as soon as i brought her in.
but the weather was still and dry - if b*****y freezing! needed my fleecy chaps on!
the hot water bottle did the biz warming the saddle up ... immediately comfy. and I could really feel her moving, the back legs coming through, so that's an improvement. I did think about trying trot but she wasn't happy and i wasn't happy i had my legs quite right (think the saddle slipped a touch, despite someone holding it, needthe proper girth to arrive...)
and then second time we went past the arena gate, which was open, i didn't anticipate the dive for it quickly enough ... duh. but, whilst she did try to nap back to the stable, she didn't get as far as she normally does, i did turn her round through the yard (startled by the sight of a dark shadowy horse, let her off with that one!!!) and then back trhough, but she still wouldn't go back in the arena so i eventually got off and led her in, if only on the basis that she was going to go in there.
she's started getting unhappy in her mouth again... might be me, but we might be back to the bit issues we had before.
i want to try the pelham but still can't find anyone to show me how to use two reins/that bit effectively and properly. do'nt want to end up with a worse issue that i already had....
and in the meantime we think we're getting a new kitten - 6 months, a woman in the office building i work in, her daughter is allergic to it. perfect age, already house trained, what more can one want? we'd need to get it neutered (it's a tom, so all the more reason!) but apart from that sounds ok.
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Two reins are easy. Don't let that intimidate you.
Put the thinner rein on the lower part of the bit--the curb, and the wider rein on the top--the snaffle.
To pick them up, lay the skinny rein on top of the wide one. Pick up the skinny rein with your little finger and the wide rein with your ring finger. This gives you stronger pull on the snaffle end and a lighter touch on the curb end. That's almost automatic.
Then, when you need the added control of the curb, you tighten your pinkie (little finger) This gives you some finesse with that rein. It's similar to holding the reins of a double bridle.
There are other ways to hold the reins to create different effects, but that's pretty basic.
The top rein with a straight bar bit instead of a jointed bit will automatically have a little more control anyhow.
Be sure you have either a curb strap or chain under the chin. You should be able to put two fingers between it and the the horse and when you pull back on the curb, the strap/chain should make contact before the bit becomes horizontal. Too loose, and the bit becomes ineffective and too severe. Too tight will make the curb have an effect very quickly, but better a little tighter than too loose.
Adjust the pelham about as you would a snaffle, just a little lower, but not too low. You need to see at least a wrinkle at the corner of her mouth.
Don't be afraid to try it if you feel the need. Molly will let you know pretty quickly whether or not it is a good solution.
Meant to add--delighted about the kitten. Do get him neutered as soon as possible so he doesn't pick up any bad habits like spraying inside the house.
I have mostly boy kitties and they are absolutely loveable. What color is your new baby? Can you post some pics soon? I am a kitty addict!
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