I sat on my pony tonight, first time in 3 years, because I lost 7 stones.

[~Perdita.M~]

Arrgh, sorry the title is rather clunky. And I wasn't sure where to put this...so came to hide out in the matures as I am still very ashamed of the before photos...I thought I might have some more sympathy down here and not among the lithe young teens! I have absolutely tonnes of photos, I am sorry but I am so pleased with them all.

I have owned Sham for three years in august and have never ridden him, not even sat on him, because I was too heavy. Very heavy! I had post natal depression I think after my last child and that started me off, although I was always prone to being eating disordered (isn't just anorexia and bulimia, the most common ED is coe, or compulsive over eating) Anyway, I used food to cope and ended up obese and very miserable. Sham came into my life and now life was worth living again as I had him to look after, but still I didn't deal with the food. Well I tried. I mean I tried and failed all the diets. I had my children on him on lead rein, friends occasionally rode, and I even sent him away on loan for a couple of months but I missed him so dreadfully and he soon came back.

This year I vowed that it all had to change and that I WOULD be riding him myself. And so....I started this diet on 21st of january and have now lost seven stones in weight.

Tonight, I had a little sit on my baby, and it was the most magical night I have ever had. I am also an incredibly nervous rider ( Sham maybe isnt ideal for me!) so I also had that to overcome and I shan't pretend I wasn't feeling quite sick and shaky! But that's the first step...and we shall continue onwards together now, a proper partnership. I would like to share some photos with you from tonight, and at the end I shall ad the before pics - yeuch. It is very hard for me to do that....but I think I should.

So first of all we have some grooming photos....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/groom.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/groom2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/groom3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/7768e3a1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/34a7696c.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/cc71a70e.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/8d83813f.jpg

Plenty more to come.........

[bexj]

I'm going to wait until you've posted the rest.....:D

[~Perdita.M~]

And now getting ready to ride...collecting my hat and starting to feel sick:eek:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/cede84a6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/0d5c2904.jpg

And then I was up!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/2aa7e9ea.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/8e509401.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/wandering.jpg

And thank you, you beautiful little pony!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/3c2cb45a.jpg

Wandering away with a Shamrock dusty butt

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/after.jpg

More to come!

[VickiGG]

you and your horse both look wonderful! Wow - that's alot of weight to lose in just 6 months - well done!!

I started riding after I finally lost 20kgs (for the last time) three years ago and have never looked back - the riding helps me keep the weight stable and I don't even have time to think about food anymore - let alone worry about it. :)

Wouldn't have been able to get on a horse before that - I would have felt too guilty (poor horse) and also I don't think I physically would have been able to 'get on'. :)

Congratulations - you must feel very proud. He looks very pleased to be with you. Keep us updated.

[~Perdita.M~]

Then I had a few cuddles with my little Angel pony........

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/a6edfbb2.jpg

And we shared a joke or two:D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/9b2e8f70.jpg

And then I bought my OH some goodies ( of his taste!:rolleyes: ) on the way home to say thanks for being photographer and helping me when I thought I might puke:p

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/8105ad34.jpg

Ok.....just the before shots to come:o

[~Perdita.M~]

Ok.........so here are the horrible ones! :( I will never, ever, go back there again. Not now I have the best reason in the world anyway:)

Love the way Sham and I have matching bellys in this...we both suffer compulsive over eating disorder, match made in heaven!:D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/approx15stones.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/fenellamaxwell/Weightloss/15stonesummer.jpg

There, that's it from me really. I just feel so proud of us and wanted to share with you all, why there have never been and perdita+shamrock ridden photos before:o

[Whatanejit]

Wow! You look absolutely stunning!

I bet you did too when you were heavier and remember you are still the same gorgeous person inside but you have just got out of the negative rut and moving on again from the low time.

I've read a lot of your posts and I hope this doesn't sound patronising but I am soooo proud of you.

Wow!!!

xx

Dee

[macster]

Sham & Angel both look lovely.

Woww what a difference in you too !!!

Congratulations on losing that amount of weight in such a short time.
Well done.

[Sarah-B]

OMG, hun - you should be soooooo proud!!

How did you do it? I look like you did in your "before" pics so I'd REALLY like to know your secret!!

[VickiGG]

Well done again - and remember you are slim now!

That's one thing I keep having to remind myself - that I am not overweight anymore. It's really hard to accept and believe - until you see photos and go - wow - :)

OMG - riding bareback for first time in three years - you are brave. So brave. Congratulations and well done. Such an achievement

[Crazyhorse]

Wow, you look amazing! Well done you. Best of all, you look soooooo happy! Good luck:D

[Morganna]

Just wanted to say bloody well done for losing all that weight - its cant have been easy and you should be so proud of yourself and you look fantastic :D

Well done for getting back on too:)

[Little Dolphins]

You got on for the first time in three years- BAREBACK!!! (falls on floor with admiration)

Yes, you do look absolutely fab! Stop there, tho', don't go thinner or you'll be too tiny. Now you can be fit and happy. Well done for posting the "before pics"; can't have been easy for you.

In both sets of photos, the love you feel for your pony shines out
:)

[neen]

Wow Perdita -- you look FAN-TASTIC. Respect to you, that must have been a really tough 6 months. Ah, but so worth it, Sham looks lovely.

(Good to see you killing 2 birds with one stone there and joining the nervous nellies' bareback club at the same time! :D )

[Em 1]

Really well done Perdita and thank you! I am overweight and was doing really well on my diet until the last week or so when I have lost motivation. Seeing how well you have done has spurred me into having another go:)

Happy riding :D

[~Perdita.M~]

Thank you all so much for the really lovely comments, it means so much and now the grin I already had is getting quite painfully face splitting:D

Sarah-B - the diet I am on is Cambridge. I think it's wonderful and I have applied to become a cambridge counsellor myself in the autumn so that I can help other people do the same, it has been life changing!

The bareback was a mistake:o I had forgotten quite how slippery they are, and my balance was really rubbish so I felt rather unstable to say the least! I don't know why I did it....well, I do, becuase I am waiting for my girth, leathers and numnah to come! But I really fancied just hopping on bareback anyway. I have a bit of a phobia of slipping saddles etc, daft really! So I sort of assumed It would be less to worry about if he was nekkid:D Would definitely prefer the stability of a saddle for next time though!:o

[LMS]

Perdita WOW!!! What a transformation!

I bet you feel like you're on cloud nine! (And you should really!)

You now look so much more radiant. I bet you get second glances now because men find you quite pleasing on the eyes and women envying you!

I too suffered from post partum depression which was agravated into a major depression with the help of my in-laws.

I went from a petite 107lbs (I'm 5'1") to a ballooning 165lbs+. I say plus because I stopped getting on the scale at that weight. I'm sure I was close to 170lbs. So that's what from 7.6 stones to 12 stones?

Recently I've finally been able to lose half of it. So I'm at 136lbs (9.7 stones)

So again congrats!

[BeachRiding]

Well done! Your a inspiration! and don't worry, not all teens are bad, I am 15!
I too have been struggling with a weight problem, and your success has stopped me from eating the hamburger I was about to dig into..gave it to my dog instead!

[Dina]

Wow!Perdita you are looking great!Well done,that is a really great achievement:)
Well done for getting on Sham as well,he is looking as gorgeous as ever:Dand Angel is looking lovely:)

[Alle]

You look fantastic! Good for you...you should be so proud of yourself. I know how difficult it can...I am always fighting off the weight. Well done! Your pony is adorable too! :)

[bexj]

I don't know which achievement to congratulate you on more - both are totally incredible. I lost 31/2 stone a few years ago, so I know how tough it can be. Unfortunately, I have nearly 3 of those back again.

I can't believe for your first ride on your horse in 3 years, you just hopped up bareback! You look very happy together, and there is obviously a great bond between you.

You are an inspiration Perdita, and "well done" doesn't really convey much really! Thank you for sharing these with us:D

[Tizer]

All credit to you and well done, you are a stunningly beautiful woman with a lovely horse to match. Get out there and have FUN.

[Bay Mare]

WOW! Well done, the transformation is just stunning. You look YEARS younger. Well done you :D Now you can enjoy your pony to the full and you are SO brave getting on bareback after all this time. Nervous nellie? Pah :rolleyes: I'm not having any of it :)

[domane]

Congratulations.... fantastic achievement - you should be VERY proud of yourself... 7 stones - wow! I bet you have more energy now..??

Lovely pics.

[Peanut]

You look absolutely fantastic - isn't it wonderful what an inspiration an animal can be. Seriously well done to you. :D

[molly1973jade]

What a transformation you look fantastic. You should be very proud of yourself!!!!
WELL DONE:D

[RustyMary]

What an inspiring story - thank so much for sharing in such a honest way. Be really really proud of yourself, what an achievement, and what a lovely relationship you have with Sham :)

[Arabmare]

Wow! I am gob smacked! I can hardly recognise you! You look gorgeous!!!! Well done I'm so proud of you. I'm so glad my boy went to a good home like yours. We all miss him so much but its worth to see how dedicated you are to him. I wish you both the best of luck. We must hire a box out one day and ride on the beach yeah?? When am i coming to see you???

I had a dream last night. (i didn't know you were going to ride him yesterday!) You took Sham to my field for a while and were going to ride him for the first time with me on Shantih. Felt so real! It ended up me trying to catch jaz but she wouldn't let me!! But you were riding Sham and I felt like crying! How did I know you had done it that night?? Weird!


so proud :-* :-*

[Guest]

Wow, you look amazing now, I wish I had the willpower to lose some weight.

Just think of all the happy days riding you have ahead of you now.

[Tangle]

You look absolutely amazing and Sham looks so happy :D. You've every right to be very proud :D

[Cochise]

And she did it bareback!
So proud of you Tara, you look fabulous! :)

[amandal]

Tara you're amazing, first time riding him in years and you get on bareback, you inspire me.

I need to get back on Ziz (with saddle) and keep wimping out. Plus years ago I lost 6 stone to go from 13 to 7 stone in about 6 months, because I've totally let the healthy diet thing go and didn't do it that healthily anyway I'm now at least 3 stone overweight again so I'm inspired to lose that flab too.

Congratulations and can't wait for loads of photos of you and Sham :D

[ANN H]

Well done, that's fantastic. You and the horses all look great. You've spurred me on to do something about my jelly belly!!!

[l7oopys]

WOW!!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:
YOU LOOK SO GREAT!!!!!!!

Well done you!!!
Thats fantastic!!! You truely are an inspiration to others!!!

Hopw you nd your pony have loads of fun!!!:D :D :D

[Skib]

Perdita, This is a really good story - not just your resolution to lose weight (congratulations) and have the benefit now. Lovely pics of you riding bareback.

But that you got through post natal depression too. As a fellow sufferer after my kids were born, I can only say how glad I am for you. And how helpful to have you point out that the depression and over-eating go together.
My GP said if one can control the weight, that controls one's mood. I am not entirely sure of that. But riding and horses are a real antidote.

I hope your post and pics will encourage everyone. And that you'll stay well, weather the inevitable ups and downs, and keep posting. I am so envious of those lovely pictures.

PS Perdita and Sham your story makes me wonder - Because riding counteracts my depression and it 's kept my weight pretty stable too, I am puzzled why it doesnt have that effect on everyone? Why are there posts from people who have horses for whom it doesnt work like that?

Important question really, because when I think of the cost of riding, I think how much cheaper it is than therapies, health care etc.

[~Perdita.M~]

You are all wonderful thank you. Being so big for so long has left me with very low self esteem, and you have all set me up for a great day, even though it's raining!:D I do feel so, so much better. I can even run! LOL:D Its also really touching to hear that others are going, or have been through similar things. Trouble with it on here is, you tend to assume everyone else is perfect and feel quite alone with it sometimes..if anyone ever feels like that I am always here to listen:)

[chickflick1066]

Tara, you're not riding Sham are ya? :D

Good luck, whatever you're doing ;)
WELL DONE :D

I am so proud of you! You've done fantastically. And Sham is looking rather sexy ;)

[breeches]

you are an inspiration to all, you must have amazing will power and courage. congratulations. i lost 3 1/2 stone last year to enable me to ride, that was hard but 7 stone is amazing.

Great photos, and some good lookers to:D

[ambatt]

I am sooooooo proud of you mate - well done.

You are truly my inspiration.

[~Perdita.M~]

Thank you!!:D

[Clare-22]

Wow congratulations you look fantastic! I am in awe of your will power and determination! Hope you and Sham have lots of fun once your girth arrives :D

[Est]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You look AMAZING, what an achievement! And I can't believe you went bareback first time back on! :eek: You're really brave. The photos are lovely, Sham is just so gorgeous. You'll be fine together, what a fantastic partnership :D Well chuffed for you :D

[vciky]

7 stone??? My god - thats a whole PERSON:eek: :eek: You should be VERY proud of yourself that is such an achievment:D :D And riding bareback!! Go Girl - you ROCK;)

[chev]

Tara, you are just amazing! That is a fantastic achievement, and it's lovely to see the grin on your face. :D :D

Here's hoping you and Sham have many many more rides together :D

Well done really doesn't cover it!

[Mehitabel]

good for you! you look great, and you and sham really suit each other.

[Gill]

What a fab story, well done. Enjoy your lovely pony.

[Quest]

WOW that's amazing!!!!

I need to lose about 5 stone (minimum) before I can even think about backing Murphy next year and have been getting quite down about it as it seemed an impossible task (doesnt help having a skinny husband that can eat anything he likes without putting on a pound - I only LOOK at what HE is eating and gain:mad: )

Now thanks to your post I know it can be done and hopefully in twelve months time I will be posting pictures of the new slimline me on Murphy looking as happy as you do :D

[Ruskii]

:D :D You look a completely different person !! You look FANTASTIC :D :D

What's your secret ??? I need to shift some weight (to embarrassed to say how much :o ) and it's the main reason why I dont ride at the moment, I saw your reply to Sarah-B's post about Cambridge ? What's that ? Can you pm me with the details.

You've given me a lot of inspiration from your pics and you look fab, you should be really proud of your self !!! :D :D :D

[Ruskii]

WOW that's amazing!!!!

I need to lose about 5 stone (minimum) before I can even think about backing Murphy next year and have been getting quite down about it as it seemed an impossible task (doesnt help having a skinny husband that can eat anything he likes without putting on a pound - I only LOOK at what HE is eating and gain:mad: )

I have one of those :mad:

The other day when he was getting dressed he pointed at his tummy and said 'I'm getting a bit fat' .... his waist is 30" !!! :mad:

I didnt speak to him for an hour :rolleyes: :D

[*Sez*]

Wow! You are truely stunning, and you look years younger :D Well done doesn't quite cut it, but WELL DONE!! ;) I can't believe you're the same person!
Sham looks lovely, and you look so happy on him.

I need to lose a rather significant amount of weight, so I will be looking at the Cambridge diet! :) Perhaps you'd like to play counsellor to me in the Autumn?? :D

[DITZ]

Well done you look fantastic.

The Cambridge Diet? Is that the same Cambridge Diet that came out in the late 80's that consisted mostly of packet soups?

[iluvpin]

WOW

CONGRATULATIONS!!

you look AMAZING and you look so much younger now. you must feel so proud.
i cant believe you lost that much weight in just 6months :eek: it just shows that if you want something bad enough you can make it happen.
i think you weight loss is amazing and i my self am only a teen (18). you look fab. and i cant believe you got on BAREBACK aswell. WELL DONE YOU.

lozzie an pinxx

[Harvey99]

Georgeous...................... and Sham looks lovely too...................;)

7 stone since January is amazing. You are an inspiration to many. You should be so proud of yourself; losing weight, getting fit and healthy, riding bareback :eek: , and obviously feeling good about yourself for the first time in a while, as well as being so brave to show us the photos of yourself that you don't like...........................

Enjoy it love - you deserve it :)

[Dummer&Drummer]

absolutely well done girl :)

[Bozzy]

Wow, what a transformation, you look fantastic :) A huge well done in what you have achieved :D

[teabiscuit]

you look stunning-well done
lovely horses too
xxx

[nutkin]

wow you look totally fantastic.You should feel very proud of such a huge achievement and well done for getting back on a horse again.

[amandal]

Tara - OH saw and said "wow, she's a babe", I then showed him your before pics and he is totally amazed at what you've done. He lost 4 stone a few years ago by going to the gym constantly and eating a no fat diet, he knows how hard it is and wanted me to tell you congratulations from him.

[Libbyo]

WELL DONE. You both look fab. Enjoy your new found life.

Libbyo :)

[crinks]

Can only echo what everyone else has said BLOODY WELL DONE! You look WONDERFUL ! And a big hug for you as well, its inspired me to keep going to lose the final couple of stones that have to go! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Thanks

[Denbenj]

Wow Well done to you, You look like a different person.!! But mainly so much healthier and happier.. you are just beaming when you where riding.. You are certainley an insperation to many how you have over come so many problems and fears to..round of applause!

Lenny x

[capalldubh]

What a lovely story! You both look so happy in the pictures, I can see you've been through lots together and have a great relationship :)

[Jenni]

My goodness !! you just do not look liek the same person.

You look wonderful, very very well done :D

[~Perdita.M~]

My grin is truely making my face ache now:D I am going to print this thread out soon and keep it, so that if ever I feel like returning to my old ways I can look at it to see all the lovely things you have all said and keep me motivated, I cannot say thank you enough, it really does mean so much and now I feel all blubbery:o

Cambridge is the diet that came out in the 80's with packet soups yes:D It is now muchly improved with a wide variety of shakes, soups, cartons and chocolate type bars, and you can actually make things out of some of the ingredients such as crisps, mousses, icecream and muffins so it doesn't get too boring. The website http://www.cambridge-diet.com/ should contain all the info anyone needs and also where to find your nearest counsellor if you are interested in trying it yourself. If you need a break from food to take a step back and sort your head out, it really is ideal. :)

[joey_olop]

Aw gorgeous piccies-well done:)

[Lucyad]

Wow, well done! You look absolutely great! Looking forward to hearing how you get on with tack - that was very brave to just get on bareback for the first time!

What a lovely storey, and very inspiring.

[horsey1]

WOW :eek: :D :D :D You look wonderful :D what an amazing acheivement:D

As another fellow sufferer of PND, I look at your photo's and there must be light at the end of the tunnel for me too :) and like thats why I bought my beautiful boy and tbh I prob would not be here without him:o

I am now off to click your link;) thanks:)

[Peace]

Wow. Perdita, you are my new inspiration.:) And I need one ATM, my confidence being at a rather low ebb since my YO told me she doesn't think I'll be able to manage Quanah on my own and shouldn't move him home to my farm.:(

But looking at your pics, I realized that you bought a horse despite being unable to ride him. And then you had the persistence and courage to transform yourself into a person who could ride her horse. I think you must have had tremendous faith in yourself - which has obviously been fulfilled.:)

I am now adding you at the top of my "if she can do it so can I" list.:) Thanks so much for posting your story. And BTW - what a pretty girl you are!

[~Perdita.M~]

Thats it Peace, you go for it:) I still can't ride him to be honest, I'm rubbish and so rusty. The next thing for me is lessons at a school, and in time, lessons on him...they are the next steps forward for us. Break it down into seperate goals and work how how you will attack each one:)

[ShariN]

Wow, that is a major big change and an outstanding acheivement!
Loved all the photos,, and you look very happy!
Heres to all the future rides you will have!!:D

[Tanyajayne]

Well done I think your willpower is amazing.

[Wally]

What can I say? It's all been said, well done indeed, you look terrific.

Maybe I could look that good.......Pigs ear and silk purse spring to mind!!!!

Well done.

[Cool Rider]

Fantastic Pictures
You look so pretty in the after pictures I really can't believe its the same person you look great

[martini55]

Wow! Congratulations, you are looking fantastic :D

[old_mare]

My god, what a pretty pair you make together! well done you - that's a tremendous achievement and what a great carrot you had to help you reach your target. I hope you get to enjoy yourself as much as you deserve wtih your gorgeous ponies and WOW i'm impressed!

[holiday]

Perdita you look fantastic and absolutely gorgeous!!!!!! Well done you i hope you now feel more confident and keep that. Crack on and lets see some pictures of you riding confidently looking as stunning as you do. I think you were really brave putting on the photos before and i hope you know we are all very proud of you!!!!!!!

[Colorado Sunset]

Wow, you look literally 10/15 years younger! Really, really, really well done :) It must have felt amazing to finally do the thing you have been dreaming of for so long. :)

Jo

[HairyCob]

Bloody hell Tara, don't take this the wrong way but you are absolutely gorgeous!

Your pretty features shine through in the 'before' photos, but 'dazzlingly attractive' springs to mind in the after ones:D

Well done you, and congratulations on the riding too... Sham is looking stunning as usual:D

[nelle]

I can only repeat what others have already said - you look absolutely amazing and your hubbie has taken some lovely shots of you and Sham.

Well done girl!

[*carrie*]

:eek: WOW You truly are a beautiful lady! What strength you have to get out the other side of depression with such a beautiful figure and positive attitude. You really are an inspiration to many (myself included).

The transformation is amazing and you must be so proud of yourself!

Good luck with your pony and I hope you enjoy many rides together! :D

[katieB]

I have had to wait till I got home from work to see these pics and im absolutely speechless, well done doesnt even begin to cover it. What a great idea to become a counsellor, im sure you will be a huge inspiration to others. Big congratulating hugs :)

[Berry]

Brilliant thread. I can see your personality really shining through in both sets of photos but it's in the first ones that it all seems to come together if that makes sense. I know it's been said before but you look stunning, lovely figure and so tanned as well, grr...how did you manage that? :p

[*Shamrockmad*]

OMG like i keep saying to you when we speak I'm soooo very proud of you!!:D You havent given up & you've remained sooo determend through it for the love & joy of a special pony of yours!!That is truely remarkable!!& i mean it!:D Like arabmare said i am soooo happy he went to a great remarkable home like you have given him!!It means the world to me that you've kept intouch with me regularly & keep me updated of both of your progress & i enjoy hearing about it & seeing the photos of your days too so thank you so much again & for taking care of the special pony miss him loads but takes a real load off my mind & i'm sooo happy he's with you!You both deserve each other as you are both truely great!!Hope to see the gorg ponies of yours soon!
thank you once again cant wait to see more pics!!
*+* C *+*
XxXxX

[Tootsie4U]

Perdita - I must admit, I'll be expecting to see you on one of those 'before and after' shows one day because you change is astounding! You are a beautiful lady, inside and out, but you are one hot momma in these after pics!

If I were you, I'd blow up that "...And thank you, you beautiful little pony! " photo, frame it, and hang it on your trophy wall! You look like you've been riding Sham every day of your life. If you were nervous, it doesn't show! You two look perfect!

Many many congrats!

[palmerlover52]

:eek:!!! Well done!!!
You look stunning and your success will be all the better for having lovely sham to ride!!

[bebophutch]

I really don't know what to say to you Tara, Apart from I am so proud of you. I have listened and waited for these pictures, and like everyone says you look stunning. You really are beautiful and so is Shamrock! You are dedicated and so determined!

You have stood by me through everything, i don't know how I would of got through life without you! You listen to me rabit on EVERY night, no words can show how much I appreciate and Admire you, but you are my inspiration and I hope one day I can be happy and as beautiful as you!

Well done :)

[Sooty]

My God, Perdita - what an amazing transformation - well done! I am stunned. You look absolutely gorgeous (and of course so does Shamrock :) ) .... and bet hubby is rather pleased too ;)

[Exmoorlover]

Wow!!! you look absolutely fantastic :D I wouldn't even have recognised you as the same person from your before pics! and Shamrock is so lovely :D :)
You should feel very very proud of yourself :D :D

[poohsmate]

well done perdita, you must be so proud:)
and i have to agree with everyone you do look gorgeous:D :D
good luck with the riding:)

[fitz]

Well done! That is an amazing achievement. I think losing weight like that must be one of the most difficult things anyone can do.. 7 stone is heaps in 6 months though..

[Lora]

Well done you! What the heck did you do? :) You look beautiful wtih your pony and I'm so happy to see that.

This is what nonhorse owners need to see/hear about when we talk about what our horses "give" us! Some folks just don't get it.

[colettybetty]

well, everyone's said it all, but just have to add my admiration too.You look totally amazing !! I'm gobsmacked- what a fantastic figure you have ! Best of all though, is how the relationship between you and your pony shines through in the pics. Don't even think about not being a brilliant rider( tho you look fine to me )- bet he'd rather have you on his back than anyone else . Well done you ! what an inspiration:D

[~Perdita.M~]

Funny isn't it. As lovely and new as they are, comments about me being attractive don't make me well up as much as the ones about me and Sham and our relationship do:o He hates me currently though as I keep putting sunblock on and fly cream and fly mask:D ;)

Thank you all so much again, you don't know how much it has all meant to me:) :o

[Purple Hugs]

OMG!!! you look soooooo different!
Well done you! :D

I'm off to research the cambridge diet... ;) seriously!

Enjoy your new found slim self! :D

[LizH]

Fantastic - what an inspiration. You can't beat a horse for motivation can you:D and you both look so contented together:p

[horsemadmandy]

I think you have done soo well and look 10 years younger and stunning. Your pony is stunning too. I have only admiration for you as I lost weight and my main aim was to be light enough to ride. However I was aiming for a big 16.3 horse so after a few stone my dream came true. I would love to hear more about the Cambridge diet as I need to lose the next 3 stone as we have recently taken up jumping and I need to lose that weight. You are an inspiration and you must feel so proud. Well done:) :) Please can you give me more info on the diet. Mandy.

[cazrider]

I know I'm very late in reading this thread, but wow, wow and double wow!:D How proud should you be... Absolutely fantastic. Very very well done. Lovely photos of you riding your lovely pony.:D

[shakey rider]

I don't know who is more beautiful - you or the horse!!!!!
Very well done on losing the weight.
You really look like you are glowing!!!

My husband is really overweight and I would love him to come riding with me one day, you have given me hope that this will happen one day - thanks:)

[c2b]

I want a bum that looks like that please.....

[oldbushy]

Congradulations both you and your horse look sensational. It is exilarating to sit on a horse and cuddle and smell them isn't it. Don't be embarrassed by the teens they are so accepting, supportive and friendly and can be so very funny sometimes all the best Oldbushy

[coverblown]

beautiful woman
beautiful horse

and such an inspiring story. Many many thanks

Anne

[Mary Poppins]

Firstly I think that it is wonderful that you kept a horse that you couldn't ride for 3 years because you loved him so much - most people would have sold him. Your horse is obviously a true friend and lucky to have found you.

Secondly, your weight loss is an inspiration to us all. The change is really such a transformation and I could barely recognise you as the same person. So many of us struggle with our weight (me included) and sometimes it seems that we are fighting a losing battle. It was very brave of you to post the before pictures and I think that you have given everyone who is trying to lose weight a huge motivational boost.

[Zingy]

You go girl :D You look amazing and if you can do that and a bareback ride after all that time there'll be no stopping you :D :D

[hoofhearted]

That is amazing Perdita:) . Haven't read all the posts on your thread but just want to say well done and thanks for sharing - you're a true inspiration.

You're ponies are beautiful too of course!

[chapsi]

Perdita, I couldn't prevent myself from adding something too.

You were like the fat worm that left the coccoon and turned into a stunning butterfly.
Horses are wonderful, magical, just as angels, as you say, in the way that they touch our lives.

It's absolutely remarcable what you achieved in such a short time. There are no words to express my admiration for you!!!!!!!! :o You look absolutely fab!



Please don't bring yourself down on this score. You have a unique, intimate partnership going with your angel pony, enough for you to seat bareback on him in a open field. How many of us would do so? I wouldn't.
If you recall, I bought a young stallion a few months ago, totally unsuitable for a nervous rider with confidence and fear issues. But I felt he was my ideal horse in many ways. He has been under re-training with a good trainer and in the meantime, I have been having lessons with same trainer. Guess what? I started to ride him a couple of weeks ago, it's getting better and I've started to canter my fizzy little unicorn!:eek:

All this to say, you MUST believe you can do it. Your horse will be there to help you, as mine does.
My little boy listens and works his heart to please me under saddle.

For the next few months, you'll achieve more and more with your boy.:D

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You are truly inspirational!

[MeMe]

One word Perdita WOW, you look fantastic and well done :)

[jenren!!]

You look stunning. I am so amazed that you lost all that weight in such a short amount of time - well done you! Im sure you feel so much better about yourself now.

Im a skinny minnie, always have been, so i wouldnt know what it's like to diet but i know its hard to stick to them and you obviously have - and it shows!

Jenny xx

[kyanya]

I've only just found this but I don't think it's too late to add my most heartfelt congratulations!

I can sense that the massive smile on your face is only the tip of the iceberg. I can barely imagine the massive sense of pride, achievement and sheer happiness you must feel, and your smile clearly shows it. You deserve the most enormous well done, and I think Sham might just be giving you that, hopefully over the years to come.

You and Sham look great together. I still remember when you got him, and I can't believe that was three years ago! I was a fully-fledged member of his fan club back when Arabmare had him and I still am - I've always thought he looks like the most fantastic little chap. He looks so happy and content with you and I don't think he'd want to ask for a better mummy, and if he did he wouldn't find one :) You two are very lucky to have each other and now you can both enjoy riding as well :D

Have his numnah and girth come yet? Can't wait for more piccies of you on board! :D

[FRED]

:) Well done T and you look so much like the lead singer in the Irish band I think.
I have lost 10 lbs as I get ready for the Sheriffs ride in September,but my family can't understand where the weights gone from,that's the thing about wearing baggy jumpers:rolleyes: now my jeans are all too baggy:rolleyes: