Returning to riding

[Thatsnotmynameee]

I would love to start horse riding again but I haven't in about 15 years apart from the occasional hack as part of a holiday excursion. I feel nervous about being awful and so so rusty but I used to love it. Where do I start?? I also weigh 15 stone and I don't know if that would be a problem. Feel v nervous have visions of being laughed at by experienced slim riders. I'm in Manchester.

I’d speak to riding schools. Be honest about your previous ability, how long since you’ve ridden etc?
Whereabouts in Manchester are you, I think Glen Jakes (bit rough and ready but the standard of instruction is actually half decent), and John Shaw equestrian (heard mixed things) both cater for larger riders.

In the meantime working on your general fitness and core strength will make it so much easier. I’ve not taught at a riding school for a LONG time but when I did the adult beginners who ran/did yoga/went to the gym twice a week found it SO much easier and progressed so much quicker than those who didn’t

I'm going to be honest when I say your weight may be an issue for lessons. All our local schools have a weight limit and it's 2-3 stone below where you are the moment.

You'll need to ring round the schools (or look on their websites) and see what their limits are.

As others have said you need to ring around and ask what the weight limit is. At my DDs yard the weight limit is 12 stone. Definitely echo the advice about working on your fitness and flexibility prior to riding, it will greatly help you ease yourself back into the saddle.

Just checked Glen Jakes and their max is 15 stone

I came back into riding a few years ago too and am in that area. If you’re near Glen Jakes try Mill farm at Hazel Grove, I much preferred it there to GJ. Or if you’re on Trafford side, Carrington Riding school has more facilities, indoor arena etc. They used to have an evening “take back the reins” class for returning riders, I went there a few times but that was about 5 years ago and not sure if they still do it. If you’re in the south of the city and would like to just be around horses, have a groom etc now and again, inbox me