Weekend recap: getting acquainted with Devoucoux

Published on by Amanda C

USPS for the win – the Devoucoux arrived on Saturday. I may or may not have been outside in the driveway stalking the mailman. I may or may not have opened the box IN the driveway because I couldn’t handle myself. Whatever. She’s beautiful.

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I’m really pleased with the condition, it’s in good shape and the panels literally look brand new, there’s nary a scratch or rub on them. As soon as I pulled it out of the box I stuck it in the car and went to the barn to try it out. It fits Henry pretty well and I find it SUPER comfortable. My leg seemed to just fall exactly where it was supposed to go, no effort required, and I really love the narrower twist. I did a quick ride in it and Henry felt great – dunno if it’s the saddle or the chiro or both but he gave me two stretchy trot circles. So far so good… I think it’s a keeper. I’ve never had a monoflap before so I was really surprised by how light it is, and I love the leather. Now I can’t wait for the dressage shaped Ogilvy and calfskin leathers to come so it’s appropriately outfitted. Yes this means I’ll have a lot of stuff for sale soon!

I ended up working on Sunday morning and wasn’t planning on riding, but peer pressure won out and I ran out to the barn to beat the cold front. Of course, as soon as I got on and started trotting the wind really picked up and so did a lovely freezing cold drizzle. Princess Henry was NOT amused. I wasn’t amused either, I’d been riding in t-shirts all week. I did a quick 10 minute warm-up and then hopped him over a few fences before running back into the barn where it was warm(er) and giving him lots of cookies for being a good sport. It was not beautiful course work by any means but he was a trooper and stayed rideable (even in just his sidepull) despite being mad and cold and rained on, so we’ll call it a win.

You should really watch the video all the way through the very end to see the surprise. Thanks Bobby.

Henry Feb 22 from amanda chance on Vimeo.

I also Harry Potter-fied my schooling pad, because I just felt like I had to do something to make dressage more fun. Ironing is about as crafty as I get, so this was manageable.

Otherwise it was just a typical weekend of spin, food, and a little bit of much needed down time. And guess what: ONE WEEK TIL EUROPE!

PS – my horse is a derp.

32 thoughts on “Weekend recap: getting acquainted with Devoucoux”

  11. I know everyone else is saying this too – but holy cow is that saddle gorgeous. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a prettier dressage saddle. *drool*

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  12. I really am developing a thing for monoflap saddles. The lightness. The ease of cleaning. The closer leg contact. Sigh… “I cannot afford to saddle shop. I cannot afford to saddle shop…”

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  14. I have always loved the Frenchie saddles. Your saddle is totally gorgeous and it sounds like a great price too…worth the wait! Sadly my current horse’s back is opposite of French saddle shaped. Maybe someday I’ll have another one again!

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  16. Gorgeous saddle!!! So happy you love it! Nice video too – but wow what are the measurements on those one stride lines? Henry’s got quite the step! Also, I kinda love the little roll top fence. Maybe if I had one that size to practice on the bigger ones wouldn’t freak me out? Lol

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