photo by Wendy Kollmeier

Dear ODS members,

Spring arrived March 20th and it was very welcomed. Tulips are blooming, days are longer and hopefully the weather will cooperate for more pleasant and active riding.

This is my favorite time of the year and if you are like me it is time for more consistent riding. Unfortunately, I usually tend to slack off riding during the winter and don’t engage in any type of exercise program to help keep those key core muscles fit for riding (or any other muscles for that matter). Although, as I get older, I realize that each spring it takes a little longer to get back to riding four or five times a week without being
sore and stiff.

On the other hand, I try to keep my horse fit even through the winter by lunging or long-lining when I don’t ride. I’m sure, as most horse enthusiasts do; we take better care physically of our equine partners than ourselves. When we begin our ride, do we just collect our horses and ask for lengthening, half pass, or shoulder-in? Not usually but instead we slowly warm our horses up by stretching, or trotting and cantering forward on a loose rein. We don’t want our equine partners to become sore or lame. Now I ask why
don’t we do this same kind of sensible warm-up or conditioning for ourselves? We all have read books or articles on the importance of rider fitness, stretching, etc. I know the benefits of strengthening the core muscles for achieving and maintaining the correct
riding position more effortlessly. And, keeping all our muscles stretched before engaging in any type of sport protects against injury, but do I consciously work to achieve that end result? The truthful answer for me is no and I know that I could do more. This leads me
to my next topic.

I’m sure most of us know someone who is very fit and health conscious. I spoke to an individual just like that about speaking to our club and sharing some of his
expertise in the fitness area. His name is Jamie Burks and he has an impressive resume. Just to name a few things, he is the certified athletic trainer for the Republic
Police Department and tactical team; he’s trained with fitness experts, and has attended the Cooper Institute which promotes fitness internationally. Jamie is all about being healthy and fit (even in the winter) and has recently inspired me to get a little more motivated in shaping up. Maybe if you come listen to him speak, he’ll inspire you too.

Jamie will be speaking at 7:00 pm for approximately 30 -45 minutes for our club meeting on April 17th at the Republic Police Department. I hope to see you all there!