Any trail riders here?

I am a wrangler on a ranch in a mountainous region. Besides catching, grooming, tacking and un-tacking, I ride everyday with guests on scenic trails for approximately five to ten miles each day. This there anyone else here who does and is trying to lose weight? I could use some ideas and suggestions of other horse related  and/or exercise activities to burn more calories... I'm held up on a plateau about five pounds away from my weight goal.  I was alternating aerobics and running each morning before work but have become BORED... Any reasonable suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

well, my last horse died a year and a half ago (it's okay - he was old), and i'm not going to get another until i'm out of grad school and settled, but i used to kick my stirrups to get a little extra exercise ;)

it probably didn't amount to much, but it felt good. 

Maybe you've plateaued because you're not eating enough?   See this post...

http://caloriecount.about.com/forums/post/107 273.html#last

Is there a time when horses are not on the trails and you could ride a bike?

Do you ride bareback at all? I haven't ridden in years but I still remember the difference and how much more physical bareback is. And how much more fun (well, when I was a kid, anyway!!)

Do you muck stalls already? Chop wood? (I'm just trying to think of farm/ranch related things you could do.) How about walking fences to look for damage/holes? Carrying water buckets instead of using hoses to water the horses/gardens?

Have you tried running the trails you take the horses out on? Probably a lot more challenging that running on any type of road.

I hope you get some good ideas!!

If your horse isn't easily spookable, you can do a little trick riding.  I know I used to try to lift my legs and touch my knees to my elbows, and touch my toes, its really stupid to try on a skittish horse though. and I think its more about balance and strength than calories.

I also have a bad ankle so I usually rode without sturrups, and like Mkculs said, bareback is a good alternative. I used to also sing on the trail, though I think youre not going to be able to squeese too much more excersize out of riding.

I have worked at a riding stable in the Colorado Mountains as well. Can't have a greater job, pay is not great but it has the WOW factor. Running on the trails was not an option. We did do a lot of rock climbing, which got the heart pumping!

I purchased a heart rate monitor at the suggestion of a therapist. I was fortunate enough to have access to an area at the stable as well, so on my off time I would work out in the arena. Trotting at a real good pace for 3-5 minutes then loping for 1 minute, alternating for about 40 minutes to 1 hour does wonders for the rider and the horse. Also if you have access to dressage lessons, I would take them. The discipline in dressage is wonderful for the mind, body and soul of both rider and horse too. So many people think that just sitting on a horse and letting the horse carry you around is exercise. It isn't. You must ride with you body, tighten your abs, use your body to control your horses gait. Ride with your body and leave the reins alone. {IMPORTANT NOTE:  Your horse must beable to communicate with you also, so work on this style of riding in an enclosed area until you feel confident!]  If you don't ride this way already, may I suggest that you check out books by Pat Parelli, or Clinton Anderson. There are other clinicians, but these are my favorites. Linda Parelli may have books out with exercises for riders as well. Don't forget to stretch before and after.

I haven't been riding much for the last few years and have packed a lot of weight back on, but I can tell you this worked very well for me and I am in the process of getting back in the saddle again.

Good luck.

Wow! Thank you to all replies! I wasn't expecting anyone to have much to say on the subject. I really appreciate all the ideas and suggestions. I haven't been an active part of this forum post because my account here on CC wasn't setup to notify me via e-mail when I received all your wonderful replies. Again, thank you all!!! Good luck to all of you in your journeys to became more healthy.

pgeorgian: I had to sell my horse to move to where I currently live, so I can appreciate where you are at in life. I wish you good luck with your pursuit of education and later, in your horse search.

thmheh: Thank you for the article about not eating enough. I am pretty certain this is part of my problem. It's very difficult for me to remember physical hunger when I am so satisfied emotionally satiated! Not to mention the summer heat always suppresses my appetite. I will up my calorie intake.

jospe: Have you ever seen the movie "The Man from Snowy River?" It's a good horse movie. Our guest trails aren't that extreme but some of them are very steep and rocky. I am afraid my bicycle skills and my bike aren't up to par. There are some nice bike and hike trails where I live though. Some mornings I will get out my Huffy instead of my step. Thanks for a different exercise idea.

mkculs: I certainly do all the ranch/ farm related chores you mentioned! Your suggestions made me realize just how much I do in a day. As thmheh pointed out, I am definitely NOT eating enough for all the activities I am doing. I appreciate your making me aware of this.

cypris: Since I work on a ranch where 75% of our clients/guests are very inexperienced there are very few skittish horses. Your suggestion made me smile because I was remembering all the silly and dangerous things I did while unsupervised at the stable as a little girl. My trainer came to the arena one day and caught me standing on my poor pony's back! Thanks for reminding me to be creative.

rockingrandma: If money wasn't an object I would definitely be searching for somewhere to take dressage lessons. I've been riding competitively since I was eight years old. I love the connection; the soundless communication that transpires between horse and woman during a good ride. Dressage would be such a great way to increase my skills further! I am going to check out the authors you mentioned for more ideas. Thank you for all the info!