Working on Straightness

Maya and I had a great quick ride this morning focusing on improving her straightness. I have incorporated a 3 loop serpentine at the trot, after her warm up, to stretch each side which really seemed to decrease her drifting. I am hoping with a little more suppleing exercises such as figure 8's, serpentine and lunging we should be walking a straight line in no time.

Project: Fitness

I have spent the last 3 months focusing on Maya and improving her all around fitness level, working closely with our trainer. She has come such a long way in a short bit of time. As her fitness level increased I realized my fitness level was, should I dare admit, nonexistent.

Now that the cold weather and winter months are approaching, my riding time is going to decrease. We are fortunate to have an indoor arena, but with 60 horses and lessons, finding a moment to ride in the arena is very difficult.

I know most of you are going to say, riding helps you keep fit and yes, riding has helped me move towards increasing my fitness level, but I still have a long way to go. I am challenging myself to work towards becoming fit so that I can be the rider that Maya deserves.

I purchased a book Pilates for Riders through Amazon several months ago, time to dust off the cover and start moving. Here begins my winter project: Fitness

Just a Horse......

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a horse," or, "that's a lot of money for "just a horse". They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a horse."Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a horse." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a horse," but I did not once feel slighted.Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a horse,' and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a horse" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.Those who think it's "just a horse," probably also use phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." "Just a horse" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a horse" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of "just a horse" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.So for me and people like me, it's not "just a horse" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a horse" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a horse" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a woman/man”So the next time you hear the phrase "just a horse" just smile, because they "just" don't understand.

Hello.......

I am a 40 something stay at home mom of 3 kids, married to a wonderful, supporting, understanding man of 13 years, living my childhood dream of being an equestrian. I have a sweet, gentle, beautiful, 11 year old American Curly nicknamed Maya.
Maya is the horse of my dreams, she has been so gentle and patient while I reintroduce myself to riding again for the 1st time in over 20 years.
I am so excited to enter the world of blogging and share my experiences, maybe even inspire others to reenter or begin their journey of being an equestrain.