Hot Weather Blues ( It was acceptable in the 90s...)

Not only have we had lockdown to contend with but at the moment we are living through a period of "glorious" weather, well glorious for everyone except horse riders. 

Firstly, the ground is like concrete - which means that going for wild gallops through the countryside is a complete non- starter ( unless you want to end up with your horse on box rest in solidarity with you in lockdown). Secondly, it is obscenely hot for riding which limits us all to either:

 a) early morning riding - and we mean EARLY ( we JUST finished the winter shift and some of us would like a lie in) and as romantic as that 5am stroll as the sun rises seems the first time you do it- when it becomes a daily occurrence and you are also stressing about getting back on time for work, riding becomes so much less enjoyable and idyllic. 😩

b) late evening riding - last night it was STILL 26 degrees at 7 pm - and considering Pippa's sweet itch requires her to go out dressed for battle in an Amigo Fly Rider (which is brilliant , and thin, and works a treat but is still another layer of stuff) it was still rather too hot! AND THE MIDGES WERE OUT 😖😡

If, like me, you also have a heat absorbing black Labrador to add to the equation it seems that, like in winter, my 16 hour days have returned! Can I get a woop woop? 

💬Pippa: No. 

Hot and bothered last week I made the brave decision to wear shorts to the yard on the day the saddle fitter came, forgetting of course I would actually have to RIDE for her to check the saddle - albeit briefly. 

"It's fine!" I said breezily as I clambered aboard a somewhat reluctant Pippa;

 

💬Pippa; Wow mother, those legs are whiter than my dressage numnah.

" I used to hack out in hot pants and a bikini top when I was younger....."

💬Pippa: The key word here Mother is YOUNGER and indeed SLIMMER...

" ….. it was less frowned upon in the 90s!"

💬Pippa: So were many things... that doesn't mean bringing them back is a good idea...

Oh. Dear. Lord. 

How did I ever do that with a saddle on? I was only on for five minutes and I managed to bruise/ pinch both of my calf muscles which put an end to short wearing season for a while. I also slid all over the place and there was no way I could have put up with five more minutes of riding in trainers. 

Lesson learned. I will no longer be riding in shorts...😅