Out with the Old and In with the New ?

Well almost..... it's still me and Keri - two "old" gals but a few new twists. The little story behind my new stirrups and stirrup leathers is a long one -- but I have been waiting since I bought my London for the replacement 'accessories'.  The leathers were OK but the stirrups that arrived with the saddle were two differing brands -- one black, one brown -- and the hard rubber pad on the stirrup were each differing heights - enough to be a pesky irritation.  But -- after that much time - I adjusted to the annoyance. After the outstanding views Shelly shared - I am afraid this post will be under par visually :) 

I finally received the new gear right after Thanksgiving -- but it all sat in the box until TODAY ! We experienced a bit of a January thaw this new year weekend - which I guess many of the rest of you did also. Decent day to fool around a bit with tack and maybe try it out in the ring and down the trail. Zoe is off on holiday visiting her two brothers and their families in New York state- so Keri and I are winging it alone.
Something else brand new -- a helmet ! I have been wearing this helmet now for a month - and I quite love it ! for the price, it can't be beat - comfy and actually warmer than my old helmet for some odd reason.

 Once in the saddle - I realize - the leathers are too long... but I have used the last hole -- so I went riding anyway. First we went down into the ring and trotted figure 8's, then practiced side stepping, turning on the haunches - and a bunch of other neat stuff. 




We trotted nicely down the road and up a little snowy trail where we left very fresh hoof tracks.

 When I arrived back at the farm - my Number 3 son was there so I asked him to snap a photo of me and my beautiful girl.   I guess I better clean that lens up :)  Poor camera -- think of where it has been over the years.

I punched some more holes in the leathers, which I do with my cordless drill and the appropriately sized drill bit. If you have not tried this technique yet -- DO, it's absolutely the best way to get a nice new hole in leather... and you can do it while the tack is still on the horse for fitting. Very handy with harness especially.

- went out again to try that.. better...   I am disappointed in the quality of these leathers though... I am never going to purchase anything from this outfit ever again by the way !






here's a blip of my little canter -- testing out those new holes.  I think Keri is lazy today.

 

Welcome RAC'ers to the New Year -- Happy riding !! I look forward to the news of what's happening around the World with curlies :) 

Enjoy ~