 |
 |
Hi Rick... I've gotta agree with ya 'bout horseback riding being an excellent way to exercise - it's a full-body exercise if there ever was one. AND it's fun! As a former horse owner and a trail rider for many years, some of the most enjoyable times in my life was when I was riding and "piddling around" our stabling area, either with the horses (we had three....) or doing just the routine chores that every horse owner has to do each day. Not only is riding's fun and good for one's body, but grooming a horse, i.e., currying, picking hooves, bathing, exercising, training, etc., never seemed like work to me, even tho it was a never-ending, day-by-day chore. I found grooming the horses and maintaining our stable area to be thoroughly relaxing. There was nothing more peaceful than perching on top of the corral after a day of riding and working around the stabling area, then watching the horses much away at their feed. Even cleaning and oiling tack engendered a comfortable relaxed feeling. My whole family rode - even tho my "ex (we were still married then), was initially scared to death to even get NEAR a horse. But as our 2 daughters began riding daily with each other or with me, he kinda felt left out. He started taking riding lessons, and was surprised to find that not only did he have fun, but had a natural aptitude for riding (he always was naturally athletic). I'd love to ride regularly now - once a week, or even once a month - but not only are all the livery stables further away than I can comfortably drive now, the cost for horse rental is Los Angeles is anywhere from $20 to 35 an hour. Way too costly for me..... As for pets being therapeutic, I'd definitely have to agree. My 2 cats, Buzzy (the world's oldest juvenile-delinquent-kitty!) <he's SOOO mischievous!> and Scooter (who would spend all day, every day, sitting on my lap and purring away as we discussed the news of the day with each other <smile> Uhhh... she also likes being petted at that time). Them kitties are SO good at being "therapeutic," that I bet either could get a degree as a therapist! <smile> One last thing, Rick.... a GERBIL? <grin> Barb Mallut [log in to unmask] But REALLY, -----Original Message----- From: Rick Hermann <[log in to unmask]> To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]> Date: Thursday, December 03, 1998 10:52 AM Subject: horseback riding Hi Listfriends, Here's an idea for those out there who like me may be in early stages of PD, and an idea or two regarding animals. Warning: this message does not have anything to do with numbers, dates, tv appearances, Michael J. Fox, or research funding. Proceed at risk. My son and I have taken up horseback riding on the weekends at a local stable with an indoor arena, and I find it a really good way to "practice" balance that has been impaired by Parkinson's. Plus it's great full-body exercise, believe it or not (you use lots of muscles to balance, signal to your horse what you want him to do), second only to swimming in that respect. And horses are such lovely animals that I am invariably in a sweet and calm frame of mind and body after my hour-long session. And it's not terribly expensive. My only problem is shaking leg by the end of the session. Overall, it's a great experience. We've been at it for a couple months and plan to continue throughout the winter. Pets of almost any kind are therapeutic. I find that I am more sensitive to their presence, in a good way, than I was before PD. And they have things to teach us. Our three-legged Cocker Spaniel, for example, is amazingly good-natured and does not appear to be dwelling on the fact that he's missing a leg. He's too busy chasing balls and sticks! He's an in-the-moment guy. He has a loving family and enjoys his life. Take a ride, pet a dog, adopt a cat. They give us a lot in return. Rick I was diagnosed in Jan. 1998 and am thinking of adopting a gerbil in 1999.