|
|
Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
   
Location: North Dakota | Fairweather - 2015-02-01 2:23 PM
cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-02-01 2:17 PM Can we talk about getting on horses and being heavy? I've had people be rude because I need a mounting block. EXCUSE ME. MY HORSE IS BIG AND I'M HEAVY DO YOU EXPECT ME TO FREAKING LEVITATE? I can't even bend my leg far enough to reach the dang stirrup. People of ALL sizes use mounting blocks in English - they expect you to.
I know people say that western saddles have horns, but technically if you're really correct about getting on you're not supposed even use the horn when you get on.
Talk to any horse chiro and they'll tell you regardless of rider or horse size it's not good to get on a horse from the ground.
I don't give a crap what people think about me getting on my horses -- it's what happens when I actually get on them that counts! I might not have the fastest runs, but I've broke a lot of horses and I've ridden bad rides through I figured I've earned my dues! Besides, I'm 5'3"+ and my horse is 15.3+ hands -- I can't see over his hip. I have several others that aren't that much smaller so bite me!  EDITED TO ADD -- If the same people that like to make comments about mounting blocks actually had to get on the CORRECT way without using the horn or gripping in any way with the left hand, the majority couldn't do it.
I grew up riding English so yes, mounting from the ground was something I never ever practiced. My poor horse doesn't deserve to have his withers cranked on either. |
|
| |
|
  A Lady with Fight
Posts: 2701
Location: NC | cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-02-01 3:17 PM
Can we talk about getting on horses and being heavy? I've had people be rude because I need a mounting block. EXCUSE ME. MY HORSE IS BIG AND I'M HEAVY DO YOU EXPECT ME TO FREAKING LEVITATE? I can't even bend my leg far enough to reach the dang stirrup.
My horse is short. I'm fat. And Ill use a bucket and not feel bad about it!!
My horse has very prominent withers. I'm doing him a huge favor by not hanging off one side of his back trying to get on.
It's easier on me. Easier on him. And is actually healthier in the long run for the horse too. Every single chiro and vet I've heard talk about it says mounting from the ground isn't good long term. |
|
| |
|
 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | I quit getting on my horse from the ground back in 1986 when I was a size 7 on the advice of my horse chiro. Trailer fenders are great for this if you don't have a 8 foot wide trailer..LOL |
|
| |
|
 Take a Picture
Posts: 12842
| When you are 64 years old and your horse is 16-1 it is pretty well standard procedure to use some sort of mounting device. Last fall I was getting off and turned loose of the horn too soon. Fell right off. Thank goodness it was dark out there by the trailer. Will post a picture of the horse later--- paint in my avatar. |
|
| |
|
 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| Was at the chiro and he asked if my horses used the same saddle, they were all sore on the right shoulder. They each have their own saddle and it was a few days later as I was pulling myself up on my 16 hand plus guy it dawned on me why they were all sore. I bought a mounting block that day and a smaller stool that I carry in my trailer. I don't care who sees or what anyone thinks, If my stool is at the trailer and I have to get off to tighten up I will use anything available as a mounting block. I have heard if you can't mount with an uncinched saddle without pulling it off you should mount from a block.
Edited by rodeomom3 2015-02-01 6:14 PM
|
|
| |
|
I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| I have heard that too. Our English riding instructor in college made us learn to do that with an English saddle. I use a mounting block now, lol. |
|
| |
|
 Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | no matter how much you weigh you should use a mounting block of some type. the constant pull will ruin a horse.. chiro etc.. |
|
| |
|
 Peecans
| Bibliafarm - 2015-02-01 5:21 PM
no matter how much you weigh you should use a mounting block of some type. the constant pull will ruin a horse.. chiro etc..
Once upon a time I could mount on an uncinched saddle from the ground. Then i had 3 babies lol.
I have just started mounting from the ground again, but I've always ridden in a setting where it was very unrealistic to have mounting blocks. IE the middle of a cow pasture. I am smart and stand on the high side to get on so my horse is "shorter" lol, left or right dont matter to me :)
I honistly dont feel everbody needs to. |
|
| |
|
Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | well true we all dont have that choice.. so let me rephrase.. it is better for the horse .....but not always doable.  |
|
| |
|
Take a Picture
Posts: 12842
| Here is a picture of one of my horses---they are all tall---this one is 16-1. No way my foot is going to reach that stirrup.
I don't know where some of you live but around here there are stools scattered all over the parking lot. No one thinks anything about it.
 (World Show smaller image.jpg)
Attachments
----------------
 World Show smaller image.jpg (77KB - 169 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
 Veteran
Posts: 288
| I am overweight and also short with short legs. But for years I just sucker it up and mounted from the ground cause I was to embarrassed to use a mounting block. I use one now cause my ankles are SHOT and just aren't strong enough to get on from the ground. I wish I would've started using one years ago. Screw anyone that doesn't like it. Plus my horses are way happier |
|
| |
|
Location: South Dakota | I use a mounting block or rather a cattle lick tub to get on my horse, I have no problem getting on her, but like many others have stated..it is better for your horse.
When out in the pasture, I will try to park her in a lower spot, to make it easier on her back, when I step on... |
|
| |
|
 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| Three 4 Luck - 2015-02-01 12:42 PM
c7a - 2015-02-01 10:59 AM I'm a size 18 and yes it's very hard to get motivated and ride like I want to. I skip a lot of races because I'm not comfortable riding in front of people even tho I have great balance
The people who would judge you are the mean ones who will find something to make fun of no matter who you are or what size.
This. For sure. People can be such jerks. Just go ride!! |
|
| |
|
Location: Midwest | I hate being over weight. Last year was the hardest year of my life.
Had a few flare ups due to stress. I have Rheumatoid arthritis and Fibromyalgia. Broke up with my long term boyfriend and lost my aunt who was the closest thing to me. They put me on prednisone for 10 months and lyrica (NEVER AGAIN) and my depression just made me stress eat. Sold my two barrel saddles (size 14 and 15) I was so mad one day. Now, I'm riding in a 18" cutting saddle if I even do decide to get on.
I am blessed with this one horse and I feel like every day I take him for granted. For example: October 2014. Everyone at my barn got invited to a cattle drive. Of course everyone begged me to go and I did. Not everyone sees me ride. Bless my gelding, he made me look so good that I spoiled him when we were done. For not being ridden in a while he did everything I asked. Made going thru creeks, up and down hills, chasing the cows, galloping catching stray ones, and hauling my @$$ around, look like a breeze. Half who went couldn't believe how well I could ride being my size.
I haven't ridden since then. I only did 2 rodeos last year. I was the BIGGEST girl there. I actually had to get a strong buzz before I ran just to calm down.
I have too many personal issues going on it's so hard to stay on track. I don't even do what I love anymore. Barrel race and Bartend. My income has dropped down like crazy. I use to bar tend and what I am making in 2 WEEKS NOW I use to make in ONE night. I'm only down to 1 horse. It just sucks. Last thing I want is anyone feeling sorry for me. Just feels good to vent I never talk about this to anybody. Maybe it's easier on here because I can't talk to anybody face to face LOL I would not be good at answering all of those questions I got messaged. I'm just a tad bit bitter about myself.
|
|
| |
|
 Poor Cracker Girl
Posts: 12150
Location: Feeding mosquitos, FL | classicpotatochip - 2015-02-01 10:37 PM Three 4 Luck - 2015-02-01 12:42 PM c7a - 2015-02-01 10:59 AM I'm a size 18 and yes it's very hard to get motivated and ride like I want to. I skip a lot of races because I'm not comfortable riding in front of people even tho I have great balance The people who would judge you are the mean ones who will find something to make fun of no matter who you are or what size. This. For sure. People can be such jerks. Just go ride!!
Some snot-nosed brat asked me one day if I really thought I should be riding at my size. I told her my a$$ was large so she would have a larger target to kiss. Obviously she lacked the intelligence to find a smaller one.
Any person who would say something nasty is obviously not worth the time or energy to waste thoughts on much less time and effort. Just go ride your horse. |
|
| |
|
I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| TrackinBubba - 2015-02-02 8:59 AM
classicpotatochip - 2015-02-01 10:37 PM Three 4 Luck - 2015-02-01 12:42 PM c7a - 2015-02-01 10:59 AM I'm a size 18 and yes it's very hard to get motivated and ride like I want to. I skip a lot of races because I'm not comfortable riding in front of people even tho I have great balance The people who would judge you are the mean ones who will find something to make fun of no matter who you are or what size. This. For sure. People can be such jerks. Just go ride!!
Any person who would say something nasty is obviously not worth the time or energy to waste thoughts on much less time and effort. Just go ride your horse.
Should she have been riding with such a low level intelligence? I rather be fluffy (as MIL put it) than stupid!  |
|
| |
|
 Don't Wanna Make This Awkward
Posts: 3106
Location: Texas | I will say I am not plus sized, BUT I am a 9/10 and have never been bigger than a size 3 until this last year. The difference in my riding in unbelievable. I am now at an "over weight" BMI. I fell off turning a barrel at ANHA this year, I have never fallen off at a show or due to balance before. I am changing this before it gets worse, I am so insecure. You ladies that are size 12 plus I just want to say you CAN do it. You don't even need to lose weight, if you are a size 18 and you love your body then more power to ya! Just doing sit ups and core workouts is enough to be able to ride. If you are trying to lose weight, just know it is worth it, for you, for your horse, for your health and family, but change because you truly want to, not because you think you have to. I have never once looked twice at someone because they were bigger, nor have I ever heard anyone say something because of someone's size. For all of you who said you are too embarrassed to go to a barrel race, please, this weekend go make a run, and have FUN! |
|
| |
|
 Night Chat Leader
Posts: 13150
Location: Home....Smiling M Farms | I'm a bigger girl but I'm an aggressive rider. I got my feelings hurt big time a few years ago.
A decently known trainer came up to me and was asking me about a small-ish, quick, catty, little horse he needed somebody to jockey. We talked for some time, then he finally said "I want somebody that rides exactly like you, only 20 lbs lighter." |
|
| |
|
 Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | Leo - 2015-02-02 7:11 PM I'm a bigger girl but I'm an aggressive rider. I got my feelings hurt big time a few years ago. A decently known trainer came up to me and was asking me about a small-ish, quick, catty, little horse he needed somebody to jockey. We talked for some time, then he finally said "I want somebody that rides exactly like you, only 20 lbs lighter."
Granted, I feel like you have to be confident and agressive to begin with, but I feel like sometimes the weight can help with the aggressive riding in that you're not thrown around as easily. |
|
| |
|
Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | outrundaizy - 2015-02-02 5:17 PM I will say I am not plus sized, BUT I am a 9/10 and have never been bigger than a size 3 until this last year. The difference in my riding in unbelievable. I am now at an "over weight" BMI. I fell off turning a barrel at ANHA this year, I have never fallen off at a show or due to balance before. I am changing this before it gets worse, I am so insecure. You ladies that are size 12 plus I just want to say you CAN do it. You don't even need to lose weight, if you are a size 18 and you love your body then more power to ya! Just doing sit ups and core workouts is enough to be able to ride. If you are trying to lose weight, just know it is worth it, for you, for your horse, for your health and family, but change because you truly want to, not because you think you have to. I have never once looked twice at someone because they were bigger, nor have I ever heard anyone say something because of someone's size. For all of you who said you are too embarrassed to go to a barrel race, please, this weekend go make a run, and have FUN!
Everybody has that place that they feel like they ride best at. I definitely think strength plays a big role. I've had students that were skinny as all get out that had trouble with balance, and I've had students that were big that didn't have any problem at all. |
|
| |
Folks on-line