This weekend was Rosie’s first encounter with a bareback pad. We’ve played with a saddle pad several times and she’s done a great job, so I felt she was ready for the next step. The bareback pad turned out to be a non-event, which was what I had hoped would happen. Even though I know I’ve prepared her, I was still surprised by how calm she was the whole time! I put the pad on like I’ve been putting the blanket on. Then, we played with the straps for awhile, letting them flap around and touch her sides. Then, I cinched up the girth and we went for a short wander around the property. Here’s a photo of Rosie, not minding a bit that I’ve strapped a strange object to her back!
You know, you just have to love the non-event moments which let you know you have been progressing at the right rate. Sometimes it can be so tempting to hurry the process.
Good girl! Is she a Quarter Horse? Look forward to hearing about progress around the ears. Seems like some mature horses are fine about ear handling and others hate it but so far my little ones have all been ok….is that the process or who they are I wonder?
Thanks for the comment, Jane.
She’s a QH. We also have a red roan gelding who’s about her age that is probably a half sibling.
I have no idea what makes some horses uncomfortable about having their ears touched. I don’t think she was handled much as a baby, which could contribute some to it.
Mary H.
Rosie’s seem to be liking the new strange pad on her back. Take care!
That’s a beautiful horse. I grew up on a ranch and have been riding horses since.
You know, you just have to love the non-event moments which let you know you have been progressing at the right rate. Sometimes it can be so tempting to hurry the process.
You know, you just have to love the non-event moments which let you know you have been progressing at the right rate. Sometimes it can be so tempting to hurry the process.