exercise 3X a week

Did all the exercises tonight….
And did them Thursday night….

during vacation is to go to a dude ranch. Really.

It was great fun. Yesterday we went on a 3 1/2 hour mountain ride—brothers, daughter, and me. I’m proud to say I’m not even sore.

I guess the relevant muscles are well-developed!

and my damp hair is drying in ringlets. I am covered with hay and horse kisses (otherwise known as slobber).

We had a wicked good night of riding. It wasn’t even hot after 7 pm, so Girlchild and I had a fine time. He had thrown his shoes, and today was the first day he’s had proper foodwear for jumping in 6 weeks.

Here’s a picture of me training him on a tiny jump. You certainly can’t fault his enthusiasm! He hasn’t quite figured out yet when to take off, but whenever he does, he absolutely flies!

I’m sleeping better at night. I fall asleep quicker and seem to sleep deeper.

And I’ve been a bit more energetic. And walking up the stairs hasn’t been so rough the last few days.

And (drum roll) I think my muscles are getting stronger.

LET’S HEAR IT FOR EXERCISE!!!!!

The goal now is really to do these PT exercises every day, except on the days I’ve been riding. Right now, they include
1. 45 front leg lifts, using inward, straight, and outward rotations of the knee
2. 30 leg lifts to the side and back
3. 30’ clockwise rotations of the leg in small circles, same in counterclockwise circles, and then 30’ of rotations in large circles.

To avoid being lopsided, I do all of the exercises with my good knee, too. Every day.

Yes, and I’ve continued to do the exercises, every one. Think Buns of Steel. Sherlock has buns of steel….

today. I feel like a flake, with all these parts of me separately going downhill! She seems to understand the problem very well and gave me a set of leg lifts from 3 different angles to do 5, 4, 3, 2, 1x each. This I can do. I’m grounded from walking for the week, but I’m actually encouraged that I can get the supportive muscles back in shape enough that I won’t be in so much pain.

with the PT I love! She’s already been so helpful, and I’m really looking forward to starting tomorrow morning.

The orthopedist wanted me to wait a week before starting PT. Actually, that’s really not the reason I haven’t gotten any exercise though. I’ve been crazy busy at work prepping for this consulting trip, and it’s hot as blazes outside. I go back in the morning, though, so I’m hoping things improve then. I’m thinking about joining the gym again….it’s just so hard to work into my schedule…

Saturday: We made it to the barn this evening for a most excellent ride. My girl took some pictures, with the newly rehabed camera, which I’ve wanted for a long time. Chick has lost 2 shoes, which put his gait way off, so minimal jumping today. I can tell I really need to work out more in general to do this well….

Riding this morning, every early. At least an hour of dressage (half-pass), cantering (working on decreasing his speed and inproving form), sitting trot with good round form, and jumping (4 rounds). Then we cooled off with some light canters and then walks in the front forty. Spent a long time grooming him to get the last of winter off him. I love morning rides!

And I’ve been cleaning the house all week—heavy cleaning, the kind that wears you out. That should count for something.

And then I went riding again tonight. Practicing cantering circles and changing leads. Poor boy, he has no idea what I’m up to. Unfortunately, he’s lost 2 shoes, so I have to wait for the ferrier to jump him again…

2 20 minute walks on Thursday.

I’d better get busy to get the other 2 sessions in!

OK, I fell off the wagon this week! We didn’t even get riding in, since the weekend was so busy. But we’re getting up early to ride in the morning….