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Lots of variables and work and owner permissions are going into it and if the trainer we are working with says she can't be ridden at any point, that's fine with me. Her comfort and happiness is the most important thing.
I've never been more motivated to get in shape before, though. I can't push myself too hard because I have a lot of health issues and I definitely can't push Sandy too hard either because she's old. Gonna take things slow and careful and hope for the best end result.
That's wonderful! It can be so hard to have the patience to do things the right way, but it sounds like you are motivated to listen to yourself and Sandy. It sucks getting old, but I am finding a lot of satisfaction from taking things more slowly, when I'm in the right mindset. I try to think of it as savoring the time I've got left no matter what.
Your comfort and happiness is as important as Sandy's, and Sandy's happiness is enriched when you are happy and healthy. Thanks for the update; always so happy to see Sandy in my feed.
Sandy seems the type if you give her snacks, she will allow you to join her on her occasional frolicks.
Every time I reach in my pocket she thinks I'm getting her a banana. If she's stimulated enough, with exercise and attention, she's perfectly behaved.
As someone working on getting into shape again after a back injury, the best thing for me at first was walking. Lots of walking. Go to a good shoe store and have someone assess your gait and fit you with a good pair of trainers; makes a lot of difference in how you feel and helps minimize the impact on your joints and back. Also, if you need PT, having it in a pool has been a complete game changer for me. Of course, check with your doc.
Good luck! Keep us posted and give her a banana for me. She’s beautiful 🤩
Thank you so much! I have some really good sneakers. I do most of my exercise at the barn. Riding, barn chores, just walking around, etc. I wear either rubber barn boots or my riding (cowboy) boots. Both are super supportive and comfortable. I had my right ankle reconstructed in 2023, so I'm really picky about shoes.
Aqua therapy is amazing for my health issues, but there's nowhere nearby that does it. The second best exercise is horseback riding lol.
Ooh, I’m so jelly of working in a barn and near horses! Ouch re: your ankle. Bummer about aqua therapy. It was very hard to find for me too. But it sounds like you’re all set for the task, so here’s wishing you good luck! Do post updates for us concrete jungle types.
I find there's aot of bad advice around shoes - particularly the idea that lots of padding and support is helpful.
I went to a physio who said my feet were flat and wanted to sell me inserts/special shoes. I instead fixed that with stretches and exercise.
It's like if I'd complained that my arm hurts when lifting something heavy and instead of looking at my form and helping build up the muscles they said "just wear this sling".
I'm getting on in years and all my other runner friends have bad knees, but I wear minimal shoes and have good barefoot form.
Got a bit off topic... yes, walking is great for losing weight as the body doesn't seem to consider it as exercise - it doesn't compensate by being lazy afterwards (which it does for most exercise).
I went to a store recommended by a podiatrist. I was assessed and fitted well with good shoes. The foot pain I had disappeared and has remained gone for about 12 years now. I’ll heed a professional who’s been trained in physiology and medicine.
What 30 years in the medical field has taught me is that each and every human being and body is unique. I’m glad you found relief, but please don’t paint with a broad brush that one person‘s solution is everyone’s.
