This was from a horsemanship clinic in September; I rode after everyone else had gotten a chance to ride Jigsaw, just b/c she was already there in the arena and ready to go! The rope around her neck is a balance rein, and is used to teach the horse how to turn and stop from pressure on their chests rather than on their heads -- that helps them become more balanced. It also helps the rider balance by using the rope instead of the reins, to avoid tugging on the horse's mouth. See how crooked my legs are? That's one of the many "issues" I'm currently working on. Riding is a sure way to find out just how crooked you are, and a good motivator to try and become more balanced and even -- both on the horse and off!

This was taken the second time I went to look at Jigsaw before I bought her, so this is at her previous home. She's in much better shape now, but we're still not doing that much cantering until she gets her hindquarters muscled up -- hopefully I'll get more pix of her at all gaits soon.

More from the trial ride -- obviously it went well!