Oh is there any better way to ride than bareback?
I am not sure that there is. Especially on a cold day, when the warm of the horse's body radiates to keep yours warm as well. I love it. And with a haffie, I have a built in hand warmer. Just slip those cold hands under her thick double mane. Corrie is also blessed with a thick winter coat, a coat that only a true pony can grow. She holds in the heat so well, never have to worry about her getting chilled and she can keep me warm too.
Except for my feet. There is that moment when the ride is over and I just sit there and think about slipping off. Knowing that my cold cold feet are going to smart when they hit the ground. That is the time to just grin and bare it. It is also the time I am so thankful for my rock of a mare, who just stands there while I decided to slip off.
I admit that I have been bad about riding. Seems we have had more cold days that tolerable ones. Today was a tolerable day and so I slipped on over to see my girl. I am getting lazy as I am getting brave. I didn't want a saddle, and if I don't have a saddle why mess with a bridle. Warming the bit, naw, rope halter it is.
Besides my balance is still not what it should be. And although there is no better way to get your balance back than to ride around bareback I am trying my best to keep her sensitive to the aides. I wobble a bit here and there. Corrie is tolerate and sweet natured, I don't want to ruin her mouth by pulling on it so a halter works fine. We practiced walking around and moving off of leg pressure, which is hard to do as I am trying to keep my balance and not use her sides to do it. She is pretty sensitive all things considered and would really hate to teach her to ignore my leg.
It was a short ride. I am working out at the Y too. My legs are getting stronger but at the same time they are still sore. My inner thighs were launching a complaint almost from the on set. Still I was on my pony and we had a good ride.
To think just a year ago I was afraid to even sit on a horse. My the things that can change in a year!
I have award. I'll share that next time. Also need to set my goals for this year.
Thanks for all the support
Bareback is the best - that's how I learned to ride, and rode for many years. I'm a lot older now, and don't ride bareback as often as I should - good reminder.
ReplyDeleteBeth, oh yes, we understand each other. I guess I found some peace with Scout a couple days later when I got on her bareback, of all things. There's something safe in that closeness, I don't know why. So glad you're writing again. I can't wait to hear how you and Corrie have grown during the months.
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so happy you're feeling confident riding bareback. It really is the best. :) I can't wait to hear what your goals are for this year.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you posting again.
ReplyDeleteI used to ride bareback all the time until I fell off and required surgery. My first ride after my surgery on my first horse (the one that dumped me) was bareback...and I was shaking...but elated, too.
My first ride on Apache was bareback and I was fearful, because it was a horse that I had no history with and didn't even own yet. But she took good care of me and I survived. lol!
You must be be doing really well, because riding bareback requires a lot of balance and a sticky seat. Keep up the great rides :)
~Lisa