Robin Ridge Ranch

22/12/2024

Videos from the PPE for DA Sheik before we brought him home. He's now here with us getting to know his new family (Leonardo, Tennessee, and Courage).

13/11/2024

In contrast to yesterday’s post of the mindlessness of constant chatting and patting, this one is going to veer into the other ditch. If you’re paying attention, you’ll see that like so much in life, our horsemanship is probably best if we just keep steering ourselves resolutely down the middle.

If yesterday’s post received any criticism, it was to say that I mustn’t believe in giving thanks.

Not at all. While I am not a fan of nervous fussing, I think we all should want to be friends with our horses. I especially think there should be more petting of them in movement, while we’re in the saddle. It does much to reassure a horse, particularly along the crest of the neck and down over the croup.

So, no, don’t be afraid to say thank you. To say, “Good job!” To give the break, with heartfelt gratitude. To loosen the reins. To allow the rest. To stroke the quarters while riding… which, again, most horses prefer to the neck. To soften, to show kindness and empathy. To step down and loosen the cinch, or girth.

To remember to acknowledge the other who makes it all possible.

We women, especially, can be unsure when it comes to praise. We wonder, how much is too little, how much is too much? We want to be effective and smart. We’ve maybe been told that we’re too wishy-washy, that we’re too loud or too busy, or too tentative or too hurried, that we get in the way of the horse. This, so often by male gurus.

We’re always too much of something, it seems.

We toughen up. We buckle on our spurs. We go out and lope or canter the circles, we ‘bridle up’ the horse. We do as we’re told, for we’re by God, serious horsewomen. We somehow decide somewhere along the way that it is a weakness to give thanks, until the lesson, or the big show, is over. Until we are safely alone.

Often, when I am teaching, I will actually have to tell the student to praise the horse.

“Pet her,” I will say and it isn’t unusual for the more aspiring riders to ignore this bidding! I take note and actually repeat this, more clearly, because it is a telling thing when a rider cannot say thank you for a good and honest effort. I know for a fact that these riders love their horses but it is a very common thing, this inability to soften while on the job.

Children, on the other hand, are usually very good at this. They are more at home with living in their hearts, even when they are being watched.

In alignment with yesterday’s post, I’m still saying to you, pay attention. Just be mindful of the good effort, even if it was too little, or too late. Don’t forget to soften your face into a gentle smile, to lift up your heart and be joyful.

We are so fortunate to have horses in our lives!

We can be soft and quiet at the same time we praise the horse. This, I think, is called prayer.

13/11/2024

My horse is perfect in every way. It’s my responsibility to pay attention to him when he communicates with me and figure out what he’s trying to tell me.

Sometimes it’s “please scratch my butt cheek” but sometimes it’s ”yeah let’s go for a little ride” and other times it’s “I’m not into that today but I AM definitely hungry”.

Usually it’s just, “I could eat that entire bale of hay all by myself this morning… why do I have to share?”

02/11/2024

I do not need another horse 😂😂😂. I do not need another horse. But I really like him.

11/10/2024

Just wanna give a big ol' SHOUT OUT to the girls who showed up for themselves this week at the Group Workouts! They are:
Cindy Delgado Hawkins
Vicky Stumpf Rhein
Diane Kennedy
Teresa DeWitt
Kathryn Farley

Monday started off with a bang and by Friday we could feel ourselves becoming much stronger and more resilient than ever!!

Who's going to get in on the fun next week?

05/10/2024

Logan needs all the good vibes he can get. He had a gooey mass removed 12 days ago and struggles with the fact that licking the staples isn’t a good idea. They come out Monday. We will all be so relieved and happy.

04/10/2024

Being in Nature + Getting My Horse Out for Some Exercise + Spending Quality Time with My Husband = COMPLETE AND UTTER BLISS Bliss

27/09/2024

Been thinking about fitness? Let’s get stronger together! 💪

Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or looking to take it to the next level, joining a fitness class is the perfect way to make it happen.

Remember, fitness isn’t just about what you see in the mirror—it’s also about how you feel inside.

Whether you're a beginner or craving a new challenge, there's a spot waiting for you in our class!

Imagine a place where you can work out, laugh, sweat, and connect with other strong, like-minded women. You don’t have to go it alone—together, we lift each other up! 💥

In Robin Ridge Fitness’s small group Strength & Cardio HIIT classes, you’ll:

* Stay motivated by the energy of those around you
* Learn new moves and techniques from an experienced instructor
* Build strength, boost confidence, and feel AMAZING in your own skin

You owe it to yourself to feel your best—so why not start today?

Now’s the time to crush goals, celebrate progress, and support each other every step of the way. 🔥

For more details, PM me or join the Robin Ridge Fitness group on Facebook. Let’s do this!

19/09/2024

28/08/2024

I’m on the homemade Kefir hamster wheel and I love it! Made fresh every day with 2% milk and refrigerated with vanilla protein powder. YUM!