A rider's point of view in the warmup ring
If I ever live to be one hundred years old, (which is doubtful at the rate I’m going), I now know what my body will feel like.
After nearly three weeks of hunt seat riding and cantering in two-point position over small fences, my legs are only a little stronger than a well cooked noodle. My lower back and right hip are sore after recently becoming intimate with the arena floor. My ankles are tender after trying to jam my heels into the proper position. (Ankles are supposed to be flexible. Not mine. Mine are like plywood. Pretty stiff.)
Despite my obvious physical limitations– I’m having a ball!
I had my final schooling session on Cain on the showgrounds today while the incredible Kim Barone patiently tutored me: reminding me to really flex those (stiff) ankles and sink down into my heels.
Earlier this week, during the Harvest Horse Show, we schooled a bit even as Kim was warming up a horse to take into the Coliseum. In mid-air, over a jump, Kim would call out “Heels down Cathy! Toes out!” and I was left to wonder how on Earth she managed to watch me slog around the arena while she was flying over a fence! She’s amazing and an excellent trainer.
- A patient (and chilly) Kim Barone in the warm-up ring.
I’m not sure what to expect during the Ariat “Jumping with the Stars” event. All I can hope is that I keep those heels down, don’t wack Cain in the mouth, and remember to breathe while on course. All of that is easier said than done. I hope you all come out and watch. It is bound to be very entertaining!
