Well we've gone Western!

[paulaedwina]

I tried a Western endurance saddle on Fella a bit over a week ago to see if I could use it in Western Dressage -I wanted to try some Western Dressage this year -and I got a different horse. He was forward and loose and relaxed and my whip stayed in my boot. Obviously the Western Tree fit him better than my AP saddle. The AP wasn’t hurting him I imagine because he hadn’t bucked me off, but clearly it was blocking him -maybe in the shoulders and the back?

So I rode in this saddle 3 times and we went to our first show on Sunday and by then we were 100% cowboy; boots and jeans, one ear bridle with no noseband and split reins. And I have never had a more relaxed horse. I don’t know if this is a result of the tack on Fella or me in the saddle relaxing, but it was awesome. So we’ve gone country. I will continue to participate in Western trail and equitation and we’re studying the USEF Western Dressage basic 1 and 2.

Paula

[cutter99]

Congratulations! Sounds like both you and your horse are enjoying life! And that is what it is all about!

[Bluey]

No one will question success, no matter what got you there.

Good for you to keep looking for what fits you both and so make you both happy.

[Flash44]

Congrats!

[californianinkansas]

That’s awesome! Congratulations!
What western dressage saddle did you end up getting?

[paulaedwina]

I am currently riding in a borrowed Tex Tan Tex Flex Endurance saddle. It’s close contact (I’ve learned that not all Western saddles make you feel like you’re hovering over your horse). It looks like this http://www.dailyequine.com/horsesaddleshop/flexendurancesaddle.jpg

[beau159]

What, we don’t get any pictures of you and your horse, decked out Western?

[paulaedwina]

The photographers from the show haven’t posted anything yet. I’ll let you know. All I have is this from my phone.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/52967336@N00/16615024683/

[Pocket_Pony]

How fun - congratulations!

You look like a smaller version of yourself - have you lost weight?

[Rackonteur]

Yea you! Welcome to the wild side.

I am happy that you and Fella are enjoying your new way of dressage.

[paulaedwina]

Pocket Pony, yes I’ve lost about 45 pounds and still counting. I went to the gym to work on my balance and core and dropped like 50 lbs (and regained about 5 over the winter LOL) and got crazy fit! It’s kind of awesome.

Rackonteur, you know, there is something about a Western saddle that just makes you a badass. I don’t know what it is, but there has been a change in attitude too!

Paula

[Pocket_Pony]

Good for you, paula, that’s great!

[saddleup]

Wait til you put on spurs that have a rowel and jingle bob…with a pair of chinks…you will definitely walk with a swagger!

Have fun!

[clanter]

[QUOTE=paulaedwina;8117999]
I went to the gym to work on my balance and core and dropped like 50 lbs [/QUOTE]

my horse worked on my bank balance in the same manor

I like the idea of you finding ways to have fun with your horse… our guys would get bored doing the same thing always

Any more photos yet?

[Bluey]

[QUOTE=paulaedwina;8117383]
The photographers from the show haven’t posted anything yet. I’ll let you know. All I have is this from my phone.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/52967336@N00/16615024683/[/QUOTE]

Yeah, how neat is that!

Good on being able to lose weight also, sure motivates you more, does it.

[paulaedwina]

Well Stephanie’s proofs are up, but I haven’t yet purchased any photos so I won’t do more than link you to the gallery for your perusal (CCWC 2015 4/19). I’d say look for the woman in the purple shirt, but I’m pretty sure you’ll find me

http://www.lyonsdenpictures.com/Public-Events-Photos-/CCWC-2015-04192015/

Bluey, the weightloss was a huge game changer. I had been playing with since I hit my 40th because I was a walking risk factor -obese, sedentary Black woman, living in the USA. I have all this public health background so I couldn’t lie to myself about my risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, and pretty much premature death at 50 or so! On top of that I was dealing with burgeoning riding anxiety so I went to the gym to address balance and core. Et voila. It’s funny; I thought I was a decently athletic rider at 215 until I dropped 50lbs and became a decently athletic rider. Just today we were in the ring for an hour no biggie.

Paula

[skydy]

You look great!

Well done you! Keep having fun. :yes:

[Manni01]

Thanks for sharing the pictures !! Both of you look great!!

[Flash44]

[QUOTE=paulaedwina;8122106]
Well Stephanie’s proofs are up, but I haven’t yet purchased any photos so I won’t do more than link you to the gallery for your perusal (CCWC 2015 4/19). I’d say look for the woman in the purple shirt, but I’m pretty sure you’ll find me

http://www.lyonsdenpictures.com/Public-Events-Photos-/CCWC-2015-04192015/

Bluey, the weightloss was a huge game changer. I had been playing with since I hit my 40th because I was a walking risk factor -obese, sedentary Black woman, living in the USA. I have all this public health background so I couldn’t lie to myself about my risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, and pretty much premature death at 50 or so! On top of that I was dealing with burgeoning riding anxiety so I went to the gym to address balance and core. Et voila. It’s funny; I thought I was a decently athletic rider at 215 until I dropped 50lbs and became a decently athletic rider. Just today we were in the ring for an hour no biggie.

Paula[/QUOTE]

You live near me - let’s go ride! And you do look great!

[paulaedwina]

Thanks, Flash44. Sounds like a plan. I live in PA but I ride in Union Bridge. PM where you are!

Paula