Re: Mental Checkout//Riding///

[Spiritdog2 <Spiritdog2@aol.com>]

Are you kidding????  The question when you are a horseperson is not "if I fall
off", it's "when I fall off"  !!!  I have chewed on dirt more times than I
care to count.  I have been riding since I was 5 years old (I'm 49 now) and I
can still remember what it felt like to be unsure of my self because there are
times even now when I feel that way.   It comes from having a very healthy
respect for horses.  I learned to ride on a working cattle ranch.  My
instruction consisted of  "Little girl, you see them cows over there?  You
fall off that there horse and they're gonna stomp you to death!"  I DIDN'T
fall off !!!  I'm not a very pretty rider but I'm sticky.

As far as riding your mare after foaling I would guess anytime you feel she is
mentally ready to.  As long as she is capable of remaining calm with her foal
at side then she is probably physically ready any time.  It depends on each
individual horse and if there were any problems with her foaling or anything
like that.

If you are just starting out with horses may I suggest that you invest in the
first series of John Lyons tapes.  It is a six video tape set and well worth
every penny invested.  It will give you some real good ideas on training, a
lot of insight into the equine mind and a lot of confidence.  Then when you
pick the brains of more experienced horse people you will be better able to
filter out what you want to integrate into your personal horse related
program.

Best of luck and welcome to the equine world.  May you have many wonderful
years with your new equine friends.  My best buddy has saved my stupid life 4
times and I wouldn't trade her for a mountain of gold.  If she wants to be a
little ditsy once in a while.....fine with me.

Your friend
Randi/Spiritdog Ranch