Getting back into riding at 20 y/o

[Annie.m29]

Hoping I’m posting this in the right place...

I’ve just booked a private lesson to assess my riding ability after not riding properly since I was about 12 years old. In the past few years I have been on hacks etc but nothing serious, although when I used to ride properly, it was only at the local riding school, pony club etc.
I’m not really sure what to expect at from my upcoming lesson (at Crieff hydro riding centre, Scotland) as I was confident walk, trot and learning to canter, I would still say I am pretty much a beginner, but don’t want to be stuck in a group with a bunch of young kids.
Can anyone tell me what they think I should expect from my assessment lesson and/or if I should continue with group lessons or get private lessons and ask about helping out around the stables to get more experience?

 

[Rumtytum]

Hi Annie!
I hadn’t ridden for decades ?.
Before my assessment (was private) I filled in a questionnaire which, among other things, asked what I felt comfortable doing - walk and trot only as I didn’t want to overface myself.
The instructor/assessor went through my rider position, application of the aids etc. etc., I wasn’t a total beginner, more incompetent novice ?.
Next time I was given a different horse. I always have1 hour lessons, (better value than 30 mins), and private as I feel I benefit from the individual attention. And afterwards I give ‘my’ horse (in avatar) an hour’s grooming and massage- we both love it and it’s free ?.
Good luck, looking forward to an update on how you did!

 

[Annie.m29]

thanks, this was very helpful! One more question... I haven’t yet bought any new riding gear - boots, jodhpurs etc, will old ankle boots with a small heel be okay for the time being?

 

[Rumtytum]

Pre-Covid my riding school used to hire out boots (and hats), don’t know if that still applies, you could phone your place and check. Otherwise yes your boots sound fine. And a pair of thickish leggings would be OK too. Am looking forward to reading your post-assessment report!

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

I was in a similar position to you when I came back to riding at 22. I’m now 26 and have had my own for coming up to 3 years.

I had private lessons and the very rare group one. I knew I wanted to progress quickly and private is the way forward! Hacks are also slightly cheaper way of getting more hours in the saddle which is what it’s all about really!

 

[mossycup]

Aah good luck, you'll love it. My riding school gets you to have a few privates so they can assess which level of group lesson you can join. I restarted riding two years ago, and have a mix of both. I also have a share horse and am pretty much as obsessed as I was as a teen

 

[noocle7]

Hi, I am 20 and in a similar boat!
Used to ride when I was a young teen but was still learning to canter when I stopped. I started again when I was 18, but again, after a year I stopped to go to uni. I am restarting this week as I am commuting to uni this year and I am super excited! Usually they will see your position and see you walk and trot (possibly canter but most likely not) and then they will know where to go from there Last year I did 1 half hour lesson/hack a week. I asked to help out after my lessons but the stables I was at kind of thought that was weird at my age as it is only little kids that do that so I stopped asking. But at this new stables I am gonna grab every oppurtunity I can!
Good luck and keep us updated!

 

[noocle7]

I was in a similar position to you when I came back to riding at 22. I’m now 26 and have had my own for coming up to 3 years.

I had private lessons and the very rare group one. I knew I wanted to progress quickly and private is the way forward! Hacks are also slightly cheaper way of getting more hours in the saddle which is what it’s all about really!

I would love a horse of my own one day! I have a question - when did you decide you were ready for your first horse?

 

[Annie.m29]

Hi, I am 20 and in a similar boat!
Used to ride when I was a young teen but was still learning to canter when I stopped. I started again when I was 18, but again, after a year I stopped to go to uni. I am restarting this week as I am commuting to uni this year and I am super excited! Usually they will see your position and see you walk and trot (possibly canter but most likely not) and then they will know where to go from there Last year I did 1 half hour lesson/hack a week. I asked to help out after my lessons but the stables I was at kind of thought that was weird at my age as it is only little kids that do that so I stopped asking. But at this new stables I am gonna grab every oppurtunity I can!
Good luck and keep us updated!

i was also thinking about asking to help around the stables, but again I think it’ll mostly be younger children so maybe not! Where about do you go to uni? I am in my second year of Primary Education but it is all online due to COVID so I’m working from home - so I’m hoping I can spend more time riding!

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

I would love a horse of my own one day! I have a question - when did you decide you were ready for your first horse?

If I’m honest, looking back I wasn’t. I should have shared for a lot longer or bought an older schoolmaster. But at the time I was living at home and a well paying job so what I lacked in experience I made up for in money. I had weekly lessons, 2 clinics a month and was on part livery. I did a LOT of reading, YouTube videos and absorbing info from here and after a year and a bit moved to DIY as was buying a house.

 

[noocle7]

i was also thinking about asking to help around the stables, but again I think it’ll mostly be younger children so maybe not! Where about do you go to uni? I am in my second year of Primary Education but it is all online due to COVID so I’m working from home - so I’m hoping I can spend more time riding!

I'm in York, Product Design second year and only go in 1 day a week now so picking up an extra shift at work and focusing on riding more!

 

[Annie.m29]

I'm in York, Product Design second year and only go in 1 day a week now so picking up an extra shift at work and focusing on riding more!

Ah nice! I hope your return to lessons this week goes well!