Wrangler’s Donkey Diary: Second Lesson Day
6-4-18

Simple hairbrush bristles remove more undercoat

The loose hair on top scrapes off easily

Place girth 4 inches from forearm

Lossen crupper strap & insert tail

Adjust snugly, but not tight

Much improved walking in sync

Proper turn through the gate

More impulsion & flexibility at walk left

First offer to trot easily

Begin reverse

Improved posture & balance at walk right

Offer to trot right

Hindquarter engagement before halt

Improved in sync back to work station

Slide saddle back to loosen crupper – learns to stand quietly

Remove saddle

Bristles are longer which is enough to get it all

No more shedding blade hair breakage

Adjust back girth snug enough to hold the saddle down

Scratch rear for relaxation of the tail

Place saddle over the center of balance

Patient while opening gate

Improved gate posture

Improved posture & balance at walk left

Beginning to find his balance

Complete reverse on correct pivot foot

Improved posture & balance at walk right

Finding balance at trot right

We did GOOD!

Remove bridle & put on halter

Slide crupper off tail

Back to the barn IN SYNC!
Hi Meredith, I’m curious about your use of a crupper with a riding saddle. I’ve always thought of the crupper in use with a driving harness, holding just the harness in place. It seems to me that a britchen is a better way to hold the weight of a saddle and rider in position, as the tail is an extension of the spine. Would you use a crupper on a ride that is other then flat terrain? Thanks for your thoughts on crupper vs britchen and spine health.
Warmly,
Kristin
I have always used a crupper with my English and Western saddles (and harness) on Longears in all kinds of activities, including Dressage & Combined Training (Cross Country Jumping – 3 miles over rugged terrain) to keep the saddle over the center of balance. I do not recommend using breeching with riders, only with pack saddles and inanimate loads. The detailed reasons for this are outlined in an article that I wrote, “Understanding the Use of Cruppers & Breeching” that can be found on my website at https://www.luckythreeranch.com under TRAINING/MULE CROSSING/TACK & EQUIPMENT.