Another Vacation

I'm going to extend my blogging vacation a little longer. After being on a "blog makeover vacation" last week, and then a forced one due to technical difficulties last weekend, I realized that I have allowed blogging to take up too much of my free time. As many of you might have experienced, it can really consume your life. Mostly in good ways, don't get me wrong. Becoming a blogger has been a blessing to me these past 370 posts, for so many reasons. But I've had a bit of an epiphany-I have other projects and activities and interests that are calling for more attention right now. I considered taking a cold-turkey blogging break for a while, but I am not sure I can do that. I want to keep blogging in my life, but it has to be a healthy balance. So, I promise to stop in with a photo or update or a story now and then, but I won't be posting as frequently, at least for the rest of the summer. Of course, I will still be stopping by and reading and commenting on your blogs, because you all inspire me in so many ways! Thank you for all of your support and for letting me be honest with you all. I would never just stop posting and fade away into the wild waves of the web, leaving you to wonder "what ever happened to that Pony Girl blogger?" I hope you will still stop by and visit me!

English Invasion, Part Deux

Do you remember me mentioning that Paint Girl and I were thinking of buying an English saddle? We got one from a friend of hers on trial, but never got around to trying it! We finally got around to it last week.

Goodness, what a trip! As in "trippy!" I haven't ridden English since I took hunter/jumper lessons nearly 14 years ago. Hard to believe I was jumping 2 1/2 feet jumps back then (I also can't believe I never fell off as I could barely post in the saddle this time!) I was grinning so big, trying to get the hang of short stirrups and a more forward momentum.



Do my leathers look sized right?

Look how tiny I look on My Boy! My legs barely reach the bottom of his belly! I was so excited to use my black velvet helmet cover. I've had it all those years from when I took hunt seat lessons, but never used it. It just slips right over that ghastly "bowling ball" helmet I wear. It really completed the look. Seeing someone riding hunt seat without a helmet just doesn't look natural to me!



My Boy worked fine in the saddle, no apparent discomfort or weirdness. I had a hard time getting him to trot out though, he much prefers the pace of a western pleasure horse jog.

Since I tend to lean forward while riding, I think riding hunt seat suits me just fine! Paint Girl said my horse looked quite handsome English, almost better than western. Personally, riding hunt seat seemed like a lot more work. Those legs really got a workout. I remember those lessons I took so long ago....the trainer made me post without stirrups- now that was torture!



Cowgirl boots in the irons

I think Paint Girl and I will eventually invest in an English saddle, although to get the proper fit on her narrow Arabian and my apple-bellied Appy, we probably won't be able to share one. I think it's a great way to practice some different skills for both me and my horse!

You can read about Paint Girl's account of riding in the English saddle here.