Feeling Nostalgic, and A Surprisingly Good Workout

Have I ever shared pictures of my little farmhouse reno from a few years ago? I'm really missing it lately! I spent the better part of two years gutting it right down to the studs, inside and out. It's where my horses and I used to live, in my absence we rent it out. One day I will move back home and retire there....

Step 1: Bathe your horse within a 24 hour window of you upcoming ride. Use plenty of coat conditioners and silicone based detanglers and shine enhancers. You've got that show coming up, after all.

Step 2: Realize you forgot your bag with your riding gear. No biggie, your gym clothes are in the truck and will do the trick.

Step 3: That girth that kept going missing? Yep, not a smart idea to "hide" it in the same bag as your riding gear...that you left at home.

Step 4: It's a gorgeous day, you can't NOT ride. Besides, pony has been super lazy so a relaxing bareback ride will be a nice treat for you both.

You can see the barn from the tub lol

Step 5: Whoa, wait...it's really slippery up here! Lycra pants maybe not the best bet...

Step 6: Lesson kid tells coach she wants to ride "like you" one day. Obviously now you can't admit you're feeling more than a little unstable up there, so keep on riding.

Step 7: "Can you post the trot bareback?" Surprisingly, yes. "Can you two point?" Unbelievably, yes. "Canter?" Yes.

Step 8: Since lesson kid is obviously super distracted by you and you obviously have the maturity of a 5 year old when it comes to kids daring you to do stuff, it's time to disappear.

Step 9: Arena work went surprisingly well, so maybe a nice trail ride isn't a crazy idea.

Step 10: Whoa. Show sheen + Lycra workout pants + steep hills = serious difficulty. Pony sweating somehow only makes it worse. Midge wins the award for supremely tolerant pony.

Cabinets and counters look much less rustic in this photo - I built them and I am not a cabinet maker , but in honor of all the blood sweat and tears involved they will stay forever;)

And that, in a nutshell, is my super secret workout guaranteed to make your abs tingle and your legs ache. And, if you're anything like me, a smile on your face because what's more fun that just goofing around with your horse on a nice summery day?