Am I too old to learn to ride?

[MrsGradyOldLady]

I'm not gonna lie, I've become fascinated with the world of horses since lockdown and the fact I've not been able to do any of the things I usually enjoy for over a year now. I'm actually quite envious of people who are still able to enjoy their passion.

Is 48 too old to learn how to ride? I had a few lessons as a child and got as far as the rising trot and going out for treks. I don't know if I'd be too scared of falling off now though and maybe the horse would sense fear and throw me off?

I've been looking at stables near me for lessons for my 13 year old daughter and thinking actually, I'd like a go too. Has anyone any experience of teaching older riders? Or being a late starter themselves?

I would maybe be interested in having a go on the full day stable management lessons too. Where you learn how to groom and muck out. But not actually owning one ever as I'm far too lazy to want to take care of them every day. I do really fancy a camp type experience though that they run for the kids in school holidays if such a thing exists for bored middle aged women?

Not at all @MrsGradyOldLady, in fact Horse Riding offers up a great cardiovascular workout, in addiiton to toning your body (especially the core muscles and your legs).

My mum used to ride when she was younger and it was only after the first lockdown that she really became interested in it again - I think being cooped up in the house, with limited freedom, affected her and she wanted to make the most of being outside when the restrictions eased. She did an experience day around the New Forest and loved the feeling so much that she then took up lessons at her local riding school [https://www.classicalridingacademy.com/ Classical Riding Academy]].

I would agree with some of the other comments above, that it would be good to speak to your riding school first, if nothing else to ease any concerns or worries you may have.

Mum was nervous of getting back into the saddle after such a long break (also not being as fit as she once was), but the lady reassured her and spoke about a specific lesson they have which is aimed at people like my mum.

A good riding school as well will ask you to do an introductory lesson first - to get an understanding of how you ride and then proceed from there.

I hope you and your daughter have as much fun riding as my mum seems to be having.

Ooops I didn't preview the message first Classical-Riding-Academy