Fat girl rides again!

[flump1967]

Today was my return to pony squashing after an almost 2 year absence. For those who are lucky enough not to know me I will give a potted history - try not to bore you.
Rode loads from ages 11 - 20. Worked at RS, led rides , gave basic beginners lessons etc (remember this is 25 plus years ago so different - or no- rules applied) had own horsie from 6 months to 6 years then had bad fall with lots of broken bones, started work as nurse, gave up horses.
No riding except very occaisional holiday plod, me now very nervous.
Then started again 7 years ago as RS rider but had to stop due to money and increasing health problems.
At around same time had mental breakdown from work and after many years struggle am now retired.
Then rode again 2 /3 years ago with friends help. Even had lovely Fell pony on trial who sadly failed vetting and could not then get insurance, seller not cooperative, my mental health playing up so all went to pieces. Very sad - was completely broken again.
Change of medication and general depression, gained shed loads of weight - I was/am /always will be a fatty but this was more extreme than usual.
Last year new psychiatrist, new therapist, a different new medication. Lost 6 stones and went to gym.
Met up with new NR friends at Icelandic show - decided to brave a hack. Felt did not want to show self up in public so booked quickie private lesson first. Which brings us to today.:)

Here I am in all my (still) fat glory squashing the lovely Rio - about 14.2 and built like a tank. She was very kind and patient as was my instructor.
Was trying western for the first time ever. Loved the pony but felt I was riding the saddle - not enough contact for me. Plus the new aids were confusing - and being told that I had too much of a shoulder, hip, heel alignment was a new one. Where was my trusty chair seat when I needed it?:p
Dismount was cumbersome too as I have a gammy knee and cannot put my weight on it so had to dismount on to a block. Would be fine with normal English dismount I think but couldn't do this because of the huge saddle horn.
Anyway, point of post - if I can return to riding anyone can. I was literally shaking with nerves and felt sick but something in me still wanted to carry on and I am very glad I did.
Pic of me looking much fatter than I expected. Still have 1 and half to 2 stones to lose and also I blame the fact that most of my weight is on my bum and thunder thighs. Don't look if you are squeamish :o
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll260/KittenKatcher/Blurr.jpg

Thank you so much Ruskii and Joyscarer for giving me the kick I needed to get on with it!

[Razzledazzle]

Well done for getting back in the saddle...and you look fine in the pic. Keep it up now you have started again.:)

[laceyfreckle]

i thinks you're being harsh on yourself!

for a start you're not that big:eek: if you hadn't have mentioned your weight issues i wouldn't have thought that you had one!

horse is lovely too and it looks/sounds liek you had a great time.

:):):)

[noodle]

Hey you looked good on that horse!
Your description of yourself is much like all of us but many choose not to admit it!
Glad you got back in the saddle, wish could try western riding.
Riding has got to be the best anti-depressant EVER! buying Rosie fixed me no end xx

[palmerlover52]

Sheesh from your description I was expecting someone with severe weight problems.....you look fine!

Ditto others about the anti-depressent of riding, a good sniff of mane cheers me up no end :rolleyes

Good luck, and out of curiousity (never thought about it) how DO western riders dismount? :confused: With the horn and stuff...
*snigger*

Horn.....God I'm childish. :o

[~*Lizzi-Beth*~]

Wow!! :D I've never ridden western before but have always wanted to :p lol
i think you're really brave to get back into the saddle again - good for you!! :D

And you're not fat at all!! Where on earth did you get that idea?!
I've seen riders @ shows riding 14hh slightly built ponies who's bottoms didnt even sit properly in the saddle!! Honestly, they looked about 50 stone!! lol :p And the one that i can remember came second out of a class of two in the Champs of Great Britain @ David Broome's on a lovely looking dun cob and she cantered out of the arena balling and having a temper tantrum @ not coming 1st!! :p

And did you know, little shetland ponies can carry weights of up to 15 stone!!
So d/w about 'squashing' the horses, just ride heavy cobs (like the gorgeous one in your piccy!! :) ) that are totally bombproof if you're that worried!! :p lol And living in the New Forest i would have thought there'd be loads of lovely horses and ponies, standing boerd in a stable waiting for you to ride them!! :)
Now you're retired enjoy yourself, get out there and have fun!! And stop worrying, that doesn't do anyone any good and it certainly doesn't do anything for confidence :p lol

All the Best!!
Lizzi-Beth

[Ruskii]

WOOHOO ! :D :)

Glad you had a good time ! :D :D

I had been hanging around here tonight (more so than usual :o ) in the hope you would post about your riding lesson :D

As for having thunder thighs !?! Scuse me ? My bum is on a par with my cobs ! :D:rolleyes:

Roll on end of June :)

PS I've just put a pic that was taken on Sunday on my profile so you can see that your thighs are nothing to worry about :p

[Skippys Mum]

You're way thinner than me and poor wee Arnie will just have to deal with it:). You look fine on that horse and if its only 14.2 there is loads of scope for a bigger one if you wanted.

Well done you for getting on and getting going - keep it up:D

Oh and forgot to say, when Arnie got freezemarked the other day, the woman commented on the number he was getting, R88E, "Oh two fat ladies - perfect for you!":(

[JustJas]

You look great together! Good luck with the riding! You have done wonders... makes me look forward to the weekend and riding out!

[domane]

Yeay Flumpy!! Absolutely delighted to see you are giving this riding lark another stab. You look great! Welcome back :)

xx

[RustyMary]

Flump, I remember you too, great to get an update from you!!!
Losing 6 stones is a fabulous achievement - be proud, be very proud! I think you look great, and very far from the great lump you described.
I'm so happy for you that this is working out, and proud of you too; with far more to deal with than most of us have, you've proved it CAN be done :D :D

[Ruskii]

Oh and forgot to say, when Arnie got freezemarked the other day, the woman commented on the number he was getting, R88E, "Oh two fat ladies - perfect for you!":(

O/T but :eek::mad: What a cow ! I hope you said something !

[Jill_H]

Fantastic news Flump. You look great. Is that at Burley? Are you going to stick with Western? I really am so pleased for you that you are riding again. Keep it up! :D

[lizayr]

you look amazing not over weight at all, { must mean i am a hefalump :o:o} as i am alot heavier than you, well done for getting back in the saddle :D

[Joyscarer]

Hey well done you. :D

This is the thread I have been waiting for :cool:

You having anymore lessons before our little jaunt then?

Are you going English and Ruskii and I going Western?

I can't wait until our hack together.

Once you feel up to it you are always welcome to come over and a have go on Joy. Failing that you and Ruskii are always welcome to visit anyway with feet firmly on the ground if you prefer! :D

[Whinneyha]

Flump you look just great!!!
Oh well done for giving it another go, I remember your posts about the little fell pony...maybe there's another Jester out there for you?
Keep at it;)
Kim x

[Ginger Thing]

Welcome back Flump, I remember you too :)

Huge congratulations on the weight loss and getting back in the saddle again :D

[Shire Monster]

Congratulations, you look amazing, not at all overweight, he's a lovely horse you both look great together. Keep it up, never easy gettin back up there after a break the hardest part is done now, regular updates please :)

[orbvalley]

Hi, I'm newish to NR but have seen your signature a few times and it always makes me smile. Brings to mind another one I've seen which says "psychiatrists are expensive, try riding":)
I'm happy for you & wish you many happy horsey days to come.
PS: I think you've got to get rid of the weight issue memory because you look great:p

[mu0ljk]

Welcome back I remember you! And you look great in that photo - nothing to worry about! ;)

Look forward to reading more of your threads. :)

[horsemadmandy]

Go girl go :D you look completely great to me - well done and have fun x I am in the process of looking at western saddles but have never sat in one- are they as comfy as they look ?

[Tatooed Lady]

pony squashing! :D sounds a bit like an olympic sport, doesn't it? unfortunately, I don't think you qualify! or is that fortunately?

[Cochise]

You look great! Western riding is awesome, just keep at it. I know what you mean about riding the saddle. However in my treeless western, it's completely different, I can feel everything he's doing. :)

[dizzybee]

you look great I am trying to lose weight and finding it hard but you really do look good best of luck with your future riding

[flump1967]

Thank you so much to all who have replied - what a lovely bunch of people there are on NR. It's honestly you lot who have inspired me to keep going as well as cheering me up by being able to read all the different threads when I have felt low.
NR has kept me feeling I am still a "horsy" person whether or not I was actually riding and this has meant a lot. I have followed lots of people's stories but haven't always felt good enough to comment.
As regards Western - the saddle itself just seems so HUGE to me. When I first saw Rio waiting for me I thought OMG she is much bigger than I wanted but then realised it was just the extra 4 inches (a hand!) height of saddle. I commented to the instructor on the hugeness of it and speculated on the very large bottoms that could be accomodated therein. To my shame mine seemed fine once ensconced :o Instructor assured me they have much bigger saddles so perhaps this isn't the largest seat size :cool:
The saddle itself once on felt very wide -but then was riding extra extra wide pone so s'pose it would. Lack of knee rolls didn't bother me as all my early riding was done in the old half tree saddles (remember those?) with no knee support at all. Saddle just seemed so solid though and I felt too seperate from the horse.
Anyway, dismount was my worry and seems I was right to do so. Basically the horn is so big (no smut ladies :p) that you cannot bend forwards at all. God knows how you go under branches? Anyway I had to stand in left stirrup and raise right leg over back trying to keep weight central over pony (not easy when you are out of practise) and then step down leaving left foot still in stirrup. BUT as my right knee frequently fails me I knew it would never meet the challenge of all weight down to ground so asked for a block - which was tiny so was worried about stepping onto it ok.
Sounds silly but my worry about getting off actually took my mind off the riding nerves pretty much altogether. Wasn't worried really once up top. Knew I had a very quiet pony, lots of horsie there to grab (I like wide types, makes me feel secure) and instructor who wouldn't ask too much of me.
Only other thing was I felt very unsettled by the complete lack of contact reins wise. I am (I hope) a light handed rider anyway who rides with fingers and lightest rein aids poss but I did feel that I didn't have the pony's attention and couldn't feel her/hold her together in the same way as I could with a light contact. This worried me a bit in case of spooks so I focused on getting her to walk out and go into the corners. She was funny though and tried a brief giraffe impression as we first went under an oak tree - tried to grab a big mouthful from overhead to keep her strength up! Laughingly told he she was a cheeky c*w and she didn't try it again.
In summary though -what a lovely girl Rio was - very much a confidence giver and although not too tall she certainly felt up to the job, bless her.
English lesson booked for next week so will see what that brings.

Note to self - need better bra - anyone reccomend sportsbra for 36H???:rolleyes:
PS Thank you to people who have been so kind as to send me "friend" requests I am thrilled to bits - like finally not being chosen last in PE! BUT I don't know what I am doing with them nor how to reciprocate to perhaps someone can explain? help?:o

[jacs205]

Note to self - need better bra - anyone reccomend sportsbra for 36H???:rolleyes:
PS Thank you to people who have been so kind as to send me "friend" requests I am thrilled to bits - like finally not being chosen last in PE! BUT I don't know what I am doing with them nor how to reciprocate to perhaps someone can explain? help?:o

this months horse and rider has a user test on the best bras for support when riding, I've lent it to a friend so can't check if any of them come in your size but the article may be on their website?

[posie]

fantastic thread - and wow, well done for getting through all the previous things to reach where you are now - you have to be proud of yourself!
keep us posted x

[BlackBess]

Many congratulations to you on your return to riding and weight loss. You look absolutely great in the pic - I need to lose weight and get my confidence back riding so you're a fantastic role model.

Ditto what others have said about horses being the best antidepressants - I came off my medication thanks to horses, still have some issues but I'll get there one day with their help.

Go you, onwards and upwards, wishing you fantastic times:D

[Gruntfuttock]

I am a bit late to this as usual, but i am SO glad to see you back in the saddle, flump. I also think you ought to change your name because you do NOT look in the least bit like a flump, you look great and to be perfectly honest, i would not have thought you had a weight problem at all. Rio obviously carries you perfectly happily and you look so happy on her. Six stone is fabulous weight loss, as well - its almost another person!

[Cochise]

Anyway, dismount was my worry and seems I was right to do so. Basically the horn is so big (no smut ladies :p) that you cannot bend forwards at all. God knows how you go under branches? Anyway I had to stand in left stirrup and raise right leg over back trying to keep weight central over pony (not easy when you are out of practise) and then step down leaving left foot still in stirrup. BUT as my right knee frequently fails me I knew it would never meet the challenge of all weight down to ground so asked for a block - which was tiny so was worried about stepping onto it ok.



Actually, the dismount isn't usually English style (taking both feet out of the stirrups and swinging down) for this reason. You're doing right to keep your left foot in the stirrup, but if it's too difficult to step down (is for me, with my gammy knees!), don't feel bad about kicking your left foot free of the stirrup when your right foot is even with your left foot on the left side of the horse. Drop to the ground from there. Just be careful to hold yourself up on your left foot a bit and be careful to not snag the under wire of your bra on the saddle horn! :eek: Plus, if you're wearing a belt, also be aware. I snapped mine in January because it got caught over the horn when I had to make a hasty dismount to grab a loose horse!:o

[Midnight Rose]

I was expecting some giant huge person squelching out over the sides of the pony! I was a bit disappointed! You look too thin for all that build up. You really are being too hard on yourself.

Go to bravissmo and see what they can sort you out with bra wise. If they can't help you the ladies that work there are lovely and will probably be able to point you in the right direction.

I have E cup boobs, so I feel a bit of your pain (literally!)

[Joyscarer]

I was expecting some giant huge person squelching out over the sides of the pony!

Ah, then you'll be looking forward to the pics of the NR mini meet hack at the end of the month. :D

I have weight to lose before I go so I am under the weight limit :eek:

[Ruskii]

I was expecting some giant huge person squelching out over the sides of the pony!
Ah, then you'll be looking forward to the pics of the NR mini meet hack at the end of the month. :D
PMSL me = prime candidate :D
I have weight to lose before I go so I am under the weight limit :eek:
Ditto - fortunately it's only a few pounds which I know I will most definately shift in time :o :rolleyes:

[rattysgirl]

Well done for getting back in the saddle!! I was expecting to this this very fat lady sitting on a horse.... didn't see one! I think you are a bit harsh on yourself!!

Good luck for the future!!
x

[laura jeanne]

Flump, I'm so glad you are back to riding. You look great on a horse!!

Last picked in gym class?? I have the record. A few years ago, OH and I took our adult kids on a horsey vacation at a dude ranch. One evening there was a baseball game and sides were chosen. I was RELUCTANTLY chosen last. That night I had a bad dream about it and the next morning, Could Not Stop Crying!!! How silly is that, I am in my 50s. :confused: and btw, I smacked the only ball pitched to me :p

[Camyds]

Sorry, must be looking at the wrong pic, no sign of a fatgirl in the one I saw:p

Big well done coming your way, for everything you have conqured and enjoying life to the full :)

[Cazie]

Hi, I have approx 3 stones to loose and just can't find the motivation.. you pretty lady are an inspiration to us all. How proud and confident you look.. well done :)

[Snowyboy]

if you are fat then I need to be put down

well done you, an inspiration to many

can't wait to hear regular updates

[Lucyad]

You look great in the pic - I think your mental body image has got left behind a few stones ago!! Well done on loosing so much weight, and on taking the plunge to get back into the saddle. Hope to hear more from you in the future!

[LindaAd]

You look great in the pic - I think your mental body image has got left behind a few stones ago!! Well done on loosing so much weight, and on taking the plunge to get back into the saddle. Hope to hear more from you in the future!


That's great news, Flump - well done!


You're definitely not fat - certainly not at all what I imagined from your description!

I've ridden Rio too - a couple of years ago, when I'd completely lost my nerve. I found the whole Western thing really relaxing. and a great confidence-builder. Keep it up!

[SmartyJones]

First of all you must change your name to something more positive-I refuse to call you flump:o.Bravo for you for overcoming so much and getting back in the saddle. Your mount looks charming-like a big Thelwell cob! Horses are so therapeutic-they take one's mind's off our problems and we really have to be in the 'now' or else we might be in the mud!:rolleyes:.

As for support bras- I was in dire need of them.As I lose weight, so do 'the girsl' but I still have too much jiggle to ride comfortably. So to keep those 'girls' in place and not in my face, I got the Title Nine Sports Bra, highly recommended on Oprah;). Go to the following web page and you will see "the last resort bra'- thats what I have-and believe me it is the last resort!!;):D. You end up with a bit of a 'uni-boob' look but nothing bounces and I look smaller-chest-wise. You'll have to order overseas or maybe some of your sportswear stores carry them I bought mine in a tennis store. Not cheap- $70 but you only need one.
Best of luck-let us know how you progress.

www.titlenine.com/jump.jsp?itemID=676&itemType=CATEGORY&iMainCat=674&iSubCat=676&page=3

[landcruiser]

I really enjoyed this thread - I was quite moved by your original posting, I felt you used humour to hide a lot of hurt...
I sounds like you have picked yourself up from a very low place, given yourself a great big shake and are GOING FOR IT! Fantatic!

You really look good on the little coloured cob, she isn't squashed at all. I understand how irritating it can be when people say you look fine, you don't need to lose any more, and YOU know you have a bit more to go until you are happy with it (been there, got the T shirt). Riding can only help, returning to it recently has certainly helped me keep it off, and toned up some of my previous flab!

I'm going to be riding my new horse western, as he was trained in Uraguy and doesn't speak english;) I must say the lack of knee rolls on my new saddle is a bit unsettling as I tend to grip with my knees/thighs in the canter - good job that high horn is there as I'm slopping around all over the place at the mo. I nearly ended up round his neck yesterday - I'm sure I'll get used to it at some point.....

Anyway, well done again, and please try to stop doing yourself down. You have come through a lot of hard times, achieved a huge weight loss, and come up fighting. Lookin' good girl!!!!

[Cazie]

Haha.. Smarty That bra looks like my body protector lol.. I'm a 40DD and they stay put in that as well :D

[cazrider]

Hey Flump, good to see you back.:) I'm late to this, but great to hear you're back in the saddle (can't see your photo due to work filtering policy:rolleyes:) ) well done on losing all that weight.

[Tatooed Lady]

A couple of things that work for me:

1) Dismounting with a Western saddle...keep left foot in stirrup until you've cleared horse's butt with right leg, lean over horse and kick left foot free, slide down...left hand on saddle horn, right on cantle to control rate of descent. Be careful of zippers, buttons, etc. I've scratched my saddle a bit with my jacket zipper.

2) Bra for the boobagely gifted...I wear my "normal" everyday bra (decent support but nothing to write home about) along with a cheap sports type bra over it. The sports bras tend to be pretty snug fitting, and work pretty well as "helper support". On their own, they stink, IMO. Otherwise, get a roll of duct tape and a friend to help strap your girls down. ;)

[*Sez*]

Yay! How did I miss this until now?
You're looking great :D and I'm pleased to read that you're back in the saddle. Keep up the good work!

To approve friendship requests, you just need to click on the bit where it tells you that you have new requests, and it takes you to your "Friends & Contacts" page of your profile. Towards the bottom of the page are your new requests. Either tick the ones you want, or click "select all" and "save" :D

[Abserd]

Ya know? horses really are the best medicine! I'm so glad to see your thread, it gives me hope too. And you look terrific in your photo........enjoy your hack :D

ETA: SmartyJones....i'm pretty sure i'm wearing a 'Last Resort Bra' myself ;)

[Gasbag]

You look great, but I know now after this thread that ther's no way I'm gonna post a piccy of me if you think you're fat :o

Although I am now inspired to aim high for that new Olympic Sport * Pony Squashing * Can I get done from RSPCA? :p

[popdog]

Woo-hoo, what a fantastic thread. So pleased to see you back in the saddle again, and having fun.

I'd let you come and squish my pony anytime - you look great :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[SmartyJones]

I'm totally giggling every time I hear this phrase. New verb for me to try with my senior rider buddies-"Are you up for squashing the ponies today?"

When my daughters were in pony club-we use to call them 'clubbers'-their out clubbing the ponies.....

Between 'Clubbing' and 'squashing', PETA would have a field day with us..:D

Flump-You have a great sense of humour....;)