During a typical winter I continue to ride the horses as long as temperatures remain above 15 degrees. My cozy indoor ring, wool quarter sheets, and layers of fleece make this a pleasant experience that I look forward to everyday. When the Snow Gods cooperate, I can even ride out on the one mile of groomed trail that encircles the farm. Crisp cold air, wintry landscape, and horses' exuberant spirits lift my mood during what most people feel is the bleakest time of year.
But this winter wasn't typical. It's been almost six weeks since I last rode a horse. The bitter cold weather that gripped the Adirondacks through January and February simply defeated any attempt at motivating myself to ride. I filled the void with other activities. Editing my book is at full throttle. Bonding with my baby donkeys distracted me too. And now that it is the first of March, perhaps the extended sub-zero cold is behind us.
Recently, I've begun to tune into subtle changes. Sunny days feel warm and hopeful. Daylight lingers until after 6:00 pm and all of the animals are beginning to shed their thick winter layers of hair. With renewed motivation I climbed back into the saddle this week and once again, took up the reins of my favorite form of physical exercise.
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| My favorite view... |
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| ...is from the saddle! Thanks for the lift Lowtchee. |
I, too, am longing to grt back in the saddle. And when I do, I know my 'leg muscles' will have forgotten every thing and my older body will be walking a bit slower the next day.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait!