Jackie Cochran's Blog – December 2009 Archive (3)

The End of the Year

Ah, the last week of the year. Since I won't get to ride this week, I decided to reflect on this past year.

I went to my calender and counted all the horses I rode and all the times I rode this past year. I had a pretty good year, I went over my goal of averaging at least one ride a week, though some weeks I did not ride at all. All together I rode 80 times.

I also achieved my goal of riding more horses, I got up on 6 different horses this year, though on three of them I… Continue

Added by Jackie Cochran on December 27, 2009 at 12:16pm — No Comments

My Jumping Cavesson Brings out Cooperation

We barely missed out the blizzard of 2009 down here in Stanly Co., NC. We got some sleet, a little snow, an inch of rain and lots and lots of puddles and mud. In spite of the drama with the weather I rode three times this week.

I got tired of warming up my bits before I ride so I dragged out my old Jumping Cavesson bridle (you can see it in my pictures, Numbers 5, 6, and 7,) and used it all week. Mia LIKES… Continue

Added by Jackie Cochran on December 20, 2009 at 3:30pm — No Comments

Riding Gives Me Back My Body

With MS, even if I am not having an "attack", my body can rapidly worsen. In the past three weeks I had a gradual decline in physical ability, one that I did not notice at first. Last week was the worst, three times when I walked without my canes I'd loose my balance unexpectedly, start staggering, and almost fall. I did not fall because riding has helped me recognize when I lose my balance, and because my thigh muscles are strong enough to keep me on my feet long enough so I could catch myself… Continue

Added by Jackie Cochran on December 13, 2009 at 12:30pm — 3 Comments