First Riding Lessons- Let's Rekindle The Past!

[Maci]

Well, here's a post to start this new forum off on it's feet!

Q: Does anyone here remember their first riding lesson? I sure do! How was it? Were you scared?

My first lesson, well I was a wreck! Not out of fear, I was surprisingly calm, but I was a wreck in the sense that I could not get posting trot right! Now, with some instructions, some horses to work with and a while of experience, I LOVE IT! I LOVE RIDING! Just give me some time, and I can learn anything! :)

Let's Hear Some Of Your First Times!
Maci :)

[Edited by Maci on 25th Jan 2001 at 05:03 PM]

[luv2ride]

Yes I do remember my first lesson. Well, for starters I got lost on the way there, but was only about 10 minutes late. My instructor had me ride lunge line the first time I rode. I wasn't really nervous, but I rode a horse that gets afraid if he senses you don't know what your doing. My instructor told me that, but that was the only thing I was nervous about. I just did a sit trot for that first lesson. When I left I had this feeling like I had just done something so wonderful. I remember I couldn't wait to go back the next week. Now I have ridden bareback with no reins or anything and I have cantered. That first lesson I never imagined that I would ever do any of that. I have only taken lessons for about a year, but it seems like I have been riding forever because I feel so connected to the horse when I ride.

[Kittywan]

Hi Maci,
I sure do remember my first time riding, i went with a friend, it was really scaring and not to metion bumpy. I wasn't taught on a linge a first, i was taken out on a hack, with a mounted instructor leading me with a lead rope. The only time ive beeen on a lead rope was when i had 1 lesson at a different riding school, but i didn't enjoy getting lunged so i went back to my original riding school and after nearly 2 years im still there.

[fionahogg]

Well I first rode a pony 14yrs ago, when I was the grand old age of 2. So I can't really remember a lot of it...! But we've got a couple of photos of me and Benji (pony) and there's one thing that stands out...I'm grinning like a clown and look like I'm having the time of my life!

[Maci]

The first time I got on a horse, I was 4 years old. I thought it was so fun! We were walking around, and being lead by a lead rope. I went back to see them a few times every year and went riding with them sometimes, but I never became heavily interested in them until a few years back. So, I've been around them most of my life; I'd go watch shows, watch the pro's ride and train on the off-season, etc. Now I LOVE IT!

Thanks, So Far!
Let's Hear More!
Maci :)


[Edited by Maci on 25th Jan 2001 at 09:04 PM]

[Mossy]

I was four. Pony was a round little Shetland called Cash, who wore a felt pad rather than a saddle. I can still remeber the rubs from that pad. I had a pair of WIDE legged calvary jodphurs and hacking jacket due to insistence of mother and I spent more time on the floor than on pony due to pony's habit of rolling without notice anywhere on any surface with or without rider present! I have never since seen a pony voluntarily roll on the road! Did not put me off though. Here I still am xxx years later.

[Jess]

I was so young I can't even remember. I've been riding for as long as I can remember... I guess I can't remember any of the pitfalls and stresses of learning to ride. I just always have.

[Gill]

My first lesson took place at a riding school/dealers over thirty years ago (horrors). I rode a little black pony called Blaze and I fell in love with him. I can't say I was a natural though as I remember mounting up with such enthusiasm that I went straight over the other side. No 'you've been framed' then though, but plenty of laughs by the stable staff.
I went on to ride hundreds of different horses and ponies at the dealers, with all kinds of vices and problems, quite an education.

[Emarmite]

Hi,

I had my first riding lesson nearly two years ago at the age of 39, and I was terrified. Up until then you would
not get me within 2 miles of a horse. I saw a film where a girl was galloping away on her horse,and I wondered what it was like.

I then in my wisdom decided to overcome my fear and book a lesson. I have never looked back, I am now totally obsessed and cannot ride enough. I ride approx two to three times a week and I am working towards the BHS stage 1 exam. Unfortunately I have not got the time or money to own my own horse, but maybe in the future things will change, and I have yet to experience a 'gallop'

Anyway that is my story, look forward to hearing everyone else's tales


Happy riding


Beverley

[kedwards]

Maci, this thread is a lovely idea. It's so nice to read about people's first experiences riding or taking lessons.

I started lessons a year ago at the age of 29. I'd been on horses before and didn't think I'd have any problems. The lesson was aweful. I felt like a complete incompetent as the horse totally ignored me and just stood there for most of the half hour session. I got a more responsive horse for the next lesson, but initial progress was still pretty slow.

Seems like so long ago now!

[Sue Carnell]

Anyone reading my emails here is going to think I'm either nuts, making it up, or on another planet, but... here goes.
My first riding lesson was on the top floor of a double decker bus. On the way to the riding stables, well over 30 years ago. An older friend agreed to take me riding with her. By older, I was only 8 myself. I'd already been led about on the beach donkeys and was already horsey obsessive.
My friend only agreed to take me with her if I lied about my riding experience and said I'd been riding at the only other riding school in the area. Being desperate, I agreed. She taught me rising trot on the bus.

When we arrived, I told them that I'd been riding for ages, but needed time to get to know any pony I'd be expected to ride. The actual owners were away, so the unsuspecting girlie helpers, chucked me up on a pony and off we went. No riding hats in those days, we rode down a few roads, across a roundabout and off for a gallop on the beach. I rode a bay pony called Candy. Candy was the only survivor of 3 who had been caught in fog on the beach and who had swum about 10 miles before being found at the local docks. The three riders and the other two horses had drowned. :(

I was told that if mist descended, to give the pony a long rein and let him work it out. It was a real risk where I rode.

I got away with it for two weeks. On the third week the owners returned and I was put on the lead rein and led along the promenade. On a spotty pony, called Spot. Who stopped half way across the main road, by the roundabout and refused to budge, much to my total embarrassment. I was mortified, but couldn't get him to move, nor could my leader, who was riding a bicycle. All of the leaders rode bicycles. I don't remember much more. Apart from Dollar, the palomino, who made a track in the sand with his nose. At all paces.

I did eventually learn properly. At the other riding stables. The one where I'd said I'd gone in the first place. Now an extremely well known dressage stables. The son of the people who taught me, now teach the British young riders. Badly in my opinion. ;)

Sue Carnell
sue@eclipse.co.uk

[Miriam]

I remember my first riding lesson was the week after my six year old son had his first lesson. I was nervous and thrilled (just like a child) at the idea that I was eventually going to fulfill one of my life long ambitions of learning to ride. I was put on a 13-14hh called Splodge who had an absolutely evil bounce to his trot. I could not manage to get a good report with him and then the second lesson I had him again and eventually we managed to get together. Then he went back to his owner (he was only on loan to the stable as his owner had hurt her back) and I was given a 16hh called Ben. What a wonderful boy he was and I asked for him every riding lesson until he was sold on with his other driving partner Bill.

After a few years I felt I was in a rut with my riding and just wanted something to hack about on. My lucky break came when someone was advertising for a person to help excercise her 14.2hh. I rang up and told her everything about my experience with the school horses and even admitted that I had never tacked up as they were already tacked for us. I was invited down to see Copper and then invited to ride him on the Sunday. Whilst I was in the arena who should I meet but the people who owned Splodge. On the second day I rode Copper whom I found different from school horses he took off with me and I fell off. This did not put me off and I have gone from strength to strength.

Have to admit looking back over the times what wonderful memories they are.


Miriam

[JoeyJoJo]

The first time I ever rode I was 9 years of age and it was at a fete at our local church! It was 50p a ride and I spent about £5! It was a little bay gelding and we rode round and round the vicars garden! I then spent my remaining money on a china shire horse statue in the jumble sale!

After that I helped out at a livery/dealer yard and rode ther son's outgrown pony - a little grey 12hh welsh mountain named Wurzel - for about a year and a half. The groom who worked there used to give me 'lessons' in one of the paddocks! That's where most of my riding experience came from! I had so much fun and gained so much from that time.

When I had left there I had my first 'proper' lesson at a riding school and it was great! By this time I was about 14 and the most experienced rider in my class! I loved it as the instructor always used to ask me to give examples to the class and I was the only one allowed to do the larger jumps! We did loads of jumping competitions within our class and I won a few rossettes, but sad to say I have never competed in proper gymkhana or jumping class in my life!

Ah - those were the days! Now I'm afraid to canter! I look back at how improved mt riding was then and wish I'd never given it up!

I am about to re-commence lessons, so wish me luck!

[Katie_85]

My riding instructor here is great! She won't let anyone give the horses any heel and she seems to treat them very well. When I first mounted I had some trouble because my legs are short and the stirrups weren't taken down. But I got up. I was to learn on a Palomino mare and she was such a darling. Without realising it, when I mounted, I got her with my heel on her hinquarters. She didn't even move! I am starting out on a western saddle, ya' know, one hand on the reins and just try to keep your balance. I couldn't believe how easy it was!!! My positon in the saddly is very natural so I didn't really have too many problems that way. But my boots, brand new and stiff, wouldn't allow room for my toes to turn in. My instructor led the horse at a walk holding on to the reins. After about 15 minutes I was ready to try. It went very well. The dismount was pretty easy too as this horse was only about 13hh tall. I can't wait to go back. I hope everyone's experience is as positive as mine!

[marge]

My first time riding a horse was when I was 13 yrs old. A girlfriend of mine had a horse called Budweiser that we would ride. Her father used Budweiser as a lead pony for his racehorses. On the first ride we rode double, bareback, me on the back, down through the subdivision near where she lived. She was a heavy set girl and we were both giggling (remember THOSE days?) and we both fell off the horse onto the sidewalk! Of course, I had to be the one on the bottom... :+(
I still have a scar on my hip. But it didn't stop my love for horses. Horses always give you such wonderful memories, don't they?..Marge

[Nancy]

A group of friends went to a "Dude Ranch" for vacation. My girlfriend and her three girls all owned horses and had been riding for years. I was 40 and had never even been near a horse. When the trailboss saw them with well worn hats, boots and chaps, she made up a seperate line and just included me. The rest of the vacationers walked very slowly up to the top of the mountain and back. We on the other hand took off through the woods, zipping in and out of trees, hopping over logs and cantering in spots. I was the last on the line. By the time we were at the top of the ride, I was hanging on to the neck, both legs out of the stirrups, flapping around the poor horse and loving every second. What a rush! Looking back I realize that they were real hack horses, one step from the glue factory, they even walked into there own stalls after we dismounted. At the time I thought I was Annie Oakly on a galluping stallion. That was twelve years ago. The other day I found a photo that my husband took that day. My smile was ear to ear, the horse looked like he was about 30 and I looked like I was about 13!
Happy Trails

[Mare-e]

First time ever on a horse was on vacation in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in July '99. Went trail riding on Tarzan, a huge and gentle mount that walked nose-to-tail for an hour . I was a true "passenger" in a cushy western saddle rather than a "rider" and knew there had to be more to this than what I had experienced on the trail. Had my first lesson the following month when I returned to N.Y. and was rudely awakened to what real riding entailed.

First lesson was in a small indoor arena on a busy Saturday with about 5-6 other students with their individual instructors all having lessons at the same time. I wobbled around surprised at how little control I had over my own body or my horse's and was worried about running into other riders. Posting trot was something I had only seen in the movies and my efforts had me standing up and crashing down on the poor horse's back with total lack of coordination. I mistakenly thought I would get points for energy and must have looked like an idiotic jack-in-the box! The teacher was polite and informative but must have been totally appalled at my ignorance at such a mature age. She wisely put me on the lunge line. Now, after consistent lessons with different teachers and horses I am finally approaching the mastery of some of the eight-year-olds I saw that first day. Riding is good for my body and my soul and keeps me humble!

[Mike]

Please can you check the email address you entered when you registered with this message board as someone unconnected with this site is receiving messages that should be going to you.

You can check your entry by clicking on the profile link near the top of this page. If you think it's right let me know as then something odd is going on.

Mike

[Mivs]

My first riding lesson was nerve racking. We were walking down the lane, with me on a bay welsh cob and he reared!! Naturally as a none rider, I leaned forward and grabbed hold of his neck. Luckily, the guy with me had a lead rope. I have to say, I was terrified. Then on the way to the school, he stumbled and my heart was in my mouth. My instructor insisted that he was a calm horse and this was an unusual thing for him to do. 9 months later, I know this to be true. He is a really calm horse and bar the first incidence, we got on great when I rode him formy first 5 months. The worst he did when nervous was break into a slow trot, once. He is a typical school horse. To this day, I am not sure why he reared. I reckon, He must have felt my nervousness. Like everyone else, I am addicted.

[kedwards]

I left out 2 very important digits in my e-mail, and boy
am I embarrassed. Thank you for bringing this to my
attention. I have corrected the error in my profile and
will send a post to the nice person who was receiving
unwanted mail.

[horselover]

My first riding lesson was 10 years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday.

The moment I remember best was 15 minutes into the lesson. I was riding Rowdy ( a 16 hand paint who seemed huge to me st the time) who I was told definitely fit his name. I found out that this was true very quickly.

It was an outdoor ring, and I was walking an the side that had very tall grass next to it. All of a sudden, a dog jumped out of the tall grass, barking his head off as he ran across the ring right in front Rowdy! It doesn't take a horse person to imagine what happened next.

Somehow, i managed to hang on as Rowdy galloped madly around the ring. Instintively, I pulled on the inside rein as hard as i could, as we circled, he slowed and finally I stopped him.

My teacher said I had done exactly the right thing, and asked me if I was scared. I said "That was so much fun! Can I do it again?"

[vyvyen]

Hi everyone,

My first lesson was 31 years ago at the age of 11. There were not any formal riding schools back then. I was taken out on a trail ride on a rope attached to the owner/instructor, which was fine (he was in control). After a few weeks he untied me and said your on your own! I had no choice but to learn to control the pony. We only rode in a large jumping arena/paddock on residentials the rest of the time it was out trail riding. Looking back I think it was the best way to learn. Having recently gone back to riding but this time in an arena only, its not the same (nor is my riding ability!). We used to have such fun on our 1 1/2 hour trek. Its impossible to find anywhere now that teaches you in an arena and takes you out trail riding, only horrible horse hire places

[BARBARA PATON]

Vyvyen, You are so right! I believe whole heartedly that people should have instruction before venturing out on a horse alone, but to my mind there is no substitute for hacking or trail riding, you learn so much more and I really believe it should form part of the training offered by riding schools.

I had no formal lessons as a child, I was brought up in the country and actually started to ride on a cow!(but thats another story!) My sister used to take horses for starting and I was always there, if not putting up the poles again then reading some move to her out of a text book (she was learning too) or being the first weight up on the horses back and whenever she could she would borrow a pony for me to ride, what fun it was and so uncomplicated!

Have you noticed though, in most riding schools they have what they call, "schoolmasters" but when I was talking with some of the other pupils at the weekend and bemoaning the fact that we can't ride outside the school, I found out that the 2 ponies that are classed as "schoolmasters" wont go beyond the frount gates, they have been so long in their current establishment that they can't be budged, perhaps its contentment????

Anyway, I think this leads me to two new lines of thought,

1. When/how does a pony/horse earn their strips to be called a schoolmaster and who decides when they've reached this level?
2. What is a novice and when does a novice advance to intermediate? (I dont believe I'll ever reach "experienced")

a new thread perhaps?

[FRED]

Hi,what an interesting thread,some of you may know that i've only been ridding for a short while,I have been learning while riding in the great outdoors,I have said in my case this is a slow way to learn,but analysing this at the weekend,the riding centre staff said that all said and done my seven months = less than a month in the saddle,and in their opinion i'm doing great,they have a good point.
To be honest I was a little apprehensive at joining this message board because I thought I would not fit in, learning this way,how wrong I was.
There is a lot to be said for just going out on some safe trekking centre horses,and just getting used to walking and a few short trots,this builds your confidence,all you need to know is a few basics,then you can move on, having gained confidence and a safe seat,this to me is the most important thing,if you are to avoid lots of what I see as unnecessary falls{yep there will be times},your muscles get chance to develop as well,as for trekking centre horses being dull,well don't you believe it,because they are as good as any ridders ability,often better and extremely fit,reading some of the posts on school horses,well you do wonder what on earth is going on to say the least.The best thing I can say in my case,is that its been great fun,I will not be telling the horror stories that most ridders I meet tell me about their 1st years on a horse,I know even with good horses and staff there are risks,but the odds are so much better,and you learn so much about horses and their natural behaviour in a group,clearly, despite the pecking order, they are very very happy.I will be having some school lessons in the spring time,it will be iteresting,and hopefully fun.

[RebaRage]

I can't even remember the very first time I actually rode by myself, but my Mom still has pictures of me sitting on them before I could even walk! My formal lessons didn't begin until I was seven, and my really serious training has only taken place during the past 10 months with my incredible new instructor.

[Outrider]

When I was 15(I'm 45 now), my father bought me my first horse, a 15 hands 1/2 QH, 1/2 Tenn. Walker. He took about 15 minutes to show me how to tack him up,(he did it once and then made me do it over and over til I got it right), and then he turned to me and said, "Now get on that horse boy, and ride!" I did and from then on, I stayed in the saddle working cattle every day. That was my first lesson. Just get on and ride! And I've been riding ever since! Happy Trails!

[Daphne]

I remember my first lesson as being the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my whole entire life. Taking exams etc were a piece of cake compared to the first time I was on a horse.

I felt like I was going to fall straight through the horse and gripped the front of the saddle with dear life. I had to talk to my instructor about the fuel crisis to take my mind off horse riding.

However, once in the park i began to relax and i even tried a few trots. I came home with a huge grin on my face as I had never tried anything so different and exciting before.

Great thread, Maci.

Daphne.

[Maci]

Thanks! All these are great experiences, and some scary!

Thanks Everyone!
Maci :)

[Peace]

What a great idea for a forum! When school lets out and I get back on a horse for the first time since my wreck last June, I'll be a regular visitor!

My first "lesson" was when I was six - and horses had just evolved hooves :) - my instructor was a wonderfully patient Shetland mare who babysat me (literally) on weekends while my father took care of our property in the country. She and I would ride all over the lakefront. I had my Daisy air rifle slung across the saddle and my little Pekingese dog trotting alongside - Davey Crockett, look out!

I think she was the best teacher I ever had (which was a lucky thing, since in those days we'd never heard of things like helmets, or cell phones, or supervising children). She kept me safe, relaxed, and having fun, and addicted me to horses for life!

[catriona]

well i've kind of had 2 first lessons. my first first lesson was when I was 7 and I went with three of my friends. I rode a grey pony called Cilla who seemed really huge at the time but now seems tiny! I was absoloutely terriffied and didn't let go of the saddle once! then when I was about 13 I stopped riding and now, after a 3 year break I have just started going again. In my second first lesson I rode a strawberry roan pony called Rafferty who is lovely but really really slow!! it was really strange cos I could remember everything straight away and by the end of the lesson I wanted to have a canter but the instructor wouldn't let me! I now ride Joey who is black with some grey hairs and is cool cos he goes really fast but he isn't naughty!!

[LindaAd]

I am enjoying this thread. Isn't it wonderful that however old we are and however many horses we ride we never forget the name of the first one ....

I must have been around 6 when I had my first lesson. It was with a friend of my mother's who had horses; he wasn't an instructor and he hadn't any idea how to talk to children. He took me out on the lead-rein on a pony called Blaze and I don't think he ever said a word to me. We just bumbled along. I loved it.

Then my mother said she's heard of a riding school where lots of children went, and they were allowed to saddle and bridle their own ponies!! This was pretty unusual in S Africa in those days. I don't actually remember the first lesson, except it was on a bay pony called Brownie, that all the beginners rode, but I kept on going there until I was about 15 and horses were squeezed out of my life for a long while.

[floppy]

I have pictures of my first time on a hrose and iw as 2 yrs old...i use to go on hols with my family to gemrany every dsummer to stay with grandparetns and my uncle had a horse and 2 darling little ponies...and he let me 'own' one every year i came..i had bundles of fun on my favourite pony..well until my cousins duaghter was old enough to ride and decided i wasnt allowed to ride my fav pony anymore...
then my brothers girlfriend taught me how to canter on her hrose when i was about 6 and i had my first riding lesson when i was 12. I was told i was a very natural rider but ti was strange riding witha saddle because ihad always ridden bare back. I use to eb gutless and ride anything...then i moved country and started to have jumping lessons more and i remember the first day i rode in turkey..the owner of the yard thought i was wonderful and i went for an hours lesson and 6hours later i came home after riding 7different different hroses and not having to pay a penny for the lessons...this went on for 4yrs....riding all his prime horses and not having to pay anything..i had a 2yr break when i mvoed back to england because i couldnt affrod to pay for any lessons...and now moving to germany 2 yrs ago i had my first dressage lesson since i was 12 and it was terrible!:)sitting trot was a nightmare after 2 yrs no riding...and it was only a 30mis lesson too! hehe...and i remember dismounting and havign serious difficultie sto wlak normally with the hrose back to the stall!and i was in pain for about 2 days after!but through my riding to date date i have lost my confidence about 3 times and always fought back to regain it! now i want to buy my own hors ebut i am havign SERIOUS dfficulties in trying to decide what i want for a hrose!:)

[Showjumper]

My first proper lesson occured 2 years after I started riding mental Arab stallions aong the beach to exercise them for their owner who was a family friend.

I rode a 14.2hh chestnut mare called Chloe with a very short back and neck and long legs. She was chestnut with a punk mane and a pushy temperament. I loved her, but couldn't ride her.

Being used to the Arabs, I used very gentle aids and kept hardly any feel at all on her mouth, so she ignored me and promptly started doing the lesson the way she wanted to, i.e. trotted when she felt like it, walked when she felt like it, etc etc etc! You get the picture.

It took several weeks of perseverance for me to toughen up with her, and then she was lovely, until the manager's daughter put her off jumping by overfacing her and I fell off. I didn't ride her again after that for ages, and instead rode a fat and lazy cob called Dolly with whom I got along really well. I never even needed a crop on her - I was the only one who could make her canter from walk (it turned out she wasn't lazy - just good at ignoring the brainless twits who found it necessary to kick her!) and boy could she jump! At 13.1hh she was a better size for me than Chloe or the Arabs, too.

[JackiAH]

First time on a horse: I was about 3. Murphy the pony was my first pony ride and I was lead around by a teacher from my pre-school. it was a western saddle, hence all I did was hold onto the horn.

First lesson: Oh jeez. It was about 6 months ago, and I went to my best friend's barn to watch her lesson. Her trainer asked me if I wanted a lesson and I was about to say no (I had a HUGE fear of riding) when Morgan answered for me "Of course". So I rode instead of Morgan.

When I first got on Paco it was a weird feeling. Sharon put me on a longe line and let me trot. She had her mouth hanging open. I didn't know how, but for some reason I could post!! The next lesson I got to canter, and I was soooo happy. Then on my third lesson I got off the longe...

But my first lesson was definetely one of the most fun. Next to my first jump that is... *evil grin*

[Somethingroyal]

My first ride was somewhat of a disaster. I was on a tempermental horse named storm, and there were 5 other riders in the ring. Storm ended up taking off will poor ole me hanging on for dear life. My knee hit a jump standard and knocked it and the jump it was supporting over. I changed trainers a month later.

[k9 Equine]

My earliest memories are of pony rides outside the Montgomery Ward store and the very first lesson was in the spring. I remember the pollen and dust blowing around, but it was sunny and warm. The horse (probably a pony, but to me at age 6 he seemed HUGE) Sarge was his name and he was a chestnut (or maybe sorrel) with a huge blaze and one blue (wall) eye. Other school horses were Sunny, Pepper and Bluto (or maybe it was Pluto, I can't recall, it was a long time ago :))

Sarge and I were "ponyed" (instructor leading my horse) on that first lesson without saddle, stirrups or reins. It continued that way for a long time - I don't remember how long. Lessons progressed to saddle, then reins and last, the stirrups. Posting trots followed, back to no stirrups and finally the canter and trail rides! That's where my lessons ended.

My first lesson as an adult took place last month. What an experience! The walk was a piece of cake, but I bounced all over the place at the trot until I found my center and picked up the rhythym...just before the lesson ended. I felt great and couldn't believe how much I remembered and how easy it all seemed...until I got off the horse :D

I felt like a drunken sailor; my knees and legs wouldn't do what I wanted them to. And OOOOO the next day, my aching thighs, knees and back! Even my co-workers noticed my slow and careful movements :p

My back still tenses up when I get on, and my knees are still weak when I get off, but the next day aches are gone for the most part.

I'm hooked!

[clip-clop-oops-crash]

i remeber my first lesson, mostly because it was 1 of the most terrifying experiences of my life!! i rode an evil (well thats how it seemed at the time) shetland mare who loved 2 jump so much that she would jump out of the indoor arena WINDOW and then head for the showjumps in the opposite field when she got bored!! oh + buck, plunge, rear, roll etc. at one point when she started 2 bolt 2wards it (the window) i think i actually threw myself off i was so scared. i still went back 2 ride that pony 4 about a year though!!

[Liz M]

My first time was about 7 months ago I reckon (or first proper ride - I had pony rides and things at the Suffolk show/fetes etc since the age of 4). I had always wanted to ride and my boss asked if I had ever wanted to learn to ride, I told her I had and she immeadiately offered to teach me! I was so happy when I got home - I know it sounds silly, but it had always been one of my dreams.
The day I had my first lesson was a bit gloomy - not that I noticed. After a bit of a shaky mount I did a couple of circuits with Morris and then a few halts and walk ons. After 20 mins of this, I learnt to change the rein. I had about half an hour on horseback and I've never looked back, it was a bit of a shock when I dismounted and seemed to be going down ten feet but I soon got used to it. I was on a high for about a month afterwards!
I learnt a bit from the 'Jinny at Finmory' books!

[Palomino]

My first official riding lesson at a riding school was brilliant. I was about 10 at the time. I was put on this grey gelding who was very well behaved. I had my first canter (which felt like a flat out gallop at the time) which felt very scary. I also had my first jump on a horse. The jump must of only been about 1 foot high but I felt nervous. The instructor led me over and it was brilliant, just like flying. I've never looked back since and i'm glad it was that enjoyable.
Palomino.

[sherry]

I just found this site! Awesome! So much to ask!
TOMORROW is my first REAL riding lesson. I am 35 and wait in anxious anticipation. My problem is i always want to know everything at once.
the first time i rode a horse was 16, bareback on a Belgian and I slipped off when he started to trot, he felt me slipping and stopped, thankfully. Other times people would offer to let me ride a horse they would not tell me anything -like how am i supposed to know what to do and maybe more importantly what NOT to do?
so at about 30 I read some books but with nothing to practice on much of that is lost. I got a horse to ride a few years ago for 1 year, but my children at that time were 7, 4 and 1! so not much time. However that is the one i remember best, her name was Dawn, a tenessee walker. I can't say it was always 'pleasurable' but I did love it.
the first time i took her away from the farm, she bolted on me and all i had was binder twine attached to her halter( I was told this was FINE WITH HER, In the second before panick would have set in i remembered reading in a book (something people laughed at me for) that the only way to stop a runaway horse is to throw them off balance so I pulled HARD with only one hand and she stopped. didn't keep me from going back.

I want formal lessons now so I can learn to give the right signals at the right time so I can actually enjoy the horse i bought 6 weeks ago. (at an auction, but she is nice) a 10 yr old hackney mare, needs a little work some ground manners.
she has thrush in one foot i found last night, CAN YOU RIDE A HORSE THAT HAS THRUSH WITHOUT HURTING IT, and what is the ratio for mixing the bleach and water?
Thank you for being here!!!!!

[Maci]

Welcome to the board! VERY helpful and gaurenteed you'll get an answer at everything you ask! Good luck at your lesson!

I don't know about the thrush, but if you're worried, you might want to post it and start a new thread- you'll get more answers!

Maci :)

[cobbie2001]

my first ride was when i was 3 on a 16-17 hh 10yo standabreed and we still have him

[alleycat]

I barely remember my first time on a horse. I was about 5 when my family moved from Sydney to a big cattle station in outback Queensland and it took about two years of begging to be allowed to ride one of the 4 stockhorses that came with the property. Clancy was a 17yr old cobby-type chestnut, and in retrospect, probably the best teacher I could have had. (Especially since my Dad's notion of instruction was 'kick to go, pull to stop, heels down and hands low. Ok, now off you go.') Luckily Clancy was a very sensible, solid horse who knew exactly what he was supposed to do in almost any situation, be it mustering stock or doing figure-eights at Pony Club, and I read obsessively, so we managed to get ourselves a *bit* beyond the 'kick-pull' stage. ;)
We left the property when I was about 12, and I haven't really ridden since, until a couple months ago (some 13 years later) I nagged some friends to go with me on a trail ride. I was given a dun mare with the unencouraging title of 'Sour Apples'. Hmmmm.
First thing I noticed when I mounted was Hoo! Those thigh and seat muscles really haven't been stretched out in quite some time!:) Had a brilliant time, despite the fact that Apples spent the entire time with her nose up the bum of Basher, the lead horse. (Terribly disconcerting to be that close to another horse's heels whilst charging up and down some fairly steep gullies.)
Since that ride I've been absolutely and utterly re-obsessed, and spend an alarming amount of time cruising this site, looking for horsey books, and counting the pennies I'm saving up for proper lessons. Unfortunately I also have to save for a car to get me there!! Still, I'm determined, and in the meantime I have all you guys and your stories to get me through until I can FINALLY ride again myself.:D

alex

[lizziee]

Apart from the donkeys on the beach, my first proper ride on a horse was last summer in Mexico. We were on a trip to San Sebasitian del Oeste and the guide introduced us to Joey, who shambled from the pub (still celebrating independence day three days later!) and offered to take anyone around the plaza on his poor horse Muchacho. I was there like a shot and, like most others on this thread, have the photographs of me grinning like a madman as we went for a walk. Two days later I was on a trek through the jungle and watching enviously as the 'experts' were able to put their horses wherever they wanted while my Coyote was of the "This is where I always stop and I ain't moving for you" school. No matter what I did, he wouldn't go (for all he was lovely). For the next six months I kept telling everyone I was going to learn to ride . . . someday . . . until my husband threw the yellow pages at me and told me to look the number up of a school!

So nervous first lesson, scared stiff that at 34 I would be older than the others by about 34 years, and felt very foolish in friend's borrowed jodphurs (surely they would think me pretentious!). My first lesson was on a horse called Sam in a group of about 12, all ages and sizes, and I can remember watching when a horse called Tico was brought out and thinking/praying "Please don't let them give me anything that size". Now I have ridden Tico several times and think nothing of it - I even ask for her! And I still go home smiling like a madman:D

[Moonlightrider]

My first time on a pony, I was under 2 years old. They put me up, and I burst into tears and cried for an hour. Humm...:o

My first riding lesson was with my friend. She put me on her pony on a lunge line. Unfourtunatly, I wasn't very good at keeping away from the middle, and she wasn't used to lunge lines, so we had to keep detangling the line.:eek: She taught me to do a sitting trot and to post at a walk.

A year later, I jumped for the first time with her when her (stubborn) pony refused to go on the rail but instead jumped two parts of a triple.

At my barn, I took my first lesson on DC. He was an angel, and I learned to post without using the mane in 2 lessons!! I was very proud of myself. The instructer who taught me for my first two months recently came back, and the first thing I told her was, "Please don't judge me on how I rode then." It confused her. I'm not sure if she even remembered me.;)

[TEZZYBEAR04]

I HAD MY FIRST LESSON TO DAY. IT WAS REALLY FUN. I LEARNED TO MANUVER THE HORSE AROUND CONES. I ALMOST FELL OF WHEN THE HORSE SHOOK AWAY A FLY. I HAD TO USE THE MOUNTING BLOCK. IS IT USUAL TO USE THAT?
:rolleyes: TEZZYBEAR04

[Katie_85]

It varies from school to school. I always use one because it's better for the horse's back and for the saddle. (and becuase I was cursed with short legs!) Welcome to the board!:)

[TEZZYBEAR04]

KATIE THANKS I`M GLAD I`M NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT USES IT.:D

[KathyT]

My first riding lesson was when I was about 7. I learned on a leading rein whilst out on hacks until one day I was taken of. I have just had my first lesson in about 2 years I am trying to learn classical riding although I felt like I was seven again as I bounced about and was on a lunge.

[London Rider]

Hi There,

Don't worry about this . It is certainly not unusual to use a mounting block the first time you ride. Your instructor will want you to quickly get into the saddle for your first lesson with the minimum of fuss and bother. Your instructor would not want you to be put off, lose confidence, or be in any way intimidated by the size of the horse / pony.

You will need to learn how to get on by yourself and when you are ready the riding school will teach you how to do this - on a suitably sized horse / pony for you. If it is a group lesson they might also get you all to give and receive leg ups. There is a definite art to this !

But you will find that experienced/ considerate riders always use a leg up or mounting block whenever possible. Getting on from the ground puts a great strain on the horse's back and the saddle so is only used as a last resort.

Also, if you have short legs (like me) and a very big tall horse (I wish !!!) then it is virtually impossible to get on without some sort of help.

[lamprellsarah]

i used a mounting block my first few times, and i still do when ever poss, i have to say leg ups take time to perfect from both the person on the ground and the person getting up, my boyfriend has thrown me over twice and there has been times i haven't gone up enough and it's more of a scrabble to get up.

my first lesson was.....
on my own, i have only had a friend give me lessons, and i remember getting on and thinking remember all thoses books that you have read, but then i realised how weak my legs were and holding the reins was like whoah thats strange,
and then i though it's really not as easy as it looks!!
and i found myself going straight down to the other end of a field and having real problems with my turning.
i did have a trot with my friend holding on, and i remember thinking ohh my stomach i must learn to rise quick, and i did manage a bit of it.

[floppy]

i cant even remember when i first learnt o ride or it ever being difficult as it is now..i can go out in the coutryside for 4 hour hacks no probs...bu you give me a dressage lesson for 40mins and im absolutely pooped afterwards :D
i have also been chcuked over horses getting a leg up when riding bareback...so i learn how to vault up onto the horse.
i also mounted a small icelandic horse last week and also threw myself off the othersid ebecause it was so small compared to the other horses i ride :D

[Lizabelle]

My first lesson was about two years ago and I didn't even really like it very much. I was led pretty much the whole time but I was still scared. For some reason though, I decided that I wanted to go back and I haven't missed a lesson by choice since then. I love it now but I didn't then. Weird

[StevieLake]

For my first lesson(and my entire first year), I had always had a leg up. I prefer using a mounting block, but I got used to putting my foot in the stirrup as a beginner, so whether I'm getting a leg up, using a mounting block, or mounting on my own, they're all okay with me.

I think a few people mentioned trotting in their first lesson. But I was so completely clueless when it came to horses that I don't remember much more than walking and asking a MILLION questions about them.

Lol, this certainly isn't the thread for me. I can barely remember my lesson last week. Toodles!

[belle]

My first leson was 2 1/2 years ago at my local riding school. When I got there they found me a hat and I was introduced to my instructor who was really nice. The horseI was going to ride was a dun 14.2hh mare called Buffy. She was really nice, although I thought she was really slow as the rest of the ride were so far in front of us that I found it hard to keep up!!!
I found rising trot really hard, I thought it would be easy as I had read about it in loads of magazines!!! THats how it all started for me, and now I have studied horses for a year at college, have 2 horses and ridden classically trained dressage horses.

[taffy]

my first lesson was really good

i rode a horse called chips on a lead rein and went on a hack(trail ride for all u americans ) I got a bit scared when i started troting and the instructor said try rising but it was fine. My instructor was excellent but the sad thing was she left after a few weeks




taffy

[hilite]

To be honest, I don't remember my first lesson because I was two when I had it... lol. But then I stopped riding and when I was about 10 I started again, so I'll do that one. *nods*

I was riding a pony named Jiffy and my instructor had me on a longe line... the biggest thing I remember is that when Jiffy trotted I just felt like I was zooming around and everything looked blurred, even though (I rode him a few times later on) he trots very slowly, lol. eek, I don't remember much. *thinks* But it was great- I was really happy about riding (who wouldn't be?) and it was an awesome first lesson. :D