Preparation for returning to riding

[Becka]

After a very lengthy break from riding, I am starting my preparation to return to lessons. I'm starting with my fitness levels as I know that if I go straight back into lessons I will neither cope with them physically or benefit from them educationally! Is there a reasonable ball park figure for a weight for someone who's between 5'7 and 5'8? I'm trying to cover every eventuality as my daughter has just started riding and she loves it so it looks like my dream of having a pony might just come true albeit a few decades late! This has triggered a very frank assessment of just how much I can remember (not a lot) and what I need to learn (a vast amount) so I'm viewing this as a long term project! Any pointers or tips for planning my progress would be appreciated.
Ta muchly,
Becka

[kusha]

Hi Becka

I started riding in September after 20 year break. To be honest I never worried too much about my fitness levels. Fitness shouldn't cause you too many problems as long as you choose your RS wisely.

Start with a few private lesson if possible and concentrate on the basics. Yes you will feel sore after the first few lessons as you will be using muscles that haven't been used for a long time but it is amazing how quickly this gets better. Don't get me wrong I am still sore after a lesson - but only for a day instead of most of the week LOL - tips include radox, painkillers and wine!;)

I still get out of breath quite quickly - but that is because I am really unfit (I struggle to go up a flight of stairs).

I have heard a lot of people say that yoga is good for helping your flexibilty.

I'm not sure about your weight question. I know that some RS will have a max weight limit. If you think that may be an issue I would check that with the RS.

You will also be surprised how much will come back to you during your lessons. You will have remembered all the basics. Your RI will be used to people returning after long breaks (you just have to read this forum to know that there are loads of us!!) and will briefly go over everything as you do it anyway. Just make sure you ask if there is anything you need more details about.

Berst of luck. Keep us all posted on your progress. :D

[Skib]

If you want to know about fitness levels - if that really just means not being over weight, I'd suggest following the guidlelines for healthy living and BMI that apply to the general population.

Where riding is concerned, there is a difference of opinion on NR. If you are competitive and regard riding as athletics, sure you may choose to train off the horse as well as on it. But it isnt essential.
I had a sedentary occupation and so did my OH.
After retirement we both started to ride in our sixties without any preparation at all.
Neither of us suffered any aches and pains as a result of riding. If one is well taught and you allow your body to adjust gradually, pain shouldnt be necessary.
Besides, riding helped both of us stay healthy - and quickly becomes an incentive to keep trim enough to go on doing it.

Long term project?
I had a five year plan for learning to ride. But I filled up those years as I went along.
I guess that it is important like with any school subject to put in a foundation year or two and then do what you enjoy most. I chose a combination of hacking with school lessons. Plus Stable Management and a bit of Natural Horsemanship (Horse psychology).
If you are thinking of buying a pony there is now a horse owners certificate(theory only) via the BHS but I dont know what it is like because I am idle by nature.
I wouldnt worry about the small print to start with. Nor being perfect. Just get back into the saddle and have some fun.

As for progress. That seems to me a real problem both for adults returning and starting to ride later in life.
Just sitting on a horse (saddle time) is invaluable in learning to ride. But the quality of both the teaching and of the horse is important.
I reckon every adult needs to keep an eye on their own progress, and if you find you arent learning anything, be prepared to move up a class now and then, just as one would in school. Which means not getting too addicted to the same horse or same teacher.
Your post sounds very modest. But I now think it is very important for an adult returning to riding or going to a new school to present themselves in a positive light.
List the things that you can already do, or did as a child.
If you learned to ride a long time ago, you may find some details have changed, mostly as a result of improved safety. But the basic skill of riding consists of being able to control a horse. And if you have done that in the past, you are likely to find you can do it still.
Good luck. And welcome to New Rider.

[Becka]

Thank you for your replies, they're very encouraging. My main concern with fitness is my lower back being slightly weak after my last baby, emphasis being on the last! I know if the muscles aren't strong enough and they spasm, I can end up hunched over for about a week which is neither a good look or very comfortable. Pilates helps so I'm going to give that a shot. I remember being fearless as a young rider but when I rode about five years ago, I felt so vulnerable. I couldn't find my balance in the saddle and I felt so high up off the ground! I was taught to grip with my legs and that approach has changed and the way you use your legs for control was different to what I remembered. I also felt far more apprehensive around horses in the yard, whereas I used to groom, muck out and feed them with great confidence. I was obviously a very assertive child, maybe I've improved with age! I also discovered that horses gave me eczema which they didn't before but that may improve as my hands become used to the oils and coats again either that or it's gloves for me!
Becka

[kusha]

Think we all feel a lot less confident when we're older!! Found a photo of me jumping 3' 6" the other day when I was about 14. Had a jumping lesson a couple of days ago and was chuffed to bits jumping about half that.:D

I also discovered that I am now allergic to horses. If I don't take an anti histamine before my lesson, boy am I miserable for hours afterwards.

I still don't think you should worry about your fitness levels. The reason I was so sore after my first few lessons was because I was put straight into a group lesson and the RI took no account that I was 41, had 2 kids and not ridden (or done any exercise) for years. After I changed RS and moved into private lessons for a while I was only slightly achey (sp?). Hence my advice to choose your RS well.

This backs up what skib says about being well taught and allowing your body to adjust gradually. Just take things slowly to begin with!!

[tubby1]

Hi Becka,

I also returned to riding last summer after 3 kids and a twenty year break.
I would go for 1/2 hour lessons to start with and just enjoy it Riding has really changed but you will get there if you want to
My biggest shock was my lack of confidence in my own ability but i think this has got a lot to do with having more responsibility and more people depending on you.
On the plus side it is one of the best things I have done I am totally bitten by the horsey bug and am about to take on the share of a welsh /highland cross and I cannot wait.
Just enjoy yourself and let us know how you get on

[elaine@dow-evan]

Hi Becka

I started riding last May (sometimes dreams do come true!) at the fairly advanced age of 48. Weight was (and continues to be) a problem - I'm 5'9" and weigh 13st7lbs (on a good day!) I wasn't very fit last May and I dont think I'm much fitter today - but the muscles I use for riding certainly are and I'm working on te rest.

IMO, the best think you cn do regarding returning to riding is just do it. You will have a great time and wonder whatever kept you away from horses for so long!

Keep us posted!