To start horse riding lessons again?

[NotSoJollyChristmas]

I used to do riding lessons at 16 but gave up after a while due to finances/life in general. Things are starting to look up for me again though six years later and I would love to restart but not sure if it’s a bit strange doing lessons once you’re no longer a teenager

So you think no adult has ever learnt how to ride a horse?

I did after 20 odd years of not riding. It was wonderful.

Time has gotten away from me again but am planning on re restarting again soon.

They have Take Back The Reins courses as most big riding schools

I bought my mum and daughter horse riding vouchers for Christmas, my mum used to work at the stables as a teen and owned horses but hadnt been on a horse in 40 years and was a little anxious and worried about falling off, within 10 minutes she was back to doing rising trot and had a smile on her face like a 3 year old at Christmas 😁 you are never too old!

I did a 7 week course. It was helpful to get confidence back. Wouldn't do it again as the standard of riders varies so much it was frustrating, but enjoyed it while it lasted

I started learning to ride at 30 having always wanted to do so. I havent ridden now since ds1 was little ( he is now 16) but would still love to start again one day.

I sat on a horse for the first time at 33, got the bug and started lessons, now I'm 36 and loan my own horse and am a reasonable proficient rider. Never ever too late!

Do it!!! I came back to lessons after 15 years of not riding and it's honestly one of the best grown up life decisions I've made!!

Definitely do it! You will ache though but it's worth it.

Do it. You’ll get much more out of it this time. And plenty of adults have lessons. Most riding schools will have adult lessons too

Do it! I rode as a kid, stopped when I went to uni and early career due to money. Started again at 28. Best thing I ever did! Still ride at a riding school 5 years later as owning is still a financial stretch too far. But I have found a fantastic school that caters properly for adults and my riding is progressing massively, so I don't feel like I am wasting my time. Plus I go on a few riding hols a year to different places, which I definitely couldn't do if I had my own.

It just takes some effort to find a riding school that doesn't treat it's adult customers as an optional extra to their children's business. But post in the tack room with your area and I'm sure someone will recommend somewhere

When can children start taking lessons. I have a two year old and think it would be a lovely bonding experience

@NotSoJollyChristmas

When can children start taking lessons. I have a two year old and think it would be a lovely bonding experience

Depends on the riding school, but most say 4 or 5 for proper lessons - they just aren't mature enough to benefit from them before then. Lots of places will offer pony rides etc at a younger age though

I didn't start until I was 40.

Lots of people learn to ride as an adult! I ride with a local hunt, and a lot of the men only learnt in their 30s and 40s because it was the only way of keeping up with their children. They would not be what id call the most polished riders, but they are certainly enjoying themselves and don’t let the fact they came to it late stop them from galloping around having fun! I’ve come across lots of people who have taken up eventing after only learning to ride as an adult. There was a whole competition recently (The Wobbleberries) encouraging people to give it a go who have never done it before, and many competitors came to riding as adults.

WRT your child, I would say they are not really capable of following lessons until they are at least 5, before then you are really limited to short walks out on a steady pony. My own daughter didn’t really seem to make any progress at all in lessons (in spite of having her own pony from birth!) until she was about 7, and then it was as if someone had turned on her riding ability. She’s 14 now, and competing very successfully indeed in her chosen discipline. At 2 they are too little to understand subtle aids, that a pony has to be respected, and their body is not developed enough to really get a lot out of it - even wearing a hat for more than 20 mins or so is not to be advised as it is heavy for their little necks and can unbalance them. However lots of kids that age enjoy a gentle wander on a kind pony so go for it, but don’t expect to be galloping with the wind in your hair for about another 4 years at least. And then once they can gallop, they leave you for dust! 🤣

My local RS starts lessons at aged 4, I think you’d struggle to find anywhere that does much younger, although some do 3 year olds.

I started riding in my 30s then bought a horse, it was inevitable, I’d been obsessed since very young! No, it’s not cheaper to have your own as I convinced my DH!

Do it! I wish I could go back to horse riding, had health issues and had to give it up for a few years but hoping to restart again maybe next year.
If finances allow do some 1-1 lessons then join classes if you feel more confident.

I returned after many years and absolutely love it.
I tried out a couple of different riding schools before finding an instructor that worked for me and I was delighted that it all came flooding back to me especially once my confidence improved.
It’s brought me so much joy.

You’re young and probably fitter than I was when I started again but I would encourage you to try yoga or Pilates for equestrians.
(free on YouTube ) so you don’t ache too much initially!
I started riding lessons age 5 which was probably about right but because my DM rode, I was around ponies and horses long before then.

I have a family member who is 70 years old who takes riding lessons, you're definitely not too old!

You may find there is a waiting list for lessons as it's found new popularity over lockdown