wow, woodsworm, I wish I were going. We could do that. I live in Winston Salem. If you feel like driving over some weekend, maybe you can find some stuff in my yard you might like that I wouldn't think to take to a swap. Rootdigger is taking my special trades and bringing back my trades. Hope you can make it to the High Point swap in a couple of weeks. Vickie

Vlad, Had I checked the forum earlier, I could have picked you up. I live in Bowie. I'm sorry about that and I hope you enjoyed your baked goodies. They sounded delicious. Leslie

never mind.

Don't you have RA Kath? If I remember correctly, you do. And this will make riding painful. My mother had to stop riding horses when her arthritis got bad. That said, being tense, in any situation, will make you ache all over. And this will make you sore. If you haven't ridden for a long time you're going to hurt to some degree but being tense will make you much sorer. The point of contact with a horse begins in your crotch (sorry...don't mean to offend but that's what it is!) and goes down both legs. The balls of your feet should rest in the stirrup and there should not be any weight per se on your feet (if you feel like you are trying to push yourself up from the feet your stirrups are too short)but rather a little pressure. You heels should be down while in the stirrup. Your feet should be slightly in front of the cinch (the band that goes around the horse's middle)and you should grip from the inside of your thighs down to the leg calves. Don't squeeze your butt together. Not only will this make you sore(er) it gives you no roll or balance in the saddle. Instead relax, use your leg muscles and roll or rock with the horse. If you are unsure of the horse's rhythm watch one front leg. When that leg goes forward rock or slightly lean forward, just a little. The rock back, just a little, while the other foot goes forward. It's kind of like dancing and the horse is leading. If you are going to tighten or tense up anything, tighten your abs and sit up straight. Use the saddle horn until you are sure of your balance but use your leg muscles too. A good fitting saddle makes a big difference in the degree of pain you will feel when you first start riding. The stirrup leathers should hold your feet slightly ahead and there should be room between your stomach and the saddle horn to put three or four fingers. Your butt should fit completely in the seat. A too small or too large saddle can make you sore as well as hinder your balance. As your muscles get stronger your balance will get better and riding won't be as painful. Try to relax and have fun....which is a lot easier said than done, I know. Stretch out before you ride and take some tylenol and ibrprophen BEFORE your ride. That'll help with the stiffness. Good luck! I love that you are riding and it makes me sad you are struggling. I hope you can find a way to make riding enjoyable! Lori