I took a break from horses last week. I don't know why I needed one, but I did. Maybe it was just my frustration that Boo still has these issues after 5 years...
Oh well, not like I'm going to boot him to the curb or anything...so I'm back. Rode today. His canter work was better than his trot work. We worked through it though and that is what counts. I made him wade through the big mud hole 2 or 3 times before we went in to saddle up. He didn't like it, but he did it.
I got an email last week from Boo's previous owner asking how he was doing. I think I probably wrote her a book length reply. It's always fun to catch people up on your horse. I know the previous owner must have cared deeply about him, why else bother to look him up.
I spent last week getting a weight training routine going. I figure it will help me with my endurance in the saddle and my balance etc. I worked out my lower half yesterday and I gotta say, after riding today I can barely climb the stairs up to the bedroom. Tomorrow is my upper body routine. I'm not overdoing it either. I'm doing one set of 10 with 3.5 lb weights. Guess that shows you how out of shape I have been. This week I am suppose to graduate to 2 sets of 10. Might have to go another week with the one set. Just so I can keep riding.
When I returned to my horse obsession this week, I did it by going out to the Heart of the Valley dressage show at Devonwood on Saturday. It's always inspiring to watch really good riders ride. I took my camera along and took some pictures too. I'm posting a couple of my favorites.
I know that feeling. Sometimes taking a break from the riding and training can leave you refreshed when you go back. I have been feeling like that with my new horse. But then you get back in the barn and do the work and sometimes, even the horse was glad for the break and things are actually better!
ReplyDeleteYou are right! Sometimes it seems like they have actually missed you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, Thanks for sharing! I agree with SoltaireMare, sometimes a break is the best thing. Learning to listen to how you feel is wonderful as well as realizing where the things are to improve! Kudos to you for adding weight training to your schedule, it will help your riding so much.
ReplyDeleteYep..with you all on the break department...having a small one this week..though I will go and pamper the mare through it...just not riding!
ReplyDeleteHave fun coming back to it!
Hay...I found an awesome web site today...
the link is on my sidebar "Horse Hero" website.
I am going to start "long reining" instead of lunging. There are some fantastic videos..almost like being there!
Kac
The pictures you have posted I believe are Nikki and Del, Del is Tracey Moneta's oldest daughter Lauren's old horse, for a fyi! Tracey had him imported as a 3-4 year old, its so cool to see how far along he is coming now!
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