If you had one piece of advice for an adult starting riding .....

[Bay Mare]

what would it be?

[Crazyhorse]

Work hard at the basics and it will pay off richly when you start more complicated things. Oh, and be prepared to be poor!

[Herbie's mummy]

Don't get on something too big as it hurts when you fall LOL

[raingodz]

relax and breath.

Don't worry if you don't get it first time.

Talk to the horse and groom it before you ride if possible.

sorry more than one bit of advise :o

[JustJas]

Get to know the horses you are riding on the ground too- grooming and fussing are fab!

Take things at your pace and never do things you feel unconfident to tackle. Also never listen to boasters.

Most important- just enjoy it!

[KarinUS]

Don't get discouraged by the fact that you haven't started riding earlier. Ten years from now you will be ten years older no matter what. You can be ten years older with 10 years riding experience or ten years older with nothing.

[Shadowlark]

STRETCH!!! before and after a ride, it helps temendously with balance, position and not feeling sore after!!

Heck it helps those of us not so new...

[SupaTania]

laugh at yourself.

- riding is meant to be fun, You'll make alot of mistakes and ask alot of obvious questions - so don't take yourself too seriously.

[Libbyo]

Just two bits of advice:-

Relax


Enjoy.

Libbyo :)

[Peace]

Choose your instructor very carefully: go with word-of-mouth recommendations from former/present students if at all possible; and watch a lesson first before participating in one!

[curlycal]

Pay no attention to how many lessons it takes other poeple to canter, jump etc, go at your own pace and move on only if you feel ready to.

Cal x

[Mary Poppins]

Find a good riding school!

[WYORider]

relax, and don't be stiff in the saddle. be like jello, and its ok if your hips start moving like they would in other situations. ;)

[Tootsie4U]

Dont fret about falling off - can't stop the inevitable!

[Iron Maiden]

Don't wear a thong.

[Selle Francais]

All of the above (specially the thong!) - do believe in yourself, accept that there will be days when you just want to give up forever - but DON'T give up! Just determine that you are going to show the smug b******s that you can do it (you just didn't feel like it today . . .) Go, go, go and keep on going!

(Oh and be prepared to have your entire life changed so radically that it will never be the same again - divorce, no problem, - Children - what children? Smart outfit? - looks even better with a few hairs and mud on it - Can you get yard-boots with heels? - And for the last time don't eat my bloody earrings!!!):D

Above all - Go for it!

sf

[Stella2]

Use the best instructor you can find, not the cheapest. It will be more effective and cheaper in the end. Oh, and be careful who you take advice from because you won't be able to tell for a while, but there are an awful lot of idiots in horses :rolleyes:

[coverblown]

started at 43 myself (too many years ago)

First - and biggest - mistake was going to a poor riding school for too long.

So:
get a good riding school

and - to echo - STRETCH!

A.

[louise1]

do it.........go for it...........dont put it off any longer

[NoviceNic]

Dont grip with your knees and SMILE. :D

[Alle]

Ohh, there are a lot of good ones already posted. :) Be patient! It's not something that you can learn in a few lessons, but a lot of the adults I know really press themselves and then get down on themselves when they don't immediatly progress. Enjoy yourself!

[iluvhorses28]

Never feel like you are pushed to do something you do not feel comfortable with, or not ready for...chances are, you arent! TAKE YOUR TIME..BE SAFE... DONT CARE ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK....YOUNG OR OLD!

[cazrider]

A lot of good advice here. I'd add "Remember you're doing it for fun.":D

[fabio66]

dont go and spend a fortune on boots hat and breeches,

[teabiscuit]

asopt "I get knocked down but i get up again" as your anthem

it's a hobby that can knock you down in more ways than one :rolleyes:

[hackedoff]

If you find yourself surrounded by people who talk about "showing the horse who is boss" run far far away.............
( and buy some comfy pants)

[Bay Mare]

Invest in a Heather Moffett Seatbone Saver!

Oh, and if you get hooked getting your own stirrups and stirrup leathers can be a godsend (but check that the RS doesn't mind first!).

[teabiscuit]

If you find yourself surrounded by people who talk about "showing the horse who is boss" run far far away.............


i like that one :D so true

[Wobblydeb]

Try 2 or 3 riding schools before deciding which one to take your lessons at! :D

[Skib]

All good advice, but when you go for your first lesson you havent enough knowledge to pick the teacher and school that is right for you.

So I'd tell them something Charles Harris said, That in any one year, the number of riding lessons in which no progress is made should not exceed the number that can be counted on one hand.
Patience and persistence is all very well, but, if you seem to be making no progress, find another teacher.

Better still I'd tell them to join New Rider.

[palmerlover52]

Post lots and lots of random pictures for me to stare at in these long winter nights ;)

And...seamless pants :p

[LindaAd]

dont go and spend a fortune on boots hat and breeches,

Now that's the only one I don't agree with ... I think you should buy clothes that are comfortable and make you feel good and will last a long time; if that costs a fortune, it's worth it.




So I'd tell them something Charles Harris said, That in any one year, the number of riding lessons in which no progress is made should not exceed the number that can be counted on one hand.

Better still I'd tell them to join New Rider.


Yes, I'd go with the New Rider one - very high on the priority list!

Not sure about the "progress" one, though - often you don't learn something new in a lesson, but you have practised something and are just a little bit more experienced and fitter than you were last week. And a hack can be just as valuable as a lesson.

[Stella2]

All good advice, but when you go for your first lesson you havent enough knowledge to pick the teacher and school that is right for you.

So I'd tell them something Charles Harris said, That in any one year, the number of riding lessons in which no progress is made should not exceed the number that can be counted on one hand.
Patience and persistence is all very well, but, if you seem to be making no progress, find another teacher.

Better still I'd tell them to join New Rider. Well said :) Who is Charles Harris? Excellent piece of advice. I have been with my currant instructor for a year and I'm still amazed that I have never come away from a lesson with her without progress having been made, she is exceptional and I feel very lucky to have her :)

[bevy]

Buy shares in Radox!!! cos you'll be needing their products for the day after. I started riding in my 30s so I can speak from experience.

[Bay Mare]

Buy shares in Radox!!! cos you'll be needing their products for the day after. I started riding in my 30s so I can speak from experience.

Now that's something that they provided at Wrexham as well .... sigh :(


If you find yourself surrounded by people who talk about "showing the horse who is boss" run far far away.............


Completely agree. Same goes for the 'just boot it' brigade and those who overuse or misuse the whip. You're never going to learn correctly if the horses are dead to the leg because the riders are taught to keeping kicking 'it' or smacking 'it' with the whip.

I saw a RI get on a horse, lift her legs up sideways, almost horizontal and boot one poor horse in the ribs half a dozen times. Just prior to her doing this I suggested that I get a schooling whip rather than her kick it (meaning to use it to back up the aid rather than beat the crap out of the poor horse) but she said "no" that she didn't need a whip! There's no wonder the poor horse won't move :mad:

[Mina]

You'll learn more a 'difficult' horse than one that makes you look good.

(but it's nice to ride the 'good' ones to boost your ego! :) )

[jenren!!]

Stay on!! :D.

[Hallmarked]

Remember - pride comes before a fall :rolleyes:

because horse's are great levellers :D

[Little Dolphins]

dont go and spend a fortune on boots hat and breeches,

Well, don't spend a fortune, but try to LOOK the part, then you'll begin to FEEL the part (like acting). Fairly inexpensive jodhs in a darkish tone will make you comfortable and smart, mid-price short boots, and after you've had a few goes with the yard hats, buy your own, because it really focusses you to see your very own riding hat sitting in your house! You feel proud:)


And after a while, if you are still riding- GO FOR IT! (Like LindaAd says). Buy yourself a prezzie as a reward- half-chaps, a fab Musto top, Ariat boots, Toggi jacket, er, what else now....?

[Skib]

Charles Harris wrote this in a handbook for the Association of British Riding Schools
Fundamentals of Riding: Theory and Practice. London: J. A. Allen, 1985

He was a gifted and knowledgeable horseman who trained at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna and who did much to improve the teaching of riding and the safety of riding lessons in the UK. Bit dated now, but at the time it was revolutionary and upset a lot of people.

I think the quote is important Linda because I know from experience how hard it is for a new rider to know when to leave a bullying or ineffective teacher. One is always apt to blame oneself. And of course the teacher blames one too.

But Harris meant it just as much for the teacher. That the teacher has a duty to find the right method, to help each pupil to make progress - and if nothing happens, then that person should probably not be teaching that pupil. And possibly not teaching riding at all?

[rubysmum]

remember the mantra - this is meant to be a fun hobby - even when you have to say it through gritted teeth - dont buy into other peoples agendas - set yr own goals & decide what you wnt to do & when you want to do it - hope u have as much fun as i do:)

[fabio66]

dont go and spend a fortune on boots hat and breeches,

or spend lots of money on gear, realise horses are not your thing,then put it all on ebay and get half of your money back,:eek:

[Stella2]

I think the quote is important Linda because I know from experience how hard it is for a new rider to know when to leave a bullying or ineffective teacher. One is always apt to blame oneself. And of course the teacher blames one too.
But Harris meant it just as much for the teacher. That the teacher has a duty to find the right method, to help each pupil to make progress - and if nothing happens, then that person should probably not be teaching that pupil. And possibly not teaching riding at all? Absolutely, thats just so right :)

[Faerie Rider]

Black jodphurs! Best £30 I've spent.

And remember we all have bad lessons/days now and then..just think about when your baby comes up and snuffles you looking for attention..always makes me smile and he's not even mine.:o

lol
FR

[Faerie Rider]

Oooh I forgot..pelvic floor exercises..and peeing before your lesson!!!:o

lol FR

[vince42]

Accept the fact that the average 8 year old will look so much better on a horse than you will.

Comfortable pants are a must.

Don't bother with a school that won't let you handle the horses on the ground - you're missing more than half of the learning experience.

When someone not your instructor offers you advice smile and nod appreciatively then check with your instructor...:rolleyes:

If you're not comfortable doing something don't do it. If you're in for an hours lesson and after half an hour you feel you've done enough then stop. The trick is to make it to the next lesson;)

Vince

[LindaAd]

Well said :) Who is Charles Harris? Excellent piece of advice. I have been with my current instructor for a year and I'm still amazed that I have never come away from a lesson with her without progress having been made, she is exceptional and I feel very lucky to have her :)


I think the quote is important Linda because I know from experience how hard it is for a new rider to know when to leave a bullying or ineffective teacher. One is always apt to blame oneself. And of course the teacher blames one too.

But Harris meant it just as much for the teacher. That the teacher has a duty to find the right method, to help each pupil to make progress - and if nothing happens, then that person should probably not be teaching that pupil. And possibly not teaching riding at all?


I suppose it depends what you mean by progress ...

There's an idea around in schools at the moment that pupils should learn something new every lesson. This may work in some subjects, but in French, which I do, you need time to practice and assimilate what you've learned, and to play with it so it becomes yours. I think that's very much the same with riding.

When I had my own horse, I expected to make progress every lesson, because I had all the rides in between to practice and absorb. But if all you've got is a riding-school lesson once a week, you can't expect to go too fast. Sometimes you just have to consolidate.

I agree about bad teachers, though. In fact one of the pieces of advice I'd put very near the top is "Do not put up with a bullying teacher".

[KentuckyLady]

In addition to the many fine things that have already been said, I will add this: remember that it is a journey and that you will not "learn" everything in a year, 5 years, etc., but you want to have an enjoyable time on this journey that you are undertaking. Obviously, you will know more after 5 years than you will in 1 year. But don't get stressed out about performing. Go at your own pace. You are the employer. You are paying someone for a lesson. If you are in a group, well of course, you will be expected to pretty much follow the general lesson. However, if the others are doing something that you are not comfortable with, it is perfectly okay to tell your instructor that you are not comfortable with doing that exact thing so you will walk, trot, practice half-halts, etc. while the others do that one thing. Don't be afraid to speak up for yourself on the ground before getting into the saddle so that your instructor understands what your goals are.
Oh, and about goals: Every week before I go to my lesson I think of one question that I would like an answer to so that I "learn" something each week. It does not have to be about how I ride, it can be a question about nutrition for horses, or the difference between two particular halters, etc. I just make sure that I learn one new thing.
But the big thing: relax and enjoy yourself! It is so much fun. I started riding when i was 53 and really am having a great time.

[Skib]

OK, remiss of me not to be purely academic. Didnt expect to be quibbling over words. And was too lazy to get out the book.

What Harris actually said is this:

"the number of bad and/or difficult days in the year with any one pupil/ rider, irrespective of his/her standard should never exceed those which can be counted on one hand." Fundamentals of Riding: Theory and Practice. London: J. A. Allen, 1985. p.84.

My own resolve for learning to ride (or a language) is to ask whether I really want to do it? And, if yes, to vow to give it my best and not to abandon the project for five years.
I think my esteemed RI has doubts about this though. Because it could mean you just solider on for the allotted time without really enjoying riding.
On the other hand it avoids all that wringing of hands and asking whether I should admit defeat.

[Portia]

Accept the reality that your hands will forever be chapped - invest in top quality handcream!

Don't be embarrassed that you fall off more often than the YO's 7yr old daughter.

Believe that the pain in your left hip that starts as soon as your bum hits the saddle WILL ease up in a few minutes.

Buy the warmest most comfy wellies you can afford ( i love muck boots) - you're going to be outside in the coldest weather imaginable.

[arnie bean]

don't get on if or not prepared to fall off, it happens to everyone so it will happen to you.;)

[Ptaty70]

I would say, read and continue reading.. lessons are not the be all and end all. it is a continual learning process... never be closed from it. Many horsey people i know feel they are too 'big' for reading.

I have found it invaluable, as well as NR.

look forward to hearing about your triumphs and (er hemmm) not so good moments!! That's riding for you!

[LindaAd]

OK, remiss of me not to be purely academic. Didnt expect to be quibbling over words. And was too lazy to get out the book.

What Harris actually said is this:

"the number of bad and/or difficult days in the year with any one pupil/ rider, irrespective of his/her standard should never exceed those which can be counted on one hand." Fundamentals of Riding: Theory and Practice. London: J. A. Allen, 1985. p.84.

My own resolve for learning to ride (or a language) is to ask whether I really want to do it? And, if yes, to vow to give it my best and not to abandon the project for five years.
I think my esteemed RI has doubts about this though. Because it could mean you just solider on for the allotted time without really enjoying riding.
On the other hand it avoids all that wringing of hands and asking whether I should admit defeat.



Sorry if I was quibbling, Skib! I just think that whatever you're learning, whether it's riding or something else, you need time to digest and absorb what you've learned, and that's as important as progress. I like the new quote much better!

As for admitting defeat, well I've always seen the choice as doing whatever it was or giving up riding, so I did it; but when I really did give up, it wasn't a decision, more a feeling of "I'm not ready to ride again yet" followed by "I don't really ride at the moment ..."

[Imp]

he hee,

You're going to fall off... if this isn't an option for you, don't get on! :cool:

Oh, bitter experience, wear gloves if you have false nails; horses have been known to eat them when taking treats and I'm sure they aren't good for them :eek: :eek: (mine did, it disappeared shortly after I'd hand fed her - she sort of sucks when taking treats by hand - but seems none the worse for it ...:o ).

I'm not in the habit of having pretty manicures for the yard, it was for a special occasion :p

[Trewsers]

Expect to be humbled.

[ridingstar]

Marry someone rich.....and patient:D