Thank you for all your input! Here's the plan for now:
1) General fitness. I used to be in incredibly good shape, but the past couple semesters have been dreadfully busy, and I let it slide. To remedy this, I'm trying to incorporate more activity into my routine. For example, I have a few free minutes in the morning, so I'm doing cruches and pilates before getting breakfast started. I'm trying to walk my dogs at least a half hour a day, which is good for me and them. I'll look for other ways to add to this.
2) Reading. It's been a long, long time since I had regular lessons, so I need reminders of how I'm supposed to ride.
3) The riding buddy is a good idea, but it's hard to find someone who rides at the same time I do and my schedule isn't flexible enough to change right now. I can probably find someone to swap lunge lessons with or something like that. It's not so much that we'd teach each other as just have another set of eyes on the ground, keeping the horse going forward. Izzy wouldn't be much good for this, but Flash or Cassie could do it.
4) I'll just say it now. I'm terrified of seeing myself on video. I don't like the sound of my voice recorded and I don't like to see what I look like. I think it's a lot worse since I've put on weight, too. This is something we can work towards, but I'm not ready for it yet. (And yes, I hear the argument that if I do it now I'll be able to see how far I've come, but some things are best forgotten.)
Now that I'm aware of the magnitude of the problem, I think I can make strides to fix it. As Kate mentioned, I need to realize what I'm doing and how it affects (effects? I can never keep those two straight) Izzy and any other horse I ride.
And now, back to the homework that's kept me away from Miss Izzy the past several days. :-(
5) As the weather gets worse, I do traditionally ride bareback. I have ridden Izzy bareback a couple times, and she's ok with it, so we will move on to that when it's too cold to do much else. In the mean time, we'll work as hard as we can with a saddle.
PS Bear with me on the header. I'm trying to change the picture, but it's more complicated than I thought.
I totally hear you on the video thing. The only way that I actually got myself into it was that someone video-taped me without my knowledge at a horse show and I saw what a useful tool it was. But don't worry, I was also mortified that my reins are a mile too long, my elbows are sticking out, not to mention that my butt looks THAT big in my breeches. If it's going to shatter your self-confidence, then work up to it. I think getting in better physical shape is a great plan and probably something I should be doing too!
ReplyDeleteDon't be guilty or ashamed of your position, posture or body - it is what it is and you can only make changes if you know what you're working with. Don't beat up on yourself, that's just wasted energy - just take it as information that can form the basis of work. I like your new header - the mare is very pretty!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good plan. Just remember, the most important part of any plan is flexibility, especially when those plans involve horses! :)
ReplyDeleteI like the new picture. Izzy has a very soft, kind eye. That's something I always look for in a horse, it's usually a good sign.
If you need help with the header, or want something custom, I'd be happy to help. Just let me know. :)
ReplyDeleteYour determination will pay off, I'm sure. You've identified the basic things that need adjustment--including your own fitness--and are starting to work on that. I have a feeling the rest of it will just fall into place.
ReplyDeleteGet the schoolwork out of the way and then go on to better days in the saddle. (That is, if the weather cooperates...*G*)