beginners advice...?

[beginner_rider]

Hey, was just wondering how many of you are competing at what levels, and how long you've been riding? I've started riding quite late in life (I'm 17 and been riding less than 6 months) even though I'm (attempting!) an equine career... I'm doing an equine degree in September... Worried that everyone will be at a much higher level than I am!
Any inspiring success stories from those of you who haven't been riding their whole lives?

I'd like to event in the future but whether or not that's possible I don't know!!

 

[Theocat]

People progress at different speeds, depending on their ability, attitude and opportunities, so I wouldn't worry about measuring yourself against others. In terms of riding, I've clocked up 25 years or more, yet I'm still bumbling round Prelim unaffiliated dressage tests and closing my eyes when the jumps get above two feet. Someone could easily get to the same level in six months if they threw themself into it (although you can't necessarily build experience e in a short timescale!)

I hope you don't mind me asking, but why are you doing an equine qualification? The horse world offers - generally - long hours and hard work for little cash and thanks; you have to really love it to want to make a career of it. If you've just started riding, how have you decided this is the career for you? (I really hope that doesn't sound nasty, but I wouldn't recommend a career with horses to someone in your position and I don't know if anyone has said this to you before!)

 

[beginner_rider]

I hope you don't mind me asking, but why are you doing an equine qualification? The horse world offers - generally - long hours and hard work for little cash and thanks; you have to really love it to want to make a career of it. If you've just started riding, how have you decided this is the career for you? (I really hope that doesn't sound nasty, but I wouldn't recommend a career with horses to someone in your position and I don't know if anyone has said this to you before!)

Its fine, yeah plenty of people have said similar. My whole life I grew up with my mum pushing me into career paths I didn't want to go down, though I'd always known I needed to be around horses. I spent 10 years reading books on stable management and equine physiology and watching riding videos before I moved in with my dad who has done nothing but support me... With no hands on experience whatsoever I've now worked at 2 different yards and learnt the ropes within 9 months I've gone from not knowing how to put a head collar on to being able to pretty much run a yard...and riding wise, I'd sat on a horse 3 times and then 6 months ago I started lessons every other week and I'm now jumping 2'6 courses.

I was also very upfront with all 5 unis I applied to about my experience, and managed to get 5 offers back
I already work for at a riding school (unpaid) doing 11 hour shift s and it makes the happiest girl in the world... I know what I want from life and I plan to grab it with both hands

 

[Echo24]

Well Jock Paget went from learning to ride to winning to Burghley in 10 years I also was late to riding (21) but nearly 10 years later I bought my first horse, a yearling. I loaned lots of horses beforehand and had plenty of opportunity to compete but sadly work was very restrictive and would never give me time off (I worked shifts and weekends). It is possible to get up to standard in a short space of time with support and a very helpful instructor. Good luck with your chosen path!

 

[beginner_rider]

Well Jock Paget went from learning to ride to winning to Burghley in 10 yearsIt is possible to get up to standard in a short space of time with support and a very helpful instructor. Good luck with your chosen path!

Thank you so much, I didn't know he was so late to riding! That's so inspiring, thank you lovely