Canter into Doom
August 22, 2019
It cracks me up every time Trainer B talks about the Canter into Doom. I can’t help imagining cantering into to Mount Doom. … More Canter into Doom
Category: Exercises
Withers Up
August 20, 2019
I had a super awesome lesson last week. I mean, any lesson on Duke is a super awesome lesson by default. But on top of that, I felt I rode effectively and Duke was ready to party. … More Withers Up
Workin’ it Out
February 22, 2019
In January, I embarked on a new plan to exercise regularly. The goal is to do at least 30 minutes daily, but I try not to beat myself up about it too much if I miss a day here and there. Overall, I’m really proud of myself! Since I’m not riding as much, I knew … More Workin’ it Out
Swapsies
December 14, 2018
We had a very fun lesson last night with lots of tight turns, interesting jumps and shouts of “more leg!” And then, at the end, my lesson mate G and I swapped horses. Because why not? It was a blast! G’s horse, The Chief – yes, The Chief – is super different than Duke. His bascule is … More Swapsies
1 Week In
November 8, 2018
So far I’m very proud of myself in my two “No Weakness November” challenges. I have done no-stirrup work in every ride except my lesson last night, and I’ve done my planks every day as planned. I planned to do some no stirrup work in my last night’s lesson, whether as part of the lesson … More 1 Week In
What Doesn’t Kill Me
November 2, 2018
It has begun. I got right into No Stirrup November last night and it was…enlightening. I’m not strong. I knew I was out of shape, but yeesh, it’s bad, guys. Anyway, I decided that, due to Duke’s previous Kissing Spine surgery and our subsequent protection of his back, I am not going cold-turkey and taking off … More What Doesn’t Kill Me
Look, Ma! No Hands!
December 4, 2016
We had our first lesson of our Horse Book Club series! The book is Modern Gymnastics by Jim Wofford. We had prepared by reading the first several chapters and dove right in. We began with basic ground poles, trotting straight over four poles placed 4’6″ apart, then continuing to four more poles on a bend, … More Look, Ma! No Hands!
Horse Book Club
November 27, 2016
You guys. I am so excited about this. Recently, my new trainer texted me and a group of girls who lesson and/or own horses out at the barn. “You guys want to do a book club? We’d get this book and do different exercises each week.” And I was like, hell yes I would! Combining my two … More Horse Book Club
No-Stirrup November: Thoughts While Riding Without Stirrups
November 1, 2016
It’s November 1st. And while, to many, this signifies the beginning of the holiday season, equestrians know better. Forget “the most wonderful time of the year.” It’s really “the most painful time of the year.” This is No-Stirrup November. To celebrate, here’s a revisit of a classic post: Thoughts While Riding Without Stirrups. Cheers, and … More No-Stirrup November: Thoughts While Riding Without Stirrups
Drifter: A Jumper in the Making
January 18, 2016
Over the weekend, I had a jumping lesson on Drifter. He has been coming along so well, even after having three weeks off around the holidays while I was traveling, dealing with the awful mud we’ve been having and the fluctuations this week from sub-zero to 40-degree weather. It’s enough to make even the sanest person go … More Drifter: A Jumper in the Making
Centered in the Saddle 