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How a Quest for Fitness Led to a Beloved Horse
In the days of Yore, when I was a high school student, physical education was a heavy part of our curricula and a physician’s note was the only acceptable means of excusing a student from physical training. Each student had two or three sports from which to choose, in addition to the mandatory netball. At the time, I chose tennis, track and long jump, although I only excelled in running track—I was short, but fast. While school sports consumed about one day per week in total, the weekend was devoted to equestrian sports and I rode Irish Draft horses at a local stable. On Sundays, my family often drove to the country and we would visit National Trust properties, farms or fishing villages, go blackberry picking during Autumnal days or enjoy treks to the mountains; we seemed to be constantly on the move.
Having now spent the past twenty years in advertising, publishing, researching and writing, there are days when I admit I fall short in the exercise routine. Although I typically walk about two miles, three or four times per week, and do a little exercise at home, I felt I needed another incentive; walking around the neighborhood every day had lost a few degrees of interest, even when I varied the route. The next stage was to find the right discipline; at fifty-eight, I was not about to embark on running track, and I wanted something that would provide a level of interest to keep me keen.
It is often said that when you start to move in a specific direction, the universe supports that movement and lends a hand. The most excellent journeys in life sometimes begin with simple inquiries and you never know where they might lead. While I had some ideas regarding the forms of exercise I might consider, I knew it would likely be a case of trial and error at first; still, it was time to start work and seek a new direction. As many of us know, exercising at home has its drawbacks and one has to be very well disciplined to maintain a daily schedule.
There is a plethora of choices out there today, when it comes to fitness, and each time I opened a newspaper I would see advertisements for yoga, Zumba, Tai Chi, karate, dance, aerobics and many other offerings. As I definitely could not picture myself in ballet tights at this point in life, I had basically written off ballet, even as a form of exercise. I tried aerobic jazz dance first, mainly by purchasing a DVD and working out in the living room. I actually kept this up for at least four weeks, until some construction crews arrived to work on an annex to our property. At that point, I didn’t feel quite comfortable gyrating around to loud music in a leotard while the crews worked outside. I then tried to do a series of exercises in the morning while in pajamas, safely tucked away upstairs in my room. I strongly resembled Paddington Bear in plaids. Following two weeks of this new schedule, boredom set in. Next, I signed up for yoga at a local health center, joining a class of seven. Although taking yoga served one purpose – it confirmed that I was out of balance – I did not really enjoy the program. Some people can sit on the floor quite naturally while assuming the yoga position. I recall the judicious words of actor, Saeed Jaffrey, in the 1982 film, E. M. Forster’s A Passage to India, when he noted, "British women cannot sit on the floor – not even on Persian carpets!" While Mr. Jaffrey’s comments referred to a past time, they certainly apply to me. If you try to imagine the Michelin man sitting cross-legged, well there you have me; I just cannot bend myself into that position. I am rather a chatterbox by nature and the quiet, calm discipline did not really suit my personality. I believe I was somewhat disruptive to the class and one morning, the instructor subtly suggested that we all try to come to class quietly and lie still to calm ourselves before the yoga session, rather than chattering to each other; quite clearly, this admonition was aimed in my direction. The instructor was right though -- and I didn’t feel that yoga was a good fit for me. No, I had to find something I loved doing, something I felt to be a natural choice and would prove both mentally and physically engaging.
Then, one afternoon, I drove north on Highway 17 and passed a large sign: EquestHunter Stables – Boarding, Lessons. My heart leapt at the thought of possibly taking up horse riding again. It had been thirty-nine years since I last sat in the saddle.
I have always loved horses, and I had at times considered returning to the sport, however for various reasons the opportunity had not presented itself. A week or so later I drove to the stables, met the owners and toured the facility. The sheer joy of being in the company of horses again – of smelling horses – brought back memories of my first trip to the stables with my father, when I was five. Following several lessons, and an admittedly shaky start, I am beginning to feel what I would describe as a ‘novice seat’. I have not forgotten how to ride, but my muscles have lost the edge and will require much work before I once again have good control. My instructor, Devon Rowan, a remarkable young equestrienne who competes in hunter/jumper classes at regional shows and beyond, is patiently helping me regain both my confidence and my seat. Most women, who return to horse riding during the middle or later years following a long sabbatical will probably admit to being a little less agile, and not as confident in the sport as they may have been during their childhood and youth. I believe this is quite a natural response; our equine friends appear larger and stronger than they did when we were younger. I know it will take time to return to a reasonable level of equestrian fitness and the journey will include the necessary aches and pains. In this, as in other cases, the ‘no pain, no gain’ rule reminds me that it is all worthwhile.
After two weeks, I changed horses and formed a strong attachment to a stunning Hanoverian warmblood gelding named Strider. Strider is twenty years young and in his earlier youth traveled the circuit, with veterinarian and stable owner Doctor Colleen Morgan, as a hunter/jumper. Now in partial retirement, he has become my best equine friend and is teaching me well. If this horse could speak in human tongue, I feel quite sure he would have some strong words for me at present, but he patiently accepts my current imbalances, and poor aids with the greatest spirit; he is a horse with a huge heart. When I reach a point where I have a better seat, I plan to possibly attempt some training level or lower level dressage. However, the utmost pleasure is found in developing a working relationship with the horse, and in our learning to read one another’s signals. Inasmuch as I enjoy horse riding, I am equally delighted to have an opportunity to help groom, care for, and just be with the horse, and I must say I really enjoy being out and about at the stables.
Instructor and barn manager, Devon Rowan, is a professional rider and teaches all ages and riding levels. Devon notes, "Although many of our students are children and young adults, we are beginning to see more interest from mature riders—particularly women who are returning to the sport after many years’ absence."
EquestHunter instructors stress physical fitness, by including various exercises that are performed in the saddle and also recommending at-home calisthenics that can be done between lessons to help condition muscles and improve the rider’s seat. Part of the curriculum includes care of the horse, both before and after the lesson. Full-time students may be trained and prepared to participate in regional events, depending upon their fitness level and riding ability. Others may simply wish to learn a new discipline or to improve their riding skills and learn about equine care. There is a program to suit every rider, either as a full time or part time student.
Horse riding is an excellent mental and physical discipline. Devon explains, "I am always delighted to see children acquire fitness, strength and confidence, as they progress with their lessons. They attain good posture, learn how to communicate with the horse and gain self-reliance." Student safety and care of the horse are foremost at EquestHunter, and while horse riding builds athleticism, it also builds respect in terms of our relationship with, and compassion for, other animals.
EquestHunter Stables is a fully insured facility owned by veterinarians. In addition to riding lessons, the center offers complete boarding facilities, nutritional advice, veterinary care and equine training. Lessons are given with understanding and compassion for both the horse or pony and the rider, with the ultimate aim of achieving the rider’s goals. When I complete a lesson, I have learned something positive, but there is also the sense of fun and enjoyment and sharing of stories with each trip to the stables. The horses are maintained to the very best possible standards and cared for with consideration of each animal’s personality and specific requirements. The lessons and training are conducted in a safe, clean and well-maintained outdoor arena. When the horses are not working, they are given plenty of time in the pasture, along with exceptional care and attention. Currently, there are stalls available for those who are seeking to board their horses. To inquire about lessons, boarding, or training, please contact Colleen Morgan, D.V.M., or Devon Rowan at 804.694.4875, or log on to http://www.equesthunterstables.com/
 What began as a search for a suitable fitness regimen has developed into a newly found passion and a return to the wonderful world of horses. I have been very fortunate to meet warm-hearted, professional instructors, to ride in an excellently managed and well-appointed facility and to befriend a beautiful horse named Strider, who has captured my heart and freed my spirit.
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