I'm going horse riding...

[strykerdarksilence]

for the first time in nearly 4 years!

I rode all the time, barely missing a week from age 2 right up to a few years ago when my physical health problems kicked in badly, which long time members will know about as I used to post updates when I was having tonnes of surgery.

When I was being rebuilt and then rehabbed I tried riding a couple of times, but never felt confident enough that my ankles or hip would hold, particularly given how much hip work there is involved, and so I didn't do anything more than sit in the saddle.

I've spent all the time I've been realistically able to around the various stables I used to frequent, keeping up with the goings on (my late stepmum was a well respected riding instructor, so I was part of the furniture in these places from an early age and have helped run them at various times) and doing what I could, stable-management wise, but have really missed riding properly, whether just hacking out and following my nose, or competing in dressage, cross country, showjumping, time trials and long steeplechase.

Well, this past weekend I sat in the saddle again and was assisted in a bit of lunging, and felt more than happy to work my legs and hips fully and so this coming weekend...

I'M GOING FOR A PROPER RIDE OUT!! WOOO~!





I'm pretty sure there isn't much of a horsey crowd here on the forum, but tough I wanted to share! ;D

[BK From WV]

Be safe. My Mom died when a horse got spooked or something and threw her off. She hit her head on a rock. I was 10 at the time and for a while,I didn't like horses because of it. However,I know my Mom wouldn't want me to hate them as she loved horses so at least she died doing what she loved. Plus,it's really not in my nature to hate an animal. I still won't get on one and ride it but I like them again. Anyway,have fun and be safe.

[Wolfpack Bitch]

Always nice to climb back in the saddle after a long time off. I haven't ridden my horse since summer. Too flippin' cold. He's a wonderful pasture pet though. Being on the other side of the ocean, I'm more of a western rider, but with the right horse jumps can be heaps of fun. Hope your ride goes well and you get more saddle time !

[strykerdarksilence]

Dec 29, 2010 19:37:04 GMT -5 Wolfpack Bitch said:

Always nice to climb back in the saddle after a long time off. I haven't ridden my horse since summer. Too flippin' cold. He's a wonderful pasture pet though. Being on the other side of the ocean, I'm more of a western rider, but with the right horse jumps can be heaps of fun. Hope your ride goes well and you get more saddle time !

Thanks!

I've done a fair bit of Western Riding too, but I suppose it's what you're used to from growing up with as I've never taken to it the same way I have with the Eventing styles. Always great to be in the saddle regardless of discipline though ;D

And BK, I will be careful, thank you for your concern

[Lord Rahl]

My wife grew up with horses (harness racing) and did some riding back in the day. She talked me into taking a trail ride on vacation a few years ago. Now, the only time I've been on a horse was in pre-school at a farm field trip, never on my own. The horse didnt do too bad, but sped up on me a few times. Kinda freaks me out riding something that can think for itself. If it wants to go, there aint a damn thing I can do to stop it lol

[strykerdarksilence]

Dec 29, 2010 20:19:15 GMT -5 Lord Rahl said:

My wife grew up with horses (harness racing) and did some riding back in the day. She talked me into taking a trail ride on vacation a few years ago. Now, the only time I've been on a horse was in pre-school at a farm field trip, never on my own. The horse didnt do too bad, but sped up on me a few times. Kinda freaks me out riding something that can think for itself. If it wants to go, there aint a damn thing I can do to stop it lol

There is always that element of unpredictability, although I have ridden some pretty bomb-proof horses (I rode at a Police/Naval stables for a while as it was nearest to where I lived) and when you get to know them you realise that it would take something you want to run away from to get them to bolt!

If a horse does bolt (and I've lost count of the times it's happened) you have two choices really. Hang on for grim life or look for the first conveniant location to fall off. Nearly every time I have fallen or a friend has falled we've said we saw a place we could have dismounted much more easily before we were thrown, but the natural inclination to hang on is very strong and so you end up being thrown off without the time to prepare yourself. If you can override that inclination you can usually fall and be safe enough.

I've also clung on for several miles when the stallion I was on caught wind of some semi-wild mares in the area ;D

[Clarence "Showstealer" Mason]

Is it wrong that I saw the thread title and immediately thought "The OP had a change of tampons"?

[strykerdarksilence]

Dec 29, 2010 20:57:31 GMT -5 Clarence "Showstealer" Mason said:

Is it wrong that I saw the thread title and immediately thought "The OP had a change of tampons"?

Yes...

Yes it is....














But I still love you