unsteady first lesson.....

[**lucy**]

Today i had my first lesson in over 6 years having not ridden...

When i phoned i told them and suggested that it might be best to put me into a beginner class to get me back in the swing of things...But when i got there they had put me in the intermediate/advanced :eek:

Anyway it all went ok until the canter when i was a bit rocky, then in the last 15mins of the lesson i was doing a canter round the corner and me and corky had a different idea of what we were doing and the saddle slipped round and i fell off!!!! VERY EMBARASSING!! :(

Anyway the RI (after filling out an injury form) said that i should be ok after 5/6 lessons back on the basics...

What advice could people give as to wether i should have a group lesson with other beginners or some private ones??

Sorry to ramble on...

Thanks, lucy-sore-bum

x x x

[kusha]

Hi Lucy

Welcome to NR.

I started back last year after 20 years break and was put into a group lesson and was jumping on the first night. TBH I think it was too much too soon.

After about 6 lessons like that I changed RS and my friend (who started back with me) went to a lesson with just the 2 of us and we went back to basics. It only took about half a dozen lessons then I moved to a group lesson.

I progressed far more in the semi private lessons than I did in the initial group lessons. I would opt for some private to begin with.

Sorry to hear about your fall. Hope your okay and the aches ease soon.

Let us know how you get on.

[eml]

Ouch for you!

Although I generally prefer to teach people in groups as they relax more and laugh with each other at their problems, as a returner I suspect you would be bored/frustrated by a beginner lesson so would suggest a couple of private ones to get back to your level then join an appropriate group.

[**lucy**]

thanks...i think i will do some private to get me going!

another quick question, i am riding in wellies at the moment, the ones i have are quite like hunter ones, but i didnt know whether it would be better to use boots and chaps??:rolleyes:

x

[kusha]

I've never ridden in wellies so don't know how they feel. However boots and chaps will give you more support in your leg as they are a nice snug fit.

The price range varies from very reasonable to very expensive so you should have no problem getting something to suit your budget.

[Shire Monster]

Well done for getting back in the saddle, I had exactly the same time off before I went back as you, the hardest two things you managed all at once, firstly going back and secondly falling off well done! It took me till my third lesson back (search: 'Tom spooks I fly' on you tube :D) to do a superman impression, yeah caught it on vid!
It's obviosuly not put you off, I would say have a few privates to get back into the swing of things and so the school can suitably place you in the right group.
I used to ride in hunters then got jod boots and half chaps and never looked back, I love them, much better, I'd definately invest in some.
Have fun with your lessons, I'll be watching out for updates

[Anna-Marie :)]

i would have some priate ones to get back into the swing of things, then when you're ready and your RI thinks you're ready you could go into a group lesson.
as for boots, you can get them fairly cheap, you can get a pair of dublin jodh boots for around £15.

[suseh97]

i would have some priate ones to get back into the swing of things, then when you're ready and your RI thinks you're ready you could go into a group lesson.
as for boots, you can get them fairly cheap, you can get a pair of dublin jodh boots for around £15.

Yes and I got some dublin half chaps for £15 too.
Echo what other posters have said. A few private lessons should set you up again for the group lessons. Thats what I am doing.

[clipclop24]

I am just returning after a six year break too. Got my second lesson on Thursday. Before I returned I visited several different RS many of which said they would put me straight back into advanced group lessons but I opted for private. THANKGOODNESS!!! is all I can say on that. I think going straight back into advanced would have given me a big fright. Like you I came off on my first lesson last week attemting to jump about 45cm (if even) lol! After telling the RI that I had been competent at 4.5 feet when I stoped riding six years ago it was sooooooooooooooo humiliating!!! But hey I got back up and back on.

So what I am saying is try some one to ones till you feel confident and comfortable enough to enter a group situation again.

On the boots I wouls say jods n half chaps. You get so much more support. Its all down to personal opinion. You can pick up both chaps and boots for about £15 each. Good enough to start in.

[happymom]

It is a bit frustrating coming back. I took a 20 yr break from the horsies and found that while I knew what I should be doing, all those muscles I hadn't used for two decades didn't know what they should be doing. I decided to take it really slowly. After a year, I still don't mind hopping on an intermediate lesson just to refine my position. Sticking to adult beginner lessons might be a safe way to remind your muscle memory.
As for gear, when I last rode, I had a mandatory chin cup on my hat and custom made boots. Those chin cups are gone and unless I loose another stone, the boots aren't going on. Short boots and half chaps are really comfy.

[**lucy**]

Thanks for the advice guys!! :)
i have booked another lesson this thursday, its a private one so hopefully it will help, especialy if im on the lunge for a bit.
Will keep it updated, and will definitly look into buying some boots and chaps.

Thanks! :D x