[Huntseat]

We had another decent ride that my dad got some pictures of Today was her first day ever with the double reins/martingale. She took everything in stride and really let me mess with her head. I didn't really try to "set" her head, we aren't nearly ready for that yet, I just played a bit with the "curb rein" to get her used to the feel of having different kinds of pressure in her mouth. She was AWESOME about the whole experience. She's such a smart mare

We were having a tired, lazy, cold day, and by the time my dad actually got to the barn and took pictures she was exhausted and not picking her feet up very high, but I'm pretty happy with how the rest of her looks. Your opinions?

Also, if any of you arab/saddleseat people would like to help, check out this thread. Thanks!

This is from three days/three rides ago. Compare this to the following pictures.


And today...
I love this one except for her being crooked. Her canter still needs quite a bit of work.


I don't have a clue what I was doing here!



And a cute one of Melody.. I can't resist

[roxyroller91]

Melody aww your arabians are just to cute for words!! they are all so darn adorable

[magic_rider]

Wow, you have improved a lot well done.

[Sandra-A1]

Please don't take offense at the following...as it is just my opinion....
She is a cute mare but from the photos you posted I really think that she would make a better WP competitor.
Her conformation and way of going, in the photos appear to be better suited, for WP and not EP, or even CP.
As always...that is just my opinion..based on the photos you posted...

[Huntseat]

Thanks everybody

Originally Posted by Sandra-A1

Please don't take offense at the following...as it is just my opinion....
She is a cute mare but from the photos you posted I really think that she would make a better WP competitor.
Her conformation and way of going, in the photos appear to be better suited, for WP and not EP, or even CP.
As always...that is just my opinion..based on the photos you posted...

No offense taken All I have to say to that is wait until I can get a video of her under saddle. She has WAY more natural action without any enhancement and more upright carriage/uphill movement than our HA CEP unanimous national champion has now or had during the days when he was winning at buckeye, nationals, and many of the other bigger class A/regional shows. Also, this was her THIRD time ever not being ridden "long and low". But regardless, thank you for sharing your opinion

[JumpingBean]

No critique, as I have no idea what I am looking at, LOL. One question, though, because I am a curious donkey. What are the four reins and tie down for? I have never seen that arrangement before (probably because I have never seen saddleseat training ).

[Huntseat]

Thank you. THe four reins and running martingale act as the bradoon and curb on a full bridle

[cowgurly02]

Awww I love her, all your matching ponies Can't wait to see pics of her this summer all sleek and shiny!

[JumpingBean]

Originally Posted by huntseat

Thank you. THe four reins and running martingale act as the bradoon and curb on a full bridle

Ohhhh! That makes sense! I did think you had a curb on at first looking at one of the further away pictures, because of the space between the two reins... then I saw an up close one and was confused.

Good luck with her, she's a pretty girl.

[horseylover0714]

Hello! She looks very cute! What are you planning on showing her in? If not western, which was implied in an earlier message, than is there a reason that you are riding in a western saddle? It would really help you and here to get used to riding in a cutback if that is going to be the way you go. Also, her head looks great at the canter! Maybe a little too tucked in but overall very nice! How does she do at the trot and the walk? You might want to lower your hands a little bit as well. They look as if they are almost as high as her ears, which is way too high and makes the reins too long to handle correctly, especially if you are looking for consistent control of her head and correct cueing. You've got the right idea with using the martingale starting her out! I wish you the best of luck! Enjoy every minute!