Dusting off my riding hat

Some say, if you haven’t ridden a horse for years, it’s just like getting back on a bike. Personally, I think it’s easier.

Growing up in the New Forest, riding both a bike and a horse – not at the same time I hasten to add – were activities I participated in on a regular basis. Living within 150 square miles of ancient woodland and open heathland gave me plenty of opportunity to go cycling and riding whenever possible, breathing in the fresh outdoors and eyeing up the beautiful scenery.

Sometimes I would ride in the paddock – this was the case if it was a windy day or if I hadn’t been riding for a while and wanted to brush up on my skills or learn more advanced techniques. On one memorable occasion, I went horse riding in the paddock with my sister. After donning our riding hats and boots, we rode single file; she on her horse behind me on mine.

Enjoying our leisurely ride around the enclosure, I suddenly heard this ‘thump’ and turned back to see my sister sat on the muddy ground. Turns out, her horse bit my horse’s bum, who then retaliated by kicking him, knocking my sister off in the process. Fortunately, no-one was harmed and I found the incident highly amusing.

At the age of 18 I moved from the New Forest and, now having the ability to drive, relied on my motorised vehicle to get me from A to B. The change in lifestyle meant I didn’t have much need for horse riding or cycling, so I pretty much gave them up.

City living became my new focus as the years went by, but I’m still a country girl at heart and always end up going back to my roots. However, it was only really when I met my – now closest – friend that I gave cycling and horse riding another go – and it wasn’t what I had expected.
Getting back on a bike after ten years wasn’t like they say – it’s not that easy. Every twig, stone and branch I rode over, gave me a dreaded feeling that I was going to come tumbling down to the ground below. Fortunately, after about an hour, I soon picked it up and was ‘flying’ down hills at ridiculous speeds.

Horse riding, however, was a different matter entirely. As soon as I got back on a horse, sitting upright and proud, strolling through the countryside and taking in the scenery, I immediately felt at home.

In fact, it was choosing a secure riding hat that was the most difficult task out of the whole experience. Rummaging through a box of them, trying on every shape and size I could find, it took an age to find one which felt relatively comfortable and fitted correctly. There is no doubt in my mind that, if I took up riding again on a regular basis, I would make sure I buy a riding hat which is safe and secure, guaranteeing comfort and reassurance on every ride.

Johnny Depp may need to practise his riding skills

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few decades, you will have probably heard of Johnny Depp. The famous actor has accomplished many wonderful things during his career, but he may be facing his most difficult challenge yet.
Currently, the celebrity is playing the role of Tonto in the new Hollywood blockbuster ‘The Lone Ranger', but is apparently having some problems during the horse-riding sequences. It has been claimed that Mr Depp wants to do all the stunts himself, but unfortunately, it seems he keeps falling off his mount.
He has suffered so many accidents that the film's producers are reportedly concerned his tailbone may eventually sustain permanent damage.
Horse riding is a difficult skill to master, but – much like all activities – it just requires practice. Fingers crossed that Mr Depp has been provided with appropriate equestrian clothing, such as a riding hat, in order to prevent him from developing further injuries.
The Lone Ranger should be released later this year and, personally, I'm looking forward to seeing Mr Depp's riding skills on the big screen.
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Horse riding could help internet addicts

The internet is truly a wonderful thing isn't it? Just imagine, if this technology did not exist, you would be unable to view this blog. In fact, none of these articles would ever get written!

However, it has been suggested that many children in South Korea could be using the internet excessively, with an estimated 680,000 kids between the ages of 10 and 19 "addicted" to the net.

In order to help these individuals deal with their web obsession, some are receiving an unusual form of therapy – horse riding.

According to Sky News, one patient, who previously used computers for seven hours each day, managed to get over her addiction by turning her attention to horses. After thinking about how to improve her riding technique and caring for these animals, she apparently lost interest in the internet.

Although I am no medical expert, it appears individuals may be able to get over their web addictions by forming emotional attachments with the real world – in this case, equestrianism.

The Korean Riding Association is hoping to open up 30 more "therapy centres" by 2022 in order to help patients deal with their various obsessions. Personally, I wish the group all the best.

Now that you have finished reading this blog, perhaps you should take a break from computers. Why not don your equestrian clothing and go for a ride instead?

Photo © mandiberg via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Are increasing numbers of students turning to equestrianism?

During university, I think I was quite a restrained student. Although I visited the pub on regular occasions, my alcohol consumption was always quite sensible. Instead of spending copious amounts of time at the bar, I joined societies, clubs, and other organisations.

Consequently, I think I experienced university life to the full – without drinking to excess.

Enough of the nostalgia, what does this have to do with equestrianism?

I read an article on the Guardian website recently which suggested increasing numbers of students were abandoning binge drinking and instead taking part in other pursuits. A spokesman from Leeds University said, "We've noticed in our bars and clubs that students are drinking less when they are out."

He added, "Although night-time drinking may be less popular, we have seen a significant interest in membership to our clubs and societies, so students participating in a massive range of activities with their friends from skydiving to equestrianism and everything in between."

It appears, as other universities are allegedly reporting similar trends, that increasing numbers of students could be taking up horse riding instead of hitting the town. If so, this can only be a good thing.

Having said this, I hope these students can afford proper equestrian clothing, such as riding hats and boots. After all, I can remember struggling to pay both my heating and electricity bills...

Photo © Sterling College via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Olympic equestrian team to dance Gangnam Style

If you participate in equestrianism, or have been conscious these past few months, you have probably listened – willingly or unwillingly – to Gangnam Style.  After millions of views on YouTube, the song became world famous – claiming the number one spot in countries such as the UK, Finland, Malaysia, and Latvia.

Featuring a dance where participants pretend to ride a horse, individuals such as David Cameron, Boris Johnson, and even the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon have ‘strutted their stuff' to this tune.

The Korean pop hit could possibly be compared to Marmite – you either love it or you hate it. Yet, regardless of everyone's thoughts on the matter, the Olympic equestrian team are dancing to Gangnam Style for Children in Need.

The athletes, including Zara Phillips – the Queen's Granddaughter – will reportedly be performing the routine wearing equestrian clothing, including riding hats, (Click here to see our riding hats) all to raise money during the charity telethon.

I would be interested to see how our Olympic team actually handle Gangnam Style's zany moves, as unlike many participants, the athletes actually have a great deal of experience in horse riding. Logically, they shouldn't feel completely out of their depths.

Children in Need, which attempts to raise money for disadvantaged children and young people, broadcasts on Friday the 16th of November. We wish the charity all the best and hope it succeeds in this thoroughly worthy goal.

Photo © yonghokim via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Kate Middleton is learning how to ride horses

Some members of the royal family are renowned for horse riding, such as Zara Phillips – the Queen's Granddaughter – who recently won a silver medal at the London Olympic Games.

Yet, Kate Middleton could soon take part in this pastime as she has revealed that she is learning how to ride horses, despite being allegedly allergic to these creatures.

Speaking at a special event held in honour of the Olympic and Paralympic athletes at Buckingham Palace, The Duchess of Cambridge chatted to Lee Pearson about her lessons – and allegedly, he offered her some tuition in dressage.

Considering Pearson has won ten gold medals in four Paralympics, I cannot think of anyone better suited to train up the Duchess. Supposedly, he also advised Kate about how to deal with her horse allergies, stating "so, am I [allergic to horses] – but anti-histamines are wonderful".

Although there is no word as to whether or not the Duchess has taken up Pearson's offer, hopefully she will still receive proper tuition regarding subjects such as horse control and equestrian clothing from an experienced instructor.

Could Kate follow in the footsteps of Zara and someday represent Britain at an Olympic level? Only time will tell...

Photo © UK_repsome via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Michael Schumacher - Future western riding champion?

If you are a fan of formula one racing, you will have probably heard of Michael Schumacher. The seven-time world champion has achieved quite a lot in his motoring career, but he will be retiring later this year.

However, his greatest challenge could be just around the corner...
Speaking to an Italian newspaper, Schumacher told journalists that his wife, Corinna, had suggested taking part in equestrianism.

He added, "I'm thinking of getting involved in western riding competitions…
"Corinna, who has been doing these events for years, has already chosen the right horse for me. I'll give it a try…"

The formula one legend already owns a farm in Switzerland and is a fan of cowboy shirts and boots, so it sounds like he might have the basics covered already. As well as picking out the right steed, here's hoping that Corinna has also advised her husband about proper equestrian clothing, such as riding hats and boots.

If this new challenge does not work out, then the driver reportedly has other options which he is considering. Still, I'm personally looking forward to seeing Schumacher in the saddle, especially if he handles a horse as well as he controls a car.

Photo © ph-stop via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence