A Very Hot Ride May 18, 2008
Posted by kimayars Arena Work (Horse)
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One thing a 7-mile run will do is completely remove any anxiousness someone might have about some specific event. I have had a lot of trouble with getting on Tigger. I’d say about 75% is my nervousness and fear of what could happen, and 25% is what he actually does. Today I really wasn’t nervous. I was just too damn tired.
I haven’t ridden him in two weeks. I checked his back (totally fine) and his demeanor was, well, sleepy. It was 80 degrees today and everyone was moving a little slow. Given those two things, I opted not to lunge him. I honestly felt that I didn’t have anything to lunge.
I set him up at the mounting block and he started getting antsy. Sherene was at the ready to hold him for me. It took me about 5 minutes, but I just took it one step at a time. The goal was to show him that it was no big deal. Eventually, he was standing still at the block while I applied weight in the left stirrup. Sherene came over and took hold of a rein. I got on. Nothin’. I picked up my right stirrup. Nothin’. Needless to say Tigger got TONS of praise. Sherene walked with us for a bit and it was clear that he was going to be totally fine. I let the rein to the buckle and let him stretch out and relax as we walked around the arena. I was VERY happy.
The rest of the ride wasn’t fabulous, due to the heat and my lack of energy. We focused on just getting settled again after taking so much time off and keeping a somewhat consistent frame. We finished up with some lateral work at the walk: counterbend on a circle and leg yields. I knew we were done when I could smell hot sweaty horse.
Overall, I was very happy with my time with Tigger today. It was just awesome to spend some quality non-rushed time with him. It was a good day.
Comments
kim,
here’s the link to the maps:
http://www.metrokc.gov/gis/vmc/Recreation.htm#CM
we used #3 which we picked up at a trailhead. we started at red town trailhead and went to anti-aircraft peak then to the squak mtn connector (michelle wanted to see it for future reference) then back to the car. it was quite nice even if a little sore today. i forgot how much softer it is than running on the road. i don’t think i would’ve been able to run over 2 hrs. on concrete.
Hey come join us anytime! It really is easier on the body than the roads. You probably know the trails better than us assuming you ride out there now and again.