Introduction

Hi, my name is Lydia, I am a 20-something year old that tries to juggle a full time job, part time college classes, long distance boyfriend and a horse.  Sometimes, I'm even successful in that juggling act.  My horse is a 9 year old off track thoroughbred named Oughtlands - who goes by Otter around the barn.  We've definitely had some ups and downs (which I will explain more about in a later post) but we look to be on track for a good show season next year. 

I've decided that November is going to be a challenge month for me - I'm going to do the No Stirrups November challenge.  I will probably do an abbreviated version of it, because I don't think that Otter would really appreciate me fumbling along as I try to build muscle.  So I will probably do 5-10 minutes a ride and try to build up to at least 30 minutes by the end of the month.  I'm hoping to strengthen my legs and develop a deeper seat, along with correct some of my posture issues during the month.  I used to be really good at no stirrup work when I was younger (was a pony club kid) and could do full jumping lessons without stirrups - including posting, so hopefully it'll come back quickly. 

The other challenge I'm going to do is one that I saw on facebook - the plank challenge.  I know, I know...  Part of me thinks planking is really dumb, but the other part saw that this series is suppose to really strengthen your core, so I'm going to do it, and I'll see what happens.

I did go out to the barn tonight, and ride.  Nothing really exciting to report from that other than this is probably the only time that I wish it was colder than it actually is.  Mid-60's is just a little too warm for my half-clipped boy, and I had to wait almost 2 hours for him to dry so I could put a sheet on him (temps are suppose to drop overnight).

The chiropractor is going to come out tomorrow, it'll be his first time seeing Otter, and he is really good, so I'm looking forward to seeing what he has to say and how it compares to what I think.

Thanks for reading!