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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To think I can start horse riding at 30?

63 replies

Therewillbe7 · 12/08/2018 14:10

I’ve been looking at starting adult horse riding lessons having not ridden a horse since I had one or two lessons as a child. Has anyone done this.? Most people who have taken it up as an adult seem to have been good riders as children then lapsed, whereas I would be a total novice. Is it a stupid idea?

OP posts:

DramaAlpaca · 12/08/2018 14:13

I started at 40 as a total novice but I didn't really take to it so didn't carry on after my initial course of lessons. Give it a go, you might love it.

GingerPickled · 12/08/2018 14:14

Go for it.

You need strong thigh muscles.

Booboostwo · 12/08/2018 14:19

Why not? Have a try, you will know very quickly whether you love it or hate it.

bigsighall · 12/08/2018 14:21

Didn’t get on a horse til I was 30... got 2 of my own now!

m0therofdragons · 12/08/2018 14:23

Yep, dh got me lessons for my 30th. Dd started riding at 7 years old. So much better than bikes!

QueenOfToast · 12/08/2018 14:23

Go for it! I decided to give this a try in my 30s and had a few private beginner lessons. It wasn't for me but at least I've had a go - I think it's the thought of falling off that scares me too much! I have a couple of friends who started as total beginners in their 20s and they love it.

FourFriedChickensDryWhiteToast · 12/08/2018 14:25

Yes you can, but it is going to be more demanding for you.

have look online for exercises that you can do to prepare, as you might for ski-ing.

Ishouldntbesolucky · 12/08/2018 14:26

Of course you can! Go for it!

FrenchFancie · 12/08/2018 14:29

I just started again at 38. I had a few lessons as a child but nothing special and stopped when I was 9 or 10. I ached terrible when I went back to riding but now (after 6 months) I’m loving it. Find a good instructor and a stables with good horses and you’ll have an ace time.

ploppymoodypants · 12/08/2018 14:30

I know several people who hadnt ridden as children and got into it in later life.
Once started mid forties, and now mid fifties and will happily pop a xcountry couse or go hunting all day on her own horse. The other has her own horse, and is only a happy hacker, but enjoys herself immensely and is competent (just not competitive).
Also know lovely guy who learnt in his late fifties. His twenty something daughter had a welsh cob (so not exactly quiet) and when she was pregnant and worried about looking at her horse, he offered to help her out with mucking out and lifting etc. (Good old Dad eh). He then one day just fancied a go, as he had bonded with the horse, just pottering around. And he loves it. Next thing he is having private lessons each week on said horse, and hacking out daily and is now a real regular on the yard, coming with everyone on fun rides etc. I don’t know what will happen when daughter wants her horse back, but luckily she is smitten with baby at moment, so no threat for the time being 😁

LittleMissBrainy · 12/08/2018 14:31

Absolutely go for it! I learnt to roller skate 4 years ago at the age of 38 and now I play roller derby regularly and I've never looked back.

Too often women are not confident enough to learn a cool sport or feel they're too old to start and that's why so many end up in stereotyped fitness classes like 'legs, bums and Tums' or 'fab abs' which are literally designed to make you feel like your body isn't good enough!
Riding will give you all the fitness and so much more!

Gaspodethetalkingdog · 12/08/2018 14:49

Go for it, but make sure the place is reputable, preferably a British Horse Society registered establishment. Go and have a look and see how is is run, you will need to start in a fenced sand arena on safe horses. See how tidy it looks. It is best to buy your own hat, look online or at tack shops, they do not have to cost loads.

Original poster

Therewillbe7 · 12/08/2018 14:50

Ooo this has been a lot more positive than I thought. I love the idea of getting fit but not in exercise classes that I hate. I also like the idea of taking up something to do on my own because otherwise it becomes a social thing - I took up golf with a friend to try and get more exercise, but since we’ve fallen into the habit of going for a few drinks after playing it’s a bit counter productive.

Thanks everyone, and if anyone else has anymore postive stories keep them coming.

OP posts:

teaandtwigs · 12/08/2018 14:52

Yes definitely, you will love it! Pilates/yoga at home will help you flexibility and core strength wise and find a good riding school. I'm back to riding after a 10 year break and feel like a horse obsessed teen again!

Original poster

Therewillbe7 · 12/08/2018 14:57

Thanks Gaspode. This is the one I was looking to go to www.penshaw-equestrian-centre.co.uk. It says it’s British Horse Society registered and that there’s a small indoor school for beginners. Maybe I’ll see if I can go up to see if it’s sanded before the lesson? Is that over the top?

OP posts:

Original poster

Therewillbe7 · 12/08/2018 14:58

Ah, I’ve actually started doing Pilates so that’s a good match.

OP posts:

DancelikeEmmaGoldman · 12/08/2018 14:58

I took it up at 35 - it changed my life. So go for it.

Look for an instructor who works with adult novices - really good basics are important, and unlike kids, we get limited time to muck around, so a solid foundation will help you be a better and safer rider.

Be prepared to be frustrated and afraid sometimes, it's a complex and sometimes dangerous sport, which is why it's so much fun!

It takes a lifetime to be a good rider, but about ten minutes to become a passionate one, if it's the right sport for you. And nothing beats the exhilaration of suddenly getting it right and your horse floats under you.

And even if you don't want to persist with lessons, having a bit of theory under your belt is useful even for the occasional trail ride.

Go for it and come back and tell us how you went.

ploppymoodypants · 12/08/2018 15:04

Looks fab, and even offers livery in case you want to ever have your own, you will be able to access lots of support.

Original poster

Therewillbe7 · 12/08/2018 15:30

Okay, I’ve rang them and I’m waiting for them to get back to me with a date. I’m nervous and excited. Thanks for the encouragement!

OP posts:

ploppymoodypants · 12/08/2018 15:31

Hooray for you. Exciting!

Original poster

Therewillbe7 · 12/08/2018 15:38

Okay, first lesson is 5 o’clock tomorrow! I’m very nervous!

OP posts:

Quiettiger · 12/08/2018 15:39

Definitely go for it, just be prepared to get hooked on something stronger than heroin and be prepared to burn money as a result.

Also be prepared to ache like hell, not be able to walk the day after your first lesson and even though you are in agony, accept that you'll want to do it again as soon as you humanely can.

Horses are very addictive. (I have 11 - I started with 1...)

Original poster

Therewillbe7 · 12/08/2018 16:09

I hope I do get hooked on it . I hope it goes well. Out of interest, for those of you who ride, how often do you think I should have lessons?

OP posts:

Ithinkthatsenough · 12/08/2018 16:19

Go for it!
Find a riding school you feel comfortable at.
Prepare for aching muscles
Prepare for feeling a bit wobbly like a rag doll in the beginning
Prepare your bank balance in case you get the bug properly... horses are an expensive, but fab hobby.
They eat grass and shit weeds and my dh (farmer) says!😂

My horse, riding on my own away from everyone is my therapy!!

AveABanana · 12/08/2018 16:23

I started again at 40 after stopping as a teenager. I really enjoyed it but could not shake the 'if I fall off who is going to get the kids from school' vibe.

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