If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, then you already know that I went to my first Dressage show this weekend! I had an amazing experience and actually came in 4th place (out of 7 riders) for my test. Here is the video from my ride.
Showing posts with label Exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Exercise. Show all posts
April 25, 2012
My First Dressage Show!
If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, then you already know that I went to my first Dressage show this weekend! I had an amazing experience and actually came in 4th place (out of 7 riders) for my test. Here is the video from my ride.
May 8, 2011
Riding Update: 6 Months of Lessons
I'm posting this video here for my mom because she's having a hard time finding it on YouTube. This is after 6 months of riding lessons. Enjoy Mommy!
February 19, 2011
Q&A: Horseback Riding
A few people have asked me to share about my horseback riding lessons. So I hope this is helpful.
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| My first time on/around horses. May 2008 |
What got you started?
The first time I ever rode a horse was for my birthday in 2008. It was a little intimidating at first because horses are such massive, albeit majestic, creatures. We took a private ride and our guide let us canter and gallop. I loved it! The thrill of riding is like nothing else, I honestly felt like I was flying. The day after this ride, I was so sore - my abs especially. I knew that riding would be a fun way to exercise, so I decided to take lessons.
Lessons?
I was busy planning my wedding, so I didn't take lessons right away. After our wedding and getting settled after we moved, I researched riding lessons in my area. Horseback riding can be a very expensive, yet rewarding sport to participate in. Since I live in a rural area, the rate ranged from $25 - $45 for group lessons, or $30 - $55 for private lessons. The length of the lesson can range from 30 minutes to 1 hour. I needed to have flexibility with my lesson schedule, so I opted for private 1 hour lessons.
January 30, 2011
Wigs and Working Out
Now that my winter wig regimen is in full swing, I've had to decide how to wear my hair when I exercise. I'll share what I do and then I'll offer some alternative suggestions.
For ballet class: I remove the wig, unbraid the cornrows, and put my hair in a high bun. Last winter, I actually wore my wig to ballet class, but I've changed my routine because the old wig was synthetic and this wig is 100% human hair. Human hair wigs (like real human hair) will hold odors from sweating.
For horseback riding: I remove the wig, unbraid the cornrows, and put my hair in a low bun. I always wear a helmet when I go riding and I would be hard pressed to fit my cornrowed hair under a helmet. I'd rather not get a headache from the helmet squeezing the wig, my cornrows, and my head.
Fortunately, my ballet class is on Thursdays and I go riding on Fridays and Sundays. So after I remove the cornrows on Thursday, I do a few plaits instead of re-cornrowing my hair. I'm still able to fit my real hair under the wig. I then wash my hair on Sunday night, cornrow, and restart the process.
For ballet class: I remove the wig, unbraid the cornrows, and put my hair in a high bun. Last winter, I actually wore my wig to ballet class, but I've changed my routine because the old wig was synthetic and this wig is 100% human hair. Human hair wigs (like real human hair) will hold odors from sweating.
For horseback riding: I remove the wig, unbraid the cornrows, and put my hair in a low bun. I always wear a helmet when I go riding and I would be hard pressed to fit my cornrowed hair under a helmet. I'd rather not get a headache from the helmet squeezing the wig, my cornrows, and my head.
Fortunately, my ballet class is on Thursdays and I go riding on Fridays and Sundays. So after I remove the cornrows on Thursday, I do a few plaits instead of re-cornrowing my hair. I'm still able to fit my real hair under the wig. I then wash my hair on Sunday night, cornrow, and restart the process.
August 17, 2010
Hair before Health?
Absolutely not!
I know for some women, there is a conflict between looking fabulous and getting sufficient exercise. But that doesn't have to be the case. You can maintain your overall health and grow your hair if you plan properly.
Personally, I find the gym boring, so I prefer to take classes (ballet, horseback riding) or play games (tennis) to get my weekly exercise. Here are my suggestions for protective styling while exercising.
For cardio - Wear your hair in a loose high bun and secure with small claw clips. This is how I wear my hair for ballet classes and tennis. I suggest a loose bun because it will allow your scalp to breathe and the sweat to dry faster. Wait until your scalp has dried before you manipulate your hair. This way you don't get sweat running down the length of your hair.
For helmet activities (bicycling, horseback riding, etc.) - Wear a low ponytail and cover your hair with a silk/satin scarf.
For swimming - Saturate your hair with water and cover with conditioner or shea butter. After you swim, rinse your hair thoroughly and either do a conditioner-only wash or use a gentle shampoo. Swimmers shampoo can be very harsh, so pay attention to how your hair feels after you use it. You may find that its too drying. Also, if you have the option of a salt-water pool instead of a chlorinated pool, opt for the salt water pool.
I think of my hair as an accessory that enhances my appearance. Hair should never be a hindrance to me living my life. If you have an activity that you haven't tried because of your hair, please share it below and I'll try to suggest ways to protect your hair. Health before hair.
I know for some women, there is a conflict between looking fabulous and getting sufficient exercise. But that doesn't have to be the case. You can maintain your overall health and grow your hair if you plan properly.
Personally, I find the gym boring, so I prefer to take classes (ballet, horseback riding) or play games (tennis) to get my weekly exercise. Here are my suggestions for protective styling while exercising.
For cardio - Wear your hair in a loose high bun and secure with small claw clips. This is how I wear my hair for ballet classes and tennis. I suggest a loose bun because it will allow your scalp to breathe and the sweat to dry faster. Wait until your scalp has dried before you manipulate your hair. This way you don't get sweat running down the length of your hair.
For helmet activities (bicycling, horseback riding, etc.) - Wear a low ponytail and cover your hair with a silk/satin scarf.
My hair in a low ponytail, covered with a scarf to protect it from the helmet.
I think of my hair as an accessory that enhances my appearance. Hair should never be a hindrance to me living my life. If you have an activity that you haven't tried because of your hair, please share it below and I'll try to suggest ways to protect your hair. Health before hair.
