11/5/13

It's official.

So, I guess I'm officially an English rider, right??

Met the lady with the saddle, she was like ten minutes early which I was happy about. She brought it out and I immediately handed her the money. Super super super nice. Other than one little place in the back of the seat-which I think is fixable-it's in perfect condition.
 The lighting makes it look like there is a lighter splotch on the seat but there isn't.
 The irons are rusty, but I don't mind that. Unless I ever show in English, I'll leave them be unless I see a bigger reason to replace them.

I fiddled around with it tonight to figure out how to put the girth on, how to raise the stirrups and etc. Watched a few videos on tacking up and saddle fit. It looks wide and I think it'll fit Red really well.

I oiled it up and cleaned it, it was actually really clean other than some dust. The lady had just washed the white pad, but I'm still not sold on it. I'll keep it, but I'll be ordering a nicer one soon. Probably from Smartpak or Chicks. I have a few cheaper ones in mind because I'm planning on getting one embroidered and etc sometime after Christmas so I have more freedom with my money-can't spend all my money on horse stuff when there is stuff for my humans to buy!-there are a few on Chicks for under $18 that I like a lot.

TuffRider Basic All-Purpose Pad
 I like the burgundy, yellow, mist green, lilac and marmalade..

http://www.chicksaddlery.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/EP1063.jpg
This is cute and the cheaper one.





I'll have to look more and decide..hmm....

The headstall is cute, too. Not the best quality, the leather feels durable enough but it's definitely not as well made as my western headstall. I'll put the rubber hack on it tonight. I'm going to try and get Red tacked up in this stuff and work him sometime this week before our typical trail ride on the weekend if I have time! :) 
Wanted to do a victory dance when I finally got these stirrups raised up!!

11 comments:

  1. Very cool Kalin!
    And of course, go for RED tack! The burgundy pad! = )

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    1. That's what I think I'm gonna do!! It seems to be our color ;)

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  2. Congrats!! Excited for you to get it on him and test it out :)

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  3. Awesome...prepare for a whole new world!

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  4. SmartPak has an excellent budget bridle that I would recommend. It's about $60 or less but the leather is VERY good quality for that price and it will last you a very long time :) The brand is 'Plymouth'

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    1. Oooh!! I need to order some stuff from them anyways, I've definitely discovered a love for SmartPak!

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  5. Thats awesome! Congrats! I like the Red Plaid pad. It is RED and it is Christmassy! The saddle looks in nice condition and the scuff could probably be fixed up with some oil. I used to Vegetable Oil my saddle. Just color test the bottom first or plan to do the whole seat, because it could change the color. You are doing great. Learning a new discipline is hard, but I think you will find it rewarding.

    If I may offer a suggestion? Try running the stirrups up the hind strap instead of the front. If you do that, then you can tuck the excess strap behind the stirrup, which will hold it up a little more securely or you can loop the strap around the stirrup and secure it with the excess. I know that sounds confusing.

    GOOD LUCK! Can't wait to see pictures of you riding.

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    1. That's what I thought when I saw it! Plus I have a plaid Western pad like it, so Spirit and Red could match and stuff. ;) I'll have to try that out!!! :)

      The stirrups confused me so bad, I'm definitely open to suggestions, lol!! Thanks for the tip!! I can use all of the tips I can get right now!!

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