I did it! I finally sat on Crispin for the first time! (And I don't have pictures to proof it ;-) )
It was a total non event for him. I got on and off a few times from both sides and he didn't really care at all. Perfect, just like I wanted it to be!
Sonntag, 30. Januar 2011
Mittwoch, 26. Januar 2011
Another 3 months
Today I took Crispin for a nice walk. I haven't done that for a while. He got vaccinated yesterday and is going to have three days off because of that.
It was also time to take pictures again. Three years, nine months:
It was also time to take pictures again. Three years, nine months:
Samstag, 22. Januar 2011
Saddle search say what?!
Well, that was interesting. Seems like every Saddler around who is known as a good saddle fitter doesn't have any used saddles for sale right now (or anymore?!). But they all would be happy to come around and take measurements to custome make a saddle for 3000 € and up.
Uhm, let me think... ...custom made for a still growing 4 y/o that isn't even backed yet?! I don't think so, but thanks anyway! And the best part, they don't even sell anything else but their favorite custom made brand anymore! What did I miss?! There are so many decent brands on the market and I'm stuck with saddlers that do not sell any of them?!
So, I called the local tack shop and asked them what they had in stock (something I could have done weeks ago). I know they always have plenty of saddles in stock, used and new but the owner is just average when it comes to fitting. That's why I didn't call there first.
The guy came out yesterday and brought a few saddles. A few Wintec saddles that did NOT work at all. The rear panels basically poked Crispin in the hip bone, way too long. Then he tried a nice english brand that was only a 17 seat. It fit Crispin but was to small for me, obviously. In the end he left a "Tekna" saddle for me to try. That is a new brand of synthetic saddles and tack. It looked like it fit ok. I've had a saddle made of synthetic leather before and liked it just fine, but I'm just not sure if I want to go there again. On the other hand, it's light weight, cheap, easy to clean and adjustable. If it really fits and if I could get it fitted to Crispin once or twice again over the next year or two it might be a sensible choice. We'll see. For now I have a saddle with a decent fit to work with. Riding here we come... ;-)
Uhm, let me think... ...custom made for a still growing 4 y/o that isn't even backed yet?! I don't think so, but thanks anyway! And the best part, they don't even sell anything else but their favorite custom made brand anymore! What did I miss?! There are so many decent brands on the market and I'm stuck with saddlers that do not sell any of them?!
So, I called the local tack shop and asked them what they had in stock (something I could have done weeks ago). I know they always have plenty of saddles in stock, used and new but the owner is just average when it comes to fitting. That's why I didn't call there first.
The guy came out yesterday and brought a few saddles. A few Wintec saddles that did NOT work at all. The rear panels basically poked Crispin in the hip bone, way too long. Then he tried a nice english brand that was only a 17 seat. It fit Crispin but was to small for me, obviously. In the end he left a "Tekna" saddle for me to try. That is a new brand of synthetic saddles and tack. It looked like it fit ok. I've had a saddle made of synthetic leather before and liked it just fine, but I'm just not sure if I want to go there again. On the other hand, it's light weight, cheap, easy to clean and adjustable. If it really fits and if I could get it fitted to Crispin once or twice again over the next year or two it might be a sensible choice. We'll see. For now I have a saddle with a decent fit to work with. Riding here we come... ;-)
Mittwoch, 19. Januar 2011
All we need now is a (well fitting) saddle...
I haven't posted for a while because there isn't that much to tell plus I'm quite busy with other stuff at the moment.
BUT, For the first time ever Crispin is on a real training schedule. I lunge him every other day, alternating the training aid/bit and bridle combo with the rope halter and saddle combo. Each lunging session is about 20 minutes or less combined with some groundwork.
The groundwork is either getting him to understand and listen to the bit or working at the mounting block. I think he is basically ready for the next step. Mounting and carrying a rider. Unforunately, I still don't have a saddle that really fits him. I already called the saddler but he has been out of town for the last 10 days. He's back in town now and I really hope I can have him over soon and that we'll find a good solution for Crispin (and that nothing else pops up) so that I can finally take the next big step!
BUT, For the first time ever Crispin is on a real training schedule. I lunge him every other day, alternating the training aid/bit and bridle combo with the rope halter and saddle combo. Each lunging session is about 20 minutes or less combined with some groundwork.
The groundwork is either getting him to understand and listen to the bit or working at the mounting block. I think he is basically ready for the next step. Mounting and carrying a rider. Unforunately, I still don't have a saddle that really fits him. I already called the saddler but he has been out of town for the last 10 days. He's back in town now and I really hope I can have him over soon and that we'll find a good solution for Crispin (and that nothing else pops up) so that I can finally take the next big step!
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