2 PAIRS PANTS OR JEANS = FREE SHIPPING
2 PAIRS PANTS OR JEANS = FREE SHIPPING
I’m guessing you’ve heard the saying “Like a fish out of water?” Well, for this read I’d like you to visualise that fish and keep that saying right up in the front of your mind. When you see the fish, don’t make it a playful dolphin that smoothly rises and falls from the water, skilfully manoeuvring itself in the boat’s wake and never straying from its intended path. Nor a majestic whale powerfully thrusting itself from the deep depths into the bright sunlight, twisting its huge body in such a way as to appear graceful before returning to its underwater haven. No, no… I’d like for you to picture a shiny, pink snapper with bulging eyes and frantically flapping gills, gasping and heaving as it flops around after having been dragged from the water, desperately trying to flip itself back into safe, familiar surroundings.
I was very surprised to find that I felt a bit like that fish when I first got back into the saddle; the gasping, desperate pink version, not the skilful, graceful one. I had been wistfully expecting to feel an immediate sense of homecoming, of belonging in that saddle but instead it was all strangely unfamiliar and even a little bit scary. Don’t get me wrong – I was as excited as a 6-year-old that’s been told Christmas is going to come twice a year and the grin on my face stretched from one ear to the other, but I really did feel a bit out of place.
My daughter had trained our little mare beautifully to stand quietly at the mounting block and she stood rock solid as I sort of climbed, sort of hoisted myself into the saddle, then stood patiently while I took a few deep breaths to calm the frantic, flapping fish that was flipping around inside me.
I’m not sure how long we just stood there and savoured the moment, but it was a while. It had taken a big commitment to get here and I had no intention of rushing it.
And then, with a gentle squeeze (and a click of my tongue, which she ignored), we moved off.
It was brilliant! This is ok… I’m ok… We’ve got this!
Until I tried to turn.
The frantic fish started it’s flipping about again, reminding me I was out of my depth. All I wanted to do was turn, surely that was do-able? My ever-patient daughter reminded me that I needed to use the outside rein to turn and I suddenly realised that the thousand hours I had spent watching her ride was worth exactly nothing when it came to putting theory into practice. The outside rein!? What the…!?
Without her guidance I’m sure we would have continued our sort of crab-style walk down the length of the arena until we had nowhere else to go, but she broke it down and before I knew it, we were indeed going in a whole different direction. Let’s just assume it was the direction I had intended.
We kept up with the walking, turning (outside rein!) and halting (we were pretty good at that one) for the rest of the ride, choosing to keep it simple for the time being. Despite having to be constantly reminded to ‘push my heels down’ (seems that the flipping fish has a very short memory), we did ok. I did ok. I took great delight from watching the little mare’s ears as they flicked back and forth, trying to tune in to what I wanted from her. With every step and movement of her powerful shoulders, it all began to seem more and more familiar, more and more like coming home.
And then came the moment that none of us had prepared for – it was time to get off. I had watched my daughter dismount this little mare countless times, always with agility and grace; taking her feet from the stirrups, swinging her right leg lightly over the back of the saddle, dropping quietly to the ground beside the horse with both feet at the same time.
But now the ground seemed a really, really long way away. My basic grasp of physics told me that the extra kilos I was still carrying, coupled with natural gravity, had the potential to create a force that might see me punch a hole in the ground like a pole driver and cause my body to crumple like an accordion. Would my ankles hold me up? Would my knees survive? Was my hip even still working?
Trust me that the result, while successful in terms of separating myself from the horse, was less than graceful and was more like the clamber down that you see when a child decides to awkwardly come down the ladder instead of swooshing down the slide.
But we were still in one piece, the grin was still in place, the legs were still working (although tomorrow might be different) and the little mare seemed happy enough with my basic efforts, so only one question remained…
When can we do it again?
Deb Irving
August 09, 2020
Another great read Deb .I really felt sorry for the fish ,and I can totally understand your comparing yourself to it.I did have a giggle as I can see you as a 10 year old riding Chubby and having the same excitement he gave you.
I hope your journey is bringing you back to what you love and that is To be back in the saddle again .
August 09, 2020
Deb I was so inspired reading “The First Ride” I felt like I was there, it’s so true we are the only ones in our way from doing what we truly want to do, a plan, commitment and action.. Yeah if only it was that easy. We’ll done you I’m so proud of you and your journey xx
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I looked and looked for pants like these in the United States, to no avail, and I am thrilled with these riding pants, as they check all the boxes! Full seat, bootcut, belt loops, side pockets (that are stylish, not bulky), and great color options! The material is high quality that is very comfortable to wear both in the saddle and around town. They get great compliments from my fellow horsey friends too!
As a trainer and instructor it’s hard to find comfy and professional pants that can hold up to work and show days. These pants look the professional part and have pockets for lists and other extras. The suede seat and material will also make it easy to hop on horses as needed throughout work/show days. I foresee purchasing another pair (or 2) in the near future!
I came across RideProud pants on social media and immediately loved the idea of riding pants catered to a woman’s body WITH POCKETS! As a horse trainer and instructor the pockets will be a game changer. When I received the pants this week I was equally excited to see the quality of material (and a lovely packaging job). The sizing was accurate for AU to US and all pairs fit perfectly. Hope to get riding in them ASAP!
All day wear that is super comfy
Wow, was I surprised when my Leather Journal: The Pioneer arrived in the mail. Rustic, made from a weight of leather you can take anywhere and not be fussed if it acquires the odd scuff or mark as is most likely, kept with horse gear or carried in The Ute. The Journal Cover holds a good sized notebook of your own choosing but comes with a plain lined one to start with. Love the leather string wrap around tie. Should last for years! So I bought a second one to gift to a friend. 🙂
Sooo comfy and great for spending the day in the saddle
Sweet and funny. Comfortable
Lovely soft material, and very stretchy. Just too long, so I need to pay to have them altered or try myself- which is scary with such an expensive product.
Could you do 2 sizes
I received these pants with in a few days of ordering. I absolutely love the fit and quality of the fabric. I differently will buy these again.
LOVE these pants! Slimming look for sure, and I love the less-wide bell to the pants. The full seat gives just enough grip in the saddle. Very comfortable. The interior stirrup that keeps the pants from riding up by the stirrup under your instep and inside your boot. These are my go to riding pants now! No more tights and half chaps! Don’t hesitate to buy these limited edition! They certainly won’t be my last!
I purchased these jeans and am so happy with them! They are super comfy and great to ride in. They look great and very flattering and wash well. I will definitely purchase another pair. The customer service has been wonderful as well. Thank you Ride Proud Clothing 😊
I love these riding pants! I have several pairs and have been really pleased with all of them. I love the way the suede seat is made. I recently got one of the limited edition colors with the pop of contrast color - so striking! I get compliments all the time. Thanks for shipping to the US.
Colleen looked after me. The fit is great (except for my short legs) and the delivery was smooth and quick all the way from Australia to Canada
I have been looking at and wanting these for a long time. I finally bought a pair and I’m not disappointed. They fit great. I wore them for the first time last night and was very comfortable. Waiting to see how they do after a wash.
Just received my 10th pair of RP socks. Yes I have a draw full! I’m on my feet all day at work and at my property and I have found these socks are top quality and very comfortable. Highly recommend
Michelle Jones
August 09, 2020
Yes you can Deb and you will❤️