New Girl

[crissy]

Hello
Im new here, started riding last year, just had a few casual lessons so far- but next week I start aweekly lesson at a local school here in North Staffordshire. I am feeling a little bit nervous about my first visit but reading your post has inspired me to get going again. I should be very grateful for any tips for a slightly nervous novice.

Horse lover Crissy

[amylou_84]

just to say hello and welcome! *** sort of tips u after? tips on ** riding or about being nervous. riding is the best way of life/hobby you can have and everyone (though they might not admit it) needs help and guidance sometime. just enjoy yourself.

amy :D

[Hetfinch]

You're in the right place!

I have been riding since September 2001 - I had a few lessons and was so hooked that I almost immediately took a share. I then progressed to loaning Pally last Summer. I have just started regular lessons again, so know how you're feeling.

There are some wonderful people with excellent advice around on the boards - enjoy!

Heather :)

[jonto]

Hello Crissy
Dont worry about the nerves, everybody feels a bit of it first time. Joining a group and others watching, I know I did, when you get going you'll soon forget all about it. The instructors are very good and know how to keep you busy, you'll enjoy it, its a lot of fun. :)

[kedwards]

Welcome to the board, Crissy. The best advice I can give is have patience, keep your sense of humor, and have fun! If you have those things, the rest will come along just fine.

[crissy]

Hello.
A big thank you for the advice and encouragment much appreciated. A special thank you to Jonto for being so supportive.
I had a super lesson last night, nice horse excellent instructor and very friendly group.
Taking up riding is the best thing I've ever done, I love it.

[james]

I live in South Derbyshire (if I throw a stone from front of house, I can almost reach Staffs). Want any recommendations for where to ride? I use a place an Etwall (indoor school, so good for winter evenings) and one at Scropton (60 acres of woodlands which are great for hacking).

[crissy]

Hi James
After waiting for a few weeks I have managed to get lessons at a very good riding school which has indoor facilities. It's great being able to continue riding during this miserable time of the year. Sounds a lovely area that you have recommended but it is a little too far away from where I live. I have been to Cannock Chase and really enjoyed the two hour trek we had, I am looking forward to going out there again when the weather starts to improve. I'm off to Spain at the end of Febuary for a couple of weeks, a friend of mine lives out there and has her own horse so fingers crossed I may get the chance to go riding with her, anyway I shall be packing my gear just in case.

[FRED]

Hi crissy, so if I remember right, you were with John and were riding Hattie.
Good luck with lessons. a good friend of mine takes his daughter to Scropton ridding centre, {the one that does RDA}
If the National forest ever gets into top gear, it could end up joining the Chase.

[crissy]

Hi Fred
Yes I was with John at Cannock, he very kindly invited me along and although it was a very wet day I really had a great time. You were right I did ride Hattie she was lovely except being a raw novice it was a little scary when she decided to stop for lunch, I did'nt know what to do and so I just hung on in fact I thought Ooops this could be my first tumble but she was fine and there were no problems. Now that I am gaining more confidence I would love to go again. What a joy riding is I find it very therapeutic. Look forward to meeting you again.

[crissy]

hi
Just had to tell you about my scary experience during my riding lesson last night. It wasn't a good start terrible night it was blowing a blizzard when I arrived at the school. All the rest of the group turned up there is eight of us in the class.
I was given Chester again, a lovely horse so responsive but he doesn't do anything silly.
All was going well, my rising and sitting trot are coming on a treat I've stopped gripping so much with my knees and I'm keeping my heels down. Then it happened. There was an amighty bang and all the lights went out we were plunged into total darkeness.
It was a mixture of shock and disbelief, I was so frightened I could he the sounds of distressed horses and riders, the instucter shouted instructions to stay on the horses. Chester was very frightened and somehow made his way to the barn door, I suppose his instinct was to get out. I hung on and tried to calm him down by talking and stroking him. It seemed ages probably wasn't before the school owners arrived with emergency lighting. Everyone was in shock although thankfully no one was hurt and the horses were wonderful considering what had happened. After a while they got all the lights back on and we gently resumed our lesson.
What an experience, but we all coped.
Still looking forward to next week. I 'm just hoping there will be no more blizzards
Best wishes to all.