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 Expert
Posts: 1395
  
Location: Missouri | So it's been almost 2 years since I've been in the arena (I went ONCE in January 2014, but other than that it's been since summer 2013)and I'm FINALLY in a position where we can afford for me to go again after having our daughter last fall. I decided to do a weeknight series to start with at an arena my horse really likes and it's not too far away.
I don't really have a question so much of just wanting to talk with other BBs who've taken a long hiatus too. What was the first run back like for you? I've been consistently riding for the last 2-3 months, and working out, but I just don't trust my post-baby body if that makes sense...which I know is NOT what I need to focus on.
Like I said, no question really, just wanting to talk with other BBs about the first run back  |
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 I hate cooking and cleaning
Posts: 3314
Location: Jersey Girl | Remember to have fun and go at a speed that you are comfortable with. :) |
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 Worst.Housekeeper.EVER.
 
Location: Missouri | I made my first run back after nearly two years this weekend at the Barrel Bash! Why, oh why, did I choose that?!? lol! We tipped both days, but it felt so good to be back!
Definitely lots to improve, but my old guy took good care of me. He's 21 now, so I'm so grateful for the chance to be back on him. https://youtu.be/J9UFm86XLh8
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | I took a seven year hiatus (away from horses completely for the most part) and I fell off on my first run back... Yep. I. Fell. Off. I had been riding, but trotting and loping a horse just to ride doesn't use the same muscles as it does to sit on a horse that's rating for the barrel and actually turning... but I also hadn't been working out. I first rode a free runner and while I did get behind him in his turns the next horse was a little more ratey and I wasn't prepared for it. Even thought it was embarrassing... nothing could bring me down because I was just so excited to be back at it!! Don't over think it, but keep working for it and it'll all go great!! I definetly have a greater appreciation for going now that I was gone for so long. Have fun!!! |
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 Veteran
Posts: 138
| I'm in the same situation! My daughter just turned one this month and I've decided to only run her at a hand full of races this year. Some very big... but starting her back out at a local arena nearby. I have absolutely no doubt in her, but don't trust my post baby body either. I ran at a race a few months after having her and it was horrible. While I felt perfectly fine riding around and working my horse, it was a different story when it came to running hard. I couldn't stay in the saddle to save my life. I was getting dashboarded, which NEVER happens. For the first time in my life I couldn't rely on my muscle memory running the pattern. So since then, I've been working hard to regaining balance. I still haven't run hard, but will be making my first run this week. Hoping to stay topside... that's really my only goal. lol
Good luck! I don't think folks realize how hard it is to return to the barrel pen after a long break. Especially after having a child. I'm dealing with the extra weight that has decided to linger and learning how to ride with it. Not easy.
But you're not alone! Just gotta get out there and keep trying. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 512
| I am in the same place! Have not ran barrels in quite some time! I have a feeling when I do-it may be a good show!  |
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Veteran
Posts: 225
Location: Montgomery TX | 2 years - that's all?!? Try 20 years.... That's nerve racking!! My first run back was a mess, but I still had a blast and am so excited to be in a position where I can go again! Just go out there and have a good time and don't put too many expectations on yourself or your horse.  I hope and pray you are not in the warm up pen throwing up like I was.... Just remember, whatever happens, it could always be worse.... |
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Expert
Posts: 1395
Location: Missouri | just4fun - 2015-05-26 2:37 PM
I made my first run back after nearly two years this weekend at the Barrel Bash! Why, oh why, did I choose that?!? lol! We tipped both days, but it felt so good to be back!
Definitely lots to improve, but my old guy took good care of me. He's 21 now, so I'm so grateful for the chance to be back on him. https://youtu.be/J9UFm86XLh8
I love the oldies but goodies! Looks like you had fun! |
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Expert
Posts: 1395
Location: Missouri | Bten - 20 years is a long time! Kudos to you for getting back into it!
CallMeSkidMark - I'm sooooo glad I'm not the only one! In recent years there's been gals who've had babies around here that hop on and go right after having baby and I'm like how?!?! I rode for the first time when my daughter was 4 weeks old and my body was just like 'what are we doing???' I felt like my muscle memory just in every day kind of riding had gone down the toilet. But many months later, I'm not feeling that way ??
I should also add that this particular horse, the only one I have now, if the one I ran in January 2014. I had another horse summer 2013 that I no longer have, but was a great confidence booster for me. Their styles are completely different and I haven't hauled the one mare I have consistently since spring 2012....so I'm thinking 'what does she feel like to run?! I don't remember!!!!' So this she be fun! |
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 A Gopher's Worst Nightmare
Posts: 5094
Location: Southern Oregon | I too am WORKING on coming back after some time off. I have had two kids and each time coming back is hard. I feel that I have to re teach all of muscles how to ride and ride fast. One thing that has always helped me is taking yoga/pilates classes. I plan on picking those back up as soon as my schedule allows as well. Right now I am working with a friend who is a trainer on just getting my riding skills back. I was on bedrest with my son from 19-40 weeks so my body is messed up. |
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  Sock eating dog owner
Posts: 4557
Location: Where the pavement ends and the West begins Utah | Ahhh...it's just like riding a bike ..you never forget how! Jk. Go have fun . You'll be in full swing in no time.Sure wish I was . Congrats. |
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Expert
Posts: 1395
Location: Missouri | cow pie - 2015-05-26 7:53 PM
Ahhh...it's just like riding a bike ..you never forget how! Jk. Go have fun . You'll be in full swing in no time.Sure wish I was . Congrats.
Cow pie - funny, my mom JUST said that to me over the phone earlier - it's like riding a bike! I sure hope lol. But either way, I'm sure it'll be fun! My mare has been feel ing really GOOD lately. Ready and eager to work. So I'm excited! I would post a video next week after I run but....yeah... |
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Expert
Posts: 1395
Location: Missouri | cowgirl_3207 - 2015-05-26 5:00 PM
I too am WORKING on coming back after some time off. I have had two kids and each time coming back is hard. I feel that I have to re teach all of muscles how to ride and ride fast. One thing that has always helped me is taking yoga/pilates classes. I plan on picking those back up as soon as my schedule allows as well. Right now I am working with a friend who is a trainer on just getting my riding skills back. I was on bedrest with my son from 19-40 weeks so my body is messed up.
And goodness....bed rest for 21 weeks?! You poor thing! |
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 I Am Always Right
Posts: 4264
Location: stray dump capital of the world | I am trying to come back after 2 years off due to injuries from being bucked off. I've gained 20 lbs that I need to unload too. My goal this summer is to get my horses and myself back into shape and be ready for the next season. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 302
| I have been on a seven year hiatus next spring is my goal, all I have done is break colts, I wanna run!!!!! Have fun |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1118
Location: The South | sophiebelle - 2015-05-26 9:40 PM I am trying to come back after 2 years off due to injuries from being bucked off. I've gained 20 lbs that I need to unload too. My goal this summer is to get my horses and myself back into shape and be ready for the next season.
Ditto! I got a pretty bad brain injury September 2013 and I've been out of commission for the most part. I joined a gym a few months ago and I'm slowly (very slowly) starting to see/feel some changes. It's amazing how quickly you lose muscle tone when you're not doing anything! We'll kick those 20 lbs to the curb and be in fighting shape before we know it |
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A Gopher's Worst Nightmare
Posts: 5094
Location: Southern Oregon | MOGirl07 - 2015-05-26 6:26 PM
cowgirl_3207 - 2015-05-26 5:00 PM
I too am WORKING on coming back after some time off. I have had two kids and each time coming back is hard. I feel that I have to re teach all of muscles how to ride and ride fast. One thing that has always helped me is taking yoga/pilates classes. I plan on picking those back up as soon as my schedule allows as well. Right now I am working with a friend who is a trainer on just getting my riding skills back. I was on bedrest with my son from 19-40 weeks so my body is messed up.
And goodness....bed rest for 21 weeks?! You poor thing!
YES! 21 weeks of couch/ hosptial bed bed rest. It was horrid, every muscle I own is still trying to figure all this out again and it has been a while! lol.... I feel like a rag doll most of the time, its horrid when I watch videos of where I was and where I am now! MY POOR horses are probably more confused then me! |
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