Wobbly and Walking

So, in my last post I wrote that the Side Saddle fit my horse Herbie well and that there were 77 days until Boxing Day. 

Now there are 75 days and I have ridden in the saddle twice...

The first time was difficult to say the least... I mounted in the yard and walked around to the arena where I rode, just in walk, for approximately 10 minutes. I felt so wobbly and off balance and I was constantly checking with my brother as to whether the saddle kept slipping whenever I turned a corner. The saddle didn't slip once which was a major relief! 

We have had lots of issues with slipping saddles in the past with Herbie with him being a barrel shaped Cob with barely any visible withers. In the past 18 months we have changed from a Close Contact Harry Dabs SJ saddle to my old event horses's Monoflap Barnsby Xtreem Eventing saddle. This change means that the saddle fits even closer to his back and weighs barely any weight at all. So you can imagine my worry with suddenly having a heavier saddle on him again. 

After walking around the arena doing circles and figures of eight for 10 minutes for the first time I was aching like hell. 

I honestly raise my imaginary hat to you ladies who hunt and jump side saddle! 

The second time I rode aside was this morning. I rode for about 15minutes this time and still stuck to walk. I'm still feeling slightly wobbly but that is mainly when Herbie and I turn to the right. To the left I feel more balanced and I ache a lot less! I confess to wearing my lower back support today though which is definitely helping my back as well as my posture! I need to sit up more! 

I am lucky enough to have found a Side Saddle Riders group on Facebook and the ladies in there have been so, so, so helpful with helpful tips and fitness exercises for both on and off the horse. So I have formulated a plan! 

Week Days are as follows. 

Every morning: 

30 Sit Ups, 20 Push Ups, 45 Second Plank. 

Monday evening:

Pilates class at the local gym. 

Tuesday-Friday evening's:

Riding in the Side Saddle in the School and a Gym session (I am lucky enough to have a basic gym at home!) comprising of: 15 minutes on the rowing machine, 15 minutes on the cross trainer/ bike, 2 songs of crunches, 3 songs of using the weighted hula hoop and an 'abs' session on the Power Plate machine (which takes about 7 minutes). 

Weekend plans are to carry on with the morning routine and to hack out in the saddle to get used to riding it in for a longer period of time as well as going out for long walks with my dogs as well. 

So, my plan is set. 

75 days to go! 

Lets do this! 

LNC. xo