7-28-12 The art of shimming a saddle.... Had a great time experimenting with the shimming patterns.... I think I finally got a good pattern. Of course the horse gives us feedback and my feedback today on the trail was great. First as we headed out through the meadow I could feel I was sitting on my balance point and I was comfortable. As we hacked through the woods Lordy was so willing to stretch over his topline and lower his head. On the steep grades going down he did not feel short and choppy... So I gather the saddle, shims and smart pad were doing a good job to disperse the weight evenly and encourage him to round his back up. I was very pleased with it. As for Lordy on the trail he was super..... He led for part of the time and was very confident. Had a great time with 3 other wonderful peeps. Belinda, Devanee, Pat.... FUN...... The weather was beautiful and views were stunning... photos coming....... XO