grabsaddle

[Todd & Toni Jones <tjones@coinet.com>]

Regarding the velcro...

About 4 years ago I was at a local indoor arena
attending a barrel racing/playday sort of thing
with my previous horse. We weren't competitive,
but it was a great way to socialize with my
friends, have an adrenaline rush running the
patterns and an overall great way to spend a
winter afternoon.

One junior rider, girl about 12 or so was a real
go getter. She was absolutely fearless on her
horse. My friends and I were absolutely impressed.
And this was a racing fool of a QH. She was this
tiny little rider in a rather largish western
saddle and a very loose rein. She rode that horse
every foot of the way, urging him forward at every
turn and running home... we were amazed at her
confidence and ability to stay in that large
saddle. A champion barrel racer in the making, we
felt. Then she passed by fairly closely and I
noticed that she was velcroed to the saddle!

Not a good idea, me thinks... I'd rather have the
option to part company if need be...

Toni (who hasn't parted company from a horse in
years, thank God!)
and Shagya O'Biwon (you mean this is an option?!)