Friday, September 16, 2011

Oxymoron - Reluctant And Excited

Ok here goes nothing. These ...except for the first one are photos of me riding Jade for the first time after her 1 month training. I went and picked her up on Mon., it has taken me this long to post this because....well I'm not going to make a story of it but short version I really don't like my pic being taken and since I have gained a bunch of weight I am quite self conscious about it.....and now I really hate my pic being taken. I saw a video of my ride and was really put off by it but it was a learning experience and one I am going to share with you. I'm not going to go into a lot of personal stuff and or excuses but I do just need to say..... years ago many years ago I had an illness that has left me with a few residual problems...one being it is really hard for me to ride a horse and use my legs properly but over the years I have learnt to adjust and ride differently, I'm sure ....quite sure it isn't always pretty and or proper....but I don't care" I'm Riding" Anyhow the learning experience....watching the video showed me just how much of my riding skill  ( I'm not saying I was all that great before)I have lost, in part because of lack of leg use and balance but a huge difference is the weight.My riding ability is hampered a great deal by my weight gain. The video was glaringly apparent and you can see it in the still shots. I can see how far forward I am leaning I guess I think I am sitting square in the middle of the saddle....Sadly Not. So not only am I trying to distribute the weight but I am so screwing up the balance of my horse and the signals I am sending....no wonder I find it hard to get results. So all this time I was blaming my legs and other stuff on my shoddy riding ability when a lot of it .... a whole lot of it is my weight problem ( and the head problem that goes with it)I have been so self conscious about how I feel and look up there that I have been riding less and less so time to solve the problem and get back to riding. Jeez it almost turned into a book sorry. Jade is such a fun horse to ride she makes me feel excited about going out and doing horse stuff again.
These pics are a bit fuzzy, not sure why but it is a blessing really.

I have to interject a comment on this photo, we were in the pre backing mode and I was gathering up my reins and just getting ready for the ask which is why I look like a chicken about ready for take off. That !!!is not how I ride.

10 comments:

Judi said...

I have to confess, I noticed how pretty Jade was before I even noticed you.

Recently, I have had my sister video me when I'm riding, show me the video right away and then I try to do better. I tell her to destroy each one! I am self conscious about my riding, too.

It is great to have feeback on our rides.

Judi said...
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Janice said...

I am glad to hear I wasn't noticed maybe I should just quit thinking about it and enjoy the fact that I can ride almost anytime I want. Jade is a pretty thing isn't she.

Sherry Sikstrom said...

She looks great, And you looks fine, you know where you are sitting differently than you would like so hey if you are up there? It will come together. Do you perchance have a low back problem?

Linda said...

You both look great! I hate getting my picture taken too......they are far and few between and I'm happy about that.

Janice said...

Sherry that is also one of my problems but I have had that for many moons and I was always able to have a proper seat.I think a good head shake and about 50 pounds would solve a lot of my problems.You guys are sure nice though, it helps. I wasn't even going to post those pics.

Shirley said...

In your defence, I have to say that the firsdt one of you is when you had just cued her for a lope, and there's nothing wrong with a forward seat for that. In the next photo, you were, reluctantly, but because we were bugging you, asking for a roll back- which you got and it surprised you.
We all have body issues, and like you I hate getting my photo taken. I am the most unphotogenic person in my family.

Janice said...

Well thanks for that Shirley, I to have never been photogenic and I still didn't like getting my picture taken even when I was a much thinner version. The good thing about those pics is I can see where I can fix some of my problems.

5 Starr's Farm said...

Hi Janice.....no more beating up on yourself...all though we all do it....hate my picture taken, that's why I hold the camera...I'm sure we could all use a good head shrink........I know people half our age and size who don't even try, anything, just complain ............

You are fine and I'm proud of you, just stay at it......as far as weight.....I've decided that I am no longer over weight I have just set my body free....LOL

Crystal said...

I think the most important thing is you are riding! I think everyone can stand to lose some weight, I have been thinking about it recently as well. But I also think the more you ride the better your seat will be and more comfortable with her too.

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