Tip # 108 Helmets

                          4/08/14         Helmets

Occasionally we receive flak or really snotty comments from folks that notice some of our guests ride without helmets.  These people think it is appalling that we do not insist on helmets and some are very vocal and/or downright nasty about it.

Now, I am not stupid.  I am very aware of how dangerous horse riding can be and more often than not I wear a helmet.  I don't every time.  I also would prefer it that our guests wear helmets.

 BUT I am a strong believer in allowing adults to make their own decisions when it comes to helmets, safety vests, political affiliation, religious and political beliefs, sports participation, etc. As far as I am concerned we have way too much gov't interference and political correctness in our lives today. I can't stand it. And, I can't stand "well-meaning folks telling me what to do and I do not intend to be one of those obnoxious people to tell you what to do.    

with

without

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS            Smilla13@gmail.com  (Mary Dixon)         www.RideNYS.com

Tip #19: Horse riding is not for the feint of heart .

Horse riding is not for the feint of heart, is it?  No doubt you've had moments when you've been scared to death or even terrified.  Sometimes, it is really, really hard to get back up on a horse after an incident - regardless of how mild or serious that incident was.  It makes no never-mind.

It affected you mentally and emotionally and probably physically.    If this has happened to you or to your friend, it's really important that you know you aren't the only one struggling with the aftermath.

Why we don't talk about it I'll never know but we don't.  Our attitude seems to be "just suck it up", "step up to the plate", "don't be such a baby" and get on and let's go.  We don't have all year.

So, whether it's you or your buddy,  go easy on yourself ;  you're not a chicken and you're not a baby.  If it takes some time for you to get back up in the saddle, well, it's just going to take that time.  You're not going to rush it.  You don't have a thing to prove to anybody - no way and no how.  You just have to dig way down inside you and do a bit at a time to get your confidence back.  You'll do just fine then.

It simply takes the time it takes.  I know - I have been there more than once, and so has my husband.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS                RideNYS.com

Tip: Horses & Rocket Science

Horse riding is not rocket science.  In its most elemental form, horse riding is simply keeping the horse between you and the ground.  If you can stay on the horse, you're a rider.  Period.  Even if you're facing backwards - it makes no nevermind.  So, unless you are into a certain skill, ie, showing, team-roping, or whatever, don't make it more difficult than it is.  Because it's not.  All you have to do is stay on the horse  - your "form" may stink and you may be told often than you just aren't a rider because you lack finesse - but if you are on the horse and having fun and not crashing, not too worry.

You're a rider and be proud of it.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS       RideNYS.com

My husband Rich and Woody

Tip - GET OFF !!

Really, really, really important !!!!   The second you have the thought that gee, maybe I should get off this horse or I want to get off this horse, DO IT !  Otherwise there's a good probability that you will end up on the ground thinking to yourself, "I knew I should have gotten off the horse". 

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS. ---   RideNYS.com