Bareback attempt #1...

...was not so successful. ;)

I recently ordered up this awesome Best Friend Comfort Plus bareback pad from One Stop Equine Shop. I was on the hunt for a really good quality pad that wouldn't put too much pressure on Caspian's withers and I think this one fits the bill!

Plus, the seat seems really soft and cushioney...although I wouldn't know from experience, 'cause I haven't quite made it into it yet!!

I decided to start bareback training with Caspian mostly because the saddle that I have doesn't fit him very well...it's fairly narrow and needs a ton more lift in the back...if that's how you say that. I'm certainly no saddle fit expert, but I can definitely tell that it does not sit right on him. It's the saddle that I used to use as a kid, and when I got Caspian my mom brought it out for me, hoping that it would fit us. Well, it still fit me ( I haven't really grown since 6th grade) ;) but I was disappointed that it wasn't quite right for Caspian. Like I said, it really doesn't sit right and the slope of it pushes my legs forward...it's really hard to maintain correct position in it. I also really don't want the fit issue to have a negative impact on Caspian's learning, so I've decided that I'm going to dedicate this fall/winter to working on bareback riding. I think this will be really good for both of us...it will definitely help me with my seat/balance and I think it will be great for our communication. Now, if I could just get on...

Last night was my first attempt and I have come to the conclusion that even though I may not have grown since 6th grade, I'm definitely not as limber as I was back then!! Therefore, I do not think I will be attempting to back my steed again until I get a sturdy, appropriate mounting device in place.

Thinking that I would be fine with an overturned feed bucket was severely overestimating my coordination. It just wasn't quite tall enough, even standing on my tippy toes (note: standing on tippy toes on an overturned feed bucket is not recommended for those "coordination challenged" individuals such as myself). I was bound and determined to make it work though. Sometimes I can be kinda hard-headed that way.

So after a few times of leaning over him to make sure he wouldn't freak (I don't think he's ever been ridden bareback) I decided it was now or never and made my first attempt at herking my leg over. Well, that "really stable" bucket tipped out from under me and down went Kuntry Girl! It should be noted that up until this point Caspian was being a real trooper. But once that feed bucket went a-clangin' and his Kuntry Girl hit the deck he was outta there like a bottle rocket! He didn't go too far though and stood for me to collect him and bring him back into the arena.

Needless to say, the next 15 minutes or so were dedicated to convincing him that the bucket wasn't gonna eat him and getting him to stand next to it quietly again. Then, it was time for attempt #2...did I mention that I can be a bit hard-headed?

This time went a little better...I got halfway on at least! I'm convinced that I would have made it all the way on if only Caspian would've worked with me! But once he felt my weight he wasn't quite sure what to do and took off again! This time with me hanging precariously off his left side! Now, when Caspian gets in flight mode, there ain't nothin' graceful about it. So here I was hanging onto mane and reins thinking, "time to bail!!" And bail I did! Just short of the arena entrance Caspian took a hard right as I jumped left...replaying it in my mind now, I'm pretty sure I landed on both feet! Well, maybe not....maybe it was more like a tuck and roll and spring to my feet kinda thing...I do remember being on two feet and stumbling into a post before regaining my balance. ;) For this uncoordinated chick, I think it was a pretty graceful dismount though! Although I would have loved to see it on film. Probably looked a lot less graceful than it felt!!

Don't worry...I was wearing my helmet!

After this I decided to scrap the attempt to mount and just keep working with him on standing next to the bucket quietly and letting me lean (part-way) over him. He was a real trooper.

So, yeah...looks like I need to rig up something a little better for mounting. I can't count on someone always being around to give me a leg up and I've certainly proven that I lack the coordination needed to use a makeshift contraption! After listening to my play-by-play, Kuntry Boy has offered to build me a proper wood mounting block in the near future. Yay! I will definitley take him up on that offer.

In the meantime, I'm on the hunt for another household contraption...only this time, one just a little more stable. ;) But I'm determined to get in a ride before the weekend's over! Stay tuned! Should be interesting!!