Saturday, April 25, 2015

saturday schizo + saddle reflocking

The last few days of the work week were tricky bc I have two computer screens at work and one of them suddenly started functioning abnormally. Normally it's full of spreadsheets and research and the like. 

But Thursday and yesterday? It could only function as 24/7 USEF Network live Rolex dressage streaming. And I wasn't even mad haha. (Just don't tell my boss...)


screenshot of my two side by side work computers. not bad!

Plus, it's impossible to work a full day using the other computer screen without taking a teensy little break here and there... and thank god there are other bloggers out there providing content perfectly suited to distract me! 

Sadly I'm not likely to catch nearly as much of today's cross country as I'd like to, since I'll be working at the barn early, then our lesson at OF, followed by a school with Isabel. Busy and long day, but I certainly can't complain! 

And I'm actually not sure yet if I'll ride Isabel or do a long lining session... as we FINALLY have a bio-mechanics lesson on Sunday and I want Isabel loose and limber and ready to go. We'll see how I feel, I guess. 


Other interesting (or not) updates include getting the flocking in my saddle readjusted again. The panels are recently converted from CAIR to wool flocking, and still had a bit of settling to do before any adjustment would really stick. The fitter Gina expected we'd need to revisit the flocking in April, and she was right! 


The stuffing had flattened out a little bit along Isabel's right side, which is less muscled anyway due to some of our issues with crookedness. 

But now the saddle should be all set through September. Plus, last time Gina wanted me using a no-bow wrap up front, but after the recent adjustment Isabel officially needs zero additional padding or shimming. The saddle is perfectly balanced and fitted to her. Yay! 

Gina took a quick peek at my new-to-me dressage saddle too, even tho it still has CAIR panels and therefore can't be reflocked at the moment. I have every intention of converting it to wool eventually, but she agreed that it's good enough for now - especially given our very low level of dressage work. 


She did recommend using the no-bow wrap under the pommel tho just to mitigate any rocking, plus she recommended a dressage girth that clocks in at a whopping $36.99 -- spare change compared to the Total Saddle Fit girths I've been eyeing. So I'll give that a try - with thoughts forthcoming soon, hopefully. 

So I'm feeling pretty good about the condition and fit of all our gear in preparation for showing. Now all we need to do is actually, ya know, SHOW. Any day now please! Watching Rolex is really whetting the appetite too haha. 



12 comments:

  1. I'm so glad Dino and I can entertain you at work ;) have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yesss!!! loved the insights and watching the videos from your lesson (esp that grid!) - it's all about laying that foundation, without which exactly zero of us will make it to Rolex :)

      Delete
  2. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. My saddle's flocking will be adjusted on Tuesday... I hope! I have the Total Saddle Fit girth and the quality is amazing...Once I have more rides in it I will doing a little review :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i seriously have my fingers crossed that things go well with your saddle fitting!! i'll also be curious to hear your thoughts on the TSF girth. i've been very impressed with other reviews - except my saddle fitter has been pretty blunt in her dislike of the girths... so i'm gonna give her recommendation a shot but ultimately isabel will tell me what she does and doesn't like...

      Delete
  4. I procrastinated all morning long watching Rolex :) It took so much self discipline to go for a walking only trail ride after that - totally wanted to gallop on any remotely nice footing lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha omg i know that feeling!! i had such a hard time sticking to the slow-n-careful plan w my game mare today too.... ah well, all in good time, right?

      Delete
  5. Just caching up on blog reading here... Interested to see how that girth works out for you! And hooray for a wonderfully balanced saddle!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i hope the girth works too! just picked it up yesterday so we shall see!!

      Delete
  6. I have a CAIR Dressage saddle now too. Can't argue with a free saddle, but I would definitely prefer wool. Glad to know the fitter doesn't think it has to be changed immediately.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i was definitely relieved about that too - and was actually hesitant about even letting her look at it, for fear that she'd tsk tsk the whole thing. but nope, she thinks it's fine. phew!

      Delete

Thanks for leaving a comment! You may need to enable third party cookies in your browser settings if you have trouble using this form.