Much debate has been had about the “20 percent rule” of the rider-to-horse weight ratio. On the one hand, many equine professionals and amateur trainers cling firmly to the scant number of small-scale studies conducted around this subject, while the plus-sized equestrian community, mostly made up of plus-sized women, rails against this rule as “fat…
Month: April 2022
Infinity Challenges
The weather for yesterday’s lesson was a relief. The sun, clear skies, and lack of wind turned the day before’s panicked and spicy “drinker of the wind” into a relatively plodding half draft horse. She was way more focused on me and really enjoyed the work we were doing – even though it was hard…
Every Dang Time
I wonder when the day will come when I’m not nervous about getting on my horse. This is a recent development in my riding journey. I used to get on all kinds of horses and never felt nervous unless the horse gave me a reason to be. But now, somehow, getting back into it with…
Wind in The Trees (And in Our Sails)
Riders with sensitive horses know there’s a certain kind of weather they don’t love: the chilly, blustery day. Especially when they have to ride in an outdoor arena. Especially when that outdoor arena is surrounded by all sorts of trees and rustling bushes and mare’s tail. Especially when that outdoor arena is surrounded by other…
I’m Allowed to Feel Things About My Rider Body
Warning: This is not a body positive post. It also mentions specific weight, so if that is triggering, please skip this one. Yesterday, I turned 42. We all had a great day at the barn, holding yet another successful “wine and ride” in which we typically have a little wine, ride a working equitation-style obstacle…
Balance, ‘Crazy’ Horses, and The Mind-Body Connection
I used to work in a toxic job situation. No matter how long I worked, teams I motivated, mountains I moved, or innovations I introduced, the only times I got recognized were when something went wrong. Figuratively, I walked on eggshells. Physically, though, that manifested in frequently waking up with a painful, stiff, and immobile…
Equicurious 