Went riding

[IL Rancher]

Well, I finally got out to the horse trainer (Well rider trainer in this case) today. Almost couldn't get there with the storms rolling around but decided that if I really wanted to do it I better hustle at getting the fence cleared off and hit the road. Got there in plenty of time and the instructor went out and got my horse for the day. As she went out to get her two of the other horses came over from attention and it was just great... God, I guess I really do like horses was the thought going through my head.

She brought out this 23 year old Appy mare that has seen better days (She retires at the end of this summer) and I got horse 101 taught to me with all the prep work of getting ready to ride. Next time she says she will watch me and answer questions but she won't put any hands on the horse unless she needs too.. Well that is nice..

Old Holly was apain in the butt in that she wanted to go here she wanted to go but by the end of the session I had figured out how to talk to her for the most part. That is when the instructor said she always gives holly to newbies for a while because while she is perfectly safe and a very forgiving horse she is also one that you have to be assertive with and communicate well with. If you can get holly to listen than any other horse they have will be a breeze. Didn't do anything really except work on saddle balance, having a square body and using your legs properly. It was a good time and right now I feel pretty good about it and I am not too sore yet... Talk to me in the morning about it.


The funny thing was that my favorite part of the day was the brushing her before and after the riding session and just taking care of her.. Found it very relaxing and pleasing.. Maybe horses will work out.

[Mrs.Greg]

Sounds like your on your way to being a horseman,I also love the brushing after a ride,your right its relaxing,bonds you and the horse too

[Faster horses]

I am so glad you had a nice experience. And good for you for following through.
That's pretty amazing, really, since you have no one to prod you. Guess what I am trying to say, is "I'm really proud of you for doing something you've been wanting to do."

Remember, it is a journey not a destination. Relax and enjoy every minute of it.

Horses will add something to your life that you'll never get
out of a machine.

Keep us posted as to your progress. Yippee!!!!!!!!

[Denny]

The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.

[the_jersey_lilly_2000]

Congratulations on Takin that first Big Step. There's so much to enjoy when it comes to horses.

Anymore ours don't get brushed after riding, they get a full fledged bath. It's so hot, after ridin they just look like they would feel so much better, and they act like it too.

[EastTexasGal]

CONGRATS IL...I knew you would find the spot to get what you needed. Sounds like this gal has started you off just where you needed to.
I can so feel the peace in your post....when we are just there with the horse and brushing, riding...I have the biggest sensation of peace as well. I am so excited for you....keep us all updated. Next thing we will soon hear you are out roping, !

Easty

[Big Muddy rancher]

[MsSage]

CONGRATSSSS that is the best feeling just "being" with the horse.
Keep it up it is WELL Worth the effort.
I can understand what your going through. My daughter is learning all over again with a AWSOME teacher. She is going from Pasos (push button) to quater horse. She is on a 25 year old mare who tests her at times but would NEVER hurt her. You should see her face while she is getting Angel ready. I bet if your picture and Kaitlyns were put side by side there would be 2 people with ear to ear grins and same look on thier faces.

I hope and pray the outside of that horse will heal the inside of Kaitlyn.
Since we moved it feels like the Divorce is brand new and starting all over again.

[IL Rancher]

I don't know how much a grin would have been on my face. I spent most of the time talking to the old girl. They might have needed a full bath if it hadn't been for the fact that when thef ront came through our temps dropped 22 degrees in a matter of minutes so it was in the low 70's by the time I got there.

Well, I am only bit sore right now. NOthing like it was the last time I did it, I think the work on getting well balanced in my seat probably helped a lot. She was all over me for getting too far back and not having my legs uner me properly. Good really.

Roping? lol... not likely... Slow and steady for me but if I am still enjoying it after we sell our calves and culls out this fall I will start thinking about getting a horse...Let me rephrase that, I will start looking.

[Faster horses]

My friends tell me stretching excercises are good for sore muscles; only when you intend to ride, do them BEFORE you ride as well. That might help. It has only been in later years that I ever got sore at first from riding. When I was younger, I could not ride all winter and come spring, I never had a problem with soreness. Don't know why, it just never bothered me.

It's a different story now, though.

[IL Rancher]

To be honest I am jsut a bit tender right now, been worse this year after... I can't remember what I was doing but it is a yearly thing for me. First calf working of the year I am usually sore for a day or so afterwords, usually from getting the living... something.. kicked out of me or getting an arm twisted or something.. by the second time I work animals I am a bit quicker and by the end of the summer between the neighbors calves and our calves I don't get sore anymore assuming I don't have a 500 pound steer come down on an arm or something..

I'm guessing I will be 95 percent good to go in the morning, which is about 5 percent better than normal. The kids are sick again so god knows that I will be too soon enough.. They have had one cold after another this summer. To much playing at the park with other kids I guess, oh well, better to get sick when you are young and healthy so you can build up that immune system.

I think I will try some leg stretches before the next session. I could have gone again today if there was a session today, would have been awful sore on Friday though, lol.

[Faster horses]

For some reason it seems the first ride makes you sore, but the second limbers you up. That's how it works for me anyway.

Sorry to hear of the little sick people at your house. That can't be fun!