Getting back into riding....

[ApocalypseNowt]

...after a 15 year break. I did a lot throughout my teenage years but haven't been on a horse since (bar the occasional pony trek).

I've had 2 lessons so far and it's going well but i think my main problem is my complete lack of fitness.

After having DD2 i've been doing SW in an effort to lose weight - lost 2 stone so far and have at least another stone to go (more like 2 to get to my ideal weight).

I'm having a lesson every fortnight (can't afford more at the mo) but are they any particular exercises that i could do in the interim to get me back in shape? I haven't got any spare cash for stuff like the gym.

Any advice/ideas welcome!

Same boat as you - back to riding after 20 year absence have private lesson every week.
My stepper has helped my fitness enormously and did not cost a lot to buy. I have had a 30 minute private lesson this morning and needed to really work without the stepper could not have done it.

Thanks for the tip - I'll have a look on ebay or amazon i think.

I was wondering if something like the 30 squat and ab challenge might help.

It all used to be so effortless!

Yoga will do wonders for your balance as well. Same boat here, started again after a 14 year absence a bit over a year ago... right now having a share for a day a week plus weekly dressage lessons, and I've been shouted at for being inconsistent, but it's gotten better since I've made a point of stretching before the lessons. All very frustrating, I used to be so good. :(

Have you got a bike? I find cycling helps with my riding fitness and of course once you have the bike it doesn't cost anything.

There is a bike lurking in the back of the shed. I might take it to the bike shop to see how much getting it repaired would be.

In the meantime I could definitely get a yoga dvd. I did used to do yoga/pilates classes so that might be ok.

Many thanks for the ideas.

Another one who has found yoga invaluable when getting back into horse riding. Good for your balance, and strengthens and elongates lots of the right horse riding muscles. An introductory yoga CD like "Yoga for Dummies" shouldn't be expensive.

Walking, or even better, running would help speed up weight loss and is free but I agree that yoga would be great for balance and agility. Enjoy your lessons!

Thank you - I'm trying to up the amount I walk each week and I do think that's helping. I've also ordered a couple of yoga dvd's.

I have another lesson this sunday so will see how i do!

Pilates is brilliant for riders. It really helps with core stength, posture and breathing.

i think yoga downloads has some free classes

I started again about 6 months ago, after a 10ish year break, and I can't believe how much worse my balance is than it used to be. I agree that it used to feel so effortless! I think that it's part lack of fitness and part being more nervous than I ever used to be. I think I've got the nerves under control now (well, most of the time) and have started C25K to lose a bit of weight and get fitter. I just hope to be a decent novice again!
Good luck with your riding - it's great to rediscover an old passion isn't it? :)

Exactly Lost! Yes, my balance isn't as good as it was but a big part of that is to with my core strength or lack thereof.

I wish i hadn't left it so long tbh but life kind of got in the way! I'm really excited to get back into it though....hoping in the future it might be something I can enjoy with my DD's.