Riding as exercise

I rode Riley on Sunday, in 91 (99 "realfeel") temps. Had a good ride but I really have to bring it to get good work, and we DID work. My Fitbit tends to underestimate my heart rate. I ran a 5k the day before, and pretty much went at the top of my ability (struggling mightily at the end) -- my peak heart rate was 181 bpm. 

Riding Riley Sunday, July 17

Laughing at My Nightmare 5K on June 25 (Fitbit messed up my July 16 5K beats)

Run ended at 26'47"

Bethany Larsen riding OTTB Real GentlemanPrix St. Georges

This horse/rider pair was just featured in the Chronicle of the Horse -- Rio, aka OTTB Real Gentleman, just moved up to Prix St. Georges. What a good boy! Lovely and smooth.

Conversation with Bob

Friday night, we were watching the Tour de France.  We gasped at one of the more dramatic crashes, and felt relieved when everyone got up and continued. Bob remarked angrily that the spectator that caused the crash was -- well -- a douche.

Trying to offer perspective, I remarked that as international catastrophes go, this was not the largest one this year, or even this week, by any means. I started naming some of the worst headlines from 2016. Nice, France. Orlando, Florida. Brexit. Coup in Turkey.  The Presidential Elections so far, what a cluster ______.

Bob:  I guess we had no idea.
Me: [quizzical expression]
Bob: We underestimated his influence.
Me: Wha...  ?
Bob: You know. He must have been a stabilizing force in international affairs. So to speak.
Me: Harvey?
Bob: YES.
Me: It's all starting to make sense.

December 4, 2015. That was when I said goodbye to Harv.

I hate to say it but it seems to me that it was the start of some real unravelling well beyond what I'd dreamed. Harvey, my international peacekeeper, elder statesman -- and yes, an American Thoroughbred.

I love Kerrits, but I think I got a dud...

I love Kerrits. I have several pairs that have worn like iron. When the new Mobility breeches were introduced in the spring I ordered a pair right away, from Kerrits.com.

Today I was running around, getting ready for my lesson, and I bent down to retrieve my Powerade drinks from the fridge.

Bob says, "I guess you know that those pants are split in the back."

"Haha." and then, "You're kidding, right?"

"No. They're split."

I reached around and immediately felt the rip in the seat.

Two wearings, both for 45 minute lessons, maybe total of eight hours on my bod. No washings. They are not overly tight, not overly loose. They fit.

See in the photos below how unworn they look -- the seat rubber is still shiny and new. I've emailed Kerrits, and tonight, just in case, I posted these photos to Kerrits' Twitter account. I guess that's not entirely fair, but these breeches are freakin' NEW.

Amalia Horseware T-shirt

On sale at HorseLoverz for $27.99 -- check it out!

Riley and I 7/10/16

I've been riding Riley in these last few weeks after a several month hiatus -- and having super rides. Kudos to Kristin, his trainer, has made great progress with him in just a few months. I can't show off his second level moves, but he motors around here.  We cantered, and I'll share the canterwork later.



I was nearly crippled after this ride -- working out at the gym does not prep you for an energetic ride on a horse!

For July 4: An American TB for sale

Don't know the horse or owner, but at 2K this guy looks sweet as can be. 

Facebook ad reproduced below. I don't know horse or owner...

Ready to be your next off the track star, Carl is a 16.1, 10yr old, TB, gelding. Carl is very easy to ride, quiet, no spook and has an easy lead change. He has had no formal training yet but hacks out alone or in company and is jumping small logs. This guy has a naturally balanced and uphill canter, a soft mouth and great brakes. Will soon be in a program and price will increase with training! Easy enough for a junior. Would even make a wonderful trail horse. Carl is easy to keep weight on, he does have ankles that look like he has raced his whole life but they have never been an issue and he flexes with full range of motion. Text or call Jackie at (443) 758-6249 with questions or to come see this special guy!