Wrangler’s Donkey Diary: Second Lesson Day 6-4-18
Simple hairbrush bristles remove more undercoat
Bristles are longer which is enough to get it all
The loose hair on top scrapes off easily
No more shedding blade hair breakage
Place girth 4 inches from forearm
Adjust back girth snug enough to hold the saddle down
Lossen crupper strap & insert tail
Scratch rear for relaxation of the tail
Adjust snugly, but not tight
Place saddle over the center of balance
Much improved walking in sync
Patient while opening gate
Proper turn through the gate
Improved gate posture
More impulsion & flexibility at walk left
Improved posture & balance at walk left
First offer to trot easily
Beginning to find his balance
Begin reverse
Complete reverse on correct pivot foot
Improved posture & balance at walk right
Improved posture & balance at walk right
Offer to trot right
Finding balance at trot right
Hindquarter engagement before halt
We did GOOD!
Improved in sync back to work station
Remove bridle & put on halter
Slide saddle back to loosen crupper – learns to stand quietly
Slide crupper off tail
Remove saddle
Back to the barn IN SYNC!
Kristin Otto
February 5, 2019 @ 11:34 am
Hi Meredith, I’m curious about your use of a crupper with a riding saddle. I’ve always thought of the crupper in use with a driving harness, holding just the harness in place. It seems to me that a britchen is a better way to hold the weight of a saddle and rider in position, as the tail is an extension of the spine. Would you use a crupper on a ride that is other then flat terrain? Thanks for your thoughts on crupper vs britchen and spine health.
Warmly,
Kristin
Meredith
February 6, 2019 @ 7:28 pm
I have always used a crupper with my English and Western saddles (and harness) on Longears in all kinds of activities, including Dressage & Combined Training (Cross Country Jumping – 3 miles over rugged terrain) to keep the saddle over the center of balance. I do not recommend using breeching with riders, only with pack saddles and inanimate loads. The detailed reasons for this are outlined in an article that I wrote, “Understanding the Use of Cruppers & Breeching” that can be found on my website at https://www.luckythreeranch.com under TRAINING/MULE CROSSING/TACK & EQUIPMENT.