For our October gathering, Four Counties Chapter was treated to a demonstration of an exercise program developed by a professional fitness trainer specifically for riders. Julie
Buddemeyer, CPT of “Balance in Movement,” carefully crafted a progressive series of fitness classes targeting the core and other muscle groups critical for allowing riders to develop strength, suppleness, and relaxation.
Julie, herself a horsewoman, is a wonderfully fit and enthusiastic mentor. In no time she had us “mounted” on our stability balls, increasing our muscle awareness and balance. Many of the specially designed exercises and stretches did not require any equipment at all, or could be done using equipment on hand, such as a lead rope. None of us were exhausted or sore from the routines, but could easily see how the movements, posture awareness, stretching, and subtle strengthening exercises mimicked core riding positions. Well worth while! Thank you Four Counties member Carol Herron for setting up this talk.
In November we will be hearing from an EMT on safety issues. Other plans include a Winter Holiday Party. In other news, the Four Counties Chapter made a good account of themselves at the recent Chapter Challenge, and had a lot of fun at it.
If you would like to attend any of the meetings or join our chapter, we usually meet the last Thursday of the month at the Mount Airy Public Library. Contact our Melinda Bauerlien (chapter chair) at 410-875-6558 or mel_haltatx@yahoo.com.