kent & masters is officially mine!

So perhaps you saw me write this in comment threads on earlier posts (much earlier, obvi - since I'm quite behind in replying to comments right now... rest assured I'm reading everything and want to thank everyone for your kind words of encouragement yesterday!!) but - I bought the saddle!!!!!

So pretty! just, um, #needsnewstirrupleathers

I actually pulled the trigger on the purchase after our xc schooling last weekend at OF, wherein we jumped some big (to me) stuff and I felt totally secure. Throughout the ride, I found it very easy to put myself in whatever position I wanted in the saddle - be it defensive, or upright and following (for flying down banks), or just cruisin' around in an easy half seat. 

not quite an action shot, but i'll use any excuse to post this pic again haha

Even in the xc schooling that saw me unceremoniously executing an unplanned dismount, I still felt pretty good in the tack. The flap is SUPER forward and accommodates a pretty short stirrup, but I feel like my leg is staying where I want it, and there's more room in the seat for me to change my balance point as needed (whereas the Bates seat kinda held me into one spot).

this is actually the only real action shot of me actively sitting in the saddle, womp womp haha

Isabel goes really beautifully in this saddle too. In the days leading up to my trial period expiration, we did all our rides in the saddle - including some dressage prep for last weekend's tests. And Isabel moves really freely and nicely in the saddle - I honestly think she's super comfortable in it.

saddle and bridle and martingale and girth are all the same color now. #winning!

I might still play with padding a little bit just to see what works best etc... But the biggie is out of the way. The saddle is MINE. Yasss!!!

I'm particularly happy too because this saddle has the same basic features that attracted me to the Bates in the first place: interchangeable gullet plates for an adjustable tree, and wool flocking. It just so happens that the shape of these panels actually, ya know, FIT the mare haha.

Here's hoping to many happy rides! Starting with a purposeful school tonight, jump lesson tomorrow, and our season opener at Loch Moy on Sunday!