Getting back in the saddle

[Onemorefling]

As thread title, after a 4.5 year out of the saddle stint, I'm planning on booking myself a fortnightly trek. My old boy is fully retired, and I miss being in the saddle. However, as much as I miss it, I'm nervous as I will be riding a complete new horse. Another part of me feels guilty, as it's not going to be the ears I want to be looking inbetween, any advice or helpful tips to get me out of this mind block, will be greatly appreciated. Thanks all

 

[FieldOrnaments]

Visualization helps me and mantras. Often very simple 'I CAN do this' and not letting my brain run away with me

 

[Rumtytum]

I ride at a rs and always have butterflies of various degrees before getting on a new and unknown horse. Putting on ‘amoeba brain’ is very helpful ie don’t think, just do.
The looking between different ears: I anticipate you will be so taken up learning about the horse underneath you that you won't even think about it, or not until afterwards.
Good luck and have a lovely time!

 

[Red-1]

I am used to booking rides at commercial venues for my novice BF. I always understate his ability so he is put on something very safe! In Naples, I stressed the point so much that they allocated him a mule! It was perfect. Very strong and steady and very sure footed! So, I would say to understate your ability and fitness.

 

[Skib]

I stressed the point so much that they allocated him a mule! It was perfect. Very strong and steady and very sure footed!

How lovely. One of the best rides of my life was on a mule, predictably named Mouse. She too was sure footed down Bryce canyon.

 

[2ndtimearound]

I am used to booking rides at commercial venues for my novice BF. I always understate his ability so he is put on something very safe! In Naples, I stressed the point so much that they allocated him a mule! It was perfect. Very strong and steady and very sure footed! So, I would say to understate your ability and fitness.

I'd completely agree with that. As a regular trekking-centre rider (and as your location says 'Midlands', @Onemorefling, I'd thoroughly recommend Cannock Chase Trekking Centre, where I ride, if it's in the right part of the Midlands for you), the people I see who come unstuck on a trek are generally the ones who overstate their abilities. I'd also recommend going for a mixed-ability / lower-ability trek for your first time wherever you go, as it will help to break you in gently and get a feel for wherever you choose to ride.

 

[Johnny's Star]

I've been getting back to riding after a similar break. My two battles have been with my nerves and being at an age when arthritis has reduced my flexibility. The nerves have been helped by being very open about being ridiculously nervous and downplaying my previous competence. I've had a few very ploddy rides as a result, but that really helped my confidence. The stiffness and pain aspect is much better when I ride twice a week (although not affordable in the long run, to pay per ride!) and avoiding bigger/wider horses. I'd retired and then lost my beloved ex-racer at a good age, and it's been hard not to compare with our golden days. I'm a different type of rider now, and need a different type of horse, but I'm glad I've persisted as I have rediscovered my joy in riding. I currently have a horse on an extended trial period with a view to buy. I think there's a ton of folk feeling just like you do. I'm wishing you success in getting back to riding, it's tough when it can't be the horse you love most, do it in tribute to all he's given you.

 

[Onemorefling]

I'd completely agree with that. As a regular trekking-centre rider (and as your location says 'Midlands', @Onemorefling, I'd thoroughly recommend Cannock Chase Trekking Centre, where I ride, if it's in the right part of the Midlands for you), the people I see who come unstuck on a trek are generally the ones who overstate their abilities. I'd also recommend going for a mixed-ability / lower-ability trek for your first time wherever you go, as it will help to break you in gently and get a feel for wherever you choose to ride.

Yes cannock chase is the centre I'm going to, I've filled out the registration form and put myself as a beginner. Heard really positive things, so thought I'd give it a try x

 

[Onemorefling]

I've been getting back to riding after a similar break. My two battles have been with my nerves and being at an age when arthritis has reduced my flexibility. The nerves have been helped by being very open about being ridiculously nervous and downplaying my previous competence. I've had a few very ploddy rides as a result, but that really helped my confidence. The stiffness and pain aspect is much better when I ride twice a week (although not affordable in the long run, to pay per ride!) and avoiding bigger/wider horses. I'd retired and then lost my beloved ex-racer at a good age, and it's been hard not to compare with our golden days. I'm a different type of rider now, and need a different type of horse, but I'm glad I've persisted as I have rediscovered my joy in riding. I currently have a horse on an extended trial period with a view to buy. I think there's a ton of folk feeling just like you do. I'm wishing you success in getting back to riding, it's tough when it can't be the horse you love most, do it in tribute to all he's given you.

Exactly this! He owes me nothing, we had a great 16 year ridden life together. He's 26 now, and living his best retirement, here until the very end of his day's, which hopefully will be many more to come.

 

[2ndtimearound]

Yes cannock chase is the centre I'm going to, I've filled out the registration form and put myself as a beginner. Heard really positive things, so thought I'd give it a try x

Excellent! It's my second home. If you want to know any more before you go, feel free to drop me a DM. There are a fair few others on here who've also ridden there too, such as @Tiddlypom, who I've ridden with a few times. As long as you're honest with the staff, they'll happily choose a suitable horse for you - and they have plenty to choose from. I really hope you enjoy it, and do let us know how you get on.

Edited to add: There are a lot of regular riders there who started going after retiring (or losing) their own horse.

 

[Onemorefling]

Excellent! It's my second home. If you want to know any more before you go, feel free to drop me a DM. There are a fair few others on here who've also ridden there too, such as @Tiddlypom, who I've ridden with a few times. As long as you're honest with the staff, they'll happily choose a suitable horse for you - and they have plenty to choose from. I really hope you enjoy it, and do let us know how you get on.

Aww brilliant! I'll post an update once I've had my first trek! Will most definitely be walking like a cowboy afterwards

 

[FieldOrnaments]

I am used to booking rides at commercial venues for my novice BF. I always understate his ability so he is put on something very safe! In Naples, I stressed the point so much that they allocated him a mule! It was perfect. Very strong and steady and very sure footed! So, I would say to understate your ability and fitness.

Oh I am jealous. Would still love a mule

 

[FieldOrnaments]

Yes cannock chase is the centre I'm going to, I've filled out the registration form and put myself as a beginner. Heard really positive things, so thought I'd give it a try x

This is on my bucket list to go to.... Please do update how it goes! And have fun!

 

[Skib]

I dont think one should under state ones capabilities. I did that and spent a couple of months almost in lead rein status and no canter at all. Though there was an advantage that me and the mare got to know each other so when we were at last allowd to canter she just flew for me.

Honestly I too went on trail rides when learnnig but it doesnt feel so safe because when they start canter the horses will run after each other and the newish rider just has to sit the canter and hope.

 

[Onemorefling]

I dont think one should under state ones capabilities. I did that and spent a couple of months almost in lead rein status and no canter at all. Though there was an advantage that me and the mare got to know each other so when we were at last allowd to canter she just flew for me.

Honestly I too went on trail rides when learnnig but it doesnt feel so safe because when they start canter the horses will run after each other and the newish rider just has to sit the canter and hope.

I have seen rides before where new riders were falling off trotting/cantering, when they clearly aren't capable of doing the gait. This centre is really good, in splitting into separate groups. They keep beginners separate from novices and experienced. I'm sure I'd be capable of having a trot and canter, but I'm happy to just walk in the beginners trek. If anything happens, I'm sure I'd be fine (or hoping ).

 

[Johnny's Star]

Exactly this! He owes me nothing, we had a great 16 year ridden life together. He's 26 now, and living his best retirement, here until the very end of his day's, which hopefully will be many more to come.

We did a lot of walks out in hand with his field companion once he wasn't ridden. I felt that I still wanted to spend time with him doing something he enjoyed, so glad I did.

 

[2ndtimearound]

I have seen rides before where new riders were falling off trotting/cantering, when they clearly aren't capable of doing the gait. This centre is really good, in splitting into separate groups. They keep beginners separate from novices and experienced. I'm sure I'd be capable of having a trot and canter, but I'm happy to just walk in the beginners trek. If anything happens, I'm sure I'd be fine (or hoping ).

I'm guessing you're doing the mixed-ability trek? The riders all start out on the trek together and it only splits into the two groups once the staff have had chance to check everyone out. They always make sure any newbies are looking competent in rising trot before they're offered the chance to canter. If they're happy with you, you'll be given the chance to join the canterers if you wish, but you don't have to if you aren't feeling up to it. If they don't think someone is up to cantering, they won't be given the chance to.

 

[Tiddlypom]

You’ve chosen just the right place to visit! The horse in my avatar is the lovely Jake from Cannock Chase Trekking Centre .

I’d recommend the slower paced afternoon mixed ability rides to start with. There will still be the opportunity to canter if you wish, but equally you can just stick to trot if you want to - the ride will split into two if there are non canterers on it. Some of the riders may stick to walk.

You will be quizzed very carefully as to your experience levels when being allocated a horse, and first time up I unashamedly asked for a very steady neddy please despite being very experienced. I had the most brilliant ride on the total dude Buttons who looked after me beautifully. They still know that I’d rather go steadier than whizzier, and there’s no shame in that!

I’m ridden perhaps 9 of their 40 plus horses now, and they are all fantastic. The riding terrain is brilliant, too.

Have a great time!

ETA Another three of the CCTC horses, Kitty the Friesian, Tyri and the homebred Arizona.

 

[Rumtytum]

You’ve chosen just the right place to visit! The horse in my avatar is the lovely Jake from Cannock Chase Trekking Centre .

I’d recommend the slower paced afternoon mixed ability rides to start with. There will still be the opportunity to canter if you wish, but equally you can just stick to trot if you want to - the ride will split into two if there are non canterers on it. Some the riders may stick to walk.

You will be quizzed very carefully as to your experience levels when being allocated a horse, and first time up I unashamedly asked for a very steady neddy please despite being very experienced. I had the most brilliant ride on the total dude Buttons who looked after me beautifully. They still know that I’d rather go steadier than whizzier, and there’s no shame in that!

I’m ridden perhaps 9 of their 40 plus horses now, and they are all fantastic. The riding terrain is brilliant, too.

Have a great time!

You do a great marketing job TP, I’m nowhere near CCTK but if I was you’ve absolutely sold it to me!

 

[2ndtimearound]

You’ve chosen just the right place to visit! The horse in my avatar is the lovely Jake from Cannock Chase Trekking Centre .

I’d recommend the slower paced afternoon mixed ability rides to start with. There will still be the opportunity to canter if you wish, but equally you can just stick to trot if you want to - the ride will split into two if there are non canterers on it. Some of the riders may stick to walk.

You will be quizzed very carefully as to your experience levels when being allocated a horse, and first time up I unashamedly asked for a very steady neddy please despite being very experienced. I had the most brilliant ride on the total dude Buttons who looked after me beautifully. They still know that I’d rather go steadier than whizzier, and there’s no shame in that!

I’m ridden perhaps 9 of their 40 plus horses now, and they are all fantastic. The riding terrain is brilliant, too.

Have a great time!

ETA Another three of the CCTC horses, Kitty the Friesian, Tyri and the homebred Arizona.

I hadn't better start posting all of my photos (I've lost count of how many I have! ), but here's my latest one on my old mate Wispa. This is from the three-hour trek they did on Good Friday:

 

[FieldOrnaments]

I hadn't better start posting all of my photos (I've lost count of how many I have! ), but here's my latest one on my old mate Wispa. This is from the three-hour trek they did on Good Friday:

View attachment 174840

yours and Tiddlypom's photos are doing a brilliant job advertising this place if I do anything this year it'll be a ride here for certain...

 

[2ndtimearound]

yours and Tiddlypom's photos are doing a brilliant job advertising this place if I do anything this year it'll be a ride here for certain...

Excellent plan!

 

[Red-1]

I honestly liked the look of the place and @Tiddlypom 's photos that, at one stage, when I was still feeling rather vulnerable after suddenly becoming a widow, I considered selling mine and moving closer to the place just so I could canter about knowing someone would notice if I came off! It is heartening to know that good places still exist.

As it is, I have 2 lovely horses who I can let others ride too, so have great fun whizzing around on my own still. I'm not ready to hang up my home horses' boots just yet, but it's good to know that there are options out there!

 

[Red-1]

I hadn't better start posting all of my photos (I've lost count of how many I have! ), but here's my latest one on my old mate Wispa. This is from the three-hour trek they did on Good Friday:

View attachment 174840

This one is my favourite. You are grinning like a kid!!!

 

[2ndtimearound]

This one is my favourite. You are grinning like a kid!!!

To be fair, I'm grinning like that on most of my photos on her, as she's been my best pony mate for the last 10 years at least! Love the bones of her, but I don't get to ride her anywhere near enough these days as she's usually being used in the kids' lessons when I ride on a Saturday morning.

 

[Tiddlypom]

yours and Tiddlypom's photos are doing a brilliant job advertising this place if I do anything this year it'll be a ride here for certain...

Excellent plan!

Indeed! Nothing like good genuine feedback on a place rather than possibly fake reviews .

Some through the ears photos this time which show off the lovely scenery.












And is this @2ndtimearound I spy ahead ?

 

[2ndtimearound]

Indeed! Nothing like good genuine feedback on a place rather than possibly fake reviews .

Some through the ears photos this time which show off the lovely scenery.

View attachment 174846


And is this @2ndtimearound I spy ahead ?

Guilty as charged! On the lovely Honey.

 

[Onemorefling]

My friend used to go trekking regularly on the chase, she spoke highly of buttons, and a coloured called splash. Lovely photos ladies, it's making me more excited to go now, thank you for all of your lovely advice and comments.

 

[2ndtimearound]

My friend used to go trekking regularly on the chase, she spoke highly of buttons, and a coloured called splash. Lovely photos ladies, it's making me more excited to go now, thank you for all of your lovely advice and comments.

Splash is still there too!