Technology
I can’t believe that I haven’t written a blog since February but as ever life gets in the way! I’m therefore going to start using technology more (can’t believe I’m saying that!) to help me get back on track.
How am I going to do that you might ask? Well firstly I’m going to set myself daily, weekly and monthly reminders on my phone. Not the usual shopping list stuff but useful things like a plan for the day; emotionally as well as physically, so I can be the best version of myself.
I’ve recently had a foot operation and am 6 weeks in to my rehab. Now I know how those poor horses on box rest feel! I actually can’t believe that after only 2 weeks post surgery I’m unable to walk without crutches and not allowed to put any weight on my toes. I’m wearing a special heel wedge shoe (which was heavier than a normal one) and have massive muscle loss from my calves.
This made me to think about horses and the issues that occur if their muscles are imbalanced. It obviously has an effect on the whole of their skeleton as well as their feet. The impact of losing a shoe can never be underestimated. I wonder about the consequences of riding horses with lost shoes. Although obviously, if this occurs whilst out riding you really don’t have a choice. Even the use of hoof boots will have an affect on the horses proprioception and their length of stride as well as the weight of it and will have a completely different feel.
I suppose its something they all get used to? However I was not prepared for the feeling, or lack of it when they used an ankle block in theatre!! I just could not feel my foot which must be a similar experience to a horse which has been de-nerved. Just not a nice feeling at all!
So when I’m back on my feet I intend to do many more Testt clinics. If riders are unbalanced and have imbalances in their bodies, of course the horse is going to compensate and their movement will be affected. Have you ever wondered why your saddle sometimes sits over to one side?
Rider Fitness & Wellbeing
This brings me on to rider fitness. I know many of you out there are really tackling this issue but it is one close to my heart. If you are fit, you have the ability to be more secure in the saddle, be more supple and react quicker.
As I mentioned, I feel just after 3 weeks I’m losing my fitness so I’m doing everything I can – using weights to build my upper body strength and any seated exercises I can. Technology is so useful – there’s loads of informative and interesting content on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, and it’s free!
I spoke earlier about the emotional stuff. I lost a very dear friend recently so trying to make sense of everything is sometimes hard. As horse riders, we’re supposed to be tough and put a brave face on everything – often called masking. This can be exhausting so anything that helps deal with letting your emotions out is good.I discovered tapping – a client and now I consider a very good friend introduced me to Melanie Moore on YouTube. So this is one of my daily habits – I set my phone the night before with a time set aside to do it – only takes 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition
I’ve also started eating better – well you wouldn’t feed your horse rubbish would you? The difference I’ve felt is massive. It’s about getting into good habits!! I suppose the kick start to all this is me being out of action otherwise I’d have gone mad!!
This is my favourite breakfast, so tasty!
Porridge with chia seeds warmed in microwave and chopped pineapple, strawberries and blueberries added.
Instead of my usual cup of tea a drink of Matcha fuel supercharged instant latte!!!!
And I’m not becoming holier than thou – I’ll still eat biscuits and cakes, but in moderation!!
Centre10
I must mention our Centre10 meet up at Onley Equestrian Complex that I attended in April, as always full of great inspiration and a way to share ideas and Suport each other too.
It was a very practical day with coaching sessions given by Guy Reynolds, Emma Fisher and Danny Anholt – all great coaches in their own right with very different styles. It was great to watch these coaches and the interactions with their riders and very generous of them to share. I particularly liked the discussions with the riders after the sessions to find their take on it too.
I have expanded this side of my business now and am taking on more off-horse clients – do you know that 80% of your performance goals can be achieved out of the saddle?
By performance, this doesn’t mean you have to be out there competing at a high level – it can be to improve your performance whether that’s hacking out, schooling and training your horse, or competing in local events. It’s so important to remember the power of your mind and the influence it has over your body and therefore your reactions and how they influence the horse.
I can arrange online sessions through Zoom for you and we can create a plan to help you achieve your potential, whatever your goal. You do not have to be coached by me on your horse to take advantage of this as I appreciate everyone has their favourite coach, but we can certainly involve them if you want.
I’m going to share a link to a podcast from a sports psychologist who advocates having fun whilst training your horse and also the effects of mind and body and how you can perform better if your mind is quiet.
I can help you with your ‘performance bubble’, developing an inside-out mindset, breathing techniques and visualisation to name but a few, or just delve into what is holding you back?
Alternatively, we can just chat about anything to do with horses. I’m often asked about feeding advice, training/fitness plans, useful dressage or jumping exercises, or competition advice on where to go and what to enter.
Just text/message/ring and see how I can help you enjoy your horse more!!!
And Finally...
I’m sure you’re wondering about Ron and Tim… More to come about them next month!! Ron is being very good at keeping me company during my enforced box rest!!!
I’d like to give a massive shout out to all my friends who have been amazing helping me in lots of different ways, chatting on the phone or messages, feeding me, shopping, seeing to Tim, walking Ron and taking me to hospital appointments and generally just keeping me sane – you all know who you are! I feel very humbled too, realising what a wonderful and caring support network I have – its all about supporting each other wherever we can.
