Tacky Anniversary

Yesterday marked the 1-year anniversary of my decision to buy Tonka despite his founder diagnosis, and today marks the 1-year anniversary of the blog.

We celebrated yesterday with another ride in the pasture. Both horses were fantastic -- Raven stayed calm throughout the whole 45 minutes (still at liberty) and Tonka worked hard at his bending and straightening exercises. Instead of riding in the Wintec 2000 AP I tried him in the old Wintec stock saddle I bought last spring. What a difference for both of us! The closer contact really helped Tonka to understand my leg aids, and the long panels with the set-back stirrups are reminiscent of a dressage saddle, which is where I feel most comfortable. I had always intended to change the gullet in that saddle for Raven, but now I am keeping it for Tonka. With composite stirrups (which I love) the whole thing will weigh less than 10 pounds. I have been riding Raven quite happily in a cordura Wintec 100 Sport of the same era (and weight), so she really doesn't need another saddle.