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Ten days from now, I will be in Canyon, TX rehearsing for a play called "Texas Legacies." I've been informed that my character rides a horse, which puts me in the dual mental state of both excited that I get to learn something new and scared to death I'm going to fall off and break my clavicle. I figure I ought to be trying to get my body in shape for riding, so I've started working out my abdominal, lower back, and inner leg muscles. My question is, what else should I be doing to get my body ready to ride? The rehearsal period is only 3 1/2 weeks, so I want to be in the best shape I can be in to learn the quickest. Any imput would be GREATLY appreciated.
Posts: 786 | Registered: Jun 2003
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posted
I haven't ridden in years, so I don't have any suggestions for you. Just one question: You're going to be riding a horse in a play? Is it not on a stage?
Posts: 2149 | Registered: Aug 2000
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Hmmm. Interesting question! I've never really thought about "preparing" to ride, as I've always just ridden. The exercises are probably a good idea, but trust me, you are going to be sore. Plan a hot bath, heh, and try not to do too much at once, particularly on the first day.
Is there any chance you can get any riding in before you go? I know it's only ten days away, but the first couple of times will be what hurts the most, so if you could get that out of the way before you go you will be in a little less pain. *grin*
Good luck, and I hope you have fun! Posts: 1431 | Registered: Aug 2003
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Before I ride, i try to stretch the insides of my thighs, the backs of my calves, my back, my neck, and my shoulders. Stretching has helped me a lot when i know i'm going to have a hard ride, and helped me avoid a lot of soreness.
My sister (who is riding dressage and posting a lot) got one of those inflatable pilates balls, and sits on it and bounces. To simulate a posting trot (which i doubt you'll be doing onstage) bounce up and down in a 2 beat rythym. Squeeze the ball with your knees as you go up, and it'll help you devlop those inner thighs. That's where i always get sore. You could work on your calves, too, since you'll need them to signal the horse.
Once i'm mounted, I do a few things to secure my balance. I reach up as high as i can with both hands, out to the sides as far as i can, I twist with arms outstretched, and i reach with both hands back to the horse's tail and forward to his ears.
As far as being around the horse goes, I'm sure your horse wrangler will get you aquainted with tack and the like. remember to move slowly and calmly, and not try to be to nervous. Horses are sweet and affectionate animals, and they'll like you, you like them.
I have a feeling they're going to throw you on somethng bomb-proof anyway, since the horse will be in a play with a talking moving audience.
And no matter how much preparation you do, you will be sore. I've been riding for years, and still get sore occasionally.
posted
Practice balancing. Try standing on a step with your heels off the step and push your heels down. You will probably have to lift your arms straight out in front of you to stay balanced. Practice this often. When you finally get on a horse push your heels down HARD and keep them there... you are unlikely to fall off if your heels are down because then your butt and legs are in the right place to hold on.
Remember to breathe
Sounds like you are doing a reinactment? They are so cool!! There is one happening near here soon where they are 'doing' a roman battle. Although I think they may have their times mixed coz they are going to do some jousting as well and I'm pretty sure that was centuries later
Let us know how it goes.
Posts: 141 | Registered: Sep 2002
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If you're worried about breaking a bone, I'd suggest bulking up some. Muscle tissue's surprisingly absorbent -- try working out with the bench press and power clean if you're worried about upper-body impact.
Posts: 3293 | Registered: Jul 2002
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Thanks for the help, guys. Miro, the show is an outdoor drama, so there's quite a bit more flexibility as far as staging goes. I worked with horses in the outdoor drama I was in last summer, but didn't ride any. The excited part of me outweighs the nervous part, but I just want to be as ready as possible. Again, thanks a million for the advice!
Posts: 786 | Registered: Jun 2003
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Brian -- how MUCH of the play will actually be with you on the horse? If it is just a short time, then you may not have too much soreness. Some soreness for new riders comes just from their own "tension" at being tight and scared -- they lock up their own muscles and then get sore later.
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Plan a hot bath, heh, and try not to do too much at once, particularly on the first day. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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