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Original poster

First horse ride

52 replies

Downsize2021 · 11/08/2021 00:10

I'm a middle aged woman doing my first private lesson tomorrow. I'm excited but nervous. Does anyone have any advice or words of wisdom?

OP posts:
Bryonyshcmyony · 11/08/2021 14:01

@BakedTattie

Heels down
No, weight in your heels but keep ankles relaxed. Forcing heels down often makes toes point out.
MuddyStiletto · 11/08/2021 19:32

Ha! You've got the bug!

Stanlie · 11/08/2021 19:51

Sit up, sit up, sit up

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General sports
Popfan · 11/08/2021 20:03

I'm really glad you enjoyed it. A bit concerned your instructor was only 16 though? Was she qualified and is the stables a registered riding school? Firstly, you will learn properly with a qualified instructor. Secondly, there should be insurance in place - did the stables have this?

Original poster
Downsize2021 · 11/08/2021 20:40

Definitely insured and a proper riding school. There was an older lady in the side observing the lesson for the duration although she didn't get involved or speak to me. I was quite happy because I really am an absolute beginner so had no expectations and the girl was really confident. Maybe I should look at their instructors on the website to check it out tho if you think it sounds unusual. I'm learning all sorts here and it's so helpful to get experienced people's insights. Any idea when my bum muscles will return to normal? Grin

OP posts:
Popfan · 11/08/2021 21:11

It sounds like the girl is perhaps a trainee and she was being supervised? If so I think this should have been discussed with you first. Most stables have a scale of costs depending on the qualifications of the instructor and a trainee would be the lowest cost. I would have a look at the website to see and talk to them before your next lesson. Personally, I would want an experienced instructor, perhaps not the top end who would be teaching at a competition level but definitely one who is fully qualified and has a few years of experience under their belt.

Original poster
Downsize2021 · 11/08/2021 23:17

Thank you! I'll investigate for next time!

OP posts:
Germolenequeen · 11/08/2021 23:23

Bit late to the party but for the future .... sit on your ar$e not your c*nt - an oh so vulgar saying but oh so true - will save you hours of agony 😉

MissM2912 · 11/08/2021 23:27

I started again six weeks ago! I am now in a group lesson- more fun but my nerves are wrecked half the time!

countrygirl99 · 12/08/2021 05:15

@Germolenequeen

Bit late to the party but for the future .... sit on your ar$e not your c*nt - an oh so vulgar saying but oh so true - will save you hours of agony 😉
Not yo forget "tips and teeth"Grin
countrygirl99 · 12/08/2021 05:16

Tits not tips It's "tits and teeth". My phone is clearly more refined than me

Germolenequeen · 12/08/2021 13:41

@countrygirl99 😅

Driftingbees · 12/08/2021 15:48

Continuing the theme ...

I was taught "shoulders like a soldier and hips like a whore" and your core acts as a shock absorber between the two.

Germolenequeen · 12/08/2021 15:50

😆

Germolenequeen · 12/08/2021 15:52

Oh jeez every time I open my hips I'm going to think of that 😅

liveforsummer · 12/08/2021 16:00

Our local stables often have young girls teaching. They are 100% insured and BHS approved and the most respected one in the area - host PC/RC etc. There is also no cost difference between instructors. I'm sure yours is all above board OP. No real tips. Your instructor will give you those after seeing what's in front of her but enjoy. I've been riding 35 years but don't that often any more - mostly play groom to dc instead- but when I do I always hurt for about 2 days after. Just know that is normal 😆

Corndollie · 12/08/2021 16:10

Sit on your American fanny not your British fanny

bigbaggyeyes · 12/08/2021 16:10

Breathe and enjoy it

SpottyBumPony · 12/08/2021 16:11

@DrunkenUnicorn

This tickled me earlier.

Have a great time

You must be a ShitEventer Grin
SpottyBumPony · 12/08/2021 16:12

My advice, take a big long sniff of that horsey smell. Mmmmmmm

Germolenequeen · 12/08/2021 16:41

@Corndollie

That's brill - I think our gems are going over non riders heads tho 😆

liveforsummer · 12/08/2021 16:55

If you refer to horses by colour and name then baystard, patchy twat and chunt, they will know what you are talking about! 😆

Original poster
Downsize2021 · 12/08/2021 20:11

Reading this I think my posture was actually not too far from correct but I could not for the life of me stop bumping about in the trot and kept getting a little mini bounce from the horse in-between my attempts to rise up! I've looked and they're fully booked for the next month at the times I'm not working. So I'll be back at square one by the time I get my next lesson- but at least my bum and hip muscles will have time to recover. Even the dog walk was hard work today! Thanks for all the tips, everyone. I don't know anyone with horses or experience so it's nice to hear other people's advice and experiences!

OP posts:
Fleabiter · 12/08/2021 21:08

May I suggest you Google 'Online Classical Riding Academy'?
There are some free videos on there which may help you with the trotting.
Very few people master rising trot in the first lesson.

MeadowBrown · 12/08/2021 21:30

@SpottyBumPony

My advice, take a big long sniff of that horsey smell. Mmmmmmm
Amen to this
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