Someday I'll Look Back and Laugh

At least I fervently hope so. Yesterday was all about embarrassment for me. I got my horse tacked up and walked out to the arena. After leading her around a few times I got ready to mount. The instructor asked me if my cinch was tight enough and I assured her it was.

I have always had a horrible time mounting. The instructor will stand on the opposite side and hold onto the saddle to counter my weight. My legs don't want to support me and it invariably takes me at least two attempts to get astride. My right foot almost always bumps the horse's rump on the way up and again when I dismount.

So, this is my big moment to get on the horse without assistance. I put my left foot in the stirrup, start to heave myself up (there really is no better way to describe it) and the saddle slipped sideways. My foot caught in the stirrup for a second before I fell backwards hitting the mounting block before the arena floor where my head smacked onto the ground (thank goodness for helmets) Bless my horse for the rock solid mount she is. She just took a couple of steps forward and then stopped. As they say, the worst thing hurt was my pride. Needless to say the instructor once again had to assist me to mount.

I asked her for some suggestions to help strengthen my legs. She told me to hop on one foot for about five hops, then the other foot and gradually increase the number of hops. She said she would rather I only manage a couple without assistance than twenty holding onto something. Imagine my humiliation when I got home and discovered that I can't do this simple exercise. I can't hop on one foot! I played hopscotch as a kid. Where did that ability go?

One positive thing is that I am really motivated to lose some of my excess weight. I was hoping that taking up riding would do it for me but I'm obviously going to have to get in some other daily exercises. Wish me luck and if anyone knows good leg strengthening exercises I would love to hear them.

August Update

Screw you, Dell, I'm getting a Mac. My husband is downright giddy at this development and has literally spent hours compiling information, programs and I don't know what-all that he will put into this new (used) computer when it arrives.

My first word processing experience was with a machine by CPT. It was like magic. Up until then a memory Selectric typewriter was the most advanced device I had access to. I loved my CPT and even bought a used one for home, although we never got it up and running because personal computers had arrived. My boss had Macs installed at work so that's what we got for our home computer also. I attended several classes and was somewhat of a power user. Then the powers that be at City Hall decided the city would only use Microsoft computers. Oh, the hair pulling and hate this caused those of us who had to switch. But, as with all things, we adapted with time and I eventually got a Dell for my laptop at home. My husband stuck with Macs and now I'm going back to one. I know I'll like it better once I reacquaint myself with it.

So, on the horseback riding front I've ridden twice at my new stable. I've arranged for twice weekly lessons and really like my new instructor. She is making me ride totally without stirrups to get a really good seat. I'd done that sporadically at my old barn. Man, keeping the horse in line when trotting is a challenge for me. I did do better yesterday than last week so things are slowly coming together. Thankfully my chafe marks will have a few days to heal before I ride again. I really need to work on leg strength also. I had to let out the stirrup in order to be able to reach it to mount from a three step block yesterday. Even then it took me a couple of attempts to hoist my fat ass in the saddle. Thank goodness the horse is part draft and dead broke. I keep apologizing to her and thanking her for her patience with me. I do wonder if the chafeing isn't somewhat caused by her wider girth. I never had this issue with the thoroughbred/quarter horse cross I used to ride.

Grrr

My Dell is still infected so I'm using my HP netbook. I installed McAfee on July 3 after using AVG Free for years. McAfee obviously did not catch this malware and now wants almost $90.00 for a one-time fix. I think I'll just get a Mac instead. Windows has too many kinks. Can hardly wait for the gloating from my husband who is a die-hard Mac addict.

Computer Blues

My laptop has been infected with a virus that prohibits me from accessing blogger.com. I can't even leave comments on other's blogger accounts. I believe its a "redirect virus." Any ideas on how to eradicate it will be greatly appreciated. So far there's been no response from Google (who "owns" Gmail and blogger)

Meanwhile, I took a six hour riding clinic last Saturday that left me somewhat battered and bruised. I don't know how cowboys can ride all day long. My lady bits felt hammered so either I have an incorrect seat or they need to toughen up. I had my last lesson at my old stable on Tuesday and will have my first one at the new barn next Monday.

There is an air show this weekend. Sadly, one of the planes practicing for the event crashed Wednesday evening and all four aboard were killed. Apparently the show will still go on; I have mixed feelings.

I'm still reading blogs - just have been forced to keep my opinions to myself. Stop applauding.

Things Are Looking Up

Checked out a new stable to take lessons at and think I've found a good prospect. The only drawback is that I was told that they don't take their horses on trail rides because they're all "show horses." But that's okay because I'm not competent enough to hit the trails yet anyway and it will be nice to have a place to keep on improving my skills, such as they are. Who knows what next summer will bring?

Bummer

The stable where I've been taking lessons is closing its doors as of August 1. All the horses have to find new places to board. I have to find a new place to keep riding (and, of course, it's all about me) There are two other places in town that I will check out or maybe start commuting to the Valley - a much longer trip so more time and gas money involved. Gah! Just when I find a hobby I love...

Tense much?

My friend's new puppy chillin' on my lap.