Windblown Pony Rides

 

Jenna has been asking me every day, for the past week, if she could ride Apache. We’ve been grooming and just hanging out with her, but we’ve had such strong gusty wind that I didn’t feel much like saddling up Apache and deal with flying dust and being blown around.

We did notice a Weather Balloon floating above the National Forest and BLM Land beyond our property. See it there above and to the left of our barn?

 

Apache wasn’t bothered by it at all.

With the strong winds, the Weather Balloon sure moved fast and was above our house in no time at all.

 

Wednesday morning I finally decided to just go with the flow, literally, and let Jenna ride Apache. She was thrilled, but it was almost painful to try and keep our eyes open and smile in the wind.

 

I walked Jenna and Apache around the main paddock for about 20 minutes. Although my neighbor friend Val’s horses were excited with the the wind and seeing Apache being ridden, I was happy that Apache stayed calm and focused even though the other horses were running, bucking and squealing all over their arena, next door. It sure was entertaining to watch, too.

Before I put Apache away I wanted to check the fit of her new saddle, without the saddle pad on again. I bought an Abetta Trail Saddle last week and it’s very comfy with the closed-cell foam cushioned, deep seat. I also like the feel of the Acu-Suede on the seat, too. It’s not my first choice for a new saddle, but it’s all I can afford right now. And even when I can afford what I really want, it will be nice to have this extra saddle for the kids to use. I love how lightweight it is at only 17 lbs, too. I did add to the weight just a little because I switched out the nylon billets, latigo, stirrup keepers, strings, and rear girth with the leather parts from my Henry Miller Amish Saddle. Eventually I’ll probably replace the Abetta cordura fenders for my Henry Miller leather fenders, too. They are already permanently turned and are very comfortable. And I’d like to get a new saddle pad that is longer down in the front  underneath the fenders. But for now I’m much happier with the Abetta saddle after these small changes.

I also wanted to try on Apache’s new bridle and bit that was delivered yesterday. The bridle is a Circle Y, and the bit is a Korsteel French Link(copper piece) D Snaffle. I think she likes it. Immediately after she put it in her mouth, she became very soft and relaxed.

 

Then Jackson came up to the barn to remind me that I was supposed to drive all 3 of my kidlets over to their best friends’ house to hang out for the rest of the afternoon. But before we headed back down the hill, he asked if I’d lead him quickly around the paddock once before we left.

Apache didn’t mind, even with the wind gusts getting stronger. She just seems to enjoy all the attention.

Boy Howdy, but it sure was windy. I was happy with how well Apache led around for me, though.

If the weather cooperates this weekend, I’ll finally get my own opportunity to ride Apache, too.