Awareness of the outside world. Nutrena: Creative Reuses for Plastic Feed Bags. Hat tip to M.
~~~
Ramsay
Stepping Stone Farm
Saddle seat lesson
August 2025
A kind schoolmaster is in the academy program until the end of the year. So, I’m learning what I can while I can. After all, as Bree says, “No one can teach riding so well as a horse.”
Ramsay knows all about going in a show bridle. I do not. So, I’m taking advantage of the opportunity to learn from an understanding horse, one who rewards correct effort and does not hold a grudge at my hamfistedness.
Do I need to know how to ride with a show bridle? Probably not. You can use one in academy classes but you don’t have to. But why not? Additional skills are good. Learning is good. New & different is good.
A school horse endures mistakes. A schoolmaster lets you know when you are doing it wrong.
Previous Double Bridle, Show Bridle Experience
George 1986. The horse’s owner brought home a beautiful set of bits from England. We looked flawless standing still. Moving, not so much. As for the reins, I barely touched them. [What’s In A Name]
Skippy 2017. It’s not double reins. I’m fine with those on a pelham. It’s having the second rein attached to the second bit that causes the agita. [Different Versions of the Same Thing]
“While I have ridden and shown with it, I am still in the Do No Harm phase. I don’t actually know how to use the the daft thing to influence the horse.” [Why I Am Not A Saddle Seat Genius, And Probably Won’t Be] 2018
Dottie 2019. “I decided that I felt more confident doing this with the work bridle … All the time learning to finesse the show bride had given me a clear idea of how I wanted to ride with the work bridle.” [Show Report: NACHS 2017, Riding]
Optimus, I think I had a lesson with Opt in a show bridle, circa 2019. If true, I did not mention it in the blog. OTOH, the blog says I used a show bridle in January 2024. I have zero memory of this, although I recall the show and the classes. Go figure. [Staying With The Series, Show Report]
“Coach Courtney called my hands gracious.” [Having A Light Touch] 2024
Onwards!
Katherine
Virtual Brush Box 
Double reins scare me, let alone double bits! My philosophy is, use the mildest bit that will accomplish want you want. Which for both Priney & Chief was an eggbutt snaffle. And sometimes I rode Priney bareback with just a halter and one leadrope. I did ride Chief bareback a lot, too.