Back in the saddle

[Mumtothelittlefella]

This group seems to be really supportive and offers great advice so I’m hoping for some words of wisdom from people who have got back into riding after a long break.

I’m 40 and have ridden on and off over years after owning my own ponies as a teenager. I was never the most confident rider but was capable. I enjoyed dressage rather than jumping etc.

I’m torn as riding and horses were such a passion so I’m always drawn back but my confidence is so low I’m not sure I can get over my nerves. For example, I don’t think I could hack out again.

Has anyone else experienced this and overcome it? I’d love to be confident enough to try the odd dressage comp again but I know I could never happily hack or jump so should I just forget about riding again?

Hi! I've recently gotten back into riding in my 30's but have gone in at the deep end with my friend's ex racing TB

I think maybe lessons would be a good way to get your confidence back up, some stables offer group hacks which might be a good way in for you too.

Is there a reason for your nervousness? Did you have a nasty fall or accident, or is it just that you've not been in the saddle in a long time?

Hi, I'd really encourage you to give it a go, riding is great exercise and horses are such a joy, it is also a nice thing to do to socially and to meet people. No personal experience of re-starting after a break but I know plenty of people who have done it, honestly it is very common and no-one will think you are odd! I know a few adult beginners/returners who are out there hunting and galloping around like teenagers, and quite a lot more who are more happy hackers or enjoy the odd gentle schooling session, but what they're doing with horses isn't the important thing (I think most people have grown out of competitiveness over how high you can jump by the time you hit 40s anyway), it's that it brings them joy

I do understand the confidence thing though, I think it is very natural to become more cautious as you grow older and less bouncy and you also have responsibilities and people to look after which is always at the back of your mind when doing a risk sport. However low level, sensible riding on a well behaved horse and with the right safety equipment is comparatively very safe and the benefits to your physical and mental health far outweigh the risks IMO.

Why not find a good riding school and a sympathetic instructor and take it in very small chunks, don't worry about jumping and hacking and competitions for now, just aim to have a little sit on a safe plod and maybe a wander around if you feel good, and take it from there?

If you do no more than that at least you will have a nice experience, but if you do want to take it further the BHS run a returning to riding course called Take Back the Reins which is a brilliant initiative, you do it as a group and meet others in the same situation which is nice. You can search on the BHS website for the closest centre which offers it.

Do report back if you take a lesson, as I suspect there are probably lurkers reading this in the same position as you and secretly itching to have a go so you can encourage others too!

I returned to riding after 20 years break at 44. I was a happy hacker in my youth. Never did anything competitive or even very formal. Spinal problems stopped me riding. I had surgery in 2016.

I now have my own horse and couldn't be happier.

I started with lessons. I told the instructor how utterly terrified - and useless - and unfit - and utterly even more terrified I was.

Got off after the first couple of times red faced, sweaty, shaking and barely able to stand. Couldn't walk for days. But I had so much fun.

I have now done my first ever beach ride and even attempted cross country.

Give it a go. You won't regret it.

I had a break of over 10 years I was over 50 when I went back. I lost a very special horse and said never ever again. We moved and up the road was a very well known stables I used to drive by and hesitate and wonder about enquiringly about a lesson. 2 1/2 years ago I took the plunge. I was surprised and delighted how quickly everything came back, I originally did it so I could ride when we were on holiday but it quickly snowballed I was quickly doing some dressage tests and well see my user name!! I don’t regret it as said above horses are a “joy” (most of the time), and definitely benefit your health physical; in particular as we get older our balance isn’t so good and riding definitely helps this and for me looking after him daily mucking out etc is good for my joints and mental health; I have a stressful job even poo picking a field relieves stress.
Find a reputable stables with good instructors and quality horses and give it a go you have nothing to loose.

Thank you all for your advice and sharing your experiences.

I’m going to see the local stables next week. They actually run the BHS course Mexelly mentioned so I feel quite excited about meeting others in a similar situation in RL.

My nerves have generally got worse after the DC so I’m not a great car passenger or in a plane etc. But I’ve never been really confident riding as I’ve had a few falls and a couple of ponies bolt. It doesn’t help that stables seem to put me on 16.2hh plus as I’m 5’9 when I’d feel much happier on a shorter cob type.

I’d like to try 1-2-1 lessons for a while however they are £32 for 30 mins. How does the price compare with other stables? I was hoping to start going twice a week.

Pre horse ownership I paid £55 for 3/4 of an hour with a very sought after very highly regarded instructor at very well known riding stables on quality horses.

For private lessons, I pay £30 for a half hour/£45 for full hour. Group lessons are £20 for 3/4 hour.

I had a long break and went from being a bold youngster who hunted and evented to a real scaredy cat. I've got a Fell Pony who looks after me.

I had a break of about 15 years having lost all my confidence when I was about 17 and had a ‘falling off’ phase. Also started again so I could ride on holiday. Now ride 3/4 times a week. On my loaned 15.2 cob. Oops.

Off the top of the head, I think where I ride it is about £45 for an off peak 45 min private, a bit more for weekends/ evenings.

I first rode aged 11, had to give it up when I was 12 and have intermittently ridden since. I started again aged 54. I love, love , love it. I’ve fallen off, I’ve hurt myself, I had a confidence crisis at the beginning of this year but went back to it. I ride big 16.2hh plus horses too so it’s a long way to fall aged 57 but I finished my last lesson before the summer break finally getting right the different exercises my trainer had been getting me to do for 2 months and also jumped. It gave me such a buzz! I’m so looking forward to next week when my 1-2-1 lessons starts again. .

You know what, OP, just get on the horse and do a 30-minute private lesson. I bet you a fiver you’ll be less nervous than you anticipate

(I’m 41 and have been back riding for a year after a twenty-year break.)

I had a twenty year break too and started again in my early 40s when my 4 and 5 yr old daughters started lessons. Five years later all 3 girls ride and we have a 11h and 14,2. I quickly realised I needed more than lessons as I missed caring for horses so bought the pony 3 yrs ago after part loaning for a year. I don’t have the nerve or ability I had when younger and I ache more than I ever did but starting again was the best thing I’ve done. Have fun!

Re-started in early 50s and have now jumped up to 1m ( not competing in s-j, not interested) have hunted and hack sometimes. I now focus on dressage to music and compete in this.
I think you may find your confidence improves. I have taken a fair few flyers and have gotten right back on, though I started v. Slow - actually went out on lead rein at first. Give it a go with lots of lessons on school horses. The cheapest option may be group lessons at a riding school, which would be a reasonable way to start. Good luck!

I don't know if it's because teaching methods have changed, or more adults are taking up riding, or just that I'm not 12 any more, so I'm more able to speak up, but since I've been back all of the instructors I've had seem very aware that people find horses scary and need to go at their own pace. It's much nicer than my memories of sitting there terrified while someone shouted at me.

Thank you for your words of encouragement. I’ve had a few lessons now and although I’m still nervous, I’m starting to feel more at ease and even managed at canter and some trotting poles. I’ve booked for two lessons a week - one group and one private - with a very patient teacher which has helped. She doesn’t mind if I need to turn in and take a rest for a minute or so (or more!). It’s surprising how many people are in similar situations and getting back after a long break.

The important question is, nerves aside, have you enjoyed riding again?

I’m enjoying it more and each lesson - doing some of the more technical work helped relax me so I started to feel more capable. I’m looking forward to each lesson rather than dreading it. I do love being around them, such beautiful animals.

That’s good to hear! I’m sure you’ll come on in leaps and bounds now you’re back to it.