Snow in WV. Not the worst we have ever had by far but it made for a nightmare of a drive home. I live 45 minutes from where I work and have to go through some tricky mountain twists and turns to commute so-TG for 4X4!
When I got home, not only was silly Collateral waiting for me but Mick and the Haflingers were more than interested in coming in. Its hard to get my stalls clean when I have a “crowd “ at the barn door-blocking the passage of me and the wheelbarrow! At least I know I’m wanted!
I know the horses are “well insulated” when the snow rests on their backs. I
f their coats were not adequate, they would be wet. Still, I check for shivering and weight loss. IF, I had an indoor and IF I clipped, a nice turnout blanket might be in order but with our footing conditions and cold, dry air challenging their lungs, we will wait out the winter and unless I see signs of needing the additional cover, we will continue without.
Inside, I played my daily dose of HOWRSE (good stuff on bad days). HOWRSE got me through my broken leg and now it gets me through the stress of a job and lack of outside activity. Try it, you’ll like it!
I’m getting a plan together for my “pre-season” conditioning. I’m focused on core strength and flexibility but in the end, it is all part of the big picture. Daniel Stewart -along with Mike Conway/Mountain River Physical Therapy -and “Ride Right” has provided a real foundation for this and was a big part of my post-broken leg rehab. I can’t say enough about the mind/body connection. No matter what level of rider you are, mental and physical balance are critical to having enjoyable, safe rides. Daniel just announced he should be releasing another book this coming fall. I can hardly wait!
Out come the balance boards, the exercise balls and my saddle on a rack that will hold my weight. Crunches, squats, yoga-its all good. Whatever gets you moving, stretching and preparing your self for the ride. Think muscle memory.
Visualize your ride while you move on the exercise ball. Use an exercise band for the reins.
Work toward being a kinder, gentler rider through sensitivity and control.
When I got home, not only was silly Collateral waiting for me but Mick and the Haflingers were more than interested in coming in. Its hard to get my stalls clean when I have a “crowd “ at the barn door-blocking the passage of me and the wheelbarrow! At least I know I’m wanted!
I know the horses are “well insulated” when the snow rests on their backs. I
f their coats were not adequate, they would be wet. Still, I check for shivering and weight loss. IF, I had an indoor and IF I clipped, a nice turnout blanket might be in order but with our footing conditions and cold, dry air challenging their lungs, we will wait out the winter and unless I see signs of needing the additional cover, we will continue without.Inside, I played my daily dose of HOWRSE (good stuff on bad days). HOWRSE got me through my broken leg and now it gets me through the stress of a job and lack of outside activity. Try it, you’ll like it!
I’m getting a plan together for my “pre-season” conditioning. I’m focused on core strength and flexibility but in the end, it is all part of the big picture. Daniel Stewart -along with Mike Conway/Mountain River Physical Therapy -and “Ride Right” has provided a real foundation for this and was a big part of my post-broken leg rehab. I can’t say enough about the mind/body connection. No matter what level of rider you are, mental and physical balance are critical to having enjoyable, safe rides. Daniel just announced he should be releasing another book this coming fall. I can hardly wait!
Out come the balance boards, the exercise balls and my saddle on a rack that will hold my weight. Crunches, squats, yoga-its all good. Whatever gets you moving, stretching and preparing your self for the ride. Think muscle memory.
Visualize your ride while you move on the exercise ball. Use an exercise band for the reins.
Work toward being a kinder, gentler rider through sensitivity and control.
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