seemed to me that Sandy was more responsive in the halter...? Maybe it was because he could feel your movements and what you were asking better because of the lack of saddle. I don't mean this to sound like critisism, just interest!!!

City Boy said...

I think you have a beautiful seat.

Tracey said...

Penny, we needed a better stop on him. I'm a believe that a bit is only as severe as the hands using it, and with soft hands no bit is that harsh. And truly, this one isn't bad, just a bit more than he's accustomed to with the ring snaffle.

In the halter, Sandy was in the round pen, and when after the bull we had to be tuned into the bull stopping rather than just me asking for it. Makes a difference when you're thinking ahead of time for the stop vs gotta stop now.

Miss Penelope. said...

Very true about the hands! Thanks for writing back :)

Shirley said...

I think Sandy wants to be a cowhorse, not a jumping horse. His turns are getting pretty.

photogchic said...

I have been trying to ride bareback at least once a week just to improve my balance...I don't know what happened to my seat either...I am sliding all over the place!

Paint Girl said...

If only I could ride bareback like you! I have only ridden b-back once since I was a teenager. Brandy's back is too bony, and it is NOT comfortable! I'll have to make sure when Chance is saddle trained and everything is going well, that I will ride her b-back!
I thought Sandy looked really good. I just love that cow thing!! That looks fun!

Michelle said...

I thought you had a nice seat. Just keep those legs long and low, and you'll be just fine. It always helps when they get a little bit of sweat worked up. Gives up some stickum.

Lori Skoog said...

I too, feel that this is a harsh bit. Why are you using it? Think about your horses mouth and what you are doing. No offense, but there are other ways to achieve the same thing. Short cuts can be painful.

Tracey said...

Thanks Shirley, I felt his turns were coming along nicely this week. I think you're right about that no jumping, yes cowhorse comment, too.

PC, that's why I started in the round pen...always a circle, no sudden bounces this way or that, much more controlled than in the arena! Like you, I was sliding all over the place and certain I was going to fall off (good thing Sandy's not too far off the ground, eh?)

Paint, Darling tried riding Steve Holt! bareback the other night and had the same problem; sawblade backbone...ouch!

Mkymase, ick! I cringe at the memory of those sweaty bodies...

Lori, this is not a short cut at all. You don't see Sandy's mouth gapping at all, do you? He worked just as quietly in this as the snaffle. And he's a big boy now...time to grow up.