The Beginning...

I'll confess to be inspired by the "Julie and Julia" movie. In case you haven't seen it (you should-- especially for Meryl Streep's portrayal of Julia Child) Julie blogs about her efforts to make every recipe in Julia Child's cookbook within a year. Many riders will also know of an Animal Planet program called "The Road to the Maclay" which followed several juniors riders on their journey to qualify for one of the most important national equitation finals.

As far as I know, no one has yet described what an average adult rider's experience is like. This is likely because it would bore most people to tears. I hope, though, that since there is a large group of unsung "normal" (e.g., not uber-wealthy or able to devote every minute of their lives to horses) riders out there who are serious about riding, this may be a chance to share experiences. And yes, I also recognize that "normal" is a word rarely used by our non-horsey friends to describe us.

Case in point--I have hit the ground involuntarily five times in the past 13 months. Even for me, this is a lot. My co-workers and friends have suggested knitting as an alternate interest. Of course, then they go on to point out that knitting invoves sharp objects and might thus also be hazardous. Did I mention being accident-prone? Most recently I broke two ribs by dissassembling a jump with my body after a stop. At a horse show, with an audience, naturally, ending my one and only chance to qualify for this year's Medal. (For the unintiated: first, you're still reading? Second, the Mass Medal is a year-end final run by the Massachusetts Horsemen's Council. An adult rider qualifies by winning a certain number of points during the year in qualifying classes at horse shows. It is a reasonable goal for a rider limited by lack of horses, training time, funds, and/or talent. Gives us an opportunity to compete with skilled, experienced riders, too.)

So, on the first day of the qualifying year for the 2010 Mass Finals, here I am propped up in bed waiting for the ribs to heal. I did try riding 2 weeks after the fall but my physician did not feel more percocet was in order simply to facilitate riding. I may have the only physician around who is suggesting sedentary interests. Back to hacking tomorrow, hope to jump in another week.

Hope you will comment with your own experiences!