Readjustment

I never knew my dressage saddle was so light! Compared to a western saddle it is nothing at all.

I never knew how much less protection my dressage saddle gives than a western saddle. It always seemed so much more cushy than a plain forward seat English saddle.

I never knew how little Champagne has a swinging back, at least compared to the rolling gait of the little roan quarter horse I rode at the dude ranch.

I knew Champagne’s trot was easy to sit, but I never realized just how easy until riding him yesterday.

After the little roan, Champagne seems like a big horse, and very sturdily built. When I first saw the roan I thought he had a ewe neck. I guess he didn’t, but compared to Champagne his neck seemed skinny and flat.

I had to let my stirrup leathers out a notch yesterday in order to feel that they were long enough, and even then I think another notch might be in order.

Champagne’s natural lack of forwardness at the walk is a very good match for the trail pace of the western horses, but he’s a wuss compared to them. The steep rocky ups and downs and bouldery stream crossings would have him in a heap, and he’d have to wear shoes for sure. If I could have him in the Wyoming landscape for a month or two, though, his strength would build up a lot.

I’m glad to be back with him, but I’m thinking of getting a western saddle for the trails. The barn has a couple I can try this weekend!