Getting back in the saddle - weekly course or intensive course.

[tink123]

DD has been riding for a year now, and frankly I am jealous :) I have not ridden for 25 years since I was 15 years old.

I really would love to buy a horse in the future or at least get a share in a few years. My knowledge is seriously rusty and to be honest I used to spend more time looking at the sky than sitting on the horse. Saying that when I got back into the saddle when I was 15 years old (gave up originally at 12 yrs old) I felt much more confident and did not fall off.

So I have the option of a 7 week 'return to the saddle' course or a one week adult riding course at a local stables.

Any advice or opinions would be so gratefully received.

Do the 7 week one.

For a start you most likely won't be able to walk on day two so it gives your body a chance to get used to it again.

Secondly, the more time you spend around horses the better. Its not all about the riding. I should think there would be more opportunity to learn stable management with the 7 week course,

There should have been a afetr the second bit.

I had 4 years off and went for a gentle 1/2 hack and I walked like I had a cactus up my arse the next day

I think the one week course, the only thing that stops your muscles from hurting is to use them again straight away. Also am impatient and seven weeks is AGES.

I'd do the 7 week course, I agree with both muscle comments but you are more likely to injure yourself when stiff and possibly not enjoy it as much.

I also think a break allows you to think and absorb more. You could always book a lesson on the in between days!!

Agree with everyone, 7 weeks so you can still walk .

I feel like a sadist now, but am not, rather an all or nothing type.

I'm back in the saddle after 10years off and am having weekly lessons. I've been going for 4 months and and fairly competent again now, it's a real buzz!

Another thing to consider is group/private lessons. I've just changed from privte lessons to group ones though and am not getting nearly as much out of them so you need to thinks out what sort of lessons you want.