Back in the Saddle Again …

Hoss and me getting acquainted.

Well, I finally did it. After being away from riding for 13 years (and almost to the day), I went on a two-hour trail ride with my husband and two of our friends - both of them wanting time on a horse before their ride-in hunting trip out west. I said I would be happy to ride with them if they wanted someone they knew to go along and help out if needed. Of course, I really didn’t need much of an excuse to get back on a horse, but it certainly presented itself in a timely manner. A call was placed to Bob Paluso Guest Ranch and arrangements were made to ride for two hours - plenty of time to be in a saddle for those new to riding and those of us with too many years in between getting on and riding regularly. I cautioned against riding for four hours (a possibility) since none of us was conditioned for riding. (I knew that would be way too long for us.)

I’m getting ready to mount up.

When we first got to the ranch, there were several horses tied up inside the indoor arena waiting for their riders. I had to say hello to each of them. I was allowed to help groom the horses, too, something I always enjoy doing and did plenty of when I was in charge of the school horses used for lessons when I worked at the first hunter/jumper stable in my youth. It wasn’t long before the horses were tacked up, and we were ready to get on.

I wasn’t the least bit nervous. I actually looked forward to getting back in the saddle and trail riding in the Northern Unit Kettle Moraine State Forest, a beautiful location to enjoy the outdoors and be in nature. I swung up onto my horse, Hoss, (not as gracefully as I did in my youth!) and was ready for our trail adventure with the other riders and guides. We rode around the fenced-in outdoor arena for some quick lessons in controlling the horses and then headed out to the trails. It was sunny and hot, but we rode mostly in the shade of the forest.

I was glad my seat and leg position were still on point, even though I hadn’t ridden in years. One’s body doesn’t forget decades in a saddle. I do yoga and walk, but those aren’t enough to stay conditioned to ride. Only specific training and time in a saddle prepares and strengthens your leg muscles seldom used for anything else. You need a lot of strength, flexibility, and stamina to ride, something I will be working on now. Mounting and dismounting were true indicators of what had changed for me over the years. Neither one was “easy” for me anymore. I need to lighten up and practice again.

Hoss and me enjoying the trail ride (I’m in the blue cap).

I’m not sure why I hadn’t returned to riding earlier than now. It wasn’t that I was afraid to get back on. I’m sure I made plenty of excuses not to ride and be around horses again, but when I look back at that it seems silly. How could I push aside such a big part of me, a part I was born with? Perhaps “better late than never” applies here. I think about how much time has passed when I could have been riding again. Life is meant to be lived, not to sit idly on the sidelines. We need to pursue our dreams, mine included.

I did something today to keep moving forward: I ordered a pair of full-seat breeches and half chaps for riding English and riding jeans for Western trail rides. I already have a helmet and two pairs of riding boots, so I’m set for now. If I have the gear, I can’t make any excuses not to ride. Now, I need to contact a stable near me and schedule lessons as well as return for trail rides at Bob Paluso Guest Ranch, which I highly recommend. They have a great staff and a string of well-trained horses that are perfect for any riding level. Maybe I will have the chance to meet you when you ride.

Happy Trails!

Author Kerri Lukasavitz and the middle grade Oak Lane Stable Novel Series: Books written for young readers, but enjoyed by horse lovers of all ages.