Mustang Saga

Some disjointed thoughts because I'm in a hurry:

What are your favorite riding boots?  I'm looking for regular old cowboy type boots, not lace up, not English.  Something pretty would be nice but my more important considerations are comfort and durability.  My pair of Ariat boots are over 8 years old now and well, I need new ones.  They only lasted this long because they were pretty uncomfortable and I only wore them when I had to.  I want something I could walk several miles in, or ride in.  Nothing short enough to get caught on the bottom of my stirrup fenders.  The cheaper the better.  I'm not picky or anything.  ;)

Bella rode in a bit today.  I thought she might lose her cool, but she didn't.  She actually did really well.  We used a Myler cradle bit.  It has a comfort mouthpiece with a slight port, different adjustments for a shank or you can use it like a snaffle, and a noseband.  Apparently that's supposed to help disperse the pressure.  I don't know.  We both lived through it.  :)  I didn't take pictures but I will next time.

Before we rode I tied her up to give her time to play with the bit, and I trimmed Pedro's hooves.  He'd finally grown to the point where I felt safe taking off a fair amount of sole at the toe.  Then I took him for a short walk and asked him to "hurry up" or "trot" and rewarded with a treat.  I think it worked.  Later when I was heading out to feed I ran along the driveway and invited him to join me on his side of the fence, and he broke into a happy lope!  Wow!  Feet feeling better, wanting food, or whatever his reasoning, it sure was nice to see!