I've done it! Booked my first lesson :-)

[Justie B52]

:D :eek: Booked my first hour for Wednesday morning with our nearest school and I've also booked a 1/2 hr lesson for the following Wednesday with a school that's a bit further away (But a bigger school with an indoor arena)

Thought I would give 2 different schools a try to see which I prefer. Prices aren't that different though so I'll see what the instructors are like.

The 1st lesson is a 1 hour semi private, Can someone tell me what semi private means?! Dopey me didn't ask!!! I'm guessing it's a couple of people to 1 instructor?
Second lesson is the 1/2 hr private (Schools recommendation, so they can find my level before I go any further)

The first school asked what my level was i.e walk, trot, canter? I said 'walk, trot & canter a bit' but it's been 20 years since I rode. Someone tell me; is it really like riding a bike?

Anyway, I'll let you know how I get on. I'm a bit nervous and very excited. I had forgotten how gorgeous horses smell :)

Take care & ride safe!

Justie x

[kedwards]

Congratulations on starting again!

I'm sure you'll remember everything, but it may take awhile for your body to adjust. Have a great time!

[Pickles]

Semi privates are generally 2 riders to one intructor. The riding school generally makes more money out of these and group lesons then pure privates, but don't let them bully you into it if you prefer private lesons. If the other person turns out to be of a different standard to you it can be annoying for you both.

Also bear in mind that a full hour is alot if you haven't riden for a while, make sure you don't overdo it and just turn in and stop for a breather if you are getting tired. Any instructor worth their salt will understand.

[halllv]

Good luck, I hope you have loads of fun. Let us know how it goes.

[Wobblydeb]

Well done you! :D That's the first step and nearly the most scary bit done! It's always a good idea to try a couple of different places - even if the first one is good, you have nothing to compare it with until you go elsewhere.

I agree with Pickles that an hour is a long time for first time back in the saddle - especially if you get a safe steady-neddy who needs a firm leg! :) Time to get hubby trained in running a hot bath :)

I hope everything goes well on Wednesday - and the main thing is enjoy yourself :)

[Justie B52]

Hmmm Do you think it might be better to go for 1/2 hr for the first time? The second school seemed to think it might be a good idea but I think they were quite booked up too. Whaddya think?
I guess I can call them and change it, but on the other hand I think 1/2hr might fly by too quickly and I sooooo want to be back in the saddle again, even if I end up like John Wayne for the following few days!

Oh what to do...... :(

Take care & ride safe

Justie x

P.s Thanks for all your positive vibes :)

[Wobblydeb]

It's not so much the ending up walking like John Wayne the next day, it's your muscles giving in during the lesson that's the risk :rolleyes: As Pickles said, turn in if you feel like you need a breather - a good instructor will understand (a really good one will spot it before you and suggest a walk for a bit! :)

I understand what you mean though - half an hour flies by for me in my lessons :)

[Alle]

My first lesson back after many years was a 1 hour...and I was quite sore the next day! But a hot bath and some aspirin really helped a lot. Also I did a nice easy 45 minutes on the exercise bike that day after to help stretch the old muscles and that helped.

I remembered quite a bit, but the body didn't catch up with my brain for a while. :D Have fun!

[MadMumInKent]

Well done Justie - Can't wait to hear how it goes! I bet your dead excited!

[nutkin]

Congratulations on your return to riding. Like you I had a break from riding. I took 7 years out to have children and when I returned I found that everything came flooding back to me although the muscles took some time to catch up..lol.I did find that I wasn't as confident as I had been when I had last rode but the more riding you get in the more your confidence grows.I look forward to hearing how your riding is going.

[Mochelle]

Oh you'll love it! I've only just got back into riding 2/3 months ago after a 10 year break and the second I saw the stable entrance I couldn't believe I left it so long! :D

I had an hours group to start and yeah, like everyone said you'll hurt! LOL but it's worth every second! My first lesson she had me cantering again, and like you said, it really is 'like riding a bike' when you get on you really do remember and it just comes automatically (just a bit rusty!hehe)
Definatly do before and after streches though!!!

:D YES!! The smell!!! :D I forgot all about that until I got out the car for the first time and it hits you, that whole warm feeling inside. Everytime I go to the stables I feel like that now... I could just bottle that smell up *ok, i'm a bit strange :rolleyes: *