Thursday, January 21, 2010

I Love Tbs

Yesterday was a crappy, windy, cold day, but it was above freezing and it had been blowing for two days straight, so the outdoor arena was sort of dry enough to ride in. It's is an amazing opportunity to have access to an indoor, but I sure love being outside.

Anyways. I rode Izzy after turning her out to run in the arena, and she was pretty naughty. She would have been better if I cold have done a bunch of transitions and made her focus, but the footing wasn't that good. I only rode for ten or fifteen minutes, then I out her away.

Finally, I was able to get my old girl out. (I say "my", but she's really not mine, except in our hearts.) She doesn't do the indoor, so I haven't been able to do much with her in the past couple months. I also turned her loose in the arena, then groomed her thoroughly and got on.

She is such a good girl. She isn't as forward into the contact as Izzy. She'll never be a dressage champion. She is, however, smart, sensitive, and athletic. Despite the fact that I hadn't ridden her in a month or two, she still moved forward perfectly off my legs, and stayed balanced under my weight. She's so sensitive that I can just think about halting, and we do.

If I had more money, I think I'd try to do lower-level reining with her. She's catty and sensitive and doesn't like much rein contact. I think she'd love it, and it's probably lower-impact on her joints than jumping or dressage. Unfortunately for her, I don't even know how to put a western saddle on, and I don't think I know anyone who ride western well enough to train her. Oh well. Maybe I'll get a book and see what we can do. She'd probably do fine in a western bridle, but I guess we'll stick to my ansur, so it would be a fun picture.

So, anyone know a good reining training book?

This is Cassie, my old girl, a couple summers ago.

6 comments:

  1. Welcome to the dark side! I've always preferred backing a TB to a WB, even if I'm doing dressage. They just have better attitudes.

    I started out riding western, it's actually not that different from dressage. The concept of using the seat and leg as cues rather than the reins are similar, as is the stirrup length. Reining horses (like any advanced western horse) go in a curb bit. There is contact with the bit, but it's extremely light. I've taught Spider a little bit of reining, how to neck rein, spins and backing up. He'll never come close to beating a Quarter Horse, but it's fun for him.

    I don't know of any books off the top of my head, but they shouldn't be too hard to find. Reining is quite the fad nowadays, even Anky's doing it!

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  2. I, too, heart TBs -- they are amazing, sensitive horses who always try to please. I have to admit that I have a big soft side for WBs (especially Belgian WBs) and I LOVE a big, fat neck, but I think TBs will always be my fave.
    Sorry, I know zero about reining. But if Anky can do it, I'm sure it's not too much of a leap from dressage.

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  3. Hey! Cassie looks great! I love the shape of her pretty head. I hope you can find a western saddle for her. Sitting in one will be like hanging out in a lounger! GO REINING!

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  4. Sprinkler Bandit- Hi *waves* my first post here. If you are interested, my hubby JR used to train reiners. It's not a lot different than dressage, just the tack and a few of the movements. Pop him an email and I'm sure he would be more than happy to help you out.

    I am going to have a read through since I too am starting my 10 y/o WB mare under saddle. It is a different experience all the way around for me since I started out with Arabs. Since gaining the two TB mares though and now the WB, I'm finding the TB's are catching my eye more and more. Am I doomed? ;-)

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  5. TBs are the best! I have one and a TB cross - they've got a great work ethic, and are athletic and fun! If you go Western, be careful about saddle fit - most standard Western saddles won't fit well.

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  6. Love my TB's that's for sure, but I am finding Warmblood Chance's more laid back approach to life really refreshing as I get older.

    I've done just a little western riding. I have, however, been watching a number of the reining competitions on web videos. It does look like fun. Kind of "dressage on speed." There must be some good training books around.

    Nothing makes you appreciate a trained horse more than getting on one after you've been riding a greenie! *G*

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