Favorite Finds Week Ten
Podcast Episode That Will Inspire You
Before listening to Rich Roll’s podcast, I had never heard the name Robin Arzón. I don’t own a Peleton and I am not a marathon runner but after listening to this episode with Robin, I will be searching for more content from her because she is truly inspiring. Robin and Rich talk about a plethora of topics but throughout the episode she is clear about her boundaries, she is confident in her choices and so connected to what is important in her life. Her realness is raw but in a positive way and she has a laugh that is infectious and will make you smile while you listen. If you’re having a hard time getting motivated or you just need a little inspiration for your day, this is the episode for you.
Robin Arzon On Turning Doubt Into Determination & Plateaus Into Launching Pads
Taming an Unruly Mane
I am not one to pull manes, I usually thin them with a tool but sometimes no matter how thin the mane is, the mane does not want to lay flat. This was how my guy Frank’s mane was when I first met him. To get a mane to lay all on one side, you band the mane (small little ponytails) all the way down the section that will not lay flat. But the secret comes in this next step- you separate the top of the ponytail and flip the hair through. I realized trying to write this, that I needed to find a video because there is just no good way to describe how to do this if someone has not seen this done before. Leave this inside out ponytail in for about two weeks, redoing the braids if they get really messy and I usually spray some of my pink spray (see Favorite Finds Week 3) on the roots just to keep the skin from getting too itchy. After ~two weeks, take the braids out, brush the hair, let the mane relax for a few days and then proceed again if necessary. This is not a quick fix but it does work. Frank’s mane took about 3 rounds of banding to lay flat and I have not had to band it again and that was over a year ago.
Long But Important And Informative Article
This article was shared on Facebook by a friend of mine and discusses how tendons and ligaments respond to heat from boots and bandages. The boots and wraps trap the heat which kill the cells just a few at a time but over time micro scar tissue is occurring. The analogy used in this article is the idea that the tendons/ligaments are like a rubber band degrading over time and then one day the rubber band will snap because of the long term degradation. This has really made me rethink using wraps/bandages. Many of you know I have matching wraps/boots for all my saddle pads but as of recently, I have not been putting wraps on my horses after reading too many articles like this one. I use them if it is cool out, primarily fall winter or spring but even then I am very wary now. Of course there are horses and times when protection is needed but if you’re like me, the juice may not be worth the squeeze when it comes to matching my wraps to my saddle pad just for looks. My horse’s leg health is more important than matching my outfit.
Just a warning- There is a video at the bottom of the article about what a horse’s leg does under compression. Do not watch if you are squeamish. I am generally not squeamish but something about knowing that’s what my horse’s leg looks like did not bode well for my brain.
Quote from Robin Arzón
“What do you have right now that you used to dream about or pray for?” -Robin Arzón.
In the episode above, Robin talks about her struggle to get back into training after her daughter was born and so she would ask herself that question. Sometimes reminding ourselves of the small things we used to dream about that have come true can be uplifting and encouraging. This grateful reminder can pull you out of that negative headspace and put you into a place of seeing your own success.