Monkey on Her Back

So over the last month, I think something really clicked in my head, and suddenly, its like I just "get" jumping. Holly has settled into the great horse (thankfully showing the fruits of lots spending the time and money in training) and I suddenly realized, that once I'm at the jump, all I really need to do is relax and hang on. Head up, toes, up, thumbs up, and just sit there quiet. For some reason it became the image of a monkey riding on a horse, relaxed and enjoying the ride. I'm weird, but hey it works.

Yes mommy, I can add a step, see :P

Lots of little courses, with all the scarier stuff, the gate, the wall, lines, tight turns with lead changes, a lot of it at 2'3"- 2'6". It's awesome to feel so at ease over oxers and walls, let alone at 2'6". In fact, I kinda hate when there's little jumps thrown in, she makes me work harder over the little stuff.

Lets make that a long in...

Oxers ain't no big thang

 I'm certainly not going to win any eq classes yet (as evidenced by included photos), but I am learning to just flow with the long one, and stay relaxed when she adds the worlds tiniest, last minute step in front of a 2'3"+ fence. Then I ask for more. Weird.

Holly has done her part and (excluding today) has really leveled out her lead changes. Today they felt like she was rocket powered, but once I knew she was in that mood, I didn't freak out, just tried to get the next one better. (pics from this week still to be edited lol, soooo behind...)

 Wonder Twins didn't want to pose

Derp

...And since some people have already seen pictures on my Instagram... I pulled the trigger on a used CWD. It's a '10, SE02. So far I like it, it feels similar enough to my trainer's Butet to not be totally foreign, but has a lot more padding life in it. There will be some shimming/ pad changing I think to get it level on miss Downhill Princess, but so far, she doesn't seem to have any qualms about the change.

Any ideas on good shimmable half pads? It doesn't need much, just prob a tiny lift in the back. I just want something I can play with a bit. I keep thinking just using an Oligvy may allow the saddle to settle better, but... it could be I just really really want one.