By Nicole A. Musmanno
This summer I have been hard on my horse Slewth. He has been asked to step up and put on his “big boy pants” which he has never really liked the fit. Regardless of his arguments, the work has paid off and he is fitter than ever with his overall quality of the end result improved.
Likewise, I have been pushing my own fitness as I somehow stupidly opened my mouth and asked my friend to run a half marathon with me. As a result, my running miles have been pushed up leaving me with little sympathy when Slewth tries to convince me that gallop sets are really not necessary and we could just enjoy a nice walk home.
Then one day I hit a wall. Earlier that morning I had taken a walk with a friend which I have often viewed as “not exercise” as I barely break a sweat and my heart rate never really elevates. Therefore in my mind not exercise. However, it is also a time when I bounce ideas off a REALLY great source and motivator (www.manifestsession.com) and we work out our schemes for the day and life. That particular day, I was in no mood. I had been feeling a bit pushed, put upon and basically taken advantage of lately and we were discussing just one more thing that made my hackles go up and put me on the defensive. I should add for absolutely no reason.
Out of the blue and off topic said, “Nic, you ever throw eggs? I’ll throw eggs with you if you need to throw eggs.”
Point.
We finished our walk with me trying to pull my attitude out of the crapper and on the drive home I felt this total dread that I still had two horses to ride and no desire to do it. On top of that, because I had not “really” exercised I felt a guilt to go to the gym and actually sweat. Then it hit me. What I had done to myself I had done to Slewth. I pushed our fitness in advancement of our goals and forgot to just enjoy a moment of solitude in nature. Slewth had been trying to tell me that for some time as he had taken to walking behind Ginny (my pony) and hoping his 17h could be hidden by her 14h.
That day, I groomed Slewth and Ginny, taking time with each to let them as individuals. After saddling up and hopping on Slewth, I grabbed Ginny’s rope and headed down the road.
At first, a quick ping in me felt guilty, “How lazy am I to have to pony one horse rather than ride it?”
Then I realized I had found a gem for exercising horse and rider, mind and body. My horses always worked alone, how nice it must be for them to just take a long walk together with no pressure and defuse a bit. Likewise, I always exercise alone, how nice it is to take a long walk with a friend and defuse my brain and re-energize.
Walking and ponying are now a part of my weekly exercise regime. The funny thing is, I have noticed the next day when I pick up the reins, my horses are better. Even better than if they had a day off. They approach work light, happy and with renewed vigor. As for myself, I find my next morning workout I am energized with ideas thought up during the previous day’s walk.
Lesson learned, while pushing the heart rate and wind factor is necessary for body fitness, a good walk is necessary for overall fitness, so DON’T FORGET THE WALK.
