Riding

[Hazza000]

Hi
At the grand age of 51 I have taken up riding! I have only had two lessons thus far both of which I have really enjoyed. I do not however think I am a natural at riding and am struggling to post a trot without feeling out of sync/clumsy. Riding is not as easy as I thought it might be. Could this be because of my age? I am otherwise fit and walk miles with my dogs. I fully intend to continue because it's something for me now my children are grown, but are there any riders out there with any advice for a mature beginner? Anyone else start as an older person and/or struggle at first? I am in no hurry but wondered how long it may take me to be competent and confident enough to go out hacking.
Many thanks

After 2 lessons, you have no need to worry. Rising trot can take a while; be patient. Your general fitness will stand you in good stead and riding will help your core strength.

Almost impossible to say how long you might take to become confident enough to hack out because of all the variables: horse, routes, roads, type of hacking (pootle round roads or galloping across stubble) ... how often do you have lessons? Are these group or 1:1? Really, your instructor will be the best person to talk to.

2 lessons is nothing, honestly. I rode in my teens and twenties, then had a fairly grim fall, damaged my spine. I thought I'd go back within weeks, the hospital said about a year - they were right. By then, I'd lost confidence. I finally went back to riding in my early 40's after spending hours supporting my children in their riding. Initially I felt stiff and anxious but within a year, was hacking and doing some low jumps.

Riding is wonderful exercise, you use all muscle groups and it's impossible (well it was for me) to think about anything else. I did an advanced class fro 8.30-9.30pm several years ago, at a time when work and home life were both getting me ruminating more than was good for me. I'd drive up, trying to stop ruminating and by the time I was driving home, I felt totally relaxed and positive.
So- best sport ever. Sad that I finally had to stop for irritating, painful and boring health reasons.

Enjoy it.

Thanks guys. There is hope then! I have group lessons but during the week so this means that the first week I was with two others (children) but last week it was just me. I do worry about falling off and know how dangerous that could be but can't let worry stop you doing things can you.

Think of pushing your hips forward rather than going straight up and down. Two hours(?) Is nothing though.

Working on your core strength and flexibility will help.

Riding uses totally different muscles to walking so takes them a while to strengthen up - you'll get there. Try and keep going once a week so your muscles don't forget what they've learnt.

The more you ride the more you'll relax and a relaxed rider is a better rider :)

You could go out hacking now with an instructor or group on a placid horse. Have a look on the internet for your area to see if there's any stables doing group hacks at weekend. Just say you're a beginner and they'll put you on the right horse and not make you canter!

Between lessons I used to sit on an exercise ball at home and think through the posture/legs/arms that the instructor had been teaching. Easier to do when you're not concentraing on falling off

Have fun!

I’ve ridden all my life and can’t think of a better exercise for body and mind - there’s something about working with another sentient being involved, so keep going! If you have any other questions I’d recommend the Tack Room board - it’s under Pets. Lots of knowledgeable horsy people there.

I’d be amazed if you got a posting trot perfectly in sync on your second lesson. Just keep going and listen to your horse :)