Something I haven't done in 18 years, I did last night.

I rode my mare bare back. I know it doesn't sound like a big event to some, but it was to me.

When it comes to horses, fear is not an option. Except for riding bare back.

In the summer of 1993, I was riding my Arab gelding, Fawtal, BB. Well, I wasn't exactly BB, I had a little Navajo blanket on him. Silly me. The blanket started to shift a bit and I went to straighten while I was on him. He was very leg sensitive and when I squeezed with my legs to raise myself up and adjust the blanket, he thought I asked him to move out at a trot to the right. Well, when he moved right, I went left.

After a concussion, broken left shoulder and unconscious for 24 hours, I decided to saddle my horse from there on out. Thank God I was at our boarding stables and one boarder had a cell phone. Remember, 18 years ago, you had have money to have a cell phone. Thank God he had money. LOL

I am just around the corner from a 20lb weight loss (with 40 more to go) and last night, while working my mare in the round pen, I just decided to ride BB, and it felt natural and comfortable. Just a halter, lead rope and a trusty mount. But loosing some of that extra weight I have been carrying for so long, felt good. I didn't feel like a wibble wobble on her back.

My barn owner was there and giving instructions. "Heels down, toes forward, use your thighs to hold on, etc..." After 3 whole laps in the round pen, my thighs were on FIRE! LOL But I think it is something I am going to do every chance I get. It will really build those thigh muscles and help burn calories.

Just thought I'd share...
Thanks for reading.