Hi I'm new and after some advice :)

[Miss Star]

Hi everyone!

I am really interested in starting riding (did some when I was a kid) so I am a beginner.

The only thing is I am 17st right now and 5ft 10 size 22/24 so I know I am too big to start at the moment.
A local riding school has a weight limit of 16st. So I'm working down to that - my starting weight was 19st!

The advice I was after was I know that the weight limit is 16st but wanted to know what you thought? Would I need to be about 15st 7lb? As a beginner I was wondering if you have any tips for me etc.

Thank you
x

 

[*hic*]

Weigh your riding clothes/ boots / hat and take whatever weight that is off the 16 stone.

 

[TheEquineOak]

Hello and welcome

Congratulations on your weight loss. Unfortunetly, I know nothing about weight limits within riding schools other than they wouldn't take me 14st partner and it cost me a fortune having to buy him a horse

Before this, we loaned him a 17.2hh old shire horse. Nice and (mostly) ploddy but very safe and secure. If you have no luck with riding schools I would suggest part sharing (as long as the owner knows you are a beginner and is happy to show you the ropes) - you may be lucky enough to find someone that will let you have lessons on their horse and show you some stable management/horse care etc

Good luck with your endevours and welcome to riding

 

[Steorra]

Welcome! And well done for losing all that weight so far.

Like Jemima_too said, you will probably need to be 16st in your riding gear, so take that into account.

In the meantime, how about trying a simulator lesson? There was a really interesting thread on here the other day about them and I'm quite keen to try myself! I got on one at a show about 10 years ago and it was very interesting - plus apparently they've come on loads since then. It would give you a headstart on the other new riders.

There are also loads of horsey books around if you want some tips. There are textbook type ones like the ponyclub manual, but also novels and films about riding that might give you some inspiration.

Good luck, and I hope you'll post a report of your first lesson.