More walking

After one full month of pandemic, I accidentally stepped on a scale and discovered my weight was the highest it had ever been, higher even than when I was pregnant.

I was horrified. I immediately went downstairs, cleared all the boxes off of the treadmill and started walking. I walked five miles a day for the next eight months, and lost thirty five pounds.

More importantly, I also gained a lot of fitness. This was especially apparent in the saddle.

At the time, Lucy and Stealth were my two most regular mounts. 

Lucy

Stealth was a sensitive, quirky horse with a tendency to buck in the canter. I remember one especially broncy ride several months after I'd started walking. Stealth unleashed a whole series of bucks, one after another, during which my position remained completely rock solid. I was delighted and just a little depressed. 

Stealth

"Darn it," I said to myself. "If being fitter makes me a better rider, I guess I'm going to have to keep walking."

And I did, for another year or so.

After that, life got really busy and really complicated. I started missing days, then weeks and eventually, the treadmill got covered up in boxes.

A couple months ago, I got a new horse. 

A new, unbroke, baby horse.

She's almost ready to start under saddle, and even though no one is expecting fireworks, I'd like to be a little fitter before I sit on her for the first time.

I've been having vague thoughts about the treadmill all summer, but none were put into action until two weeks ago, when I received an email from my employer about a walking challenge with cash prizes.

Just like that, the treadmill was cleared off, and I was back to walking.

I don't expect to win, but I am trying really hard for a top five placing.

It feels doable, but even if it isen't, I appreciate the push. It's good to be walking again, both with Sage and on the treadmill.

Walking

Olive's post colic surgery recovery plan called for two months of stall rest. The first thirty days were spent in a twelve by twelve stall and the second in a stall with a run. Her only real exercise was two hand walks a day.

We took those walks seriously.

Twice a day, every day, I was at the barn, walking Olive.

I missed just one walk in the month of July.

Sixty one walks in thirty one days is intense.

It wasn't how I'd planned to spend the summer, but I wasn't complaining.

I knew how close I'd come to losing her, and I was grateful for every moment.

Of course, in the end, I lost her anyway.

This summer I have a new horse.

She is nothing like Olive.

Yet, somehow I'm back to walking again.

We only walk once a day, but our walks are longer.

Sage is in training, not recovery.

Also, she is a million times less reactive.

The urban obstacles that worried Olive barely register with Sage.

She doesn't care about bridges, roads, bikes, joggers, scooters, golf carts, golfers, mowers, tractors, cars, cars with trailers, baby strollers, barking dogs or goats.

Three jazzed up Charro stallions? Sorry guys, Sage is more interested in eating weeds than flirting.

She has expressed mild concerns about geese, but this is as about as dramatic as she gets.

I could lead this horse anywhere.

And all these walks are really paying off.

Day by day and step by step, Sage's mouth gets quieter.

We are just about ready to put some reins on that bit and start working on the next part of her training.

I hadn't planned on spending another summer like this, but I'm still not complaining.

It's a privilege having a horse to walk with.

Next summer, however, I really hope I have a horse to ride!

Tack reference Tuesday

A little more than eight years ago, my husband and I spent a day in the Colorado mountains, attending the Leadville Boom Days and Burro Races.

We arrived about an hour before the start of one of the races and spent that time in the pre-race area, meeting the the donkeys, talking to their handlers and taking lots of photos.

At that time, I was still actively running a model horse tack business, so a lot of my attention was focussed on the tack.

Each donkey was required to wear a regulation pack saddle with a pick, shovel, and gold pan.

Most also carried at least one quart of water, food (an energy bar) and weather appropriate clothing (such as a windbreaker). 

Of course, when it came to race time, most of this was covered up by the entrant pinney!

The rules allows use of a "jack chain" - that is a chain or strap that apply pressures over the muzzle, under the chin or through the mouth - but we didn't see any of those. Mostly, it was just a bunch of normal nylon...

and rope halters.

Lead ropes can be up to fifteen feet in length.

Also worth noting, there were a few donkeys outfitted in hoof boots...

and at least one had a camera mounted on his saddle.

Handler attire was what you would expect for a long distance running at altitude in the summer. Beyond athletic shoes - which everyone wore - there were lots of shorts...

and leggings,

gloves...

and ball caps and visors.

Of course, with an event as quirky as this, there are always going to be a few people who really dress for the occasion!

A few more photos just because.

I always thought burro racing would be a really fun event to recreate in 1:9 scale. I probably won't ever get around to doing it, but maybe - hopefully! - these photos will inspire someone else. If that's you, be sure to share pictures of your entry. Even it takes another eight years for it to happen, I'd love to see them!