YAY new saddle!

:) :) :) :) :)

I finally got to ride in my new saddle last night. I love it...it fits us both really well and is suuuper comfortable. A way better fit for me than my Wintec was. I might have to punch holes in the stirrup leathers though, which will be a pain, because I have no idea HOW you punch holes evenly in two separate leathers. Oh well...I'm hoping they don't stretch too much and I can keep them on the top hole.

It's weird getting used to leather again...it's kind of creaky, but I love it. I need to clean it well, and my bridle. I don't know that I've EVER cleaned my bridle...EEK! So I'm determined to take better care of it and my saddle from here on out.

Jen came out with me and set up some jumps for me. We warmed up with flatwork and he was really relaxed...more than I've felt him relax in a long time, especially since he hasn't been ridden since I fell last week. He was mostly above the vertical, but he wasn't really flipping his head or anything, so it didn't bother me. It took a few tries because I'm out of shape and haven't been working on it, but we got the right lead! I think I'm gonna stop riding with spurs till I get back in shape. They're just baby spurs, and when my leg muscles are strong, I can keep a steady leg...but right now, I'm slip sliding a little, and I don't want to accidentally get him with them.

Then we JUMPED! Yay :) We did a crossrail with a few strides to a 2' vertical, and he was so cute. He rushed a little at first, but we didn't run out or refuse anything...I need to keep working on looking UP though. She also set up a little arrowhead for us, and he was a star...he was a little confused at first, and tried to jump the side, but once he figured it out, he was good to go. he even went through it pretty straight! Yay!

I have a lesson tonight, so hopefully it goes well. I'll update tomorrow, if I'm not in agony from sore muscles!