My sweet rides

I thought I would share photos of my sweet new rides. I need to do a little rewinding and explaining to get to present day, but please play along.

When I was a kid and finally got a horse, I rode and showed in a western saddle. A western saddle is the picture that pops into your head when you hear the word saddle. Western saddles are used by cowboys and barrel racers and trail riders, etc. I've always ridden western, so I find it much easier than the alternative. I find security in the horn and the sturdy stirrups. Problem is, Maggie doesn't have what is called the "western jog." Not a big deal since I'm not showing her, but she wouldn't place in a western pleasure class. She's quick, but I'm not sure if she's barrel horse fast. Regardless, I enjoy riding western. See picture below, and please ignore the dirty horse. It's impossible to keep a white horse clean and the non-stop rain hasn't helped. Note, she did have a full bath the day before this picture.
Many people have told me that Maggie would do well in English. English riding is the one with the tall black boots, the tight khaki pants, the dark jackets, and the black helmets. Think fox hunting or racing or jumping. The English saddle does not have a horn at the front and, to me, does not provide as much containment for your seat (and therefore security) as the western saddle. The stirrups are smaller and attached only by thin pieces of leather, and it's half as heavy as a western saddle (therefore easier to lift). Another major difference is that while riding English, the rider posts at the trot. Essentially, they rise and fall out of the saddle with the gait to help control the horse's speed. Maggie has a faster trot which is why she may be better at English than western.

Over Memorial Day weekend, I got a crash course on English. Last week, I took a lesson which went ok. I bought a reasonably priced saddle from a girl at work and have tried it out yesterday. It fits--check Maggie's modeling skills:

I know I didn't put on the girth, just wanted to show the difference. So far so good--I haven't fallen off yet, but I haven't gotten the post right yet. I need to work on it some more and see how it goes. I think she moves pretty well, but then again, I don't know much about this whole thing!

Aside from the new saddle, I had also told you about my new bike. Check it out:
Have only ridden it half a dozen times or so, but I don't want to ride in the rain! If only the weather would dry up for a few days. I'm riding a lot between Maggie and the bike--love summer!