Women & Horses

May 8, 1998

Jean Sica-Lieber
Fairport, NY

Dear Ms. Midkiff:

I just finished reading your book Fitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian (Macmillan) and am so very grateful to you for writing it. What I read was so right on target for me and related so clearly to my experiences and questions about horses and women riding.

I'm almost 45 years old and while I have always wanted to ride, I only began 3 years ago when my daughter began riding (she's 12 now). It's taken me a long time, but I am finally confidently leading my cantering horse over short cross-rail jumps! Throughout my life I have tried to be athletic but could never find my niche, so to speak. I never thought of myself as being naturally well-coordinated and I also never found a sport I enjoyed enought to try hard enough to become well-coordinated. All this in addition to my having a weak lower back and a fear of falling. I am often asked why I would ever consider riding horses, given my special challenges, but all I can respond is that horseback riding has actually strengthened my back and helped me face my falling fears! And on top of that (excuse the pun) I love the animals and I love feeling in sync with them! In addition, since riding I have tried other sports that I never would have tried years ago. Guess what? I am now better coordinated than I was when I was in my 20s! All thanks to the horses.

The book is a starting point for me to continue to improve my fitness level and my ability to relate to the horse(s) I ride. To that end, I'm interested in learning more about Equestrian Resources and the products you offer for purchase. Also, I'm interested in the Women & Horses Fitness and Performance Program. Please send me any information available. Thank you so much!!

Sincerely, Jean Sica-Lieber

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