[MCarverS]

But, my boyfriend would not ride unless he could be a "real" cowboy.

Notice the fact that he is in a dressage ring on my Olympic Ahorn jumper mare! All sorts of juxtapositions, but he loved it and proceeded to w, t and canter on a 1.5 hr long trail ride.

Checking himself out in the mirror.

Sunglasses

Git along little doggy

Facebook Album for those with Facebook.

[leilatigress]

LMAO. I love that he's at C in that one pic! Kudos to your mare on the transition and kudos to the boyfriend for being brave enough to ride. Oh and Kudos to you for letting the mare be ridden drastically different than she's probably used to.

[alliekat]

I love this!!!

[fordtraktor]

Love it! Gorgeous mare.

[BeeHoney]

Your mare is beautiful! And congrats on getting the boyfriend riding!

[Mukluk]

Well its a good start but there are a few things missing: Horse, you need a western headstall, if not a curb bit at least a fancy western snaffle, western reins (you hold 'em with one hand) and don't forget the breast plate. Oh and skid boots for the sliding stops. And lose the ear net- it just ain't western no way no how. Rider: Genuine cowboy boots, wrangler jeans with a can of skoal in the back pocket, maybe even some shotgun chaps, a western shirt, and a western hat. Oh and don't forget the saddle bags to hold all the beer.

[gypsymare]

Gorgeous mare... I love the shot at C!!

[OveroHunter]

However funny the premise, those pics are gorgeous quality! Your horse looks great!

[Fillabeana]

I really like these pics. They show your lovely mare having a nice, relaxed time with her attention on your boyfriend. Both BF and mare have really nice expressions, they are clearly communicating with each other.

[kelsey97]

Love it His position is nice, and a big "good gurl" for baby-sitting him.

[MCarverS]

Well its a good start but there are a few things missing: Horse, you need a western headstall, if not a curb bit at least a fancy western snaffle, western reins (you hold 'em with one hand) and don't forget the breast plate. Oh and skid boots for the sliding stops. And lose the ear net- it just ain't western no way no how. Rider: Genuine cowboy boots, wrangler jeans with a can of skoal in the back pocket, maybe even some shotgun chaps, a western shirt, and a western hat. Oh and don't forget the saddle bags to hold all the beer.

Agreed, although don't let my boyfriend hear you, he's DYING for fringe chaps. I did however glance behind me while on our trail ride and see him holding the reins with one hand and I think his other hand might have been making a "gun" shape, but I only glanced back for a short bit :-) He was after those Banditos!

[fordtraktor]

I think I see some quarter horses in your future.....

[Mukluk]

Agreed, although don't let my boyfriend hear you, he's DYING for fringe chaps. I did however glance behind me while on our trail ride and see him holding the reins with one hand and I think his other hand might have been making a "gun" shape, but I only glanced back for a short bit :-) He was after those Banditos!

You'd best be findin' him a nice little cowpony. I reckon he would love riding the range or heck even team sortin'!!!

[MCarverS]

Ever since he watched a Texas College football game he wants Texas Long Horn Cows and to go on a Montana or Wyoming "Cowboy Experience".

[ParadoxFarm]

Very cute pics! Your horse was a trooper. And of course I think it's great that you have gotten your boyfriend interested enough to ride. That can be a challenge.

[europa]

What I really love other then your saint of a mare of course is that he is wearing a helmet!! Great job

He looks like a natural!! I had to suppress a giggle about the gun toting though! HAHA...CLASSIC

[Lydia Bosley]

dear mukluk ~

loved your coth post on the western rider on the dressage horse!!

hey, I'm new to coth and am wondering how to find posts (if any) about the low head carriage cultivated in western riding... i think it looks very unnatural and the impression it gives is that one can just dominate a horse's natural, proud posture and subjugate it to man's will... do you know, is there any actual real, good reason/purpose for forcing a horse to do that? i just think it looks sad!

(i ride western, trail riding, now but was doing hunters for years...)

thanks ~ Lydia lfbosley@q.com

[HARROLDhasmyheart]

Priceless!

Beautiful horse, too.

[DMK]

I think I see some quarter horses in your future.....

Not until she gets rid of that arab skirt saddle!

Nowadays I do the reverse. I keep a western headstall (with a full cheek bit) in the trailer for trail riding. Between the headstall, navajo pad and fringe chaps, I'm working my Inner Jimmy Lee on the trail.

But back in 2003ish when my old hunter was taken an unplanned break due to Lack of Money, I used to put my western saddle on him and trail ride him. The first time I did, he LAID DOWN IN THE CROSS TIES!!!!

He had an opinion on the matter, obviously!

So I put together this montage to explain the source of his humiliation:

[Mukluk]

My OTTB swings both ways, sort of. 95% of the time she is in English tack. Occasionally I put on her cute western bridle (same bit as her english bridle) and ride bareback. She actually knows how to neck rein! We do some team sorting but I do this in our english regalia- people are amazed that I choose to use a "gasp" english saddle. Angel likes to chase cows!!! She has herded Buffalo too. Our main goal is eventing but down the road I would like to get her a western saddle and a western outfit for me because I would like to ride her in a parade and the group I would ride with is strictly western. Your BF may want to go on the annual Buffalo round up held on antelope island in Utah each October- I did it on my own horse but horses are available for rent as well. I think it's awesome that he wants to ride!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv5an2m7nOY

Do not gallop horse near the herd unless you have a fast horse and are very vigilant. Some Bison will turn and charge you!!!