This photo was taken Saturday morning last, as Consolation and I prepared for our first ride since the dog attack that sidelined me for nine weeks with a torn hamstring.
Almost everyone to whom I mentioned that I was finally back in the saddle said something like, "That must feel really good!"
Well...sort of. The truth is, Consolation and I ran into a spot of difficulty almost immediately. Here, we're discussing whether she'll cross a weedy trench.
It was a long conversation, but she finally agreed to give it a try.
See, that wasn't so bad!
The ride that followed was...interesting. (Read: Frustrating and exhausting. Lord have mercy, the balking issue is back.)
But, I wouldn't have traded those four miles for the world.
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By the way, I'm really happy with my new riding helmet. I went with the Tipperary Sportage again.This is my third Sportage. The previous two suffered ignominious fates -- one from a header off a bolting greenie that hit the brakes a few years ago, and the other from that fall on my back in April. I survived both tumbles with no apparent brain damage (though, admittedly, it's hard to tell) -- so why mess with success?
Tipperary has made a few changes to the Sportage since I bought my previous one. I find that the new model fits better, has a slightly lower profile, and is more attractive in matte charcoal than the previous, shiny version. Looking for a helmet recommedation? This is mine.
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12 comments:
L.M. - squirt gun w/ammonia . . . seriously, has worked for me more than once when running, biking, crossing path of aggressive canine.
Great on you & Consolation . . . hope Aruba making it ok.
Glad to see that you are back on your horse. I'm sure after the long wait, you must really appreciate it. How about some scoop on Aruba....
Happy trails.
Glad you are back in the game! I've had two Tipperarys. I love them-saved my bacon twice. The only drawback as far as I can tell is that the brim isn't very large, and if you have a sun-in-the-eyes problem, then you have to wear eye protection.
Glad your back in the saddle. I just have one question. How do you convince Travis to follow along on your rides to take photos ????
Don't get frustrated with the balking - that too shall pass. Consolation looks great!
Even when it's bad, it's still pretty good.
:)
sj
Hey, Jon! Good to see you. :) Thanks to the ambush nature of this particular attack, a squirt gun may not have helped much...but I may well be carrying one on my runs in the near future.
Lori -- Thanks for asking after Aaruba. He's hanging in there, not doing much but being a horse. We did go for a short ride last Saturday, which he seemed to enjoy.
Kim -- I like the small visor. :) I always feel a bit trapped, somehow, under a wider brim. Does that make me weird?
Jonna -- I'm a good cook. ;)
Right you are, Jackie. We were nearly through it before...I think the process will go more quickly this time around. How's Tia doing on that front?
SJ -- Indeed. Riding, and a few other things in life.
:) Hows Tia?
Tia and I recently crested the Santa Rosa Butte on a beautiful June morning and beheld nature in all its quite glory. I spread my arms wide and breathed deeply, so joyful in partnership with my alpha mare, relaxed and curious beneath me. On the homeward bound journey, I tripped down memory lane - back to last summer - and a goal to get a 5 mile loop established on very reluctant to leave the stableyard, Tia.
Its the journey.........
Ahhh! So refreshing to see a rider riding Western with a helmet on!!! And it a beauty. I too, have been through my fair share of helmets...and, I too, am not sure I haven't obtained some brain damage in there somewhere!!!
You look fabulous on your horse and have beautiful lines, do you ride English at all? Glad to hear you're back in the saddle and you had a ride, though it sounds a bit frustrating!!! Next one!
--Mindy
Oops sorry! Not western, endurance! Should have paid more attention to the saddle! It looks comfy....
Ahhh, that's good to hear, Jackie. Consolation and I are determined to catch up with the pair of you!
Hey, thanks, Mindy. :) You guessed right -- almost all of my formal training has been in English disciplines. Good riding is good riding regardless of tack, of course, but I do think my "style" in an endurance saddle reflects those English roots...and a lot of bareback miles in my youth.
So good to see you up and riding. That's a looooong time to be sidelined. You have a beautiful line in the saddle, BTW. Very nice!
I'm helmet shopping so appreciate the recommendation. Had Troxels for years, happy with them, but the last one doesn't fit quite right. Plus the bubble head issue.
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