Had a great lesson today - but OUCH!

[windycity]

So the good news is I had a great lesson today. Just a first "getting to know you" lesson. But still really great. Rode a nice little mare who is bult like Butter which is nice because I can actually get my leg around her which I have trouble with because of my short legs and lack of flexibility. But she was totally an uncomplicated ride so it was all about me riding correctly.

We just did really basic walk - trot - canter work with some extension and collection work and some sitting trot.

But boy could I tell how out of shape I was at the canter!! Mind you, I didn't do a ton of canter with Butter because I always wanted to be sure she was strong enough for it and when we were doinging it, it was for shorter bursts. Well, this arean was huge AND this mare liked being ridden in a half seat which I think requires more core and lower back strength.

I was SO sore and tired!!! Holy hell. I couldn't believe it. I mean I was getting winded and the whole nine yards.

But it was great. ;D

I have fitness for riders on its way to me and I found a workout book for my swedish ball....so I am going to get ON my weak target areas!!!!

[niaru]

When I take lessons my instructor has me and Charm canter forEVER, doing 10 m circles and such and sitting the whole time...she's used to giving lessons to kids and I get so winded I actually have to ask her to stop cantering, it's pathetic!

[sarafina]

ok windy, it's time to get a thread started for rider fitness ball accountability thread!!! we'll work through those - i just got that book too! yeah!

glad ot hear you had a good lesson. sounds like it was just what you needed, both in inspiring confidence and building the right muscles while riding. cheers!

[windycity]

Yes! It really was a great lesson. It was at the h/j barn I had Butter at when she developed soundness problems. When she did, she left there to go on that breeding lease that started the whole downward spiral of problems. But we loved it there and they had nothing to do with Butter getting ouchy. There is a new trainer there who happens to be the trainer that my Jr. rider who used to ride Butter trains with now too. So that's a great endorsement because she's a fantastic rider. They go to shows and even have shows there. And the schoolie I rode was perfect for my body type and for letting me work on me.

[johnnysauntie]

hey windy, this is your THIRD great lesson in a row.

notice any trends here?

[windycity]

Lol....thank you for making me acknowledge that! It's actually my fourth! I had one before the one at Kelly's too. I am definitely doing my best to get out there and find a trainer!! And it's been nice to have some nice rides.

I just go tmy fitness for riders book too! I'm in pain just looking through it!