Time to Ride!

A few weeks after Rio was born I wondered if it would be ok to start riding Tia again. I typically show Tia in halter and showmanship events so it is important that she get back to her pre-pregnancy fitness level! Well, easier said than done. For the first week or so I would ride with Rio in the ring with us as I did not want to stress out mama or baby. But Rio would always want to stop the "milk truck" so I wasn't getting a lot accomplished. She would also race around like a little speed demon and I was afraid she'd get tangled up in the reins. So after I consulted a horsey friend who has raised many foals I began riding Tia alone and would leave Rio in the stall for approximately 35 to 40 minutes. The first few days she would call to her mama but after a week she began to understand that mama would be coming back. I think Tia enjoyed the little reprieve as well. However, in addition to other minor behavioral changes Tia had become l-a-z-y! She would move at a snail's pace. Where was my ever-energetic horse? But as Kelly at the barn pointed out, Tia was a very busy mom now and she just might be tired. Ok, I get it. I try to ride every morning before work so after 3 or 4 weeks Tia's energy level increased a bit. She's still not back to where she was but we're getting there...slow but sure!