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[RC] Beginners - Ridecamp GuestPlease Reply to: Bruce Weary, D.C. bweary@xxxxxxxxxxxx or ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ========================================== Hi Janelle-- First, allow me to wish you a speedy recovery from your recent fall. We all want to be safe and secure when riding, and it seems that the only way to provide that feeling is to try to control or prevent as many of the potentially dangerous variables as we can. First, you can experiment with properly fitting tack, check it throughout your rides, and use any securing devices(cruppers, breast collars) that may necessary to keep things where they should be. Secondly, you mentioned that there may be a little more of you than there used to be, and I am a firm believer that a fit rider is a safer rider. I will often walk my horse in hand the first and last miles of my workout, and lead or tail up any hill of my choosing, so that we can get fit together. Walking is still the fastest way to lose body fat.A good rule of thumb to follow regarding exercise aimed at burning fat is to only work at a pace where you could carry on a conversation, not huffing and puffing. This assures your are burning fat reserves, not glycogen (sugar). I have seen many people dumped off their horses over the years many of whom could probably have stayed on if they had the core strength to re-center themselves quickly after the horse stumbled , shied, or bolted. You can work with a personal trainer to specifically build core strength, and you will feel much safer the next time Ol' Dollar spooks, I guarantee you. My last suggestion concerns the horses we choose to ride. We go to great lengths to protect ourselves from injury when riding. We use helmets, body armor,breakaway stirrups, bits that will stop a horse for sure, even sunscreen and antichafing cream. (One of my personal favorites) I have to say, though, that I have seen on more than one occasion, people riding horses who were either not properly trained to handle the emotional strain of a brisk early morning endurance ride starting line, or the horse's enthusiasm exceeded the rider's ability to be in control, both of which are potentially very dangerous. Having seen this for years, it occurs to me that we are the only ones concerned about safety. Not the horse. He is just being a horse and dealing with the environment and conditions we expose him to the best way he knows how. And that is often a recipe for disaster. In recent years,in addition to my Arabs, I have begun riding gaited horses--Foxtrotters and Walkers-- in endurance, and have found that a good one can be very sure footed, tends to be much calmer than many horses of Arabian descent, and I find I enjoy the ride more and can go farther with less discomfort. It may be something to consider, or at least look for these same qualities in whatever horse you choose. I think some people make the fateful mistake of riding the wrong horse for them, just because he happens to be the one standing in the barnyard. Some will say they can't afford to keep buying horses until they find the right one for their riding ability. I would ask them if they can afford to live and not work because of an injury. I also prefer a horse that will stand stock-still when mounting, and will whoa on verbal command, in case I lose my reins. We are all getting a little older, and few of us are willing to sustain significant injury as the price of admission to participate in this sport. Personally I want to SHOW my grandchildren this sport someday, not just tell them about it. For what it's worth, Bruce Weary D.C. AERC #4160 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
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