I've Never Felt More Free.

This post was going to be about something different but I have to write about what just happened and I have never felt more free, so the name was fitting.
I just got back from ridding my horse Glory (who lives at the stable right next door), and I think it was the most amazing ride ever. I usually ride bareback unless I absolutely have to ride in a saddle, so tonight was no exception. I was feeling a little stressed out, so even though I had already ridden today and it was getting late, I just had to ride. Glory met me by the fence, took her bit like a angel, and stood perfectly still for me to jump on from the log (I'm a little too short or she's a little too tall, I haven't decided). The sun had just set, which set the hills on fire with a pinkish glow. It was so beautiful. An overwhelming peace came over me as I dropped the reins and let my girl take me where she pleased. Now Glory and I are barrel racers (among other things), so she has plenty of go and usually wants to gallop up the pasture, so I took a little piece of mane just in case. But tonight was different, it was like she could feel the peace on the inside of me and we were connecting on a different level. I decided to take her over and take off her bridle, now I of all people know she is not a "voice activated" horse, and we are working on leg cues but I'm the one doing the working. So I know to some people this wasn't a wise thing to do, but I trusted her with all my heart. So there we were walking around in the quiet stillness of dusk, the only eyes upon us equine. I felt like I could speak to her, like I could tell her about the things tucked deep in the corners of my soul, but she already knew them. I asked her to stop and she did so immediately, and like I said she does not know voice commands. We just sat there with the moon rising above us enjoying each other's fellowship. I made a tiny braid in her mane and then was still to listen to the symphony that the crickets had been saving for that special moment. It was then that I have never felt more free. I realized how late it must be getting so I gave her a little nudge with my leg and asked her to take me back to my things by the fence, and do you know that she did a complete 360 and headed back to where I had left her bridle and my brushes! She stopped as soon as we reached our destination and allowed me to slide off her back. She patiently waited for her treat, all I had tonight was a small chick-o-stick. A small price to pay for what she had just given me, the freedom in a language all our own.


Ps. Hope you like the pic of me and Glory:o)

English vs. Western Saddles

English V.S. Western. Show jumper V.S. barrel racer. Equestrian V.S. cowboy.





The age old question stands, which is better? Well, lets just find out. First off the term English saddle encompasses several types, including those used for show jumping and hunt seat, dressage, saddle seat, racing, and polo. The same goes for the Western, with roping, barrel racing, trail, reining, and cutting saddles.Now, for starters, lets see why each was made. The English saddle design was molded in 18th century England when foxhunting became a popular sport. The saddles that they had been using with high pommels and cantles were too cumbersome for hunting, because if they were to witness the kill they had to keep up with the hounds. Which meant jumping over fences and hedges, running through creeks, and flying over ditches. To do all of this they needed a lighter, more flexible saddle that allowed the horse freedom of movement. The Western saddle was an invention of the American colonist. They were sometimes required to remain in the saddle for hours at a time. They would ride all day and sleep in the swags at night. The formal English saddles were very uncomfortable for this sort of use. The Western saddle has lower stirrups and a deeper seat. there was no "first" Western saddle, it was developed over time to better suit the pioneers.
As you can see each saddle was created for an entirely different use, Which means they are both used in entirely different ways today. They each have their pros and cons. For instance, you would have an extremely hard time roping a steer in an English saddle (duh), And a Western saddle would not only slow a horse down on the race track, the jockey would not have enough dextarity. So how could we possibly compare these two amazing saddles? What is there to compare? I think that if you want to be a jumper you need an English saddle, because a Western just can't do the job. But if you want to do team roping, a Western is a nesesity. So which is better? Neither. I think that both sides just need to start getting along and realize that both styles are beautiful! Now, you ask me, "Which do you perfer?", well to be honest I'll choose bare-back any day!


Next post hint. "I've never felt more free!" Can you guess what my next post will be? Be sure to coment;o)

Breed of the Week: The Arab

Our breed of the week this week is one of my all time favorite breeds. The Arab! These amazing animals are considered by many people to be the most beautiful horse in the world. They have a small head with large nostrils that can be enlarged to increase air intake. Like the desert tribes they lived with for so long, Arab horses became incredibly well adapted to life in a harsh environment, having extreme powers of endurance. Did you know that the Arab can be ridden in the desert for three days with no water? Also, the Arab has influenced more breeds around the world than any other horse. The unique outline of the Arab is determined by the formation of it's skeleton, which differs from other equine breeds. The Arab has 17 ribs (other horses have 18); five lumbar vertebrae (other horses have 6), and 16 tail vertebrae (other horses have 18). The Arab's small size belies it's weight-carrying ability. standing no more than 15hh (Arabs stand 14.2 to 15hh.), It will nevertheless carry a full grown man with ease. With elegance, spirit, and breathtaking looks, it is easy to see why it is one of the most beautiful breeds.