Well I want to throw out a hello to all my "horsey" people. I am down 152lbs in 9 months. So I am thrilled, still got more to go, but couldnt care to loose a pound past here. Well on Weds I finally took my first real ride in 8 long years. I also found out why Northern Dancer offspring are so popular for the track. My thoroughbred mare is a Northern Dancer granddaughter, longjevity is in her blood woohoo, And my lord I see why see was a racing girl for 5 years of her life (2yo-7yo). I have ridden her in a light trot and such, but I got frisky and said WTH lets go for a canter. Folks I have ridden over 50 different breeds of horses, and other previous ex racers but this girl takes the cake. The power that came from her is so exillerating (sp?) Whats nuts is what looks like a Western lope from the ground is so power packed in the seat its a amazing. The power that girl has amazing!!!! What a ride. And this is the first time in 8 years since I have cantered a horse. Yeah keeping in the seat was a alittle rough, partially cause of the saddle it makes you start pushing forward to much at the canter, but I didnt waiver or loose my balance. I am so ready to get back in the saddle more and get her ready for the ring later this summer. She is ready besides getting that head set. Well thought I would share. It was just so much fun. And she also didnt even seemed phased by me on her back, normally my 125lb sister rides her. *~*Nicole*~*

Hi Beth, I would say bareback would be the worst choice for getting back on a horse with, The amount of balance required alone, and with your body going to be constantly changing, so does your center of gravity. And then even worse is that you state you are scared to get on bareback. Don't do it cause one wrong thing may really scar you from riding again. I would advise start in a saddle. Depending on your preference. Me I started right back into english. Mainly because you require yourself to have better posture and make you work muscles you would if you were riding bareback. Not including english saddles are far lighter. And this would be good for both you and the horse. And for me it had been close to 8 years since I rode, and yes I got on my ex-racer Thoroughbred mare. I look at it this way horseback riding is like riding a bike you never forget but you get rusty and need to get back into it, and things will really start coming back. Well for starters use a mounting block when you go to get back on. I always hated them myself, but untill I rehab a bad left knee, I aint haulin my butt on that horse. As for weight to me it truely depends on the breed and build of the horse you will be riding. But I would say wait atleast 2 months before getting on. You need to allow your body time to do some healing. And for starters only ride for 10-15 min at a time in the begining. Don't over do it, reaccustom yourself to the feeling, not including you will be getting much smaller in weight. Also stick to the same horse we all know a good bond means everything, and trust builds confidence. And confidence makes us better riders and makes horses very willing partners. Also just start with walking. Gradually build up to a light trot, I say save the centering till you really have your groove back, But if you have a rocking horse canter, ah try it sooner. But my TB is gonna be a trip when I start to canter, that girl is packed with go. I hope this helps a little, Nicole

Don't forget to check for kidney and bladder infections, as well as diabetes. What "exactly" did she say was wrongh with his shoulder? Do you have a tree less saddle to try on him? Can you ride him bareback- do the issues still present? I would be surprised if the shoulder was the main issue- could EASLIY be a compensatory soreness from another problem.

hi i do parelli with my horses im all for natural horsemanship. isent he great. http://www.freewebs.com/doubledacres/

i am a young riding instructor and i find that michigan doesnt have many clinics or shows like real ones i dont have time to trail to go see any. anyway just woundering if anyone felt the same way. http://www.freewebs.com/doubledacres/