10 week horseback riding challenge

It amazes me how much difference I have in confidence and balance just losing 20 pounds. I can get in the saddle without a step stool now, I feel more secure in my seat, and my endurance is greatly increased. I am so excited to see how much things change when I have lost 40 pounds....60...80....100. I think both me and my horses are going to enjoy it!

Got a rushed ride in last night. I didnt have time to round pen Avalanche first and was worried he would be bucky. He actually did rather well. It was rough at first, his trot was like riding a jack hammer, but no bucking when we loped and after the first few rounds in the arena he loosened up and got smooth. Because it was a little windy, we didnt have to deal with the stupid horse flies either. Did you know those *kitten* can bite through jeans!

Got a nice long ride in yesterday. Plan is to do the same today. I LOVE MY HORSES! They are toning up so nice, too. Buff Butts!

epicstapler wrote: »

Totally aware this challenge is well over but if anyone would like to add me i could definitely use the motivation to be more accountable with my riding

Oh, this does not expire. This is an ongoing challenge. I am on week 3. I created the challenge and didnt ride the first several weeks. Welcome!

catriona232 wrote: »

I would love to join too! I usually ride Saturdays and Sundays, but need to get out at least one or two more days to see my horse.

I have made it a point to go "visit" my horses daily. I may not get to ride everyday, but I can walk from the house to their run and dump and fill their water bowls and give them treats.

I have moved to Stroud. I am so close to Stroud and Prague lake. Great trails. Been riding each weekend. No longer have a lighted arena, so can only ride weekends due to getting dark. Hope you are all staying safe!

I adopted a 16 hands, 26 yr young gelding, Quincy, last month. His pasture mate was 34 and being put to rest, so the older owner did not want him to be alone. I got his teeth floated, his coggins and vaccs, but he dropped some weight. I started him on a combination of whole oats, senior feed, alfalfa pellets and weight builder supplement. He is already putting weight back on after just one week of this. He has some creaks and never breaks a walk in the pasture and we ride him in the pasture with no issues. Took him out on the cattle lease this past weekend and OMG! Changing his name to Ricky Bobby, because he wants to go FAST. Had a hard time holding him back, he wanted to trot and run the whole time. We were using the snaffle bit that came with him, but changing to a twisted copper for the next ride. It was a bit scary for me, I ride 13 hand horses normally, so being on a new 16 hand horse who I had to constantly hold back was a quick reminder of how much higher I was from the ground. Dont know how you gals do it. I think I will stick to my short fat horses and leave the tall lean ones to the husband. Second guessing my want for a draft horse. Plus, short horses are easy to get back on if you do fall. If I ever fall off of Quincy, IF I can get up, I will have to find a fallen tree or some other form of help to get on. My leg does not go that high, even if I were flexible.

Rode over 10 miles on Saturday. Anyone who says horseback riding is not a workout is so wrong. My legs and shoulders are more sore from that ride than when doing squats. Going to Prague Lake this coming Saturday to get another ride in.

I have been putting the miles on my horse and his new shoes. Been riding at least 4 miles each time, with some loping circles when we get back (getting barn sour, have to make home less appealing). I have been taking a break, but new year new me....(sigh)

Glad I went riding now....wasnt paying attention to the weather. Will still try and get a ride in this weekend, but hate having numb toes and all the static. The weather was perfect on Saturday.