We're still in the dressage saddle. I've ridden at home in the jumping saddle. It was comfortable for me, but didn't fit Nero just right. I've got others to try, but I feel solid in this saddle.

 

He's always got his eye on the photographer.

He's figured out what's going to happen when we get to a new place and there's a group of horses, and I think he likes it. He's a bit springy to begin with, but I like that his response to the bit is no longer tossing his head to avoid, but listening and half halting.

So, have you ever read 'Little Black, A Pony'? I feel that way a bit with this picture. I think Thuy thinks I've replaced his little self with the big fancy red horse. Not to worry Thuy. I know you can do anything the big red horse can do, and better....

A picture with Niles.

More of my horses. Thistle on the left, Angel beside him, then Thuy, Nero and Niles. My plan is working, soon all the hunt horses will drafty types....

Heading out.

Nero did throw in a leap or buck at one point (might be in this picture). The people in front were trotting on, and we broke into a nice canter behind them.  I slowed up a bit for the horse behind me, then we cantered on to catch up. As we caught up to Thuy we did some sort of leap and I felt a little out of control. Obviously from the picture we got pretty close to Thuy. I'm not sure if Nero was trying to keep cantering, or if I got a bit grabby with my hands as we closed in on the group. It startled me, but didn't unseat me at all. If it happens again, and there's the room, I think I'll try a circle instead of abruptly slowing up. Of course I didn't think of that at the time.

He's easy to pick out in a crowd.

Trotting as a group. I like how Nero and Thuy don't poke their noses out. I'll get to the point where I'm comfortable with Nero being on a loose rein at the trot, but I only gave him his head at the trot a few times this day.

Not working at the trot, but staying in control.

I think he likes the cameraman.

Crossing the dam behind Niles. See, he's spotted the photographer again.

Heading in. I did notice taking the tack off that the extreme hills we navigated caused the saddle to slide back and not sit right. I've got a couple of weeks before he goes out again, so I can maybe test the other jumping saddles. His next outing should be the hunting clinic at a local cross country course. I'm hoping my nerves are around for that day. It could be a lot of fun.