My first west coast training gig

If you may recall, I have mentioned in previous posts that it essential that I pursue an equestrian career to truly be happy, and I'm pleased to say that Stamm Sport Horse is open for business. While I have done some training back on the east coast, it was always within the context of some larger farm at which I was employed. This is my first time acting as an independent contractor, and venturing out into the often crazy horse world on my own has been very scary.

Last month I started working with my first training horse, Scotchgard G, better known as the goofy and lovable Henri. Henri is an extremely powerful and talented half-Arabian gelding that has the ability to make me laugh and lift my mood when I'm in the foulest of states. He is owned by Gina Bressler, a very talented and very well-respected trainer in her own right who wanted to give Henri a shot at a new discipline, and me a shot at training (THANK YOU!). Gina also owns and manages the farm where I keep my little munchkin (Gentle Oaks Stables), and has kindly allowed me to base my training business out of her farm.

While I was thrilled to get Henri as a training horse, I also felt a tremendous deal of pressure training for someone who I regard in such high esteem. So... First independent training job working for someone who is a fantastic rider/trainer... color me terrified!

One month later, the feelings of self-doubt still creep in here and there, but I am starting to trust myself, and slowly but surely, I am starting to have confidence in my own ability. I couldn't have asked for better horse/owner combination to get started with. I also feel extremely lucky to be at a place like Gentle Oaks. While I don't technically work for the farm, being surrounded by all of the wonderful people there makes me feel a lot less like I'm on my own. Oh jeez.... Now I'm getting teary-eyed.

That's how I roll!

Dressage saddles with giant knee rolls seem to be a requirement these days for anyone wanting to look legit. This trend is something I refuse to accept, and here is my anti giant knee roll manifesto.

I have ridden in saddles with oversized knee rolls on a few occasions and can say emphatically that I don't like them. I understand that they are suppose to keep the riders leg in a correct position, but chances are, unless the saddle was custom made to fit your leg exactly, you will be fighting the saddle to achieve good position. Since I ride a variety of different horses and leg position is never exactly the same from horse to horse, a big knee-rolled saddle seems like a bad option for me.

I have also noticed that riders that choose giant knee rolls have a tendency to brace against them, especially at the sitting trot. While this may be an effective way to stay in the saddle, it is also an equally effective way to interfere with the horse's back.

The two saddles I use are the Neidersuss Symphony which have small knee rolls that suggest rather than command where your leg should go, and...

the Stubben Tristan which lacks a knee roll all together.

I love both of these saddles, and feel that they have a wonderful impact on my riding.

How do you roll?