Tomorrow is my birthday, my sixty-seventh birthday. That's hard to read and even harder to write. My husband, John is always excited to celebrate his birthday and doesn't understand my trepidation. His philosophy is birthdays are to celebrate and not fear, "short of death there is nothing you can do to stop them, so embrace them". It's a good attitude and I'm hoping to adopt it any day now.
The passage of time encourages one to consider what lies ahead. It's time for the Bucket List.
Last Saturday I took my granddaughter to her riding lesson. Horseback riding is a very effective therapy in combating her congenital muscular disease. She has been taking lessons for several years and I occasionally take her. In the beginning she was lead by the instructor. Taylor now rides within the ring on her own and has developed a true affection for the horses she rides. It is quite wonderful to watch her grow in skill and confidence.
Last Saturday it occurred to me that it's now or never so I set up a schedule and made a list of items I needed to look the part and protect my old bones and body. Monday I went shopping and found a reasonably priced pair of Ariat paddock boots, socks, half chaps, helmet and the embarrassingly snug riding pants. I chose black deluding myself that they would be more slimming.
Today was the first lesson, thank goodness we stayed in the indoor arena for the initial training and once I felt comfortable we ventured outside. It is HOT in Virginia Beach today. I'm not sure where this goes; but, so far so good. The last time I was on a horse was the mid-sixties and I was in my early twenties. I recall being so sore the next day that it hurt to write. Probably the main reason I never tried again. My
goal is to ride a trail with my granddaughter. For now, I need to get on the Pilates Performer and stretch these over-rout muscles.
We are all very proud of you! It's like therapy just being on the farm.
ReplyDeleteWho did you ride? Epson salt bath would do you well!
K