Hope it's not too late to get back in the saddle?!

[millreef]

Hello all,
My daughter has urged me to share my journey which will begin tomorrow. I have been involved in horses throughout my life but not really ridden for the past ten years or so. I have finally found a lovely horse which I will be taking on loan with a view to buying in the near future if all works out. I'm very excited/scared to be back in the seat but I just feel like a plank. I used to be so much more flexible but age is catching up with me. I'd be very interested in hearing about any mature riders out there, especially those who are getting back in the seat. Wish me well!
Millreef

 

[Red-1]

That sounds exciting! I had a short break and yes, it is hard to get fit and back into the swing. The right horse helps though, so we will look forward to photos and updates of your new loan horse!

 

[sbloom]

I highly recommend Rider Reboot programme (FB and there's a website) for all riders but especially anyone in your situation. I saddle fit for quite a few late returners, enjoy!

 

[Trouper]

Pff!! 10 years is nothing! My break was 30 years because of career/family commitments (with the odd ride every few years). When I re-started seriously the instructor would not believe it was that long.
Your muscles will remember everything - they just won't be strong enough, especially your core (if you have not been doing any other exercise?). I needed to work on my own body off the horse and have some instruction to correct things I could not see or co-ordinate for myself.
Just go and enjoy it - everything else is fixable!!

 

[Ratface]

I think one's muscle memory is always there.
Perhaps do some in hand work with your new horse, have a few supervised lessons on her/him.
I've always found basic yoga stretches and balance exercises helpful for reawakening old muscles.
Good luck!?

 

[ycbm]

Fantastic. I recommend pilates and I've found the result of a short weight training session every week pretty astonishing in terms of hip comfort after riding.

Looking forward to sharing your journey, especially as you are in a very different country.
.

 

[millreef]

Oh dearest people of Horse and Hound!
I had my first ride. The easy bit was the riding and the hardest Was getting on and off!!!! My hips are so tight. Thank you for your advice. I will try yoga and Pilates. I’m so flipping happy.

 

[SantaVera]

You'll get there, little and often is key I think.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Sounds like you rocked it! Good for you!!

 

[teapot]

Some of my fave clients in a previous job were the ladies who turned up to learn to ride, not just get back in the saddle, as their retirement started!

Enjoy it!

 

[sbloom]

Oh dearest people of Horse and Hound!
I had my first ride. The easy bit was the riding and the hardest Was getting on and off!!!! My hips are so tight. Thank you for your advice. I will try yoga and Pilates. I’m so flipping happy.

Rider Reboot uses things from both but is a lot lot more, he'll look at getting you compensating better for the stiff bits, get your proprioception working well, one GP rider he worked with got rid of her back pain for the first time in 40 years. The FB group is free. And interestingly our hip flexors are seldom actually tight when you look at "intrinsic biomechanics" ie each joint's function, they tend to be less functional for other reasons.

Glad you enjoyed it!

 

[Skib]

You will be fine. I am one of @teapot's riders. I started aged 61 and am still riding over 20 years later. I never did any particular exercises. But rising trot is excellent for one's lower back and my back problems vanished.

Just take it slowly and to begin with, dont ride on two consecutive days. I did buy an exercise ball as suggested by Mary Wanless but I think that did more for my balance than for my hips.

Getting off has always been the biggest problem

 

[eahotson]

Ooh exciting. Looking forward to following your story.