I admit it, sometimes I struggle for good post titles!

But, it is exactly what is going on. The beat goes on, so we keep marching forward.

We had a bobble with the farrier and his last trim, but I was able to have him fixed up within with a week by the farrier that takes care of many of the horses at Wild Air (enough that he comes three weeks in a row to get through everyone).  I also managed to pick up a Boz saddle for the weekend from Amy, therefore getting to catch up with my teammate and her husband Ricky in the process 🙂

I had a few fitting issues with it on our first try, but likely some is related to how thick the sponge pads are that are currently on it (apparently older ones and have a lot of wear).  So I called Boz and we chatted for a good hour on it all.  This is an older one, 1994 date, in really good condition otherwise and been through Tevis.  Prophecy gave it one half-hearted buck on the initial trot off (free lunging) and then turned, stopped and faced me and started to lick. I think he was processing how different it felt.  I sent him off several more times with no issues and then hopped on for a walk about the round pen.  Realizing I needed some more insight on fitting, I did not push to do much on our first time (plus he was still taking off steps on occasion as this was before 2nd farrier came). I did not find the seat feeling overly wide like I had found some reviews saying, and that was definitely a concern for me having such a wide barrel underneath me already!

We’ve done some more work with fitting the new bit, and I was able to add a matching Curb Strap
from Two Horse Tack to his bridle. I got a cob size because he does have a cob size nose – but is a little big.  Its only purpose on the snaffle is to prevent the bit from being pulled through, so not meant to be tight or engage the chin, just could be a little tighter for less flop. This is an easy enough fix to poke another hole. It is well made, easy to set up and of course looks smashing on him all matched up!  I also specifically chose this type as it has very little metal, something else learned at the clinic in Aug; As much as I ‘hate to do it’ because it takes away from the ease of use per say, I will also remove the metal scissor clips on his reins as now I understand how annoying that dinging around could become.

Sunday was the long awaited TTouch & Bemer day for him! 

First, I had some time beforehand to ride in the Boz Saddle again and set it up with Boz’s first set of tweaks.  We did get some long low head stretching, but the pads are definitely not the right ones for Prophecy.  I will be returning this one back to Amy this week and borrowing a different one that has pads in better shape and a fleece seat to try. If I can get a few good rides in then I can work on finding used or deciding on a new one while still waiting for a Balance to pop-up.  No bucks when free lunging, and no off steps 🙂

After that bit of playing around, we finally got to meet Pam Woolley for a working session.  She brought her whole arsenal so we could play with whatever was needed.  We did a quick history dump about him and decided to focus in on the back and that right hind awkwardness that you can see from time to time.  First, just basic TTouch body focusing, then some leg circles where he presented stiffer in the RF and LH for ROM.  Next we played with the Sure Foot Pads giving him time on all four (individually and in pairs) with firm pads and the wedges. His hips freed up and ribs started to swing more with the walk, as well as his back legs really reaching under better. We finished up with an 8 min session of the Bemer pad, which he was practically asleep for.

Our homework: Do the TTouch intro and leg circles every time I mess with him and should start to see some major changes in how he feels/moves.  Overall his back was in pretty good shape, just need to free up the shoulders and hips.  Also, get a firm sure foot pad set if I can! (I’ll be stalking for sales if anyone happens to notice one!).

Lastly his dinner after spending over 3 hours with me, and then headed out to the field calmly.

I could really sit for hours and enjoy watching the horses and the amazing views we have…  I always find it funny to watch Prophecy search for his herd when I turn him back out. He ran nearly the whole 22 acres one day going to the wrong hill first and having to come back down to the other hillside.   He seems very happy overall, greets me in the field, is never really worried about leaving, goes back and finds his buds and doesn’t turn up with lots of marks on him, so I think he gets along just fine!