Need Recommendations Please

[Danno]

Hello,

I am one of these people falling in love with all things Horse later on in life. At 33 I'm not all that old but I am at that age where I tend to do my homework before jumping into things. :)

I was wondering if someone could please advise me (or point me towards an existing thread) that discusses subjects of interest to raw beginners. I've been on a horse once, a very long time ago and I would like to slowly ease myself into being comfortable around these beautiful - but large and powerful - animals, and begin to aquire riding skills.

I have typical newbie questions like:

1. What sort of experience would be good for a begginner rider? Is a riding camp a good option or is perhaps private lessons the way to go?

2. I'm reasonably fit, but are there specific exercises I might look at doing to get into specific horse riding shape?

3. Aside from warm clothing, is there any specific gear I should take with me when learning?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[bexj]

Hi Danno

Welcome to the board - like your website btw:D

I would start by visiting as many barns in your area that you can, ask for a tour around, watch some lessons and generally get the feel for the place. Do the horses look happy, well fed and well mannered? Are the staff and teachers friendly and informative? If so, then ask to book a few private lessons at first. This will get you going on the right track, will get you used to the feel of the horse, and give you some of the basic skills. Once you have had a few private lessons, many places will encourage you to join in a group lesson - to which there are both positive and negative views.

As far as getting fit - nothing will prepare you for the ache after your first few lessons. Try to warm up and stretch your muscles before you get on, and make sure you have a long hot bath afterwards:D

I wouldn't worry about getting specific riding clothing yet - your barn should be able to lend you a hard hat, otherwise wear loose fitting or stretchy trousers (not baggy though), and watch out for seams on the inside of the legs as they can rub. Ideally wear a pair of flat soled shoes with a small heel - trainers are not good, but again, the specific establishment you chose will help you with this.

Finally, enjoy the experience, have fun, smile and laugh too:D Hopefully you will find it as rewarding as we all do:D :D

[Little Dolphins]

Hi Danno, Good to meet a fellow artist- I'll post you one of my images.
Enjoyed your website, and you are obviously sensitive to all things, so horses are the next link for you. I've returned to riding after very many years, so, it feels all new.
Can you find some private lessons, just to begin with? They tend to be expensive, so you could move to group sessions when you feel ready.
Wear old and comfortable jeans and shoes with a heel (not trainers). You should be able to borrow a hard hat from the riding centre for the time being. If you feel you want to carry on, you can invest in chaps to go over the jeans, or breeches, and a hat.
Cycling helps keep me fit and free from too many aches and pains, and leg-stretches are good, too.
I hope you enjoy your involvement with horses, and that you keep us in touch with your progress!

[Danno]

Excellent.

Thanks for the kind words and tips both of you.

Hopefully I'll come away from the experience as thrilled as I am about it in theory!

[Greentchr]

Welcome, Danno!

I like your attitude. Nice website. I think you will find including horses in your life very rewarding. I echo the previous two posts, and add a suggestion of my own: read. A couple of my favorite books are Understanding the Ancient Secrets of the Horse's Mind, by Robert M. Miller, DVM; and The Revolution in Horsemanship and What it Means To Mankind, By Robert M. miller and Rick Lamb

The second does repeat a bit of the first, but there is excellent information in both of them that will help you understand the horse. It is natural at first to see a horse as just a large dog, with similar needs and wants. As you learn more about horses, you will find that the two species have little in common, other than man.

If you have the opportunity to attend a camp that caters to beginners, I believe totally in immersion. It is important, however, to go through the steps outlined by Bexj- there are so many different philosophies when it comes to horsemanship, that it is important to choose one that fits you- The Revolution... book will help you sort out the different styles.

As far as clothing, be comfortable. We wear jeans and riding ('cowboy') boots, nothing fancy. I think it may depend on what style riding you choose: western or English. Perhaps wait until you make a choice before investing in special clothing.

Another suggestion is to find a horse-minded friend. You will find a variety of horse people. Some feel they are part of an exclusive club and may have an unpleasant attitude. Others just love what they do and love to include anyone they can. You will be able to tell the difference quickly, I believe:)

[RustyMary]

Hi and welcome, Danno. My advice is simply to go for it as soon as you can - if you feel like this already, you'll have no regrets! I started riding at age 44 a few months ago. It's something I've wanted to do all my life, and I'm enjoying it SO much. I have private lessons, and started on a lunge line, which has been great for me as like you I'd never been much around horses or large animals of any sort. I think I would have found group lessons a bit scary at first. I ride at a small family yard and they've very gently introduced me into the whole business, which has gradually built my confidence.
Be warned that this is a very addictive site, with endless advice and support, and we will want to know all about how you are getting on :)