Recently I was insulted on Facebook with a comment calling me a “lard ass” and telling me to ride a bike instead. Although this language was uncalled for and slightly shocking, that is not the point of this post. I would like instead to address the misunderstandings of horse travel and of horseback riding in general that I think are behind the comment.
True: Horseback riding, and
especially horse travel, is a physical activity. My days begin with shoeing, saddling, and
packing Apollo. By the end of this hour
long process, I am ready for a nap and my back hurts. Then, I walk with him for several hours a
day, and often the whole day long. That
is usually 10 to 15 miles. Five days a
week. If that’s not a lot of work, I
don’t know what is. Then, when I am
ready to drop, I have to take care of all his needs for the night – unpacking,
unsaddling, unshoeing, toting feed and water, often walking the fence
line. Then Apollo rests while I take
care of Hermes. And then set up my tent
and make dinner. Maybe then I can sit
down. But not before checking on Apollo again.
Sometimes I wish I had a bicycle!
False: The horse is unhappy with
working, especially with horse travel
True: Horses like to have a
job. They don’t all like the same jobs,
but when the right horse is picked for the right job, they enjoy the work. Apollo is a good long ride horse. He usually waits by the gate to be caught,
walks happily along with me, and especially is thrilled when some passing
stranger stops to pet him. He enjoys
looking at the scenery as much as I do (although he does not understand my need
to stop and take photos). Having spent
so much time with him, I do know when he is unhappy! And it’s not when he is
working a normal day. Often on his days
off, he continues to take himself on walks around the pasture – not from
stress, but because he likes his job!
False: The rider is lazy and just
sits there
If you ride horses and think this, you
are doing it wrong. A good rider moves
with the horse’s movements. They are
limber, flexible, athletic, and have good core body strength. A good rider on a horse is called “active
weight” or “live weight” which is exponentially easier on the horse than a
rider that sits like a lump and is just “dead weight.” (Dead weight also refers to anything attached
to the horse – saddle, packs, etc). Riding
for long stretches is tiring, in a full body sort of way. If the roads are good and Apollo is not
tired, I may ride a six mile stretch, at the end of which I am certainly ready
to walk again!
False: The rider is fat and out of
shape (presumably because of just sitting there)
There are obese riders, for
sure. But there are no overweight long
riders. There is just too much exercise
every day! Most long riders have reported losing weight during their rides, and
those that didn’t were those that had no extra weight to begin with.
As a long distance rider, I can attest to everything you said is true! Keep it up. And I look forward to your continuing adventures this next Spring.
ReplyDeleteYou are a hero to many of us. Keep up the journey and share your experience. We Thank you.
ReplyDeleteA very mindful and respectful response. Keep it up Woman!
ReplyDeleteYou are the least lazy person ever! I am in awe of how much you put into your ride every day and can't even imagine how much work it was. If someone thinks that a person on a horse "just sits there" they must have never even been on a horse!!! Congratulations on your amazing achievement and I am so happy we were able to be a tiny part of your journey!
ReplyDeleteLoved readingg this thanks
ReplyDelete