What I can learn about fitness from my horse: Horses don't run for cardio health, weight loss, brain fitness, blood pressure, or anything else but the love of moving. ~ Kathy Sierra, Creating Passionate Users. While I do remember running for joy as a kid, I am not inclined these days to run for sheer fun either. I did do a lot of running in the pasture yesterday after horses #2-5 discovered after watching me give horse #1 his spring shots that they didn't want to have anything to do with it. While yesterday's exercise left me breathless and cranky, I do experience a true joy of movement with yoga and Pilates. Running hurts my knees. Guess it's best to stick with exercise that 1) doesn't hurt and 2) makes you happy.

What I can learn about fitness from my dog: No, Matilda-the-tenacious-heeler does not watch television, but I do sometimes. Which is probably why she is in better shape than I am, especially after the long, cold winter. I do like to practice Pilates while watching Lost on Wednesday nights.

Check it out: Exercise not only makes us stronger equestrians, but prevents brain decline. (As would taking a hatchet to the television set.) Check out Kathy Sierra's very pretty Icelandics too!

Flickr photo: hkvam