Yes I take my ponies running...
I ran for a while when I was younger but I let it slip. My husband is a keen runner so he was my inspiration to get back into it. Not that I would be able to run that far, everything in moderation I say.
I stumbled across this idea when one of my ponies needed to be brought back into work and we both needed to shed some comfort weight. Mine caused by crinkle cut crisps, his by too much of the Devon green stuff.
So along came the idea of doing the NHS/BBC ‘Couch to 5K’ together. If you haven’t experienced this app for your phone, I highly recommend it. You can also download the plan to your computer. Check it out below...
It is interval training, starting off at a very achievable level, only running for 60 seconds at a time.
I chose ‘Laura’ as my virtual personal trainer on the app, there are various celebs to choose too, including Jo Whiley. I love listening to her Radio 2 show but I needed someone I could get annoyed with when telling me to ‘run’…
So angel pony and I set out three times a week, with ‘helpful’ comments from friends and other road users along the way!
It is now a few years down the line, I am leaner, fitter and stronger and so are my ponies. I try to run with each pony (I have two) once a week, the dog gets to join me for my third run of the week, he loves the fact I can keep up with him now….well nearly! We are lucky to have a lot of off road running available to us too.
Have you heard of Sherman the donkey, if not Google him or watch his You Tube Video
My husband told me about him, it is a lovely short video, 2 mins long. I found out it's a ‘thing’ - Burro running, running with your donkey. So why not a pony or a horse. I have to admit both my ponies are angels on the lead rope. I know some of my past four legged friends would not have taken to this so well.
So that is how I stay fit and I can keep up with you and your pets on our photoshoots.
Photo - D and Me, Devon
Nikon D850
ISO 1600
70 mm
F/ 4.0
1/400 sec
