We normally get about a week of winter-ish weather here. I had high hopes we might not got any snow at all this year (sometimes it's just freezing temperatures), but no such luck - we got pummeled.
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"Winter is coming" |
We are now enjoying all the chaos that goes along with living in probably the only place in Canada that is forever surprised when it's actually cold or snowy. I've come to believe no one who lives here is equipped to function in actual winter. I swear I drove by a city snow plow yesterday, but there was no blade where the actual plow part should be (and definitely no plowing of roads has occurred the past few days) so I don't know. They had the lights flashing and stuff, so it did at least LOOK nice and helpful :D
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Our other toxic habit here is for everyone to update their social media with "look!snow!" pictures |
Yesterday was the annual bingo card of closed/blocked roads, power, internet and water outages and people confidently driving their small cars with summer tires. I've never been more grateful to work and have the horses at home.
It looks like we're going to get another week or so of below freezing temperatures, so Sophie gets a vacation. That's fine, she was actually going to have one anyway because that saddle I waited so long for and had so optimistically hoped would be an answer didn't work. Honestly I know keeping them in some sort of work is healthy but my motivation to do groundwork, poles, and and longeing took a hit with that so I don't mind an excuse for a little downtime.
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Absolutely in her element and loves snow days |
I've gone deep down the rabbit hole as far as fitting myself (needing a 17-17.5" seat) and the very short backed (15" of usable space) pony, and I feel like I've tapped every resource I have and tried a multitude of things. That could be a topic for another post.
I think since Sophie likely isn't staying with me forever and the coblets are getting ever closer to riding age, I'm (finally) not overly emotional about it, more just curious about the problem itself. What might the science might be behind rider weight on shortened panels? How does that affect balance and weight distribution? It seems like a fairly common topic with different opinions and studies contradicting each other. It seems like everyone isn't even in agreement that rider weight can't go past T-18.
Long story short, with that question (and several others) over the past few years I was eventually so far down the rabbit hole, so completely off track from my original questions, and yet still so interested, that I started signing up for actual education in the matter. Which lately has led me to starting the SMS (Society of Master Saddlers) saddle fitter training and qualification. I know there are other organizations and opportunities out there, but this path is the one made sense to me (and my like of UK made saddles (and ponies!) didn't hurt).
It's reasonably an 18 month to 3 year process for someone totally invested, but at this point in my life that's realistically not me. I'm just going to see where it goes and take courses and get experience as and where I can. I have a career outside of horses that I'm not looking to replace (and I have big time Imposter Syndrome even starting down this path) but also I do think I have space to add something that I'm really excited about and interested in, whether it leads to any long term credentials or not.
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Good night, ponies! I love how the paddock spotlight lights up their little window and I can see them in there from the house, makes it look so cozy on miserable nights. |
Ughhh what a disappointment about the saddle, I’m sorry…. I remember that deep frustration from trying to fit an atypical breed for my sport (hai Isabel!)… like how is it that we still don’t have solutions for these horses yet? Honestly I bet that’s why a lot of folks get into fitting themselves anyway too. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteTrying to find any real science on any of it is really hit of miss too. I could be very wrong but I feel like much of 'this works for this problem!' actually means 'those horses mostly tolerated my solution' because when you dig there are no measurables to confirm whether it really did work (or the horses are just saints who'd tolerate anything)
DeleteHaving just met with a British master saddler, I am so excited for you starting the training! From what she was describing the education seemed so thorough and research based. But I'm also so frustrated for you that the latest saddle was also a no go. Sophie sure looks cute in the snow though!
ReplyDeleteMy real job is as a spatial data analyst, which basically means I turn data into maps, charts, images and project plans that prioritize what the client needs to know/do. I really struggle with concepts or plans that don't have some kind of verifiable facts or research at their base. I've had good experiences with everyone SMS I've met, and I'm optimistic I'll get a lot out of their educational offerings.
DeleteThere is always value in learning about topics that interest you. Enjoy!
ReplyDeletethank you <3
DeleteI have those same gloves and despite them being not quite good enough in any way, they're also the best I've found in every way, at least until it gets to cold. I hate gloves, is what I'm trying to say.
ReplyDeleteYou just summed up my feelings on all of it, perfectly. I bought them already knowing I wasn't going to love them, because they are gloves :D
DeleteI'm so sorry that saddle didn't work out. Solidarity in short backed horse (16 inches needing the same seat size. I had a DP rep tell me I couldnt fit 17.5 on her back at all unless I used a very specific saddle and I got sus). My all time favorite fitter I ever met was a SMS fitter, going for her qualified and master status. She was absolutely lovely, offered to pull apart a saddle in front of me and I gained instant respect. I've contemplating doing the program, I am such a nerd but the some of the requirements have held me back for a while just as it's not really in my cards time wise. I will love to hear your thoughts as you proceed!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not entirely sure it's in my cards logistics and time wise either, and have held back on it for a few years now for that reason. But, I think I'll just do what I can when I can and see where I get to. I've had a couple of brand reps say what I need is flat out not possible without something $$$$ custom. Which fair, but also surely this isn't a unique problem. I've found Amerigo/Equipe and Harry Dabbs with upswept panels and a tree that puts the rider a bit forward - that might at least tick the panel length/weight bearing area box for you. I'm actually really sad she outgrew Amerigo's width options last year, because otherwise the Pasubio was a solid choice for us.
DeleteI am waiting to see if a friend will be having a rep out for Amerigo, fingers crossed there because if so Dee is getting trucked over there faster than you can say saddle. I've had a harry dabbs, a jaguar, and looking into finding a trial one right now actually. If New England weather would cooperate, i will be jumping on taking one on trial. Hard to say yes to a trial when the ground can't decide if it wants to freeze or thaw. I was looking into Eq Saddle Science saddles too, love the research thats gone into the saddles, but again, a little nervous with how short her back is and reluctant to take anything on trial while I can't get the weather to cooperate. Maybe the Equipe rep can swing out for us too, i think he doubles for WOW saddles too which I think I'd love to see how Dee likes both of those. Gah fingers are crossed for you and the SMS courses.
DeleteI love the look of snow, but I dont much like doing horse chores in it. Makes for lovely photos though, right? Anyhow, your learning adventure with saddle fitting education sounds interesting and very practical. I think many of your readers will look forward to hearing your thoughts about it.
ReplyDeleteI was chipping frozen poo out of the ice/snow this morning, feeling grateful this isn't a typical winter situation for us :) You're all going to be bored to death with my saddle fitting detour - I have a feeling it's going to take me many years to accumulate the necessary amount of education and experience.
DeleteI'll be interested to hear what your thoughts are on the SMS course. I've been interested in a bit fitting course, but it's very $$$ and I can't justify the cost as I really only want the info for personal use. I wish that there were courses for horse owners that were run by valid organizations (not some flunky who feels that a weekend course that they once took enables them to start up their own course) that gives out high-level information that isn't biased to one brand. I haven't found anything in Canada for saddles, but I know there was a lorinary course geared towards people wanting to do bit fitting professionally. Wow saddles, which is what I have, does a course for owners on how to fit and make adjustments, but I'd have to go to the UK to participate.
ReplyDeleteIt's so frustrating in the horsey world how literally anyone can claim to be a professional/expert and charge for courses, lessons, whatever and there often isn't any kind of assurance of any standard being met or any real organization overseeing it. Re: bridle and bit fitting, I watched this a while ago and found it interesting and useful for myself. It's probably a lot more intro level than you were hoping for ( it's free though): https://www.mastersaddlers.co.uk/bhs-conversations-how-well-does-your-horses-bit-fit/ I'll for sure share if I come across good free or cheap resources geared towards owners just wanting to do better by our horses - I feel like there HAS to be something out there!
DeleteI’ve considered that course as well. Good luck. I *might* be snickering at the snow amount you have. Like, ‘hammered’ here is 30 cms. Sorry that the saddle didn’t work.
ReplyDelete