Back in the 90s, I learned to ride with a dressage foundation. What that gave me was a great perspective on feeling the horse, responding to them, and being effective with my aids. As time has passed over the last 30 years or so, the learnings and the sport have evolved. Because I didn’t really…
Tag: riding after 40
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…
Re-Riding Lessons
My friend and the owner of the stable where I board Kiss, Bevin, is a great student of life. She is always learning, seeking knowledge, looking to improve. Along with her groundwork and Straightness Training lessons from our mutual trainer, Deanna, she also started taking Dressage riding lessons to work on her equitation. And, of…
Slow and Steady
Speed and agility have never been my thing. Some people live for doing things fast, the adrenaline of it. Some folks love to leap out of bed at the absolute last second, throw themselves in the shower, and spill coffee on themselves flinging their still-soaked and recently clad bodies into their vehicles while they go…
The Story of How I Bought My Horse
A year ago, I was pretty miserable. Both my personal life and professional life weren’t going as I’d hoped they’d go and every day battered whatever was left of my flattened spirit. The one bright spot of my week was when I’d get to go spill my guts to my therapist and examine what was…
Equicurious 