Is it like riding a bike?

[minesapackofminstrels]

I haven’t ridden for 25yrs but am hoping to have a lesson soon. I am wondering if it’s like riding a bike in that it all comes back to you.
I used to ride to a reasonable level - I had my own horse, would do 3’00 hunter trials and one day events, BHS Stage 3 so I wasn’t a novice rider. I’m just wondering how much I’m likely to be able to remember.
I’d love to hear of anyone who has recently began riding again after a long gap.
Thank you

[rebelrosie12]

Following. I'm tempted to have some lessons too

[tiredacademic]

Yes, I found that I picked things up relatively easily. I returned to riding after a 22 year break. I’m loving it and wonder why it took me so long to go back to it. (I started after DD1 started lessons.)

One thing I wasn’t prepared for was how much more nervous I am of falling off. I had no fear riding as a child/teenager, whereas I’m very aware that I don’t bounce quite as well

[Dontknowwhatimdoing]

I found my mind remembered what to do, but the muscle wasn't there, so my body wouldn't co-operate. It took a good few months for the strength to come back, but it did eventually. I am also less brave than I was when I was younger, but still loving it!

[RatherBeRiding]

In some ways yes, but it is likely your core strength and riding muscles have weakened considerably. Possibly also your balance/reflexes and confidence aren't quite what they were (speaking from my own experience which is very similar to yours). However, the more you ride, the more these will click back into place.

The first time I got back on a horse after a break of a few decades it was like I'd never been away, but on the other hand - boy was I stiff the next day!

It was getting my own again and riding regularly that got me ride-fit again.

[thetemptationofchocolate]

I recently rode after a break of some years. I could still do it, but I'm terribly unfit!

[britnay]

I find it frustrating; I know what my body is meant to be doing, but it just doesn't seem to be able to do it!

[Horsemad]

I agree with PP. DO IT!!! 😁🏇

[minesapackofminstrels]

Thank you for your replies. I have booked a lesson and am really looking forward to it. Interesting comments about the mind knowing what to do but the body not being able to do it.

[Horsemad]

It is surprising how quickly the body gets back into it though, it's as if the muscles 'remember' what's required of them.

I am definitely unfit, (although slim) had 3rd weekly lesson last week and noticed I was not aching as much the next day as the previous 2 weeks.
I did wonder if it was because I was riding a different (more going forward) horse to the previous 2 weeks or if my muscles are remembering what to do?!

I'm sure you'll enjoy it, come back and let us know how you get on 🙂

[Frouby]

Definitely a case of mind knows, body can't.

I was mega ride fit as a child and teenager. Stopped riding at 18, went back at 20 and bought my own again and after a few weeks was back match fit.

Rode again for a couple of months at 25 and it took a lot longer. Got very frustrated as I wanted to squeeze and there was nothing there to squeeze with.

Have a youngster that is a mother/daughter share. We backed her this summer and I got on first, did a few minutes one day then got on again the day after (on my own, no help, no one holding her just clambered on as you do when you are 40 on a baby pony 😂😂😂) and had a few minutes mooching around. I ached like mad the next day.

Will be finishing her off in jan/feb and not looking forward to the protest from my poor old muscles!

Friend rode at a similar level to you, also an AI, also had a big gap. She struggled for a few weeks but did get back riding fit after about a month of regular (5 days a week) riding. Her core strength had gone though and she was very tippy forwards for a while. I have had 2 c sections so suspect I will be the same. It's not helped by relying on pony.club kicking either as you don't have the legs to hold with.

[iveburntthetoast]

I've been really frustrated by how much more nervous I am riding as an adult. I'm also aware that my jumping position is crap--I sort of sit up in the saddle, rather than folding forwards. The instructor said it is OK-ish as I'm not jabbing the horse in the mouth or anything, but I'm so annoyed at myself. I know exactly what to do, but can't put it into practice. My instructor did point out that it's maybe because I'm nervous as it feels easier to hold on the way I do it. I have no problem getting into the jumping position while ridung (if that makes sense), but just don't instinctively do it when going over a jump. I think my mind's slower than it used to be, too I get over the jump and think 'crap, I've messed it up again.

[OrcinusOrca]

If you are quite active or supple still it probably won't be too bad. I had a 7-8 year gap and came back to it in my mid 20's. Balance was definitely not amazing and I could feel it hugely the next day, but the actual duration of it was fine. I just felt like I might go out the side door a bit more easily than I used to! Hope you enjoy.

[Uncooperativefingers]

I came back to riding after almost a 10 year break and actually find I am more confident now! It took a few months to get the muscles back, but because I have good core strength from other activities (probably better than when I was riding as a teen), I find my seat feels much more secure. In turn that means I can rely on feeling the horse react more and stay relaxed. For me, so much fear / uncertainty comes from feeling like you have a weak seat.

Enjoy your lesson, it's just as addictive as an adult than as a child!

[Horsemad]

Have you been riding yet OP? 🙂

[Shriek]

Completely! Just like riding a bike, except for the body strength and tone required for horse!
Immediately loved the recognition of how it feels. Had horses for years and had years without, and always live the feel of getting back in the saddle! can't beat it.
Start with short periods though and build up again.
You forget what a hard physical workout a challenging horse can be.