A Journal to document the Ups and Downs of my Riding experiences and my weight loss experiences and sundry stuff.
Over the years I've developed some phobias , anxiety issues and ME/CFS. Fear and a lack of confidence in my abilities is always present though mostly not outwardly. I value compassion, fairness, kindness, respect and doing a good job.
I enjoy reading, writing, the natural world, dancing, yoga, and of course horse riding. I see myself as much a species of the planet as any other species and my family group comprises animal and human species all equally valued and loved.
However, I don't view the planet or species through rose tinted spectacles, it's not all nicey, nicey but think it's all awesome and I'm glad I'm alive to see it.
Back to the fear, it's so self limiting! Stops you doing what you want to do which leads me into the horse riding. Why if I tend to be anxious at times did I decide to ride a creature whose survival depends on it's flight/fight response? Because it's been my dream from being a child, to ride these beautiful, awesome creatures and ultimately, to develop a mutually respectful caring relationship with one of my own. I also have to focus on being calm and quiet for the horse. Dosen't always work but it's a work in progress.
I am 51 years old 52 in March and started regular riding lessons in October 2011 stopped December 2012, started January 2012 fell with the dog May 2013 had two operations following a fractured little finger, had post op complications and now have 75 percent use in that hand. I then fell out walking and sustained a head injury in August 2012 so finally got back on a horse in September 2012 and have been riding every one or two weeks at two riding schools ever since.
I had 6 riding lessons in my 30s appeared to be doing well but developed a fear of cantering I aim to get past that this time.
I got a promotion last January whilst still doing the job I was doing before indeed still am this is very stressful at times and what with the lack of exercise, increased stress, hormones and chocolates I have gained 2st my other mission is to lose this, yoga is hugely helpful for me. I weigh 10st 11b and am 5ft 3 ins want to be 9st 4lb. I haven't set myself any time limits to my horse riding or weight loss goals don't know if I should or not would it be a focus or pressure?
I had my first fall from a horse recently. I was learning to canter the RI said take your thighs away from the horse, I understand that closed thighs can restrict the foreward movement of the horse but think that when I did this I squeezed with my lower legs to hold me on. Well laddo shot off and I eventually also shot off just before he stopped. In all honesty it was the softest and least damaging fall I've had in a while! The fear of falling was much worse than the event. I have ridden a few times since then walk, trot on a pony, and a hack out at one riding school. Walk trot, circles and serpentines at the other. At one riding school I have a rotation of four horses each with their own ways, at the other I am coming off the horse I fell from and moving onto a 14.1h Grey Highland Pony. He's more forward going and easier to get canter on - he's also for sale Mmmmmm.
I am going to track my weight loss through My Fitness Pal. Tried looking on Slimming World online and seemed too expensive also I have tried slimming world in the past and lost 3lb in 6 weeks expected more. I have also tried Weight Watchers on line but seems daft to pay when I can track intake and exercise for free with my fitness pal.
Went out for a hack today on a battle horse , she does battle re enactments, she can be steady away or step up the pace. Had a mild covering of snow today so steady away. It was steep going down the valley but truly beautiful. Lovely horses.
Over the years I've developed some phobias , anxiety issues and ME/CFS. Fear and a lack of confidence in my abilities is always present though mostly not outwardly. I value compassion, fairness, kindness, respect and doing a good job.
I enjoy reading, writing, the natural world, dancing, yoga, and of course horse riding. I see myself as much a species of the planet as any other species and my family group comprises animal and human species all equally valued and loved.
However, I don't view the planet or species through rose tinted spectacles, it's not all nicey, nicey but think it's all awesome and I'm glad I'm alive to see it.
Back to the fear, it's so self limiting! Stops you doing what you want to do which leads me into the horse riding. Why if I tend to be anxious at times did I decide to ride a creature whose survival depends on it's flight/fight response? Because it's been my dream from being a child, to ride these beautiful, awesome creatures and ultimately, to develop a mutually respectful caring relationship with one of my own. I also have to focus on being calm and quiet for the horse. Dosen't always work but it's a work in progress.
I am 51 years old 52 in March and started regular riding lessons in October 2011 stopped December 2012, started January 2012 fell with the dog May 2013 had two operations following a fractured little finger, had post op complications and now have 75 percent use in that hand. I then fell out walking and sustained a head injury in August 2012 so finally got back on a horse in September 2012 and have been riding every one or two weeks at two riding schools ever since.
I had 6 riding lessons in my 30s appeared to be doing well but developed a fear of cantering I aim to get past that this time.
I got a promotion last January whilst still doing the job I was doing before indeed still am this is very stressful at times and what with the lack of exercise, increased stress, hormones and chocolates I have gained 2st my other mission is to lose this, yoga is hugely helpful for me. I weigh 10st 11b and am 5ft 3 ins want to be 9st 4lb. I haven't set myself any time limits to my horse riding or weight loss goals don't know if I should or not would it be a focus or pressure?
I had my first fall from a horse recently. I was learning to canter the RI said take your thighs away from the horse, I understand that closed thighs can restrict the foreward movement of the horse but think that when I did this I squeezed with my lower legs to hold me on. Well laddo shot off and I eventually also shot off just before he stopped. In all honesty it was the softest and least damaging fall I've had in a while! The fear of falling was much worse than the event. I have ridden a few times since then walk, trot on a pony, and a hack out at one riding school. Walk trot, circles and serpentines at the other. At one riding school I have a rotation of four horses each with their own ways, at the other I am coming off the horse I fell from and moving onto a 14.1h Grey Highland Pony. He's more forward going and easier to get canter on - he's also for sale Mmmmmm.
I am going to track my weight loss through My Fitness Pal. Tried looking on Slimming World online and seemed too expensive also I have tried slimming world in the past and lost 3lb in 6 weeks expected more. I have also tried Weight Watchers on line but seems daft to pay when I can track intake and exercise for free with my fitness pal.
Went out for a hack today on a battle horse , she does battle re enactments, she can be steady away or step up the pace. Had a mild covering of snow today so steady away. It was steep going down the valley but truly beautiful. Lovely horses.
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Seems like we've both been on and off since then - great to see that you are still moving forwards, but sorry to hear about your injuries 
