We
all enjoy buying cool stuff for our horses -- fancy bridles,
new saddle pads, colorful splint boots. The problem comes
in when we save this finery for the contest and don't practice
with it enough to get us and our horses accustomed to it.
Horses
work best with what is familiar, and in most cases it's
not a good idea to switch an important piece of tack such
as the bit or saddle when everything else is unfamiliar
too. Even older, broke horses may need a few days to become
accustomed to a new bit and bridle and any rider who's bought
brand new leather reins knows that it takes time to break
them in. Practice riding in the new equipment at home, to
be sure that the horse is comfortable with the tack and
that everything fits properly. Young horses especially should
have the opportunity to get used to new outfits. I've had
colts who spooked from the fringe on my chaps, and one mare
who thought my cowboy hat was pretty weird when I didn't
usually wear one! I was glad to get over those reactions
in the safety of our own arena rather than in public. Even
if the new equipment is working out okay, I usually bring
my everyday tack along just in case. Being miles from home
with a girth that is rubbing or a pinching saddle will ruin
your day.
The
same is true for your own new clothes and equipment. Uncomfortable
boots, or a hat that won't stay put, can spoil your ride.
If you don't wear chaps regularly, its a good idea to ride
in them a few times as it can make a big difference to how
you feel in the saddle. Even the small accessories should
be tried out -- earrings that look great in the mirror at
the store might be downright painful to wear on a trotting
horse, and spurs that won't stay in place can be dangerous.
So, enjoy shopping for all that cool tack and clothing,
but don't hide it away for a special day -- put it on for
a test ride at home.
Doris Eraldi of Eraldi Training in Potter Valley specializes
in Pleasure horses and Equitation riders. She can be contacted
at 707-743-1337, or by e-mail dyan@eraldi.net.
Read Doris' previous article
