Um.

http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2011/03/105.shtml

Tack Swap Score

Went to the annual 4-H tack swap this weekend. It's a HUGE event around here. I took a bunch of stuff in on Friday to sell, and got up at the butt crack of dawn on Sat. to get there early. I got a "get in an hour before everyone else" ticket for $20 it was SO worth it. They only let 100 people buy them and it was like having the whole place to ourselves for an hour. You are literally elbow to elbow once the masses enter.

I actually found an eventing saddle. I couldn't believe it when I saw it sitting there in all it's forward flap goodness. Most of the english saddles there are cheap all purposes made in Argentina. It's in good shape and fits Jasper pretty well. It has a spring seat and I was surprised when I sat on it that it squished down quite a bit, but still clears his withers.

I can't believe how clean he looks in this pic. I was too excited to try the saddle on so he's not even brushed.

Unfortunately it doesn't fit me. It has very minimal padding on the flap and nothing underneath, not even blocks. My knee didn't come close to making contact with it and my lower leg kept scooching forward so I was in chair seat position.

But, I have velcro knee blocks on my Ansur Konklusion. I took those off and took everything to the saddle shop. They're sewing velcro underneath to I can attach the blocks and see if it fills in the gap between my leg and the saddle. Has anyone else ever had that problem? I used to ride in a Crump that had a plain flap with no padding whatsoever on my QH mare and it was fine. Maybe it's his conformation and skinny shoulders or something?

If not I'm pretty sure I can get my money back, it was a steal! (I'd really like a Jeffries Flyover.) I also got a pair of Ariat full seat breeches in great condition and a pair of Tropical Riders that are a bit too big but nice if you fold the waistband down. Oh, and a pair of Tailored Sportsmans that were too big but were only $5!!! I gave them to a friend. Plus I sold almost everything I took, I got back more money than I spent. :)

One Trick Pony

This is Grace. She is teaching Jasper to give at the poll, something I never did with him. Yay! Jasper now knows a trick. We will probably celebrate with running and bucking when the ground dries out. Which could be in a million years.

Grace is my new student, but not in the horse world. She is taking all of her Freshman high school classes online this semester, and I'm helping her get through them. Yesterday she came with me to the barn and started working with Jasper while I cleaned his stall. Luckily we have a horse connection...! She just started her own horse blog called Bucks-A-Penny featuring Margie, a 13.2h palomino POA pony she's taking dressage and jumping lessons on.

She has offered to work with Jasper on the ground. Teach him a thing or two.

Goooooooood boy.