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  Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
   
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | mbellos11 - 2015-02-01 10:02 PM 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.
You're another great example of why I'm doing what I'm doing. Don't give up, don't be discouraged. You'll find your way. hugs! |
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boon
Posts: 1
| I have always been considered "overweight", but I have never let that stop me from riding or swimming competitively or playing water polo. I grew up riding the bigger horses that no one really wanted to ride and all of the horses I have owned have been on the bigger side. I have also ridden those smaller, quicker horses too when I was riding with a trainer and no one said anything. In all the time I have been riding, I have never had anyone put me down worse than myself. I have ridden in parades and gone to a few barrel races and no one even gave it a second thought about my weight. I am working on myself while I am at grad school right now. Yoga has been my friend when it comes to strength and balance with my old injuries. I know my horse will thank me when I can finally get him to school with me or when I go home to visit (he is sitting in my friend's pasture growing as he is only 2 1/2).
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 BHW Cheerleader!!
Posts: 6847
Location: Where it is too cold, SD | I have been this size for the past 15 years (size 16) I am 6 ft and have a big boned frame. While I know I need to be a good 30 pounds lighter ............even when I do lose that 30 pounds and am what is thin for my build? I will still be what everyone else thinks is obese by clothing sizes lol
I had quit riding for a few years after a divorce and such and when I got my life sorted out and back into riding and running barrels - I was so worried about what everyone else thought about my size while I was competing? That I wasn't focusing on me - my horse - and enjoying the sport all together. One day I sat down and had a good cry and had to remind myself that I compete for the love of horses and running barrels. The heck with what others think of me. I am not out there to please them?
I mean at the end of the day when I load my horse in my trailer - will Miss Judgemental Size 2 care about my feelings? Probably not - she forgot about my fat a$$ when she moved on to degrade the next gal ..........and probably for some other reason than her weight. Those type of people will cut down anyone for any reason.
They would probably even think something bad about my weight if I wasn't on a horse! LOL Can't change them types - so why let it bother you? |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | I've seen riders hindered by weight and riders that aren't. I'm not plus sized, but I think someone that gains a lot quickly is more susceptible to balance issues.
And if that happens, get your thyroid checked! Especially if you are tired a lot and or have anxiety issues. It has been a lifesaver for several people I know.
If people are judging you, they are judging everyone else too. Successful folks usually don't waste time with that nonsense... It's a bleacher jockey move. |
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Miracle in the Making
Posts: 4013
| i agree some people men and wonem that are big bone are that to me plus is when the gut hangs out and ur rear is bigger than the horse
my mom was tiny almos all her life they put her on persisdone shees shee went from 90lds to 180 they took her off a couple yrs later and she was back to 90 lds
i have always had to watch it but spurges were ok occasionaly till i took lyrcia shees that is weight gain plus not on it anymore.
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 pressure dripper
Posts: 8699
Location: the end of the rainbow | I am plus size. 5'6" and flucuating between 190 & 195 right now. Size 14 & feeling like I need to go to a 16 because I don't like tight jeans. I have recently seen some pictures of myself on horseback that make me want to ball like a baby. I do not "feel" like a ride any differently but I know that I do. The pictures and videos do not lie.
As for the remarks, yes people do make them all the time. I hear them about myself, I hear them about other people and I overhear them from strangers. But honestly they don't bother me that bad, it's kind of human nature. Sit quietly in the stands at a race sometime & I bet anybody will make an unkind remark about a horses behavior, someone's riding ability (or lack thereof), someone's choice of clothing, etc., etc.. So hearing them about weight is no surprise.
Personally I struggle with the decision every day to go out & haul my fat ass up on a horse. I also struggle with the whole exercise/eating right thing. Anyone who says "you just need to make the choice and stick with it" can kiss my @$$ (it's a big target they shouldn't have any trouble hitting it). Believe me I have tried. The more depressed I get about my weight the more I want a freaking candy bar. And denying myself that candy bar does not make me feel proud or happy, it just makes me want to cry, which I already wanted to do in the first place when I really stop and look at myself in the mirror (or a picture). There is not one compliment anyone has ever made about my riding ability, the fact that I don't look as heavy as I really am or any other compliment I have ever been given that has made me feel any better about my weight.
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | barrelracr131 - 2015-02-03 7:36 AM
I've seen riders hindered by weight and riders that aren't. I'm not plus sized, but I think someone that gains a lot quickly is more susceptible to balance issues.
And if that happens, get your thyroid checked! Especially if you are tired a lot and or have anxiety issues. It has been a lifesaver for several people I know.
If people are judging you, they are judging everyone else too. Successful folks usually don't waste time with that nonsense... It's a bleacher jockey move.
YES! My thyroid is whack. I went to 3 doctors before one finally agreed to run the proper tests. One literally told me "you just want to have hypothyroidism so you can take a pill and get skinny." She then had me do a blood test but didn't test all the hormones or whatever, then told me I was fine. When I moved my new doctor said the same thing. It wasn't until I went to a bariatric clinic that they BELIEVED ME that I had nearly every symptom and got me tested and on meds for it. |
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 Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | Fairweather - 2015-02-01 1:23 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.
The mounting block made me laugh, not at you, but at the idiots that would make fun of it. Science has proven that so many people, regardless of weight, don't get up in the saddle as they should. It puts a huge strain on the horse's withers to be pulled over like that. I ride western and english. I am also 5'2" so no matter what, that stirrup is up there with the clouds. I will climb on anything I can find-bumper of the truck, trailer fender, fence, my brother. Anything is better than yanking a horse over as you climb up. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 927
Location: Iowa | What are the weights of some of the top guys in the barrel racing industry? I think we kick ourselves around too much. This is what we are today and who knows what tomorrow brings. Ride and enjoy it. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1568
Location: Texas | All I can say is that I am Texas size. I have been a big girl alll of my life. Being 5'11-6' tall, the least I have weighed was 185, some 40 years ago. I am currently 62 years old and weigh 240, wearing size 16-18 pants with the longest length I can find. I started riding when I was 5 years old and have never stopped. I won my fair share of Buckles and Saddles in Youth Rodeos and Horse Shows in everything from Halter, Western Pleasure, Barrels & Poles as well as Goats and Breakaway..
When I was about 25, I was riding with some friends when a "well known" barrel racer told me I was too big to ride a barrel horse. (This coming from a lady that was there that day, trying to sell a barrel horse to a little girl shaped like an olive on toothpicks.) An older gentleman heard her and came over to me and said, "Honey, If that horse could pack you when you broke him, he can still pack you now". I will always remember those words..
I took time off to haul my boys and started Team Roping with them. I am the one that trained and kept their Barrel and Rope horses in shape. Last year I started a horse that will eventually go to my 2 1/2 year old grandson.
I quit Barrel Racing because I got tired of all of the drama. I have now started back hauling a little with a 16yo girl I work with. I will never be 1D or even 2D, but my money is in the pot for me, or anyone else, to win. And yes, I do use my trailer fender and I have a bright pink mounting block to make getting on easier, on my horse's back and my knees!
Edited by Dudette 2015-02-04 12:46 PM
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| Dudette - 2015-02-04 5:43 AM All I can say is that I am Texas size. I have been a big girl alll of my life. Being 5'11-6' tall, the least I have weighed was 185, some 40 years ago. I am currently 62 years old and weigh 240, wearing size 16-18 pants with the longest length I can find. I started riding when I was 5 years old and have never stopped. I won my fair share of Buckles and Saddles in Youth Rodeos and Horse Shows in everything from Halter, Western Pleasure, Barrels & Poles as well as Goats and Breakaway..
When I was about 25, I was riding with some friends when a "well known" barrel racer told me I was too big to ride a barrel horse. (This coming from a lady that was there that day, trying to sell a barrel horse to a little girl shaped like an olive on toothpicks.) An older gentleman heard her and came over to me and said, "Honey, If that horse could pack you when you broke him, he can still pack you now". I will always remember those words..
I took time off to haul my boys and started Team Roping with them. I am the one that trained and kept their Barrel and Rope horses in shape. Last year I started a horse that will eventually go to my 2 1/2 year old grandson.
I quit Barrel Racing because I got tired of all of the drama. I have now started back hauling a little with a 16yo girl I work with. I will never be 1D or even 2D, but my money is in the pot for me, or anyone else, to win. And yes, I do use my trailer fender and I have a bright pink mounting block to make getting on easier on my horse's back and my knees! This made me think of an experience I had while horse shopping for my daughter. We were dealing with a 3rd party who kept emphasizing that the owner was a large/huge woman and with a lighter rider you would see faster times. We went to try the horse a second time and they met us at the race. The concession stand had the best homemade brownies and as I am watching my daughter warm up and enjoying my big ol brownie, our friend asks this person to point out someone who is the size of the seller. The broker is on a horse and she starts to scan the crowd and I see her land and point to me just as that last bite of brownie is going in my mouth. I was definitely overweight back then but my no means considered myself huge. My sweet husband gave me a big hug. I was not riding back then but when the girls quit riding I knew I needed to lose some pounds to fit in their saddles and to be able to learn to ride the calibur of horses we had. My husband was having a lot of health issues and had to follow a very clean diet ( which eliminated most of his health issues) , that was really the biggest motivator for me to buy healthy groceries and cook healthy meals and not bring bad stuff in the house. Doing it for someone else is much easier then trying to find your own discipline and motivation. When I started losing weight too then I became self motivated.
Edited by rodeomom3 2015-02-04 8:13 AM
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 Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | I have found that my worst thoughts about myself come from this site..... |
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Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | UPDATE......
I have started a blog and website called Cowgirls With Curves to highlight and encourage plus size riders.
Just got it up and running late last night. I'm sure I'll be tweaking some with a fresh set of eyes.
I will be posting interviews on a weekly basis -- this is a permanent thing that I'll be featuring every week. If you answered questions, I'll be posting your interview in the weeks to come.
I also have plans to review and feature clothing, tack, supplements.
There's also a page on Facebook by the same name.
The website address is cowgirlswithcurves.com - http://cowgirlswithcurves.com |
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 Bulls Eye
Posts: 6443
Location: Oklahoma | I am a size 14 in jeans (33x35). I wear an XL-XXL top depending on fit. I work behind a desk so I don't get much exercise. I HATE working out... I was in a bad car wreck January 2002. I broke all the bones across the top of my right foot and my right femur. I to this day cannot walk up a flight of stairs normally, I just don't have the leg strength. I'm VERY self conscience in my appearance and don't like being intimate due to that. It hurts my husband that I feel this way, but I cannot help it. I have joined a gym as of Feb 1. There is a place near me called sweat like a girl. It is a bunch of women and different daily classes. I pre paid my membership so I have no excuse not to go. I go every morning at 5:15am before my family wakes up. I'm sore as all get out especially since today is only day 3. Monday was weights, Tuesday was cardio kickboxing and today was yoga. I haven't seen any results yet, but I will get there. There are other 4-H moms that go at that time, so I have company.
I grew up riding english, so I'm a very light seat rider with light hands. Yes, I hate how I look riding right now, but I still ride. I have my stud who is my rock. Even when I'm feeling horrible about myself, he doesn't judge me. He sees me coming and knows it means one on one time. I'm so glad this thread started. It's nice knowing we aren't alone. |
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 Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | memory - 2015-02-03 11:19 PM What are the weights of some of the top guys in the barrel racing industry? I think we kick ourselves around too much. This is what we are today and who knows what tomorrow brings. Ride and enjoy it.
I think men and women carry their weight differently. 200 pounds for a fit man is different than a woman who is out of shape and 200 pounds. |
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Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | Murphy - 2015-02-04 1:23 PM
memory - 2015-02-03 11:19 PM What are the weights of some of the top guys in the barrel racing industry? I think we kick ourselves around too much. This is what we are today and who knows what tomorrow brings. Ride and enjoy it.
I think men and women carry their weight differently. 200 pounds for a fit man is different than a woman who is out of shape and 200 pounds.
They do carry their weight differently, however I have seen 200 pound women that can work just as hard and long as a fit man in the hay field. I'm not 200 pounds but I'm short and plus size and 46 - considered "out of shape" as you mentioned but yet I have out worked teenagers and 20 somethings considered to be fit in our hay fields. I work in an office - it's not like I'm work hardened either. |
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Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | TwistedK - 2015-02-04 1:16 PM I am a size 14 in jeans (33x35). I wear an XL-XXL top depending on fit. I work behind a desk so I don't get much exercise. I HATE working out... I was in a bad car wreck January 2002. I broke all the bones across the top of my right foot and my right femur. I to this day cannot walk up a flight of stairs normally, I just don't have the leg strength. I'm VERY self conscience in my appearance and don't like being intimate due to that. It hurts my husband that I feel this way, but I cannot help it. I have joined a gym as of Feb 1. There is a place near me called sweat like a girl. It is a bunch of women and different daily classes. I pre paid my membership so I have no excuse not to go. I go every morning at 5:15am before my family wakes up. I'm sore as all get out especially since today is only day 3. Monday was weights, Tuesday was cardio kickboxing and today was yoga. I haven't seen any results yet, but I will get there. There are other 4-H moms that go at that time, so I have company. I grew up riding english, so I'm a very light seat rider with light hands. Yes, I hate how I look riding right now, but I still ride. I have my stud who is my rock. Even when I'm feeling horrible about myself, he doesn't judge me. He sees me coming and knows it means one on one time. I'm so glad this thread started. It's nice knowing we aren't alone.
Good for you!! Keep it up!! |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | Fairweather - 2015-02-04 12:55 PM
UPDATE......
I have started a blog and website called Cowgirls With Curves to highlight and encourage plus size riders.
Just got it up and running late last night. I'm sure I'll be tweaking some with a fresh set of eyes.
I will be posting interviews on a weekly basis -- this is a permanent thing that I'll be featuring every week. If you answered questions, I'll be posting your interview in the weeks to come.
I also have plans to review and feature clothing, tack, supplements.
There's also a page on Facebook by the same name.
The website address is cowgirlswithcurves.com - http://cowgirlswithcurves.com
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Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | Fairweather - 2015-02-04 2:29 PM Murphy - 2015-02-04 1:23 PM memory - 2015-02-03 11:19 PM What are the weights of some of the top guys in the barrel racing industry? I think we kick ourselves around too much. This is what we are today and who knows what tomorrow brings. Ride and enjoy it. I think men and women carry their weight differently. 200 pounds for a fit man is different than a woman who is out of shape and 200 pounds. They do carry their weight differently, however I have seen 200 pound women that can work just as hard and long as a fit man in the hay field. I'm not 200 pounds but I'm short and plus size and 46 - considered "out of shape" as you mentioned but yet I have out worked teenagers and 20 somethings considered to be fit in our hay fields. I work in an office - it's not like I'm work hardened either.
I never mentioned anything about someone outworking another, or singling anyone out. |
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Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | Murphy - 2015-02-04 1:36 PM Fairweather - 2015-02-04 2:29 PM Murphy - 2015-02-04 1:23 PM memory - 2015-02-03 11:19 PM What are the weights of some of the top guys in the barrel racing industry? I think we kick ourselves around too much. This is what we are today and who knows what tomorrow brings. Ride and enjoy it. I think men and women carry their weight differently. 200 pounds for a fit man is different than a woman who is out of shape and 200 pounds. They do carry their weight differently, however I have seen 200 pound women that can work just as hard and long as a fit man in the hay field. I'm not 200 pounds but I'm short and plus size and 46 - considered "out of shape" as you mentioned but yet I have out worked teenagers and 20 somethings considered to be fit in our hay fields. I work in an office - it's not like I'm work hardened either.
No, but you did reference a 200 pound man as fit vs a not fit 200 pound woman. If a person can lift a lot for a long period of time, I would consider that fit. Not all women that are 200 pounds or have a higher BMI are necessarily unfit or soft. That's the point I was trying to make in general. |
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