My worst habit as a rider is leaning forward. Maybe sometime I can blame saddle position, or my background in huntseat, but mostly what’s to blame is a bad habit of defensive riding.

The very first time I came off a horse it was because the horse reared and I went over backwards. That left a lasting impression and a defensive habit of hunching forward — which, we all know, doesn’t actually help.

However, more recently, I may have found something that actually scares me more than going over backwards, and that is a horse tripping and falling on me. I’ve had several close calls and one outright trip, fall, and lawndart me. And now I’m starting to wonder if it’s not the horses but me, if my habit of riding too far forward is overweighting them on the forehand. Granted, some have been repeat offenders, but I can’t help but wonder if I contributed.

(Probably a “by he grace of God” thing that Mimi, for all of her daisy clipping, has actually not been any of the close calls.)

It’s going to takes lot of work since this is a lifelong habit — when I’m centered in the saddle I actually feel like I’m leaning back, and what feels centered is actually tipped forward. And it’s also lazy riding — properly centered really engages my core. Guess I’m going to develop those core muscles one way or another.

I’m the worst when I’m holding a horse back — lazy core, so I brace my legs and against the reins and end up hunching forward, versus being effective and strong via the core muscles.

This is probably one of those times when going to a trainer or taking some lessons would end up being useful, just so I can have other eyes on me to remind me to do all of those proper things.

As one former instructor used to colorfully, indelicately describe a rider hunching forward: “You look like a monkey screwing a football.” (Since I was all of 10 years old at the time I was riding with her, fortunately she never actually directly used that descriptor to/with/at me.)

Blunt, but effective.

Maybe I should tape a little football to the top of my pommel pack as a reminder?

The 2015 AERC season ended November 30, with the new season starting December 1 and running through November 30 of next year. I did renew my 2016 membership on the 1st — historically early for me.

I have no ride season to recap, since I didn’t actually do any rides this year, save for going to Tevis to crew.

The last time this happened was the 2012 season (every other season I’ve managed to get to at least one ride)…but then that was followed by 2013, which was my best and most prolific ride season to date.

So maybe 2016 will be a good year? I think I’m about due for one of those.

I know there are people out there that go, “Why should I join AERC? I only get to a couple of rides a year, so paying the non-member day fee at those rides ends up being cheaper than a membership.”

I happen to be one of those “Join all the things!!!” type of people…I like being a part of something, and having a membership with an organization is of those validating, affirming things for me. And the fact I’m now somewhat invested with a group/sport is just that much more reason to get to rides, put the training time in, etc.

Ever since I started actively competing in the horse world (first showing with the POA club, then NATRC, then endurance), I’ve joined that organization, so by now, it’s just something I do.

AERC yearly membership is $75 (I think they might have a new member special for $65?).

Part of what membership dues pay for in AERC is mileage/points tracking for you and your horse(s). The first horse you register is included with your  initial membership, and then subsequent horses can be added for a nominal fee. ($15/horse, I believe.)

If you’re just starting out in endurance and not sure it’s something that will stick, then I would say try a ride or two before joining. If you decide it’s something you want to whole-heartedly embrace, for a small fee, you can get those initial rides added to your ride record.

Membership dues also get you the yearly subscription to the ‘Endurance News’ magazine, which is full of informational articles, stories, ride results, points standings, and more.

Dues also contribute towards research (AERC is involved in a number of areas of research, everything from horse health and science to land and environmental research), trail preservation, and education.

And joining an organization is sort of like politics and voting: if you don’t participate, you have no right to complain. Don’t like the direction something may be headed? Step up and join a committee or throw your hat in the ring and nominate yourself for a directorial position so that you can influence and impact change. Even being a paying member goes back to the idea of a vested interest that shows a level of commitment and seriousness that then lends credibility to voicing an opinion or concern.

And, this is coming from the perspective of someone who, for the most part, would be better off, monetarily speaking, to just pay the day fee and have that be cheaper, since it seems like I manage 3-4 rides a year if I’m lucky. (Record best [2013] was 6 rides.) So I’m pretty much breaking even most years, and then other years, where I’ve gotten to 1 or no rides, it is actually costing me more to join. But it’s still worth it to me.

Anyway, that’s my soapbox…so go renew…or not…but either way, here’s hoping for a great 2016 ride season for everyone!

Got an endurance rider to shop for? Or is someone asking you what you want/need for the upcoming holidays? Need ideas or suggestions?

Here are some of my favorite things, gathered together as an inspiration list. Some are from my own personal wish list, others are things I have/use that work well and are granted a spot on my “Favorites” list.

Taylored Tack Brice Breastcollar. I would really like to get these for both the girls; purple for Mimi and orange for Libby. I’m slowly upgrading all of my tack over to stainless steel hardware, and Taylored Tack is really hard to beat for higher-end, very high quality custom biothane tack.

Renegade Hoof Boots. Pro Tip: If you’re getting these for someone else, it’s helpful to know the size/color before ordering (or at least the hoof measurements). Otherwise, the best thing to do would be create a little certificate or print out a picture of a boot, and then collaborate with that person afterwards to find out what size/color they want.

Hay Manger. I have them from both American Trail Gear and Trail Rite. The ATG one is the newest one and hasn’t been subjected to the years of pony abuse that the Trail Rite one has (and I’m amazed how well it has held up) but they’re both really sturdy, solid bags. Excellent for containing hay and preventing it from blowing around and thus feeding all of your neighbor’s horses in ridecamp.

Irideon Synergy Tights. My new favorite in my tights lineup. No, they’re not a wild color. But they are so comfortable, and I love all of the different fabrics. Disclaimer: I have not used them at a ride yet, but they’ve served me well on training rides, and even held up to getting lawn-darted onto decomposed granite trail without any rips or tears.

Heritage Tech Lite Short-Fingers Gloves. I like gloves for the extra grip, but don’t like the loss of fingertip dexterity for things like fastening hoof boots or tack, so I’ve always chopped the fingertips off of any gloves I’ve used. (You can tell I live in an area that doesn’t really get a *real* winter.)

Epona Shed Flower. I love these things. More aggressive than a rubber curry for getting rid of post-ride crud, but not as harsh as a metal curry.

Paco Collars. For our canine companions. I am drooling over the designs, and leather, and sparklies.

Endurance 101. An excellent idea for someone interested  or just getting started in the sport of endurance.

ID tags. Some of my favorites come from TagMe Pet Tags, where they have everything from lightweight, basic tags to larger, fancier etched brass tags. Suitable for attaching to dog collars, horse halters/bridles/manes, saddle rings, etc.

Coffee mug. Or travel mug. I appreciate drinking my morning coffee (or post-ride drink!) out of a good mug — bonus points for something horsey, and gold stars for endurance-specific mugs handmade by endurance rider Anne York at Starfire Design Studio.

Jingle bells! Okay, just one bell, and it’s more bear bell than jingle bell. Also useful for flushing out birds, possibly alerting other trail users you’re there, and annoying the heck out of your riding partner. ;) Or attach them to the dog to attempt to keep track of them.

photo by Susan Kordish, Cowgirl Photography

Dear Santa, Please bring me a pony. ♥♥♥