Daphne Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 I went horseriding today for the first time in 30 years. When I got off after my hours worth of lesson I was a)exhausted b)walked like John Wayne c)couldn't walk properly (jellylegs) d)dreaded having to drive the car because that involves using the legs and e)meeting anybody I know as red faced beetroot isn't really a look I can carry off with aplomb. I'm just going into a lovely relaxing bath (if I can get up the stairs). However, I know I will ache from the unaccustomed positions/efforts particularly around the thighs/seat. I need to do more exercises to get loose and supple and have better core strength before the next time, but whats the advice for tomorrow? Excercise through it? Any lotions/potions I could try? Any help at all gratefully received Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 I would say know your own body, but I would use Ibuprofen tablets and just do my normal everyday stuff without doing too much. Hope that you feel better soon. I hate the way that as you get older you get these occasional reminders about your limitations Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 Epsom salts in the bath work wonders, and keep moving.... I know it's the last thing you want to do, but it helps. I hope that you enjoyed it though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 I briefly considered riding whilst in Wales. Then I remembered that I haven't ridden a horse for 18 years. You have just convinced me not to do it. I'd be best trying it out at home first. Hope you feel better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 You just have to grin & bare it I'm afraid. If it doesn't ease in a week - then take it easier. You are just using muscles you didn't know you had. Beware of bruised thighs - you might get them. Good support jodphurs will help & I think you can get some now with a built in cushioned bottom / jelly bottom. Radox bath is fabulous for aches too. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted August 17, 2010 Author Share Posted August 17, 2010 Thanks all; been in the bath, reinvigorated for dinner out tonight - its my birthday and this was a pressie from OH. So I didn't know about it till 09.00 this morning! I remember the last time I got caught out severely from unaccustomed exercise was walking down a mountain without walking boots (young and stupid). The agony the next morning was awful. I know this won't be so bad, so perhaps a small walk somewhere tomorrow morning and some leg lifting (could barely get into the hen pen earlier this afternoon) will be in order. I loved my lesson. I've cantered and been over a tiny jump Not much has changed since last time. I still have a dreadful seat and a tendency to sit forwards so I will try to work on that. I am, apparently, very good with my legs tho! I understand from the teacher that having a lesson is much harder than hacking so maybe if a short hack was on offer it would be less painful. Also, I am dreadfully unfit in terms of using my body, tho I do walk. If I could breathe better it would all be much easier, so if you have some fitness you won't be as bad as me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 I so, so, so admire you! I used to love riding but gave it up when the children were small ( too long ago to calculate - the oldest is 36...) I have fleetingly thought about taking it up again but haven't had the courage. I'd love to know how you get on. Enjoy dinner! Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 Daphne if you can do some basic stretching exercises - something like the ones they show you before and after a workout session, that will prevent or reduce most of the next day stiffness. Failing that, some pilates or yoga stretches? Well done for going back to riding though - it's been 8 years since I rode and I miss it terribly. Will have to wait until my little ones are bigger (or persuade them to go with me ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 What you need is a bit more of the same. I am very jealous and only ride when I go down to see my sister now and then I feel so ungainly and insecure. It is great though, now you have got me thinking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 My sister keeps wanting me to get on Archie her cobb. It must be about 18 years since I rode - so I would definitely suffer. Would be nice though to say ' I've done it'. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 Go on do it. Mind you I came down a bit quicker than I got up last time http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=474753&l=f7d904ce30&id=674651849 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted August 18, 2010 Author Share Posted August 18, 2010 Great pic Plum! Yesterday I did some massage on my upper legs to help move the lactic acid, but at dinner I had to sit on a cushion! This morning I've done a bit of bending and stretching and its not too bad. No aches as such, but a tightness at the top of my thighs (outer and inner) and rather sensitive 'other bits'. I'll do another set later on. I've booked another lesson for a fortnights time with the intention of improving my suppleness by then. It was a great experience, I've been waffling about getting back on a horse for a while, but this was just the impetus I needed. My style is definitely sack of potatoes, but once I get the hang of the basics again and have better stamina I think I can work on that. Yesterday I was with a novice teenage girl who is a dancer and has a natural seat and good position, but she was very nervous. If you combined us you would have had a better rider. I found I am too old to care what other people think (very liberating!), and for the first time I could really understand what the instructor was telling us to do and why. For what its worth, I wasn't nervous. What I would like eventually is to go for regular hacks on a large gentleman of a horse with the odd bit of lesson work. Cantering along the tracks is what I remember and I'd love to recapture that thrill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 Oops a daisy Plum! Well done though Daphne, I'm jealous too. It's far too long since I rode reguularly; nowadays, i just go for a gentle hack when we're on hols - the last time being soem years ago in The Gower. I friend has a livery yard and has offered me a chance to go out or to use the school, to be honest, it's partly down to lack of time, but mostly to confidence... I am far less supple and fit than I used to be and would like to have some lessons again first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holz Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 How exciting for you! I ride fairly regularly and find that Yoga really helps with core strength. Also some of the milder stretches would be good to do after you have ridden to loosen up the muscles a little. It won't be long until it doesn't hurt any more, apparently muscles have "memory" of sorts....hopefully they'll start remembering soon!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 Ahhh Plum was only waving a wasp away rather enthusiastically - weren't you! I started riding again when Erin was taking lessons. It was only when I came off and winded myself that I realised that I was indeed a mere mortal and I could have really hurt myself - then I wouldn't be able to taxi children around and other things. Just thought I wouldn't be able to do housework either - maybe I'll start again! Just kidding - I don't think they make a big enough horse for me. Suffolk Punch perhaps! Happy birthday anyway and I hope any aches and pains that dare to flare up again soon diminish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 Hope you feel better soon Daphne and had a great birthday. I went horse riding once. Couldn't walk for a fortnight afterwards. Never again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted August 18, 2010 Author Share Posted August 18, 2010 Its worse today , I know I must stretch, stretch and stretch again but oh my goodness it is hard work! Thank you for all your good wishes and advice everybody and making me laugh Christian In my minds eye I can see the perfect conveyance for me - it does look like a Suffolk Punch although I'm not sure I could halt all that muscle! So maybe something else large and solid but most definitely retired I want broad quarters, a friendly nature, no interest in careering off but a bit of get up and go...with brakes One of the nicest things about yesterday was that smell - horse and mane - I'd forgotten it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhapsody Posted August 18, 2010 Share Posted August 18, 2010 This post made me chuckle! Its just a question of what you are used to- I hack every day but a schooling or jumping lesson still makes me ache, there is nothing you can do for DOMS (Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness) and "Ooops, word censored!"ody actually knows what causes it (factoid!) your body just has to get used to working in that particular way again. Loads of people out there looking for horse sharers at the moment Daphne, I have sharers for two of my horses and the arrangement suits us all. Fab to hear you've got back into riding, shame you are not in West Sussex! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
