Just started today!!

ya!! Hello, my name is Jennifer.... I have a Shoshone Indian Mustang... :) He's 5.... I turned 50 on Wednesday... yesterday my trainer came back from a long time working in another state. I sat on my horse yesterday for the first time in a very long time... he was so good, calm and receptive... I sat on him bareback, rubbed him, twisted on him, just dangling my legs, walking slow, my trainer leading him, I hung on a little to his long piece of mane, I even layed across his neck... :) ..... and that was my first bareback riding lesson.... so, I'm just getting started..... but I had a good good time with my horse;. we've been working on our relationship on the ground for 2 years and we've been together for 5 years... ... my birthday present to myself is going to be to learn to ride bareback like relationship trainer Ponyboy suggests... my back is sore.. and I only sat on him for 6 minutes... sad sad... gotta work out!! Always behind, but never giving up,

Jack Lalane, I need you!! :) JL

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Shirley on October 2, 2010 at 1:50pm

Congrats Jen! Lotsa fun! Sounds fantastic to me!!!

Permalink Reply by Linda White on October 2, 2010 at 4:15pm

I took bareback riding lessons one winter a few years ago after I'd had a crummy autumn of riding and had lost my nerve. Not only did it make me a better rider, but I had way more confidence. Plus, it was so much fun. Now I make sure the last half of each ride I take my feet out of the stirrups and work on posture, leg position, and balance. The only problem with bareback (and with sitting the post) is how hard it is on this 64 yr old back. My vertebrae don't have the cushions a younger spine has.

Permalink Reply by April Keays on October 2, 2010 at 4:48pm

Welcome Jennifer! Dispite all our achs and pains we are a lively group here. And we all seem to be coming from the same place ie; loving our horses and being willing to manage our pains in order to keep on riding. Goodness knows I'm not riding as much as I used to and as for sitting the trot! Yeah right! But how could I carry on without my horse? Again, welcome to the group.

Permalink Reply by Jackie Cochran on October 2, 2010 at 7:55pm

Yeah Jennifer!!!!

Permalink Reply by Cindy Jeffery on October 3, 2010 at 11:30pm

Way to go Jen!! Bareback riding is absolutely the best in so many ways! Keep up the good work :-)

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Lamm on October 4, 2010 at 11:14am

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1650810&fbid=158108168361...

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Lamm on October 8, 2010 at 4:43pm

I rode him again today.. he had fun, I had fun... woohoo!! he listened to me so good... aw, Oliver...

Permalink Reply by Margaret Langlands on October 8, 2010 at 5:49pm

Hi - so good to see you enjoying your time with your friend. You might want to get a good bareback pad to help absorb some of the shock to your spine. I do yoga and aerobics twice a week, nothing strenuous but it keeps the blood flowing to the spine. I also treat myself to Thai massage when I can - it really works at stretching gently as I find the older I get, the more I need the stretching. I also do a lot of core strengthening or muscles when I ride (I have a gaited gelding) and it helps to tighten and support the back muscles that take the most stress. A hot bath with Epsom salts or a hot tub can do a world of good - good luck, happy riding. The days are beautiful right now -

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Lamm on October 16, 2010 at 12:02am

Thanks for the tip!! So today was friday lesson day today and I've decided to try real hard to just say yes.... Steve says let's put on the saddle.... yes.... omgosh how hilarious... the stirrup is at my belly button.... umph... sorry Oliver... i'm not too good at getting on such a big horse... my toby is a 14 hander.... lol.... my lesson was awesome because steve is so great.... helping oliver bend at the poll and helping mom learn how to put her leg right, to get down good and tight in the seat.... Oliver was very patient... I was a tad confused at times but he hung in with me....

Permalink Reply by Jackie Cochran on October 16, 2010 at 7:54am

Yeah, you are riding Oliver!

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Lamm on October 17, 2010 at 1:10pm

http://us.mg4.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?fid=Inbox&mid=1_806821...

not sure why it's sideways...

Permalink Reply by Jackie Cochran on October 17, 2010 at 1:46pm

I could not get to your picture, my computer just would not cooperate.
Remember that Oliver is not a wild mustang any more! He is a trained riding horse, and he may even be glad that you are finally riding him, its something new to do with you! It sounds like he is taking care of you, the best type of horse to have!