Small Milestones: Grown Up Bridle

 In addition to our first dressage test, we had another milestone this weekend as well!

Up to this point I have bridled Naia over her rope halter, both to keep her in control while bridling, and so that I can more seamlessly switch between ground work with halter and riding. It has also been a security feature where I know that if my ride gets hairy I can hop off and clip a lunge line on the halter to work through whatever (we don't lunge off a bridle yet).

In order to make the bridle and halter fit together less awkwardly, I have kept the noseband completely off my bridle. However, as what would be show season begins, I wanted to start her wearing a bridle normally so that we won't get disqualified if we do try baby classes at a show.

After multiple calm rides and good progress with bridling I finally bridled her up without the halter and reinstalled my noseband. She looks pretty grown up now!