Riding as a New Ranch Mama

Posted in: Featured, Ranch Life

Mama

A cool September breeze blows through the barn as I finish feeding my three year old gelding, Bud. Four weeks ago, my second child was born, but I am craving being back at riding.  My body is worn out and tired as I think of the last four weeks, knowing when I can ride, I can go back to helping on the ranch. Throwing the lead rope over Bud’s head, I tie it up, making two reins. Climbing the fence I bring him close, praying my abs don’t fall apart as I clamber onto his back. Sighing, I settle in. This is the moment many western mamas wait for after having their babies, the first ride. I can feel my horse under me, feeling exactly as he did six months before, just waiting for me. I turn him around a few times and then down the alley way we go. Remembering to breathe, I focus on my balance and hold my abs in, I trot down the alley way and ask him to stop. Whoosh. I can hear the dirt slide as he comes to a little stop and I almost lose my balance as I roll my hips back to sit him. My heart is racing with sheer anticipation, knowing this is what I have been waiting for. 

Working back and forth till I feel confident,  I slide off him and walk into the barn, it’s time to put a saddle on him. My husband saddles him up and off we go. Riding out to our little arena, I try not to hold my breath knowing this horse will take care of me, even if my balance falters. There is something about good horses and sweaty saddle blankets that just makes my heart sing. Deeply humbled by my nervousness, I ask Bud to trot off. Knowing he has had as much time off as I am, thinking he might act stiff, but to my shock he’s as soft and smooth as the day I stopped riding. My body feels different, but I know in time I’ll become stronger.

         Loping always feels nerve-wracking, but with a sharp breath and soft dirt beneath my horse, I ask him to move up into a small lope. As I finally let out my breath, we are moving at a faster pace now and it feels like I am myself for the first time in months. A mother and a rancher. A mother and myself. Being a ranching mama is my favorite title and I am happy to be back in the saddle.

Posted in: Featured, Ranch Life


About Anna Foulger

Hey there! My name is Anna Foulger, I am a young mom of soon to be two; a toddler daughter and little boy on the way! Me and my husband ranch in Eastern Montana with his family and we love every minute! My background is in...

View all posts by Anna Foulger


Comments