Monday 10 February 2014

Motive[weight]

I haven't spoken of my struggle with weight on this blog (it'll happen eventually), but those of you who followed my old blog know it's been an ongoing issue for a while now. To sum it up, I gained a substantial amount of weight due to a few different health problems (some remain mysterious), and to say that losing it has been a challenge would be a colossal understatement.

In addition to the general joys weight gain brings - lack of fitness, loss of muscle, impaired balance - I have another concern that weighs on me (no pun intended): I own a small horse. Last I measured, Mexi was 15.2hh in front and about 15.3hh in back. With her petite posterior and my super sized one, this creates a bit of an issue.

My weight is definitely a very large reason (ha - again) that I haven't been riding her... in addition to other totally insane reasons like "I haven't ridden in 6 years and she's completely green". I currently have a number in my head for where I'd like myself to be, and I'm about 20-25lbs away from that. I will be there by spring, damnit!


 Anyway, in addition to not wanting to ride my midget mare, I've also lost a lot of motivation for riding in general. The desire is there, and it is SO strong, but the idea of shoving my butt into tight breeches, testing the absolute limits on the zippers of my half chaps, and fumbling around in my saddle like a Weeble? Not so appealing.

This is merely a mind game, however, and one I need to win. I need to get back in the saddle, not just because it can contribute, in whatever small part, to my overall fitness... but also because I really need to get reacquainted with my old riding self.

The winter weather may be a blessing in disguise. For the most part, it keeps us hacking in the fields instead of schooling in the ring. I had forgotten just how great it is to get out and ride in a field, but I was happily reminded yesterday.

A girl who may be leasing one of Kevin's horses came out to try them, and Kevin asked me to take her for a hack. I rode Olivia, and let me tell you... it was a blast. We went in the front field and just walked for the most part, with some trots and canters thrown in. And it was FUN. Really, really fun.

Olivia
Sweetest face

It was like a combination between a big slap in the face and a huge surge of motivation. I love to ride. I really, really love to ride. While my desire to ride never lessened, I think I let myself forget how much I thoroughly enjoy it - regardless of what size my breeches are. I had a blast yesterday, and I never once felt hindered by my weight.

Since my ride on Sunday, I've made plans to go for a hack tomorrow with K, to go for a hack after school on Friday with E (girl trying the horse), and I hope to get up either Saturday morning or sometime Sunday. I'd love to go both days, but I'm not sure if it's in the gas budget.

Moral of the story: just hop on a horse, find a field, and RIDE. The rest will come naturally.

16 comments:

  1. Really happy to see this post from you, was so worried that you had given up. Keep moving forward!

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  2. That mare has such a sweet face! Kudos to you for getting back there and reminding yourself that the joy of riding is far more important than the size of your pants :)

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    1. Isn't she the cutest?

      I think I need/needed the mental break of just hopping on and enjoying myself instead of beating myself up because I'm not where I used to be, riding or fitness wise.

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  3. This is great news! Sometimes it's nice to just do some easy rides too. No one says that you have to go back into intensive work right away

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    1. That was probably part of my problem. Lots of hacks in this lady's future!

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  4. Completely agree! And for what it's worth, the advice I can give from someone who gained a bunch of weight and started back riding heavier than before.. just get new (cheap) riding tights and half chaps. You will feel so much better about yourself if your clothes fit, and cheapy half chaps plus cheapy tights will put you back less than $100 combined.

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    1. I actually bought new (to me) breeches which fit fine, I just don't like wearing them, haha. As for half chaps, I got the biggest size offered on a very nominal budget, and they're just a smidge too small. I was too broke/cheap to buy the proper size, haha. But I just ordered a new pair on super sale and they should be here soon! I'm definitely looking forward to that... fighting with my half chaps is something I always dread, ha.

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  5. Just keep riding and thinking positively! That's the first step!

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  6. I think it's natural to go through lulls...a nice hack should help lift your spirits.

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    1. It definitely did! And hopefully it will continue to.

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  7. I too am about 25 pounds away from "my number" We can DO this!!! Going out for a nice hack to freshen the spirit is awesome! For me it is difficult to find the DAILY motivation it takes to really lose the weight. Riding is definitely a big help in that department.

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    1. Oh I'm well over 25 pounds away from my goal, but about 25 pounds away from where I want to be to ride my petite mare.

      Daily motivation is definitely something I struggle with. Hers hoping this renewed enjoyment for riding helps!

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  8. Absolutely!!!!! Just get on on and do it. I don't know what you weigh, but it can't be anywhere near some of these huge men that ride. Horses can carry a lot more weight than you think. Please ride. You'll be so much happier for it!

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    1. Working on it! Tooth crap got in the way for a while, but I'm hoping to be back at it soon. :)

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