The things i can't remember now i've returned to riding

[suzanne7575]

as you know i have just started back and managed the mount, dismount, walk, sitting and rising trot no problems and i think i could manage a canter as i've remebered the aids and can sort of remember the feeling of doing a canter (maybe we will see in this weekends lesson) and i can still remember the stable management basics such a grooming handling etc. however it has dawned on me that i have no idea how to jump anymore and if someone asked me to do it i don't think i would know where to start with the aids approach position etc. The other thing I would have no idea with would be schooling a horse, I know i did it with my pony but I would have no idea now what i should be doing to get them going properly and working propery, although the horse i rode in my last lesson I could tell was definatly on the forehand but i couldn't do an awful lot about it as i think he is just like that now after years of being a riding school horse.

Did anyone else find that there were certain things you couldn't remember and did they come bck to you suddenly once you started doing them again or did you have to learn all over again?

[Poshbird]

Some of it is like riding a bicycle, but I took it all up after xx years and am still trying to unlearn the old ways that I had been taught and learn the new ways. One thing you can't "remember" is the confidence you had as a child - more's the pity!!

[Mike S]

Hi, I'm a newcomer here. Like you, Suzanne, I had 'time out' from riding, 10+ years in fact. Last week I climbed back in the saddle. A once proficient rider was virtually reduced to a novice! I intend now to take a few RS private sessions to ease myself back into what used to be customary and second nature. And hey, Poshbird... sitting astride a horse for the first time in years, I think relates only to balance. And that's as far as it goes :-) As, say, for aches and pains... Well, I reckon that might also apply at the onset :-) (ouch!)

[horsemadmandy]

Hi
Yes know exactly how that feels. I have been back to riding for about 3 years now and still do not remember lots of things. I am having my first jumping lesson next week after 15 years of not jumping:eek: watch this space I am quite nervous as I really cant remember what to do but I remember it was fun:)

[Mike S]

Good luck on your first jumping lesson, horsemadmandy. Relax and enjoy... :) .... C'mon... nervousness is but a state of mind. So, too, is determination. Go for it ... :D

Mike

[LindaAd]

Hi, I'm a newcomer here. Like you, Suzanne, I had 'time out' from riding, 10+ years in fact. Last week I climbed back in the saddle. A once proficient rider was virtually reduced to a novice! I intend now to take a few RS private sessions to ease myself back into what used to be customary and second nature. And hey, Poshbird... sitting astride a horse for the first time in years, I think relates only to balance. And that's as far as it goes :-) As, say, for aches and pains... Well, I reckon that might also apply at the onset :-) (ouch!)



It didn't really get me that way ... I suppose I had five or six years without jumping, and two or three without riding at all, because I'd had a fall and completely lost my nerve. But the first time I jumped (only tiny jumps) I found I knew what to do automatically, and I remembered the feeling that I'd forgotten ...

After that the fear came back, but that's a different story.

[Mike S]

[LindaAd: It didn't really get me that way ...}

I agree... It doesn't take long to re-establish ones previous stance, so long as a rider wasn't 'green' and a wee nervy in their earlier days. My reference to Poshbird's 'like a bicycle' and 'balance', is that a bike is one thing, a horse is another. I, too, in a very short time - in taking to the saddle again - am regaining my posture and confidence. It's as you say - 'automatic'. It's recollection and application, and to hell with all else ... :p ... :D ... 'Go with the flow', that's me ... :D ... But make sure you have a good and sensible horse to kick start... Er... :eek: .... Well, you know what I mean ... :rolleyes:

Mike

[horsemadmandy]

Hi
You are right about the state of mind:) I looking at jumps in arena and they look smaller everyday- just need to mind set and focus:) Had an amazing ride today on Mac- I had a nasty accident in a big field a few years ago and got a nasty head injury since then been nervous in open areas. Today decided we were doing it and I planned before how and what we were going to do. Walked the first half of field, trotted the next bit and ended in canter for a long stretch but near home and away from scary hedges:D:D:D Such a small breakthrough but my mind set resulted in a great ride. I am soooo happy.

[LindaAd]

Hi

:D:D:D Such a small breakthrough but my mind set resulted in a great ride. I am soooo happy.

That's great horsemadmandy. I think a big part of success is deciding on something doable and doing it - and not letting yourself go just a bit further when you've done it, because it's often that extra bit that makes things go wrong.


Linda

[horsemadmandy]

Yes I would totally agree with that:) I have moved yards and just want to do things in my own time:) I know my limits and I intend to stick with them until I am ready to move on:) Still having weekly lessons and slowly getting there.:) One day I will have that gallop in a huge field with company and stay on :rolleyes: I just want to get to know my horse and build a strong partnership that is fun:)

[Mike S]

horsemadmandy... Well done ... :)... You have adopted the right approach - one step at a time, at your own pace. Do that, retain its flow, feel your way little by little and, before you know it, you'll be fully in command... :) There are many riders who have faltered, some due to injuries (including myself), that have returned to what they love and enjoy about this somewhat inexplicable bond that has long existed between the horse and we who ride them.

Hey... Imagine that huge field, with you galloping across it, as you work towards its reality. Do that often enough and it won't be long before you're there! Yee Haw! (no, I ain't Texan!) ... :D:D:D...

Good luck. Mike

[Hibbychick]

Hi
ive just joined the forum. :D
Ive just climbed back in to the saddle after 4yrs :eek: and god i thought it would all come flooding back (most of it has) :o but i feel like a novice again and probably look like one too. Apart from the aches and pains im loving every minute i wished i had never stopped in the first place, anyway i just thought id share that with everyone. :)

[Mike S]

Hi hibbychick ... :D ... I was thinking about logging out when I noticed your arrival. I, too, am new here. Y'know, I was thinking the same drat thing about wishing I hadn't stopped riding, in my case - about ten years ago. But okay, like you, at least there's experience in ones seat. And like most other things that we might have neglected over time, we need to catch up ... ;)

Enjoy your visits... :D:D ...

Mike

[horsemadmandy]

Well we did it - Had first jumping lesson on school horse- How can u keep kicking keep the horse in the middle adapt a new position and stay on and look graceful doing all those things at once ?:D well I stayed on he he the rest is history and not a pretty sight with bum in the air and feeling no control:eek: I today however jumped my own horse wow. just had to point very little leg and he was off:eek: just had to remember lesson very quickly sat back in saddle folded held mane shut eyes on first jump and we did it:) I feel sooo happy- lots of practice needed :)

[bluetiggerhelen]

Blimey - glad to hear I am not alone. I haven't ridden for 15 years but did ride for 15 years and am just about to get back in the saddle. Not sure what to expect really. Looking forward to the adrenaline rush of jumping again. Who said wobbly? LOL. Makes metal note to self to have some lessons before rushing out and buying a horse. I hope the yoga I have been doing will help though. Will let you know how I get one, when I get on..:eek:

[Hibbychick]

Hi hibbychick ... :D ... I was thinking about logging out when I noticed your arrival. I, too, am new here. Y'know, I was thinking the same drat thing about wishing I hadn't stopped riding, in my case - about ten years ago. But okay, like you, at least there's experience in ones seat. And like most other things that we might have neglected over time, we need to catch up ... ;)

Enjoy your visits... :D:D ...

Mike

Thanks Mike
iv not been back on for a wee while, been busy. Well what started off as a nice wee hack on a saturday afternoon has turned into a manic day at the stables (i love it really). I now spend my whole saturday there being ride leader and meeting lots of nice people, young and old. How are you getting on with your rides :)

[Cobgirl]

Lol I am back in the saddle after a 40 year break....I used to jump and still get the urge to try but after falling off during canter the other week, I think i will take things easy.

I am pleased for you that you have the urge to return, but I would say take things slowly. I am so rusty it is unbelievable, I could remember some things and completely forgot others.

All the same, it is great fun relearning and being that much older, not caring how long I take to achieve little baby-steps. that is one of the benefits of age, not giving a monkeys what others think!!

[KAB]

I got back into riding 12 months ago after a 20yr break. I thought it would be like getting back on a bike......not quite as I planned.

I can walk, trot - but when I tried to canter I fell off and broke a bone in my spine! Not very good was it.

The nerves are not as good as you get older either are they! Boy I wish I was young again! :)

[angelofages]

My worst problem after a 7 year break is fear. Every week I have a new instructor and every week I tell them I'm still scared. During my 2nd lesson the instructor wanted me to canter without stirrups and my arms out infront of my head, and I just flat out refused. All I could picture was me falling off and breaking something vital! My 3rd week I did it and just about managed to breathe but I'm still nervous.

I'm sure when I used to fall off I'd just bounce and feel no pain at all!

I was really worried I'd forget everything and look silly, but it's only the odd thing that seems to have slipped my mind, like which side to pass other riders in a school, or how to half halt. Though i've found this site a valuable resource!

[Troi]

You poor thing Kab are you ok?
As for RI that push you to do thing that are too fast too soon:eek::eek:
I had a young thing give me an introductory lesson at a new RS. Despite being told I had a bad back and often took leg cramps:confused:who says we grow old gracefully:D:D she had me doing trot/canter transitions for 1/2h on a ploddy safe and therefore needing a lot of leg school horse.LOL Painkillers for 2 days:D:D I'm starting off my own ploddy mare soon and I think she will need hours and hours of walk to halt transitions to get my oops her balance!!!!:D:D

[KAB]

You poor thing Kab are you ok?
As for RI that push you to do thing that are too fast too soon:eek::eek:
I had a young thing give me an introductory lesson at a new RS. Despite being told I had a bad back and often took leg cramps:confused:who says we grow old gracefully:D:D she had me doing trot/canter transitions for 1/2h on a ploddy safe and therefore needing a lot of leg school horse.LOL Painkillers for 2 days:D:D I'm starting off my own ploddy mare soon and I think she will need hours and hours of walk to halt transitions to get my oops her balance!!!!:D:D


I am fine now thankyou, although I think I will always have back pain. Its really knocked the confidence though - I want to start having some lessons so that I can overcome my fear of thinking a horse is going to bolt off with me and I wont be able to stay on!

Was your bad back through a fall? We must be mad!!! :)

[-jo-jo-w]

Really nice to hear some other "mature" riders getting back in the saddle! Other way round with me though, I was a nervous rider when I was younger, now I'm the opposite! I wish I had never given up too, if I could go back and tell my 15 year old self that boys were really not all that great I would!!!

[Cobgirl]

My worst problem after a 7 year break is fear. Every week I have a new instructor and every week I tell them I'm still scared. During my 2nd lesson the instructor wanted me to canter without stirrups and my arms out infront of my head, and I just flat out refused. All I could picture was me falling off and breaking something vital! My 3rd week I did it and just about managed to breathe but I'm still nervous.

I'm sure when I used to fall off I'd just bounce and feel no pain at all!

I was really worried I'd forget everything and look silly, but it's only the odd thing that seems to have slipped my mind, like which side to pass other riders in a school, or how to half halt. Though i've found this site a valuable resource!

We all feel/felt nervous when we started back riding. I had a really long break of 40 years, imagine how I felt perched up on top of my friend's 15.1 cob who is built like a tank!

I still cannot canter even after 6 months. I lost my nerve the moment she made the transition into canter and I froze. I tried the other week being lunged and fell off!! I have told myself that it will be 'me' and nobody else who decides when I am ready to canter and do other things.

enjoy the gentle walking and trotting - the more you perfect these gates with confidence, the better you will be when you are finally ready to canter!

[Cobgirl]

I am fine now thankyou, although I think I will always have back pain. Its really knocked the confidence though - I want to start having some lessons so that I can overcome my fear of thinking a horse is going to bolt off with me and I wont be able to stay on!

I am really sorry that you had such a bad experience and hurt yourself. We all take chances sitting on these wonderful but powerful animals. I fell off the other week, but fortunately landed on my side. I hurt my leg and have the most amazing bruise ever! I think fear is the biggest handicap we have as we get older. I try to quell my nerves everytime I mount Mollie, my stomach turns over and I get a sick feeling. Once I am on her, it's not so bad.

I hope one day to be able to canter and perhaps even jump small cross poles. I used to love XC and jumping when I was about 15 years old, but I had a nasty fall one day and that put me off jumping and my last recollection of canter was falling from a 17hh horse when I ducked in the woods to miss a low lying branch and was whipped off!

One day I will get over this phobia but in my own time. I hope that you return to having lessons one day as well.

Best of luck.:)

[Kady A]

I got back on a horse today for the first time in 18 months. I was put on the spot by one of our liveries and was sent back to get my dusty hat out of my car. So I clambered on to her gorgeous 17.2 Belgian Warmblood and off I went. A bit different to my 15.1 Stella! For a young horse (5) Y is really sensible and a bit lazy and I had a blissful 10/15 minutes walking and trotting around the arena. I found I could sit to his trot really easily and enjoyed the big striding smooth ride!

I must admit I spent a few anxious minutes contemplating the dismount. I had a colostomy before last Christmas and find "getting my leg over" (so to speak!) a bit difficult. I surprised myself and managed a graceful dismount.

I didn't get the opportunity to get scared (thank god) and have been told to get on again tomorrow and hopefully have a canter. No doubt I will be nervous, but what the heck, I'm the wrong side of 40 so what on earth have I got to be scared of! :D

So thanks Steph and Y for making my day today.;)

[gingermonkey]

It's really good to hear from people who have returned after a (long) break. I am back after 22 years. I can't believe how much it has changed, including riding style, or is it me having a 'senior moment'. Everything seems very technical and in depth now and more holistic, a good thing probably?

[Tally.]

I agree that the riding style seems to have changed, but i dont know if it was just because i was too young to take it all in or not. When i wanted the horse to stop i would pull the reins till it stopped, now i have to sit deep and squeeze with knees, its all very new to me. But i much prefer it :)

[LADYRIDER]

Hi all, im new to this site and was reading some of your messages, Ive just started riding after a ten year break. I grew up with horses when I was younger and always loved the bond you could form, anyway I was recently offered he chance to ride again on a friends horse as she only riades one day a week. I jumped at the chance assuming I would remember everything....HOW WRONG WAS I!
Lady who i ride is incredibly strong and not very disciplined her owner gives up the first time she fails to do something right and unfortunately this has made her very stubborn.
I have taken her out for group hacks in the forest which was fine...as long as she was in front but I schooled her for the first time today and she was a nightmare!! How do I get her to listen to me...its like trying to teach an old dog new tricks!!:confused:

[gingermonkey]

I agree Tally, I think it is good to understand the technical stuff, it's a bit of brain food and I am learning so much more about riding and getting the best out of your horse.

I now appreciate how well schooled my Mare was, prior to me owning her, all those years ago, and how patient she was with me, as I am now riding and caring for a very characteristic Dales type who is very sure of his own postition, a bit like the one Ladyrider is describing.

I have been reading some of the posts on this site who have suggested kick, kick then reinforce quickly with the whip, but reward as soon as the little darling has responded. Ooh! it all seemed so natural before.