Getting back in the saddle - group or private lessons, & getting fit enough?

[AwkwardPaws27]

I'm planning to start riding lessons again soon; it's been 12 years since I rode regularly (shared a couple of days a week on and off through teens and early 20s) & I'm a fair bit heavier (just under 12st) & unfit since having DS.

I have the option of 1 hour group lessons or 45 minute private lessons - the latter is more expensive but I expect I'll progress quicker? They are more expensive though.

Any suggestions on what I could do to prepare & get fitter first? Or do I just go for it & accept being unable to walk the next day?

My current goals are just to get confidence back, & a bloody good seat.

What do I need? I donated my long boots as my calves were never fitting back in those but I have a pair of short boots still & picked up a secondhand pair of riding leggings in my current size. I'm guessing I'll hire a hat at first then buy my own - any recommendations?

I had a similar break.from riding. I had a couple of private lessons first then joined a group. And yes I couldn’t bloody walk the day after for the first couple of times! 45 minutes is quite a long private lesson. You’ll probably do more on that than you would on an hour’s group. So in your case I might consider the group.

Have fun. I found it rapidly came back, including the muscle fitness. Try to get some chaps or gaiters to go with your short boots, it’s much more comfortable. And yes borrow/hire a hat from the school until you are sure that you are going to keep going.

Getting fit will really really help picking it up again, especially core strength.

Id go with a few private lessons to iron out any rusty ness before joining a group

Definitely private lessons.

I had a longer gap and went back to private lessons - my legs only really hurt the first couple of times, after that I was absolutely fine, maybe a bit achy if we did something new or a bit more intense.

I did weekly private lessons that lasted an hour as my instructor had limited availability and I had to fit around work. Sadly she stopped last year and I haven't been able to find anyone else!

When I went back it was to group lessons at first.

I had a couple of lessons recently, after a decades long break, and I found that my core strength was poorer than it was in my youth, which made it harder for me to maintain correct positions and communicate with the horse in the ways that the instructor was teaching.
I had recently taken up pilates, too, and it REALLY struck me that the two activities focused on the same core strength capacities, so much so that riding almost seemed like a form of pilates itself.
So I would book some pilates lessons!

Thanks all. I think I'll bite the bullet & book a few private lessons, then review and maybe chanfe to a group once I'm a bit more comfortable.

Pilates sounds like a good idea - I used to do a bit of yoga and was thinking of picking that back up too. My core is a weak point (and pelvic floor - eek) so it would be great to strengthen that area.

I've just been looking at photos of one of the last times I rode - a snowy trail ride on Icelandic horses, while on holiday about 5 years ago - and the grin my face makes me think its definitely time!

At the risk of backlash I would also kindly suggest you look at losing a few pounds. 11 stone will give you access to a wider range of horses to ride. As an example my 16.2h shouldn't have anyone heavier than 11 stone on him (going by the 15% including tack).
It probably won't matter for the first few months but once you get back into the swing of things you may want to be riding different horses.

I would second yoga - have been riding since September and am in my 50s, think it has made a huge difference in my core strength, flexibility and balance. I think you can communicate better with the horse and feel its movements better when your hips and back are open and strong and you are used to being aware of where your body is and what it's doing.

Still find long periods of trotting make my legs ache the day after though!

I did a couple of individual lessons then joined a group of adult beginners and returnees. You do undoubtedly progress more quickly on your own but a group is nice particularly as you start get to know each other and can watch others at your level and learn from each other.

I do plan to lose more - I seem to have hit a plateau but hoping it will shift once DS stops breastfeeding. I know I'm a lot bigger than I was though.
The local riding school has a strict 13st limit for new riders, but I have held off until I got under 12st, to allow for clothes, boots, hat etc.

@FestiveAuntFanny were you already doing yoga before you started or did you start it after riding? Wondering if I should try and yet fitter first (but also thinking booking riding lessons might be the kick up the bum I need!).

Well I've been doing it for about 4 years and but my starting riding coincided with changing yoga classes to something more dynamic where I could really see the benefits in terms of muscle and flexibility.

Riding has definitely pushed me into doing more exercise generally because I do find it absolutely knackering and I want to enjoy my time in the saddle without panting and looking terrified the whole time.

Don’t overthink it. Just book a lesson and do it. Muscle memory will come back. You could then see if the stables will let you help out in return for some free lessons. It will build your confidence and help with weight.

We moved to a new area and I got back into riding after 30 years when I signed my dd up for lessons. That was 10 years ago and an added bonus to having to really muscle up was meeting a great group of women- all of us now empty nesters. Cheaper by far than individual lessons and good fun.

I think a few private lessons to get back in the swing of it is a good idea, and then you can assess what your goals are!

You may find you feel a lot less confident compared to pre-kids, this is really common/normal!

Private lessons will probably help you progress faster, and you can focus on the things you really want to do? But group lessons are social and often cheaper which may mean you get more saddle time?

FWIW, I think 12st is fine, there are plenty of horses that can carry that weight comfortably. The RS will allocate you suitable horses, and they have set their weight limit where it is for a reason!

Another vote for private lessons.
I would also be open minded about your yard- be prepared to find a different one if you don't like their teaching style or feel like you don't progress. For example, I came back to riding fairly recently and ended up switching yards because the first place I went to I was given a different instructor each time (many of whom were very young) so I spent the first 10 minutes just showing them how I rode and I felt I didn't progress.

I would buy a hat not loan one as you will find the ones you can borrow to be (most likely) poor fitting, definitely smelly and probably old. I would also buy a pair of cheap stretch riding gloves and a pair of long boots or chaps because they will help with your grip. For jods get the ones with a sticky bottom (a godsend when you're starting again!)