I have covered the fact the Bre is semi retired from serious riding because she plateaued and has soundness issues when pushed past 1st level. As I huffed myself up the hill between Dickie's and Bre's I realized I am so out of shape that I would probably pass out if I rode an intro test let alone first level. The frequency of my riding slowed 3 years ago when I started pre-requisites for nursing school. Once I got into nursing school I started a strict diet of macaroni and coffee (preferably with some sort of very sugary creamer). Between work, studying, and clinical hours the only form of exercise I engaged in was carrying my books to and from school.
At the top of the hill I was out of breath, weak in the legs, and my face was red as a lobster. An old riding friend arrived to meet Dickie and found me still dripping with my shoes/socks strewn about the aisle way in an attempt to cool off. She used to be my riding partner in crime. We boarded on the edge of some amazing trails. We would be gone for 3 hours and would have spent least half of the ride in two point. Sadly, our adventures weren't all that long ago. I started nursing school two years ago this fall and was still riding, albeit with less frequency, at that point.
At one point while playing with the ponies, my friend and I discussed how the perfect person to lease either of our mares would be someone looking to get back into dressage. It clicked at that moment that I was describing myself. I am that out of shape adult who used to have some talent but needs to start over. Dickie is the horse for my in shape self but I have a long way to go before that self appears again. In the end it always leads back to Bre. After all those years of training Bre the time has come for her to train me. And what an amazing trainer she is. If you ask correctly she gives, she turns from your seat, goes forward with a whisper of your leg, is as light as feathers in the bridle. She is a bouncy ride so its like trying to stay on a pilates ball with a mind of its own. Just trotting her around the arena with help build up stamina and core muscles.
Looking at old riding pictures reminds me that I can lose weight and I can get in enough shape to ride again. I might tip the scales at the almost highest weight of my life and be at my most appalling as far as stamina. That isn't the end of the world though. I was even more overweight and out of shape one other time. That was when Bre was 3 and as green as grass. Back then she needed me to help teach her confidence and to prove she wasn't a dangerous horse. Eleven years later (to the month) I find myself coming back to Bre and asking her to help me.
When I had enough stomach muscles to ride bareback (taken in Alaska but I was actually in better riding shape 4 years ago)
Major flashback of me with my TB mare (right) when I rode hard everyday.
Back in the days when we could be gone all day then be just as fresh the next morning (not long before RN school).
Hi! Thanks for checking out Chrome's blog and leaving a comment. I can't wait to learn more about your two, especially the youngster. You're right it is so much fun to read blogs about other people who are bringing babies along. :D I'm following three other blogs with people who are bringing along horses close to Chrome's age. One is about Enzo a three year old purebred Friesian http://enzo-janine.blogspot.com/, one is about Yalla! a three year old Arabian filly http://fantastykvoyage.blogspot.com/ and the last one is about Chance a three year old Mustang filly http://adventuresofthepaintedcreekfarm.blogspot.com/ They are all great blogs if you want to check them out as well!! :D
ReplyDeleteThere are also several with horses that are a little bit older, but they started them themselves (mostly) and ride dressage (mostly) so they are a great resource as well. One is about a first time starting a horse named Rogo in classical dressage http://rogo5.blogspot.com, one is about a first time with a baby (now grown) named Rose http://adventuresincoltstarting.blogspot.com/, one is about green on green with a warmblood filly Riva http://princessdivadiaries.blogspot.com/ and last but not least is someone else who does clicker training with her young Welsh Cob Zeb http://derwenzebadee.blogspot.com/. That's just a few of my favorites. You can probably find ones I've forgotten in my list of blogs I read lol.
I look forward to reading about your adventures of getting back into dressage on your pretty mare too. Oh and before I forget how old is Dickie?
I and I totally forgot a new one with an adorable young Andalusian. http://journeywithadancinghorse.blogspot.com/ :D
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome! Thanks for all the blog suggestions! Dickie is 2.5 yrs old. He's a fun boy. Very level headed and smart. He's very entertaining. I can't wait until next year when we get to have our first ride. For now he is learning to be a good citizen.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! It took me a loooooong time after starting Chrome's blog to find others about starting young horses so I figured I'd give you a jump start. :D I'm sure you'll share ones with me if you find any (I hope)! I'm eagerly looking forward to your first ride on Dickie. My first ride on Chrome was one of the most amazing days of my life. :)
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