First, the old Sappho. The old Sappho was a team penner/roper (I'm not sure which) ridden by cowboys. She loved them cows, and probably still would. She knew one speed- fast- and was a little awkward sometimes. But she's always been cocky.
After working with her for a while, I leased her from November 10th, 2007, to Febuary 28th, 2008. I took lessons with Diane Cummins, who worked with us on dressage fundamentals. Afterall, we both lacked grace... I've tried a few different bits with her. From a regular snaffle, to a full cheek french link, to a pelham, and then to a d-ring oval mouth. The D-ring oval mouth has been the best, and it must be one of the most gentle bits out there. It even curves into her mouth to make it the nicest bit. She's extremely sensitive, so you have to ride her with leg and seat mostly, anyway.
11/17/07 Testing out the Pelham with a good workout!
12/25/07 A christmas day ride to show my dad and grandmother
Then, 12/31/07.
I sure do miss her. Now, she's fat and unmuscled, but she still remembers some of the things we learned together. She learned to drop her head onto the bit with leg pressure, as well as carry herself so that I'm not the one holding her up. :) Now, she really didn't like the indoor arena, she wanted to be outside, but we managed! :)
Then, we learned to do a downward transition with seat and legs, and weaned her off using the hands. Try the last 30 seconds. :)
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