Getting back into riding after long break / new mum

[hmp22]

Hi,

I was hoping to get a bit of advice/support on getting back into horsey life after 8 years off.

Throughout my childhood and early teen years I owned my own pony and loved every minute of it. Sadly, I outgrew him and with university commitments getting in the way, I could no longer carry on ownership. I am now 25 years old with a regrown love for horses and have had an urge to get back into riding again for the past 6 months or more.

However, I am also going to be a first time mum within the next 4 weeks. I know that my world is going to change for the best and I am going to be absolutely besotted with my new baby but I also cant get the urge to start horse riding/owning a horse again off my mind!!

I was wondering if there has been any one else in a similar situation (probably not i know!) or if you could suggest the best thing to do. When I am not looking at cute baby things, I find myself looking at horses for sale, to loan or to share all the time because it is dream to get back into the horse world again but at the same time I know i should probably start horse riding lessons again before i even consider going full steam ahead and taking care of my own. I used to do show jumping and XC at an unaffiliated level for around 5 years so I consider myself to have some degree of experience and the thought of getting back on a horse really doesn't worry me and i believe my confidence and ability would still be there.

To be honest, i know i am going to be in a baby bubble for the next few months but perhaps in my limited spare time, i was thinking of planning to pick up the courage and start some private lessons again?

Any suggestions/similar experiences will be very much appreciated!

 

[tallyho!]

Congratulations! Awww such a lovely special time for you. Hope you and bump are both doing well.

Horses will always be there for you and I would say that since you don't have the pressure of caring for one or a few at this time, continue your researching into your ideal restart/lessons/riding attire/articles/facebook groups etc in anticipation for the return!

Babies will be babies and your little one will need you during that first year, and I will be eternally grateful to my friends whom were so giving by looking after mine while I was at home recovering and feeding. Use the time to save your pennies and get back to fitness before your first lesson. I personally know a girl who literally sneezed out their 5th child and was back in their xxs jods and completing a 1m the very next day with hubby holding the bundle.

There are inspiring stories here on HHO so have a search to inspire you.

Sadly, it took me 6 months and I still don't think I'm quite right .

Good luck with everything and look forward to hearing your baby story soon!

 

[S.AAnderson]

Best of luck with the impending birth!! Exciting times ahead

Like you I was an avid horse lover and owner growing up, and sadly sold my last horse in 2004 before heading off to Uni. Since then I have moved overseas and had 2 children (2.5 & 4yrs old). I started back having riding lessons in late 2018, it was a lot harder than anticipated. I had no core strength, poor balance and not much confidence...honestly it wasn't pretty and I was quite hard on myself. I am sure you'll find the same, you remember how well you used to be able to ride and it becomes frustrating feeling so useless!

Despite the regular lessons I am still not the rider I was, having kids has made me far more risk averse. I don't enjoy riding the quirky horses anymore, and much prefer flat work to jumping. Hopefully things will further improve when I am riding more than once a week.

The past few months is the first time I have felt I have the time, energy and finances to consider buying a horse again. I am already so excited at the prospect, even after 15years

Give yourself time to recover postpartum before diving into lessons. Best of luck xxx

 

[Cutgrass]

I'm in a similar situation. I rode regularly until I had my little girl (nearly 6 years ago) and I now have a second girls who's one. After my first baby I just did the odd happy hack with friends / family and then after my second I was determined to get back into it. I looked at part loans but they weren't right for various reasons so I started riding at a riding stables and I'm so glad I did. It's given me the fitness and confidence to now think about part loaning again. I was shocked at how unfit and useless I felt in the saddle, and it's taken about 5 months to feel confident again. I would say wait until you've have your baby. It's rare to have any spare time in the first few months.