Creating a Bond

Noah and I have been spot on lately.  Got his teeth done, he is on a regular farrier program, got the new saddle..everything seems right.  He seems pretty content and our riding schedule is increasing with the nicer weather that we have been getting.  We've been spending a lot of time in the outdoor arena - working on our lope, which he seems receptive and willing to do.  We've hit the hay field a few times and I even opened him up a few times!  Which says a lot for my confidence and our trust development.  Last week, I lead him down the highway about 1km, crossed the highway and brought him home for a little trail ride on our property!  He was solid, sane and a real pleasure to ride.

The New Ride.

Well..here it is.  The one.  The saddle that must MUST be the right fit on my boy.  17" Martin All around.  Set up for light roping, reining, cutting and trail.  It's a really awesome ride for me.  Very comfy..a little big in the seat (I am losing weight) and it seems to fit him so far..but only put two rides on him so far with it, and we never broke a sweat to see pressure points.  So!  tada!  here it is!

Mini Rider and the Sun

I took Noah out today..but had my kidlets in tow.  My son K. is 6.  He wanted to try his hand at riding! Much to my excitement!  I rode Noah for about 45 minutes in the 12" of snow we have in the arena before letting my son on (Bad mother alert : no helmet!  But I know for next time) Noah was a perfect gentleman!  Very kind, slow to go and attentive to his new mount.  I was very proud of both my boys!  (Noah is less than a month older than K.)  We went around the arena twice.  I also got Noah a new Weatherbeeta cooler.  I planned on doing so much more riding this winter.  But since the saddle I had didn't fit and was sold..I had nothing to ride IN.  I just got a new Martin All Around!  Pics will eventually follow.  I love it though and I pray it's the fit we have been looking for.

Wonderous Winter!

We got about 18" of snow in about 3 days.  I am boarding Noah at a small facility near home right now.  He's in a paddock.  I turn him out every once in awhile to blow some steam off.  As you can see..he does that rather well.  He was a hustle and blowy this day and ran for just about 15 minutes straight..allowing me some good shots!  Then once he was done..he wandered up to me as if to say "ok, I'm done"

Pinch me Again

The show saddle I bought for Noah, was fantastic in fit for him.  But sadly it was only a 15.5" seat for myself..and after about 45 minutes of riding in that thing I was in pain!  I begrudgingly decided to sell it (with profit) to a gal in Spokane.  It was her dream saddle and it worked out well for us both.  I started shopping for a 16" Crates reiner.  I stumbled upon a screaming (and I mean screaming) deal on a Near new 16" reiner with bullhead conchos, rawhide trim, and wide bell stirrups.  It was perfect for us.  And trust me..saw it's share of use this summer!  Until about September, when he started resisting transition to a lope and mis-stepping a lot.  I determined that since he's developed muscle through the summer and a stronger top line..the Crates doesn't fit anymore!  So on the hunt now for a wider saddle..ugh.

Pinch Me

Noah is amazing.  He is everything that I would have wanted in my next mount.  In my forever mount.  He is sassy when he wants to be, never disrespectful though.  Energentic but doesn't rush me.  He's patient, loving, affectionate and sweet.  He has been a challenge to fit though!  I have gone through 4 different saddles before finding a perfect (and I mean truly perfect) fit.  But it took most of the summer to find it.  Sadly.  There were a couple times I tried to ride him in ill-fitting saddles..but he's sensitive and expressed discomfort through the whole ride.  I felt I HAD to stop riding him.  Our relationship was so new, I did not want it tarnished with him associating me with a painful saddle fit...and so, for almost 5 weeks..we did not ride..in the heart of a gorgeous Kootenay summer.  Now, that was tough. lol!

And then there was NOAH!

Taken just a few days ago

One Day old!

He comes to me next Saturday.  He is part bred Arabian, and Appendix (Thoroughbred X Quarter Horse).  He is just 5 years old!  He is a regular old Sorrel with a brilliant little star on his forehead as the only white on his body.  He is 15HH.  He's been started nicely and in no hurry.  Has a great Whoa..but likes to go.  Responsive and energetic.  He's (I pray!) my forever guy.  Will let you know how it goes!!!!