First LD ride - a learning experience.

[Idrivetrotters]

Two words “gaited horse”

My right ankle is my weakest link due to a bad sprain years ago playing tennis. I taped my ankle before really long rides but normally a tight paddock boot with half chaps keeps my ankle happy.

I would let your leathers down at least 1 hole so you can drape more around the horse so you are not keeping so much weight in your ankles. I also find fleece tush cushions ie fleece seat savers a truly miracle piece of equipment.

There are zero rides near me so I have to wait until we move back to FL so I can get back to competitive trails.

Glad you enjoyed your ride, and hope you do ride again!

[sbwinde]

Agreed! If you have don’t have a horse that you want to use, look for a gaited one. I already have my Arab and QH at home, otherwise I would go gaited all the way.

[atomicfriday]

You know, I thought about looking at gaited horses… I have nothing against them but I don’tknow, although endurance is my main pursuit I like to “dabble” in other events and just not sure how a gaited horse would fit in a dressage ring! Though they can learn to trot, can’t they?

Anywho, it just may be too late because sometime early April I am bringing a horse home on trial! He is just the most adorable, and has everything i asked for on my wishlist. Not too tall (14.3) not too old (6 going on 7) nice hooves… And he’s not in racing condition which I prefer as im not either! He’s a fleabitten grey which isn’t my FAV of all time but color is absolutely the last thing i discriminate over in horses - a good horse is a good horse no matter what he is painted!

[patti]

Good on you! I think most of us endurance riders can tell you embarrassing stories about our first ride, too.

Good luck with the new horse and as someone told me wisely at some point, the only way to get riding fit is to RIDE. (It seems so obvious, but it answers a lot of questions about fitness.)

Look forward to having you back out on the trail!

–Patti

[GotMyPony]

We’re going to want a photo of the horse…

[atomicfriday]

Of course! You all will be SICK of photos when he gets here as I can be a shutterbug. Tomorrow I talk with his breeder about setting up a date to come pick him up. Still hasn’t set in yet… I cannot wait to have an excuse to visit the barn every day again. Horses have always been my passion (isn’t it for us all?) I’ve been longing for this time to come. I’ve gone through the loss of my dad, my childhood horse, and my parrot within a six month time period. Not to bear a pity party but this is the thing to lift me up. I seriously am so happy to have been offered all the kind and supportive words from everybody, I know I’ve said that before but I can’t stress it! I was disappointed in myself but now I am determined. Keep on riding!