Sundays at the Stables - First time in the Saddle

Our days have been extra cold and wet in Oregon...so though we were hoping to get to ride in a saddle today...we had to optimistically do some chores first, and wait it out!

Jo has been wanting to help around the stable more and learn the ropes of stable management too.

So, since my PBO was out of town and I was in charge of the 2 steeds that did not go with her, we set forth in cleaning the paddocks and stalls.

Danny Boy is a special horse...he never poo's in the stall! he goes outside to do that business...it is kinda cool!

It was windy and raining-on and off- we discussed all the things we may do inside. I was secretly pondering how to get my friend in the saddle...even if just for 10 minutes.

She groomed the rather dirty Danny horse and I showed her how to saddle fit. 

The particular English saddle we were going to use, was deemed this winter-NOT to fit Danny- but since his shape has changed with his diet lately...it now fits fine. I showed my friend where to place the saddle for the horses' shoulder movement and also how to make sure it did not rock but has- even contact -under the length of the Panel .

Though ( sorry I forgot to snap the shot) it was REALLY sitting incorrectly on him. The Pommel  was raised, and would throw any rider behind the movement of the horse.

 I put a "Cashel "riser pad under it, and did the CHAP STICK TEST...

see the tube sitting there?

The riser pad made the saddle more level, so a rider may sit balanced, with their leg under them.

So, by the time I showed her how to bridle and saddle a horse..the weather looked a bit more inviting!

Yea!

I lunged Mr. Dann- man for a short time...finding out the terrain was not so good after the weeks heavy downpours. 

Yet, Knowing that we were just going to walk and get acquainted with the saddle today and maybe the reins too...I proceeded in the less than ideal area for a beginner.

She was so happy to be on the horse again!

I had her hold onto the grab strap at first and it was sooo awkward...she looked as though she may roll off Danny..I could tell that she felt very insecure!

We practiced dropping her stirrups a few times, and regain them...that helped tons with her legs. But- the terrain was so UNEVEN, and Dann was really undulating to and fro! ( Now, that I have had a week to think on it...good for balance at the walk!..don't think I feel comfortable trotting her there though!)

She picked up the reins, after a few rounds....
I love how Danny Boy knows that he has two masters at his point!

Jo, I don't envy you that there is SOOO much to take in!
 I told her many things, as they came up as necessary and timely...like making sure you have a direct line to the mouth , from your elbow- through to the bit. I took the reins into my own hands near Danns' mouth, while standing there, pretending like I was the bit. I had her close her fingers and take up contact with me...and illustrated that she is to treat that contact- like she has hold of Danny's lips.. 
She was excellent with light hands...though as she was thinking of her hands...
therefore-she looked at them!
Very common!

(notice how her leg became more essential for balance, after she took up the reins.)

So then, I taught her (told her for the first 5-6 times on this circle alone!)  to look 10 paces ahead, and the essential body language it does send to the horse.
This lesson, many riders revisit through the instructor's insistence, each time they have a lesson...I know!
Where you look is where you intend the horse to go..... therefore thinking it firstly, and accordingly, the body does send a clear message to the horse!
 Your core weight shifting , signals the horse as the sleight movements of your legs and hands, as you turn your shoulders into your seat.

We practiced this, after she became more confident, by doing serpentines within the circle.
 I had her choose a spot( 10 paces ahead) to begin the inner spiral. As she came closer to me, I told her to pick the next destination and she'd spiral out again to the outer circle.
She did really well!
Looking ahead and using her core to turn Danny Boy!

( I reiterated the hands being lower and a direct line to Danny's mouth several times...she'll get it- as she discovers the concept of the hands being independent of the body)

It turned out to be an excellent lesson!

Next time we meet...I will either have a Western saddle for her(they had all been taken out of town with my BO)  or use my Deeper seated, dressage saddle.

DISCLAIMER ( any one that trains and knows far more than I do...Please, feel free to add suggestions and whatever you will)  I am NOT a professional trainer- and lack much finesse towards this area, forgive me.