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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Ridin', Writin', and 'Rithmatic



I do not understand why so many past cultures developed fear and contempt for the number "13" when the number "24" is out there. "24", as in the number of hours in a day, is the real problem number. For over twenty years my schedule has been tight with little margin for irresponsibly wasting time. For example, I have long known that if I sleep much past 3:00 a.m. it will be nearly impossible to get my morning work done. Lately I have found myself consistently sleeping until 4:00.

For about a month now I have began my mornings by running a horse five miles. Several of my riders have joined me for these 7:00 a.m. rides. It is the most enjoyable form of intense exercise in which I have ever participated. I weigh about ten pounds less than I did this time last year and several of the horses are also in the best shape that they have ever been in. The calorie burn for a 190 pound rider while cantering is nearly equal to that expended while jogging. This morning I woke up at 3:00 so I have a bit of time on my hands and plan to canter two horses for 5 mile stretches. It will be the first time that I have cantered 10 miles in a morning.

The downside is that I do not have time to write, whether on the book that I am working on or on this blog. One must prioritize. I have decided to burn hay while the sun shines and catch up on my writing in the fall. It is frustrating because I have stumbled on some great information on equine nutrition, erosion control, dry lot utilization, and hoof care.

Perhaps I will be able to squeeze another hour out of that 24 and get some more work done soon.

4 comments:

Katelyn Kemp said...

I bet you work through your day to the tune of hooves, rather than a hickory stick? :)

Of course that very pretty horse in the picture finds that working hard, or at all even, does not suit her lifestyle.

Anonymous said...

Steve,
Steve, Now you're going to have folk waiting for you to add another hour to your day?

Many already think your ability to work with horses is "magical"

Looking forward to your next book -enjoy the summer days and save your writing for the dark, cold winter months.

Priscilla said...

You're going great! I hope this keeps up! Miss y'all. I wish I could go on one of those rides!

Blanche said...

I'm looking forward to when you will blog again. Also to reading your new book when you have finished writing it and having it published.

Will miss learning from you.

Enjoy your summer!!!

Oops, found an extra hour for you. :>)