The old pony saddle

It is interesting how some things make you feel like a kid again....

Last week I tried my old pony saddle on Ace, hoping the addition of a "tree" to his saddle would give him better spinal clearance. Anyway, Over the years my stirrups and leathers had been swiped by "un-savories", but I found a girth and a pad and tried it on. He really was not sure about this new saddle that feels so different and jingles in a new way. I thought, "I will take him for a walk. Let him get the feel for it". Grabbing my helmet, just in case, we set off for a quick loop around the trails. Well it got warm and I thought, "maybe you can carry me a bit" as we walked by a big rock. I climbed into the saddle, pleased my adult butt fit into the seat I bought with my saved allowance as a 10 year old.

We rode through the trees, just a saddle and a halter. I had that moment where I remembered taking my arab pony out with nothing but the bare fittings a teen could grab and go. The feel of the inexpensive all-purpose saddle reminded me of all the times I was dumped at the jump by my crazy sorrel Quarter Horse mare, and all the times riding to the ring for lessons on my trusty Arab, galloping along the trails. I had a grin that just would not wipe off until I returned to my adult reality again.

Loving the feeling, I was able to get out twice again that week and again today. I have borrowed some stirrups, working on getting my own, and on the longer rides my adult bones are not as forgiving, so I am making a sheepskin cover. I hope to incorporate the little bit of my youth with the comforts required of my maturity and have some great rides ahead until I can figure out our next saddle.