Guess who got back in the saddle!

This girl. Yeah!

It's been over a year since I've last ridden, same for Reno BEING ridden. Four years since I've had any real instruction.

FINALLY. I got back on. We weren't perfect. Not by a long shot. My position snapped back to decent because of muscle memory, but I still have a leaning tendency and I need to gain confidence again. Reno needs to learn how to stretch again and he's super hollow, but it's SOMETHING!

good for you, vos!

Is it just me or does my saddle look...off? I'm not a pro. Will have a fitter out at some point anyway because the best in my area also does massage. I just can't put my finger on it...

congrats! xD I've been riding since February. I just got to working on diagonals while trotting. Hopefully, I'll be able to canter soon.. I cantered once.. and almost fell. T_T

It gets way easier with practice!

We did a little bit of trotting too. Easing back into training. Our sessions are only 15 minutes right now because of the heat and how out of shape we both are lol

Boop

Doing trot work without stirrups is great for building strength so you can stay on. Might help you feel more confident when you eventually canter again. Definitely saved my butt more than once. I have a problem with losing stirrups over jumps XD

Congrats! I haven't ridden since Fall of last year. I plan on riding either Rosie or Mack once the weather clears up, or it's not too hot. We have a nice lit outdoor arena, so it'll be easier to work with them. They both are going to be very green, but Fall is trail season for us. So, we've been invited on some trails in November, and the horses and I need to get back in shape. Mack needs to gain muscle, he's in poor shape (lots of fat, very little muscle), and Rosie's the same.

You and Reno look like you're doing well so far.

Always fun right? We're getting in shape so that when we eventually get to come down to visit, we can actually ride lol. I bought Reno a little purple nylon halter today because the throatlatch snap on his nice, leather one was sheared off somehow... and we've been using a large pony-sized halter on him for the past few days XD If I can't replace the snap I'll be getting a new leather halter with nameplate next year to start of show season *crossing fingers*

Also ordered a chambon to help get him stretching again. He inverts himself so badly D:

Decided to ride Rosie day before yesterday. As she seemed in the best shape, and I must say for a mare that hadn't been ridden in year she did wonderfully. Also got compliments from my mom, on how I trained her, so that was fun (Rosie used to be a pain in the butt, to catch, ride in an arena, etc). Used my new-ish western saddle, on her and it fits like a glove. Unfortunately, we didn't take pictures as the ride was just around the paddock, and only lasted for about 15-20 minutes. My posture was definitely off, but I think I have at least some muscle memory.

Though, seeing as I'll be going to a check up with a specialist about my terrible back problems (possibly getting a special brace made specifically for me, and physical therapy). I won't blame myself too much for slouching as it was too painful to sit up straight. But, well worth the short ride on Rosie. I think another reason I picked her was due to her smooth gaits. Paso Finos are so much more comfortable, than stubborn out of shape Haflingers. Though, my dad has promised to help work with Mack, seeing as he's reverted back to bad habits (and general aggressive behavior). But, our first priority is getting the barn at least halfway done. It's like 25% there lol.

I'm so happy you and Reno are doing well together! Hopefully, he'll keep progressing, and you'll eventually be able to show him.

Good for you!! So glad you two are doing well!
I have terrible condition, so if I stop riding for a week or two I get awfully out of shape xD. And my legs hurt like hell the day after if I do anything other than walk. It's a good kind of pain though!
And about your saddle, it looks alright (although a little bare to me because I always use a half pad haha). It just looks off because it's a jumping saddle and the stirrups are meant to be used way shorter, so since your stirrups are long, your knees aren't over the pads ;)

It's actually an ANCIENT all-purpose. Can't even figure out the brand of the darn thing XD

xD actually, it looks a LOT like my all-purpose (which I don't know the brand of either lol). I got mine around... 5 years ago? I dunno. I don't think it was brand-new when I got it anyway. It hadn't been used, but someone had bought it before and just kept it stored.
look:


(sorry, best photo of it i got xD)

I bought mine used off an old French gentleman who had to get rid of his horses :c

yay both of you deserve a ev surprise i am going to send it now lol

Wow, thank you Starfish! :D That's awesome!!! ♥
(Why though? XD)

She and I talk every now and again. I can only guess it's cause I've been going through some tough times and this is the first REAL good thing that's happened to me in a while XD

Thank you dear!