In the past, I spent many years neglecting to care for my body. After a ride, I would simply say, "Ah, that was fun!", then go home, take a bath, and go to sleep.
Now, I realize that I must maintain a certain level of physical fitness if I wish to continue riding for many years to come. I'm not always overly concerned about my health, but I now understand that I can't neglect it. (It's a bit late for me to realize this, but as an old woman, please forgive me!)
First and foremost, if my hip joints are stiff, I can't even mount a horse.
"Instructors repeatedly tell me to 'mount and dismount swiftly.' Young people, whose bodies are flexible, mount with surprising agility. (Their hip joints must be supple.)
My instructor, who has watched me ride for many years, once told me, 'You've come a long way, especially considering you couldn't even spread your legs at first.' (Apparently, this is called a 'split'.)
'Your legs are glued to the horse's body and won't come off. What should I do?' (I can feel the passage of many years.)
Due to the pressure on my calves, I have to use my adductor muscles to propel the horse forward. ('Ah, my leg's cramping up!' I can't afford to say something like that. Although it's a funny situation, it's not a laughing matter.)
From these experiences, I decided to get to know my own body better after riding (and even before riding). Where is it stiff, and is there any pain, etc.
I made it a daily habit, not just on the days I rode.
Loosening up and relaxing all parts of my body, improving the circulation of my energy.
In the last few years, I've been spending 30 minutes to an hour loosening my body, then I breathe deeply from my belly, my tanden, before I go to sleep.
In the past, I had trouble falling asleep because my sympathetic nervous system was dominant.
Now, it seems that my parasympathetic nervous system is also functioning normally, and I can fall asleep easily.
I understand that knowing the relationship between my body and mind, and maintaining a good balance, is incredibly important.