Dressing for Success

 

I realized as I was going out the door to ride my pony that I had a LOT of clothing/equipment or gear on me. Getting strapped in to go riding is several degrees more complicated now that the weather has turned cold and now that I am making more accommodations to safety.

When I was a kid, going riding was as simple as throwing yourself on your horse bareback with nary a helmet or even a "correct" pair of boots. We rode in shorts and sneakers and sometimes with only a halter to guide the horse. But then we were kids: we bounced if we fell off (thought it was fun!) and our horses were saints.

This is Neko. She is a very good horsey, but she is no saint. Sometimes, being a chestnut mare (*1) she has strong opinions about what I am asking her to do. We have interesting discussions with her voicing her opposition to my riding choices with much swishing of her tail and flaring of nostril and becoming "strong". Fortunately, she has a good brain and is not prone to spooking or bucking or rearing up. But she does get excited and sometimes wants to go fast. This is alternately fun and sort of like being on a little red dragon. 

Hence the above mentioned equipment. I wear a helmet- no one with half a brain refuses to wear a helmet. Like football players, many riders (some very good!) have suffered head injuries and helmets are now required for all equestrian pursuits. Because it has suddenly gotten cold, I am wearing a jacket and full suede chaps over insulated pantaloons. (Additionally, the chaps offer another level of "gripiness", the better to stick to the saddle if one's horse decides to catapult sideways at 90 miles an hour.) Over my jacket is the latest addition to my get up. I now am the proud owner of an inflatable vest. (*2) Such an interesting invention!

The vest actually plugs into a strap attached to the front (pommel) of the saddle. If you should (ahem) part company from your charging steed, the cable snaps and hey presto! the canister inside the vest discharges, causing the vest to inflate and protect your neck, ribs, internal organs and hips. Fortunately, it doesn't weigh much and I soon became utterly used to it. 

Here is Neko and myself in warmer weather. She is pretending to enjoy my silly affection and has no doubt just sighed (deeply), hoping our riding session is thankfully over with. I have no illusions: she'd most likely rather be eating.

(*1) There are all kinds of stories and legends regarding chestnut mares. They are reputed to be "hot" (in the sense of spicy), and given to stubbornness and a certain intensity. Neko is a pretty good egg, but she is at least partially your typical chestnut mare. Sometimes a challenge but definitely an interesting equine partner. Some people prefer geldings for that reason, but give me a mare any day!

(*2)Thank you Bob for wishing to keep me alive to ride another day. He insisted he buy me this vest after my trainer showed him a short video of her being "yeeted" from another horse she rides. Persuasive stuff! Bob was impressed at how fast one comes off a determined horse!

(*3) You may also have noticed that I am carrying a riding crop in my right hand in the first picture. Occasionally, Neko wants to play pokey little pony and requires "encouragement". Not often, though, as she's typically what is referred to as "forward". And it is certainly worth mentioning that the riding crop is not used to beat or bludgeon the horse with. It is an extension of one's arm and hand and typically all the rider has to do is show the horse the crop and off we go!