Double the Loving

Snowy night at the barn

Headed out to the barn after school today for a cruise on the Mollie-Wogs.  I have been riding her in her snaffle for about 2 months now.  It started back at the old barn, because I wasn't riding very often and it just kind of carried over to this place when we moved in November.  Since she was out of shape I felt kinda bad stuffing her in it right away.  When I first introduced her to the double my instructor explained it by saying that a double bridle truly allows you access to a horse's skeleton.  That's a lot of access for a 17 year old out of shape QH who isn't built to do this anyways.

But alas, Mollie has been feeling SUPER fit lately and it's been showing in our rides.  Tonight seemed as good a time as any to go back, so on the double went.  Fun fact: when putting your horse back in a double bridle again you should probably attach the curb on backwards.  That way when you put it on her in the middle of the barn during dinner time when she's trying to run to her stall you can take it all off to fix it, put back on her head, and try not to kill her in the process.

I do love all that leather and metal....

Tonight was also about 30 degrees and super raw, so Mollie got to wear her wool cooler for the first time this season.  Unsure about whether or not your thighs are active and engaged while riding?  Just try to hold a wool cooler in place for an entire ride and you'll find out.

Hot pink polo wraps to spice up your Tuesday

 I eventually got the bridle sorted out, got to the ring, and hopped on.  Mollie had a SERIOUS case of the zooms from the second I got on.  This doesn't work out so well because a zoomy Mollie means a heavy, on her forehand Mollie, and that's no bueno.  I tried SUPER hard to just keep my hands soft and still, my body in perfect alignment, and be very persistent in my requests.  And can I just say.... damn my horse was good.  I really think that people who don't enjoy dressage just haven't really experienced it the right way.  There is absolutely nothing like collecting my reins from a long walk break, aligning my body just so, closing my legs around my horse and feeling her pick herself up right in front of me.  Then finally having my reins short enough for contact but feeling nothing because she's just that light up front.   It's really freakin cool.

Mmm carrot slobbers

I only rode for about half an hour but got off beaming.  This horse seriously keeps getting better and better, and even when she gives me a run for my money so many of our rides have been positive lately, and I couldn't be happier.