I feel so privileged to have such wonderful horses to ride. I not only love them, but I also very much appreciate them, and all they have to offer me, and even though it’s not always easy, all they have to teach me. So I’ve been told, the hardest horses have the most to teach you. I’m inclined to agree. I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve wished for an easier horse, one physically and mentally made for dressage, in my moments of frustration. But when I take a step back, I know as well as anyone that every horse has its challenges and its shortcomings, and really, the challenges I face are MY challenges, not my horses’. With each challenge comes an opportunity to learn and grow as a rider.
So, when I get frustrated, I have to ask myself, “How bad do you want it?”
And the answer is always, “Pretty darn bad!!”
“How much are you willing to do?” “Whatever it takes!”
And with that in mind, a month or so ago I set off to tackle the latest challenge: sitting Remy’s big trot. We could get through the 2nd level test pretty smoothly, and the other day we even rode 3rd level test 3 with just a few little blips. Clearly the horse is ready, able, and willing! The only thing holding Remy back at the moment is his rider. We can’t take it down the centerline until I can sit the extended trot for the full length of the long diagonal…
So I’ve added running a few days a week to my routine, and I’m happy to report that it hasn’t taken long to see some pretty serious improvements! Even better, I feel the change. When I ride Remy now, I feel like I can stop when he needs a break, rather than having to stop when I can’t breathe or am ready to crumble into a mushy heap on his back. My last run was 4 miles in 43 minutes, so I think my cardio fitness is getting pretty good!! I’d still like to push it even better, but I’m trying to pace myself and not push it so far that I can’t ride after running. I’ve also added some strengthening work, like sit ups, push ups, pull ups (yes, I can do a few!!), and LOTS of stretching, which also seems to be helping me in the saddle.
It’s been just over a month, and I’m happy to report that I’m able to sit the trot I thought I’d never be able to sit!! I don’t think I can hold it together for an entire long diagonal yet (we have a short, square ring, so it’s hard to judge though…), but it’s getting better and better by the day.
Seeing and feeling the progress has me super motivated. It’s always hard to start a new workout routine, and I hear it from my riders all the time… they know they should, they know it would help, but there are always SO many excuses not to! Well, how bad do you want it? Push yourself through those first few weeks, and when you start seeing results you’ll be hooked. If nothing else, do it for your horse!
TB at X 
This was the precise problem with me and Maddie. Being a new teacher, I just couldn’t commit to the time it took to not only ride her, but I needed to be fit enough to ride her as she doesn’t tolerate many mistakes. Fortunately, I found someone who wanted nothing more than a mare who could do more than their current mare. I think it’s only fair to have the horse you’re committed to ride. Remy is coming along beautifully!
You guys look great! Rider fitness is so important. I started working with a trainer once a week in addition to cardio work and really saw a difference.
Jennifer, I had the same exact problem with Mads! So don’t feel too bad, you’re not alone. Glad she found a new home!
And Christy – I know you hear it from me when I see you ride but the progress you and the horses make continues to amaze me. They just keep offering you more, and more and more. It’s fun and more than a little inspiring to watch.
I told you somewhere (facebook?) that you two look fabulous! I love the blog about it, too. 🙂
Are you in the fit for dressage facebook group? You should be! I’m having a discussion about knowing where the lines are of when NOT to add more. Currently I have a discussion going on the fact I figured out how to use part of my core I wasn’t using (hamstrings/piriformis/glutes) and which atrophied while I was recovering from the back injury – and riding about 4 times a week has left me sore enough that I *think* I need to avoid other strength work, but I don’t know where the line from sore to injury lies, or if I should do more. I was given a good idea on adding cardio, which I will definitely try, though!
Thanks Annette! I’m not in that group on FB, can you send me an invite? Sounds interesting!!
This is a great post and really motivating for me who needs to do a lot in the pursuit of fitness 🙂