Golf and horses-in the same night!

On this lovely solstice evening with that big, full Harvest Moon shining down, I got to indulge both my new hobby AND my existing obsession--all in one night!

I know, crazy.

Golf was okay, though after working on driving I can see why my chiropractor says the sport was invented by his profession. Spin hard and thwack with precision, usually with cold muscles. Note to self: stretching and a brief warm-up ahead of time might be a good plan.

I used a little bareback riding on the Thoroughbred rocking horse to knock things back into alignment. Amazing how well that works, actually.

Steve has been home this week working on house project before winter hits, so hasn't gotten Lena out. So after I worked Bar (and he put my back in place), I got Lena out to play. I got on her bareback, too, which is a hair more challenging because the mounting block is apparently terrifying.

None of us ever really use the mounting block, nor was she trained with one, so it's always a bit of a dance, circle, side-step, partial leap to get on her back. One of the many things I need to work on with her, I know.

Her stride is completely different from his. He rocks back and forth and side to side, she really just moves up and back. She is also a bit more cushioned than he is, so that was a nice bonus.

I feel awfully blessed to share my life with two such delightful creatures--not to mention Steve and Katie.

Golf and horses

Who knew I could find similarities between golfing and horses?

Okay, you got me. The folks that really know me realize I can find parallels between horses and just about anything else out there in the universe.

BUT!

On a bit of an experiment, I took a night off from the horses (gasp!) and went to a women's golfing club. (Because I need another expensive hobby, right?) Anyway, it isn't that pricey, I like the game, and it was a fun way to spend a Wednesday evening.

It was, however, a bit eye-opening to discover some of the things I struggle with when golfing are things that also affect my riding. Both work better with soft, relaxed hands and smooth, controlled movements. It helps to balance between being slightly aggressive and gentle. Don't forget to breathe. Relax.

Oh, have fun and don't take yourself too seriously.

The club will meet through the end of October, so I think I'll keep going. It's fun and it's teaching me something about being mentally centered. Bar says that's a good thing for me (for us, actually), even if it means one less night of treats.

Plus it's surrounded by the race track at the Santa Rosa Fairgrounds, so I can almost hear the thunder of hooves as I try to get that little white ball in the hole.