The idea for this blog started when I shifted stride within horse riding to focus more on dressage. The initial impulse was that it would be a way to keep track of my journey towards becoming really proficient in this discipline.
As I began working on my dressage, though, two other things came to light – that have really given this blog a kind of three-pronged attack.
The first thing that happened was that I became aware that I needed a new kind of fitness and strength for dressage riding. This was linked to my increasing frustration about having what ‘they’ call a post-menopausal belly and generally carrying more weight than I want to.
The second thing that happened was that I reached some kind of zenith of my frustration at being told, by society in general, that 60 is old.
So, I’ve chosen to feed those ideas into the blog. The lynchpin remains my journey towards dressage riding, but it is inextricably linked to my experience as being over 60 and my personal interactions with managing my fitness and weight, both as a post-menopausal woman and an equestrian.
For those who don’t know about horse riding, dressage is a discipline within equestrianism. (Yes, it is a real word!!) It is highly technical and demands great attention to detail for both rider and horse.
Having only fairly recently been focusing on dressage, I’m understanding more and more about how much control is involved and that it is a true partnership between rider and horse.
What I’ve also found is how much I constantly learn along the way – about horse riding, yes, but also about myself, life and that one can successfully shift stride – at any age, really, but for me, specifically over 60.
So, this blog is about my decision to shift stride within horse riding and just how much fun, how eye-opening and how enriching the experience is proving to be.
I hope you enjoy the ride!
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