Riding trim

My weight loss journey helped me become healthier, stronger and more confident--and it made me a better rider.

There was a time---about seven years ago---when I dreaded pulling on a pair of riding breeches. Once dressed, I would scurry past the mirrors in my house, scowling if I happened to catch a glimpse of myself: I was 50 pounds overweight and selfconscious about it.

But my problem was more than just being unhappy with my appearance. I was also unfit, and I could no longer fully enjoy many of the equestrian activities that I loved. I went trail riding less often because I was afraid I might have to get off and knew that I could not mount from the ground without assistance. I lacked the stamina to complete even a one-hour riding lesson without frequent breaks. Horse show classes left me gasping for air. In short, I had some issues that I wanted to fix, and it was time to tackle the problem.

Weight loss is a deeply personal journey. I am sharing my story about this time in my life not as an embarrassment, but as an opportunity to encourage others and to help people learn from my mistakes. My goal is not to tell you that you should lose weight but, should you make the decision to do so, to provide encouragement. Despite what you may have read, it is possible.

My weight gain had happened slowly. Years of unhealthy eating and then pregnancy weight finally caught up with me. Many people assume that those who are overweight simply eat too much and don’t get enough exercise---in my case, though, inactivity wasn’t the issue. In addition to farm work, I rode regularly, taking lessons and even competing in a few shows. As it turned out, however, what I considered exertion back then was not the type of sustained physical activity necessary to lose weight.

My first strategy was simply to exercise more without changing my diet. This didn’t work---it only made me hungrier. But my determination kicked in, and I began again. I knew that I needed a new plan, so I set about researching weight loss programs that offered the structure and goal-setting that I craved.

Finally, I found a program that not only met those criteria but looked like one I could stick with for the long run. So I embarked on a regimen of mindful food intake and serious workout sessions---and eight months later I had met my goal weight. I know many other riders who face similar challenges, so by way of encouragement I’d like to share what I learned.

• My journey began only when I was ready to commit. My goal weight was based on when I remembered feeling most satisfied with myself. Setting a goal with a numeric value, rather than “just trying to lose some weight,” fit my personality well, and I’m glad I made it a priority.

• I had strong motivators that included looking better in my riding clothes, improving my riding and increasing my stamina. I celebrated my achievements along the way with small rewards such as a weekly splurge meal so I did not constantly feel as if I were denying myself. I also tried to avoid punishing myself too harshly for small lapses. I just corrected