Riding this weekend

Okay - Just wanted to share. I have been riding since I was 10. On and off - so I consider myself a solid intermediate rider. I ride english - although I have tried almost everything - from driving, to saddleseat, to western! Anyway - due to finance and time - I was away from riding for about a year. Got to miss it so much I decided it was time to get back in the saddle. I went to a new barn for a lesson. Boy was I impressed. I am always consious of my large body (5'5" 260lbs.) so always tell the person about my size so they don't try to put me on some 15 hh morgan! Well my instructor put me on a sweet old paint, just to see where I was. Boy did that mare make me work! But I did fine. So she had me try another horse that will be my "regular" lesson horse. She put me on a Shire/Thoroughbred cross. A huge girl!! About 17hh!! Wow - I have never had more fun on a horse. She moves nice! And is still young (4yo) so she needs a lot of work! I had such a great time! I am looking forward to going back and riding this big, challenging girl! At least I don't feel like I will hurt her back or anything when I get on! Holly

Hi Holly, Wow, that is wonderful you found a barn and a great mare to ride and do lessons in!! When I weighed 250, the barns around here would not let me take lessons. Talk about humiliation. I am so happy that you can do lessons and ride again. That's wonderful! I would love to hear about your lessons & such. Once DH is out of school, and I am down near my goal (at least under 200 lbs) I will be taking lessons again. It's been so many years. It will be such fun. Your enthusiasm has caught me, and I am smiling big for you, and looking forward to when I'll get to go riding again. Take care and have fun! Lisa (5'9") Lap RNY 7/19/05 360/345/305/160