Yoga High

Keep in mind that I'm no expert on Yoga. I began my intermittent relationship with practicing Yoga several years ago during my stress packed college years. Back then it enabled me to work and to attend school in a more relaxed way. Yoga does that for you.

In more recent times, after two rounds of physical therapy for back issues, I came to realize that many of the exercises I was given for my back were derived from Yoga and so now each morning I take 10 minutes to practice a variety of poses that help to get me going for the day.

Guys don't seem to be that keen on the whole Yoga idea; it's not as dramatic or sexy as lifting weights, or sweating on the treadmill. That being said, my husband has become a convert. To my surprise a friend of his got him interested in attending a Yoga class and the changes have been noticeable. The most apparent change for him has been his balance in the saddle. New to riding a few years ago, I think that he has struggled to find his "seat". Too many years at a desk and at a computer can really throw off our postures.

Whatever bad habits he had developed while sitting are being corrected with Yoga. It's so dramatic I think that he's now a permanent convert.


Happy Trails, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

On the Road Again

The snow is gone, the roads are clear, trees have not yet leafed out which makes visibility good. It's time to harness up my Haflinger and to do some road driving. He's barefoot so this means dusting off his Swiss hoof boots. He knows the routine and obligingly lifts each hoof as if he were shoe shopping.

He's had many miles of road work and is a worthy road warrior. Our community has a few equine drivers, but for the most part, we have to be sure that we are visible to cars and try to take roads that are less traveled (like the name of the book). Semi trucks, motorcycles, noisy mufflers don't phase my Haflinger.

However, every so often there will be a killer balloon on a mailbox or a garbage can of a different color that catches his attention. Usually with encouragement he'll trot past. Of course none of these "monsters" give him the slightest trouble on the way home.

There's nothing like watching life glide by at 5 miles per hour.

Happy Trails, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

Learn to Ride

Having horses as part of my life is such a source of joy. For those of you who have always loved horses, my suggestion is to learn as much about the sport and find a good instructor. Yes it is a sport and with any sport it requires instruction and knowing the rules of safety.

I came across a great little book for would be riders of all ages, although it is called the "Young Riders Handbook , Better Riding" (or should we say the young at heart). It's a very basic book, but well written and it covers so many important safety and horse relating tips like "horses have their days when they are not feeling their best just as we do, but if bad behavior or apparent discomfort persists, then ask for help". This may sound too basic, but you'd be surprised how many people ignore signals horses are sending out to riders (sometimes with dire consequences)

Other topics covered are mounting and dismounting, signs of discontentment or fear in the horse, transitions, the mechanics of different gaits, different styles of riding. There is an excellent explanation of impulsion and collection that any beginning rider will treasure for its illustrations and for its simplicity.

Jo Bird is the author of this fine instructional tool. This book makes a great gift for any newbie rider.

Happy Trails, Kathy
Horsedrivensite.net