Daily Journaling – January 4, 2024

January 4, 2024

Today was physical therapy day. And my therapist kicked my butt. So much so that when I came home from work, I was wiped out. I wanted to spend a little more time with Jesse, but I just couldn’t.

How can it be so exhausting to lie on a table and have someone move your arm? I have no idea. But it happened. So Jesse did not get the grooming I had been planning. But that didn’t mean I could do a little internet surfing. I mean, sitting is not very taxing, right?

And I started thinking about the things I will need to get serious with my training and Jesse’s training.

I got on the internet and typed in Riding Warehouse because, well, that is one of the first places I go when I want to shop for horse-related items. The first thing that popped up at the top of their page were articles all related to horse and rider training.

I found an article that seemed like just what I needed: 5 Exercises to a better seat. There were 5 exercises to practice, and they each had a video to go along with each exercise. For myself, it is so helpful to be able to ‘see’ the exercise being done. So these will be my go-to exercises to work on when I get to ride.

But for the next few weeks – no riding. So this gives me time to get all my ducks in a row. I like to do that.

So back to Riding Warehouse I go, but now to find the missing pieces of what I need for training.

Finding a New Bit

I have heard very good things about Myler bits. And Vickie uses these types of bits with her horses. She seems to love them, and since they work for her, I am going to give them a try.

I am going to go with a level one, loose ring snaffle for Jesse. I don’t want anything severe, and I have read many reviews that say this bit helps the horse to soften and give to the bit. I guess I will give it a try and see how he goes. If it doesn’t work out, at least I will have tried it, right?

I also need a black pair of stirrup leathers, so I am going to try out the HDR Grippy Close Contact leathers and see how they work out. They aren’t horribly expensive, which is good. They are also nylon-lined and supposed to be no stretch. Again, a good thing.

They also have flat buckles, so I am hoping they won’t create that ‘bump’ under my leg. 

And the last thing I need is a slightly smaller girth. The one I have right now is good, but is a little bit large for Jesse. It fit Plezant and Frisby well, but Jesse is a little bit smaller than they both are. So I am going to invest in a girth that fits him. 

I have had the best results with the Professionals Choice girths, and I’m not going to change from what I know works. And yes, it is expensive at $109, but it’s worth it.

Preparing for Fly Season

And I know I will need fly spray, so I better buy it now while I have the money to do so. I flip-flop between the Endure and Ultrashield EX. They both work great. But last season I did a lot of Ultrashield so I am going to get the Endure for the beginning of fly season this year.

Ok, I placed my order for my new treasures, and now all I have to do is wait for everything to get here so I can put together my bridle and saddle. So I think that is going to be it for today. I think I now have everything I will need to get riding Jesse. So, for now, I will say good night.