I have not been on a horse since October 2009. I had a relapse with Lyme, so that took me out for over a year. So all this time when I thought I had Fibromyalgia, I actually had Lyme.

I have since changed instructors. I'm at a different and new therapeutic riding center, only 7 miles from my house. I had my first lesson on June 23 early in the morning. I'm back to using lead-line until I get my horsey legs back. I'm a lot weaker now, so I'm positive I'll need either side walkers, or a few spotters.

This time I'm riding a fully trained Dressage mare mule that is gaited. She is such a beautiful mule, and quite. The saddle that my new instructor put on the mule is a English trail saddle that has the right leg position for Dressage. I guess my new instructor will get a Dressage saddle at some point. I'm looking forward to next week's lesson.

Anybody know some gentle inner thigh stretches? My inner thighs were hurting a bunch, but it was a happy hurting because I'm back with horses, again. I am very pleased with this mare mule. I don't think I've ever seen such long lashes on an equine as I saw on her. She had such soft, kind eyes. I have a lot of work to do, and I do intend to show her in October.

Welcome back!!!! Well its so good to hear that they have finally got your diagnosis right after all this time. Great news on getting back to riding and finding the right instructor. As for thigh stretches, I am no help. But if you can, start walking for more exercise and add in steps when you are stronger.

 Hey, PR!  Great news about the riding -- I have a soft spot for mules, that's so neat that you got to ride such a lovely one.  As for stretches, can you do side lunges?  Stand with your feet apart with your right foot facing right and your left foot facing forward.  Then bend your right knee so you stretch the inside of your left leg.  Repeat the other direction.  

welcome back. 

i hope you find great joy in your new relationship with the mule.  i haven't had any relationships with mules, but, i just love them and would love to know one.

 Welcome back Dillon! It's good to see you back. I'm glad you finally have a positive diagnosis.  Congratulations too for getting back to riding.  Your new mule mare sounds like a sweetheart.

Check through some of the Rider Fitness Tip of the Month articles on EquiSearch - I think you'll find some exercises that might help you stretch and get more limber for your riding.

Jayne-Admin:

 Welcome back Dillon! It's good to see you back. I'm glad you finally have a positive diagnosis.  Congratulations too for getting back to riding.  Your new mule mare sounds like a sweetheart.

Check through some of the Rider Fitness Tip of the Month articles on EquiSearch - I think you'll find some exercises that might help you stretch and get more limber for your riding.

 

Monday I stopped using lead-line as I have gotten used to the mare mule's gait. I still have a spotter. The mare mule has bonded with me and acts like I'm her kid which I enjoy.

The mule takes great care with me. I like it that she is so careful. So I went off lead-line and started doing some things like more circles, serpentines, English reverse, and I tried a few leg-yields. My legs lose power on the leg-yield. I may have to use a whip in place of my leg.  I spent about an hour trying all this stuff out to see what I could do. I'm riding around in a pole barn. When they get the ring fixed I can get out in it, and do more. I'll start riding more during the week. I had been riding once a week. 

Welcome back - I was only thinking of you the other day when I stumbled on some photos of you riding - thinking mmmm havent seen PR here for a while!

So happy to read you are back enjoying the horses - or mule  - thats healing in itself !

Your legs will get stronger without you even realising it once you are back consistently riding again - well done and welcome home!