Starting out again!

[back.in.saddle]

I rode for 10 years but after a 3 year break I'm about to start again - I'm really excited but I'm not sure how much I'll have forgotten etc.! If anyone's done anything similar, could you tell me what to expect?

[raingodz]

I rode for 10 years then had a 15 year break and started back again this summer.

I found the hardest thing was getting used to the subtlety of my aids and the rhythm of riding. I could remeber all the basic stuff like how to hold the reins and where to put my legs, but it is getting it to work effectivly again that is the challange.

But good to hear you are returning to riding, I love it so much that I really regret leaving it so long to start again.

[baxter]

i rode for 10 years, then had a 9/10 year break and am coming back upto my second year of being in the saddle again, complete with my own horse (hopefully another next year!) , own horsebox, compete regulary and am having great fun! it's definitely like riding a bike, once you've done it once you'll never forget how to ride.... the difference i found is feeding of horses, and general routines.... nothing like what they used to be!
Oh and also the standard at competitions is incredibly high and good nowadays, i can remember competing on my ex riding school scruffy mare when i was younger and regulary being in the ribbons... nowadays i don't think i could get away with it!
Have fun and enjoy.

[back.in.saddle]

Thanks for the replies - I've never had my own horse (and still don't!) so I suppose it might take me a bit longer to get back into it... I'm looking forward to having to do lots of practice to get back to the same standard though!!!

[sexyshoebabe]

Hiya,

I used to ride and loaned 2 horses 10 years ago and have just started back again and wish id done it sooner. Only on my 5th lesson but going well. Cant believe how much i forgot though. Few more lessons and ill be looking to get myself a loan again. Anyone from Kent know of any horses for loan be great if you could let me know.

Chel

[Cherokee]

I rode for two years when i was a child but stopped.i started riding again about five years later and on my first lesson I could remember how to hold the reins, 'steer' , use my legs to ask the horse to go forward and I also could find the rhythm in rising trot.I am not saying that i could do any of these things well ....I could just remember the basics.

Good luck

[morgan4eva]

i had a break for 1 year then got back on again about 2 years ago. i found that the worse thing to get used to is remembering the rythm for sitting trot! i found it very bumpy and uncomfertable! i was scared to try to canter, but once id done it i found i was doing it instead of trot! it is so comfy!!!

[back.in.saddle]

Yay, just managed to get a lesson a week earlier than I expected to! Most worried about messing up changing the rein coz I won't remember where any of the letters are I can't wait