Dances with Horses :: Rider Fitness
Matilda-the-tenacious-heeler and I are getting fat. There’s no way around it. We’ve spent way too much time snoozing in front of the wood burning stove these cold winter weekends while I read Dean Koontz books. I’ve cut the heeler’s canned dog food in half. As for me, well, I need to eat a handful of cherries instead of a piece of the delicious Chocolate Maven cherry pie (a local delicacy) I love way too much. My ankle is healing nicely (I can actually wear my riding boots again), so it’s time to start moving.
What are some easy ways to ease back into this being active thing?
Riding my horse for one hour. 360 calories burned.
Grooming my horse for one hour. 540 calories-be-gone!
Barn Work. Oh gosh, I always have plenty of that. Five horses. Endless manure. No tractor yet—remember? Vanquish another 500 to 600 calories.
Long line my son’s curmudgeonly pony for half an hour because the old codger seems to think he’s on an extended vacation. 250 calories. Long line Tobias the draft horse too. Another 250 calories. 500 calories total.
Best of all, getting back on track and becoming active again after a recuperative and slightly lazy spell will make me feel better. Gotta get going!
Sources: Fitness Partners Activity Calculator
Flickr photos: m@@ike; m@@ike
