At my fittest, this is the goal!
I have saddle bags. And not the kind that carry your lunch. These are the kind a few over-indulgent lunches become.
I will turn 30 in the Year of the Horse. I am determined to lose (and not find) ten pounds. I believe it will improve my riding.
Studies estimate that horses can carry from 15-20% of their weight without compromising performance or health. While I am well below that range for my mare (she is a big girl), I know that shedding a few pounds will lessen the strain on her muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints.
When I reach my goal weight, I plan to buy a beautiful pair of full-seat show breeches as a reward. I don’t know yet which to choose. Help me stay motivated. Let me know what pair you covet (and why) in the comments below!
Capital Cowgirl 
That is a great resolution!! It is always fun to reward yourself after you’ve been hard at work! (all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy 😛 )
Thanks Emmi! I’m excited to research all sorts of new breeches to help keep my eye on the prize. Send me some virtual good exercise and healthy eating vibes if you think of it.
I can relate to having saddle bags, too! Although I don’t think mine will ever really go away (even at my smallest I felt like they were still there) I totally agree that being fit is good for us and good for the horse! Best of luck in earning your new breeches 😀
Thank you Britt! I know the feeling… but it’s amazing what I’d give to have that fitness again. I’m sore sore sore already. Happy New Year!
Good luck! Ten pounds is a pretty reasonable goal, so I know you can do it. I purchased the Kerrits cross-over full seat (http://www.kerrits.com/Equestrian-Apparel/pc/Cross-Over-Fullseat-7p4204.htm) this year, and they really aren’t that expensive but are SO comfortable and flattering. Of course I really wanted some FITS, but they seemed like the next-best alternative and I have received so many compliments about them. I’d really like to get a second pair 🙂
Thanks for the vote of confidence and the recommendation on breeches. They look great! Today will be day 3 on Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred (http://shop.jillianmichaels.com/collections/dvds/products/jillian-michaels-30-day-shred-dvd), and I can feel the burn already. Happy Year of the Horse!
Oh, me too….that is why I am on my lunch break at work…among piles of christmas candy……munching on raw broccoli and peppers. Lets keep each other motivated, I plan on buying a new and expensive pair of boots when I decide I like how I feel and look…not sure how many pounds that equates too lol.
Yes, Yes, a thousand times Yes! Good work with the veggies. What boots have you got your eye on?
I went Gluten-Free two years ago and lost mucho weight, re-gained my agility in the saddle, saved my wonderful horse, lost my arthritic pain — knee and hip pain gone!!! And this is at a time when my own daughter is getting close to thirty. Best health tip I ever had! You go! : ~ )
(Eating mostly Paleo now . . . fantastic for energy!)
That’s great progress. Thanks for the encouragement! It’s always the right time to start making better decisions for our health. Happy New Year!
I’ve nominated you for the sunshine award 🙂 The details are in my latest post
Thanks Sparrowgrass! Appreciate the recognition. I’ll check it out now.
Thank you for dropping by my scary 2014 resolutions and keeping me accountable 🙂 I am very happy to support you through your goal (great one!). I pretty much live in my Parkur full seat beeches but they are sent to me from Poland and not sure if they are available anywhere else! However, here is a pair of breeches I would love to own one day: http://www.equirex.co/collection/breeches/style001.html
Good luck!
Great recommendations! I had never seen either of those brands. The Equirex have great lines to them. I found a link to view the Parkur, but it would be interesting to see whether I could order them. Enjoy the last few hours of 2013.
Great resolution! All the best to you. My favourite full-seat breeches are Cavallos. It’s the only brand I buy. Well made and comfortable. Equestrian Factory Outlet offers great deals if you can get access to this retailer. (Google them.) I always buy my Cavallos there. Good luck and happy new year!!!
Very nice breeches. Thanks for the tip! I’m on day 4 of my new exercise regime so hopefully it’s only a matter of time.
Core muscles and balance are as important as weight – I’m always surprised that more riding instructors don’t emphasize additional physical training or exercises for new (and even some experienced) riders.
I agree. Thanks Sherri for the tip. The workout I’m doing is focused on circuit training with a lot of core work. It is not easy but I know it will be worth it.
I know you can do it! Im looking at Yoga to get more balance riding. Sadly its not like when i was in CA and there was a studio on every corner and they were cheap. Out here its like elitist yoga DaHell?!
Ha! So true. I wanted to try Pilates. Without a second job, forget it! So pricey. Thanks for the encouragement 🙂 I’ll stick to my $9.99 Jillian Michaels DVD for now! How’s Circe?
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Most definetely time (if not a little late) to rock and roll this years resolution plans!!
So very true. I have been plugging away diligently at mine. How is your resolution coming?