Imaginary sliding?!

[tinyelle]

Hi everyone.
I had my first riding lesson yesterday, and even at a walk i felt as if i was sliding off the side of the saddle! I am only 4ft 8, and the horse they brought was taller than me-i weigh 10 stone, which ok isnt thin, but my legs couldnt grip or tap the horse properly because the saddle was in the way!
is my artistic sliding because i am a beginner?

[bexj]

They probably had to put you on a larger horse because of your weight (no offence meant), and yes larger horses generally have larger saddles. However, you probably felt incsecure because it was your first lesson. I don't remember the first time I sat on a horse, but I have watched plenty of first timers, and its a problem that most people have, unless you are already doing some kind of sport that involves balance and co-ordination (thinking along the lines of ballet or cycling).

Over the course of your next few lessons, you will gradually start to feel more secure, as you learn to relax and not grip with your legs, and then you have to go through it all over again when you learn to trot, and again when you learn to canter.

Concentrate on fhaving fun in your lessons, and if you take the odd slide/tumble, then chances are you will be fine, and just hop back on, putting it all down to experience:D

[Esther.D]

I weigh the same as tinyelle....and am just a tiny bit taller (5ft) and ride a 13.1hh.

Tinyelle - I find exactly the same problem when riding a horse that is too big, in a saddle that is too big.....My legs cannot apply the aids properly as they are barely past the saddle flap and I slide around in the saddle. You will get better with practice but it will never be as easy as riding a smaller horse. Anything over about 15.2hh I can ride but do struggle with a bit regarding leg length and saddle size.

[tinyelle]

Thanks everyone for your replies!
No offence taken about my weight-another lady who was in the same lesson as me was a really tall big heavy set lady so i will console myself by saying it was for her benefit as well! hee hee!
I have been a dancer for 23 years, so was expecting my balance to be a LITTLE better-but c`est la vie!
Im not gonna give up, maybe when i have my first private lesson on the 11th-which seems so far away-I will have a shorter horse. The horses back?whithers (not sure of the right word) was taller than me by about6 inches!
Am going to ask if i can do some voluntary work at the stables once my daughter goes back to school-I dont think it is fair to want to ride horses without learning how to take care of them. Kind of like a you scratch my back and ill scratch yours! Maybe if the horses see me pick up their poo they may be less likely to chuck me off!
Anyway, may thanks and i hope to hear from you soon.
hugs from Lynsey

[notpoodle]

i almost slid of an enormous horse in trot once. just like that, i was trotting along, thinking he wasn't too comfy and next thing i know i'm hanging halfway down his side :rolleyes: the horse was nice enough to slow down, take a look at me and wait until i had myself sorted again :D

julia
x

[Esther.D]

My maths suggests that if you are 4ft8 and the horse's withers were about 6inches above your head then you were riding a 15.2hh which is about standard riding school horse height, that would be the usual height to start adult's off with....the issue being that you are a particularly small adult ;) With practice you should be able to manage that size (I am 5ft and can manage a 16.2hh) but it will never be as easy as a smaller horse. That is the reason I ride a 13.1hh at home:D However I suspect as an adult you will generally be put on horses (a horse is 14.2hh and upwards...1 hand = 4 inches :) ).

Practice makes perfect - have fun :D I know a lady who is about your height and can jump straight on a 16.2hh horse and do the most beautiful dressage..without stirrups or anything - thats what a lifetime of riding and confidence can do! So keep going it is possible, have fun with the voluntary work it will certainly make you more confident around horses and is great experience!

[notpoodle]

@tinyelle: i'm a bit taller than you (about 5'5) but i always nagged various instructors if i could ride one of the ponies (instructors wouldn't let me though *grr*) ... i'm okay riding a big horse BUT if they're seriously huge i always feel a bit lost/perched on :rolleyes:

julia
x

[kathyt1]

I would recommend investing in a Heather Moffett seat bone saver which you can buy of this site. They are very comfy, allow you to sit on your seatbones without discomfort and more importantly for you, because they are suede no more sliding!! I would not be without mine, and my other half bought one after one lesson!