Yes to second time around

[KarinUS]

OMG being a beginner for the second time around is so much more fun.
All the stuff makes sense and a lot of things are just carved into memory and come back with just small reminders.
I'm loving it. My heart feels happier and my body feels younger.
I loved my DJ and I didn't mind caring for him all these years without the benefit of riding.
But I forgot how good riding was for body and soul.
And I'm cheating of course. I'm doing Western which seems easy peasy but still has the same elements and I can add them.

 

[Jessey]

So glad to hear you are enjoying it so much, long may it last

 

[Jane&Ziggy]

So glad you are having fun, and I hope it's not long before you and Smokey can ride together.

I've only done a little Western riding, but from what I did I think the cues/aids are different? I remember one ride where the horse kept offering trot and I realised eventually that it was because I was trying to get comfortable in the saddle and leaned back = cue for trot!

 

[Windy51179]

Oof, the rush of getting back into something your body remembers but your brain had forgotten about — that hits different for sure. How long had you been away?

 

[Skib]

I'm cheating of course. I'm doing Western which seems easy peasy

That is not cheating. Nor easier than English riding.
I had a lesson or two in Western as preparation and then rode Western in the USA. Western may feel easier as the saddle holds one in place and one can grab the horn in an emergency. But the Western saddle is designed that way for a reason, to hold the rider in place when roping cattle. Using one hand to rope, leaves one riding with one hand only. So there is a drop bit and one steers by neck reining. But also the weight in ones seat,

I once had a discussion with a Western RI who was nervous if trying English and I told her I was convinced that Western sitting of jog trot and canter (lope) and the weight in the saddle was absolutely transferable and she would be fine.