The family went to a fund-raising event today for a local horse rescue organization, C.H.A.N.G.E, and got to see some interesting demonstrations of everything from dressage, to driving, to mounted shooting!
Too many things to get pictures of it all, but the jumping and Dressage were very cool to watch. I can really see how Dressage work could help Bar (and Lena) with his balance and coordination, and Karen says even jumping (low jumps only) would be good for him. I don't think either of us is quite there yet (okay, mainly me), but it's not a bad goal to work towards together because it will incorporate the athleticism that he needs, and working through to accomplish it, we'll have to get through the trust and fear issues we both have. Again, this is a ways off, but he loves to jump, so if we could get there, it will mean we've accomplished a lot.
There was also a used tack sale and I got what looks to be a pretty nice saddle for $100! It looked like a good saddle to Steve and me, was in good shape, sat comfortably, and Karen said she'd buy it from me if it didn't work for Bar/Lena, so it came home with us. It got cleaned up and oiled and we'll give it a try this week.
The C.H.A.N.G.E organization has done a lot of good things in this county and helped a lot of horses, so it was a great way to support them and see a wide sampling of riding disciplines to boot. If the saddle works, too, that will be an added bonus!
I think, however, we will skip the mounted shooting for now. It was cool to watch, but I can't see it with either of our horses.
