Beginner Adult - Advice?

[DarcyPercy]

Hi,

Beginner adult rider here - two lessons in and loving it

Can you let me know any tips/advice you‘d have for an adult newbie?

Also, Any online resources you’d recommend to supplement 1 x 30 min lesson a week? (Can’t afford any more at the moment unfortunately!).

Thanks in advance guys!

 

[Trinket12]

You tube has loads of videos from different trainers and organizations. I had an enforced 3 weeks of no riding, so watched lots! British Showjumping had some training videos and CRK Training has some good ones too.

 

[tallyho!]

Amazing! That is brilliant that you love it I guess loving horses is most of the way there already. What do you think you’d enjoy the most in riding? What you’re drawn to.. jumping, dressage, a good old hack in the countryside?

even though I’d ridden as a child, when I got older I changed tack a bit in terms of what I did and books helped me a lot... someone gave me Eightened Equitation by Heather Moffatt and I never really looked back although I don’t agree with everything she says and does back then, it was a defining moment and led to the discovery of many more books, mostly by Sylvia Loch but also by many more... clinics, talks, demos it never really stops tbh ? just enjoy your journey!

 

[oldie48]

I didn't really start to ride until I was nearly 50 (had a few lessons when I was 12). Best advice is to make sure you are a good riding school, some are absolutely dire tbh real kick along school horses who just follow each other don't teach you much. Don;t be apologetic to those riders who had the advantage of riding and having ponies when they were young. Many don't ride that well and are quite stuck in their ways. Be open minded but learn as much as you can off the horse via books and the internet. I've learned loads on this forum but don't think everything on here is either right or true! And basically, go for it and enjoy the journey

 

[The_Shetland_Collector]

How exciting! Glad to hear you're enjoying it

One thing I would recommend is keeping a little diary of things you did in each lesson, what went well, what you enjoyed and what you want to work on. It keeps your mind focused and more than anything it's great to have to look back on. There will be weeks where you think you're not making any progress, or where you can't get you're head around something and it can feel pretty rubbish! I found being able to look back and see something I was struggling with two months ago is second nature now really helps me to stay focused and enjoy every ride, even the ones which didn't go well. You'll realise how far you have come and how the thing you're struggling with at the minute will soon be second nature too.

Welcome and I hope you never enjoyed free time and spare cash

 

[DarcyPercy]

Thanks all - super helpful!

Is there anyway to know if you’re at a good stable as I do get the feeling to some degree it’s a ‘little kick, no he’s being lazy so kick harder’? However they may just be giving me the horses they are happy knowing are safe for my level. I’m in Essex for reference purposes.

 

[DarcyPercy]

Amazing! That is brilliant that you love it I guess loving horses is most of the way there already. What do you think you’d enjoy the most in riding? What you’re drawn to.. jumping, dressage, a good old hack in the countryside?

even though I’d ridden as a child, when I got older I changed tack a bit in terms of what I did and books helped me a lot... someone gave me Eightened Equitation by Heather Moffatt and I never really looked back although I don’t agree with everything she says and does back then, it was a defining moment and led to the discovery of many more books, mostly by Sylvia Loch but also by many more... clinics, talks, demos it never really stops tbh ? just enjoy your journey!

Thank you, I’ll look into those books as a starting point . If I think about what I like skiing, strange comparison I know, I just love being outdoors, at a safe but exciting speed, feeling the wind through my hair (*helmet) so I think I’m most excited about the adventure aspect. I love watching cross country and would love to get to the point where I can have a real countryside adventure.

 

[Sail_away]

I think the most important thing is a good riding school where the horses are looked after - unwilling, sore horses and inexperienced instructors can teach you some bad habits pretty quickly. Things I’d look for would be clean beds with enough bedding, clean horses who have all been groomed and turnout available for the horses (I expect this is because I live near London but the majority of riding schools near me don’t have any turnout, as a result they have stiff, bored ponies). I know riding school horses have a reputation for being grumpy but if the majority of horses bite and stamp, particularly if their girth is being done, I would steer clear. Quite likely a few of them have stomach ulcers or other pain issues. I know it can be hard to find a really good place, on the whole try to go for the one you think the horses are happiest at. BHS approved doesn’t mean a whole lot, I know of some yards that really aren’t very nice and yet manage to pass BHS standard.
Good luck with your riding!

 

[DarcyPercy]

I checked today and the yard has turnout for all horses / ponies overnight - even at the moment with the weather. They get brought in during the day and only are used for max. 3 lessons per day. Lots of hay available for each of the horses in their stables. Thanks for the tips all!

I got the horse to more into canter for the first time on my own today and kept it going most of the way around the school - I loved it!! On cloud nine... then bought my own helmet... oops!