Cowgirl Dressage?

So, now that CJ has his feet on the rebound (positive thinking is important here), I am moving on to the rest of this poor malfunctioning body. I have him on Rice Bran since he is a hard keeper, B-L for pain/inflammation, and of course a joint supplement. I don't think that's too much. Some folks may think so, but...

His feet look better. A lot better.





I'm guessing, though, that he's still pretty crabby and bulking about going forward because everything else still hurts. Makes sense. So, my final effort is to get some bodywork for him and then a saddle-fitting. I'm already fully aware that my absolute favorite saddle doesn't fit him. I do believe he's one of those difficult-to-fit horses that really is just better off in an english saddle...this has been all but confirmed by a saddle-fitter friend of mine that I vented to. So, I'm left with bareback, which is fine with me. Oh, and probably dressage...:)

I have nothing against dressage. Matter of fact, dressage and my style of training share many of the same principles. But, I am, through and through...100% cowgirl. Always have been, always will be...even when I showed jumpers. So, now I guess my navicular QH gelding and I will start a new venture together on this...we'll keep you posted.

Worse come to worse, I think I'm prepared to retire my buddy next fall if I can't help him. Not an easy decision to make, but very possibly the only decision that is right for him. After all, that's all that matters.