You must be willing to take criticism and learn from your mistakes… A hard lesson on any person as it dings the ego, even if you aren’t an ego-monster.

This blog is out there to share my journey, and this is part of it – as hard as it is to say out loud.
I’ve made mistakes; Prophecy needs a better and more confident leader. I’m committed to stepping up my game, and getting help where needed.

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Amanda came out last weekend to help me video 3 different configurations of us using the Balance and 1 in her Synergist to have Dee review…
While Prophecy does have reminiscent saddle issues, my recent trials of the LL Enduro Wide, the Balance 8XC GPD, and the Wide Synergist all worked for him and were not causing pain.
{I also now have in my possession an Thorowgood Cob and Franco-C derby saddle to evaluate thanks to Lynne and Kate – we shall see how those work as well!}

                           

During all his antics (above just a few of the naughty moments in the Balance) I did not get tossed off, but I did dismount when things went far enough that I did not feel I could stick it out further … and so now he has this wonderful habit .  My concern for him being in pain from a saddle led to me prematurely give up, thus making him think he can refuse forward movement with a buck (and some mighty ones at that too, I believe Amanda’s words were: “If it is any consolation you are doing really good!”).  The interesting thing I noted about myself though, is if I felt more secure in the saddle, I could push him past much of it, but he still would continue to challenge.  So far I have felt the best in the Enduro and Synergist, and it shows because I could continue to keep him moving and even trotting.

Synergist Lunge

Playing with the poles

So my solution to this is two fold… #1 I am getting a Synergist. Amanda located one used in a much easier price point for me, as well as it has a more secure seat compared to the Balance ; because of #2 – he is going to be put into training for a restart in my equipment (as to not chance a reversion of pain).  I would love to get the LL Enduro, but right now I have to do the financially smart thing too, and those aren’t around used.  As it turns out, the Synergist’s specs that we found are darn near perfect to what I would order as a semi-custom for myself…so maybe it is meant to be?!

Currently I’m in the research phase…I have had a list of trainers for a while in my back pocket; now we just need to figure out who the best fit is for us and our goals.

As to when… well, that might not be until February or March so that when he returns I can maintain a consistent riding schedule under improved weather and daylight vs. sending him in December. Until then, I will be doing a lot more ground work with him, and maybe some other ideas that Amanda and I have talked about.

On a more positive note, I have finally found someone who is willing to come out that is an experienced farrier using Easy Shoes. We will see how this all fits in over the next few months! Hard to put shoes on when I know he isn’t going to be hard at work, but definitely the plan for him later.

Things might be quiet for a bit, but I’ll be sure to update on occasion!

Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!