showjumper112M
Member
I've enjoyed hearing your story, Joseph. I'm also a big guy, but have been able to ride off and on, depending on time, money, family and other constraints over the years. I'm now over 50 and still a novice despite having had a fair bit of saddle time over the years. I don't mind, as I have no particular goals in mind other than to have fun and to ride better - and I've done a few simple Interdressage tests as a way of benchmarking my progress. All my RIs over the years, with very few exceptions, have been brilliant and very sympathetic to a rather unfit middle-aged bloke trying to make his way in the horsey world.
I rode every week for 2+ years before the pandemic and made good progress - then my lovely lesson horse was retired. They had nothing very suitable for me for some time, but recently acquired a 17.1 Irish draught who is perfect for all ages and sizes. That's the way it goes unless you're going to jump into ownership: that's not on the cards for me anytime soon, but I would maybe share. One thing that blows me away is how much the cost of lessons has increased by over the last few years...
There are problems in being big adult male beginner - clothes have been mentioned, which is particularly a challenge now that most tack shops are internet-only - but it's tremendously rewarding. I hope you can find a way to make it work. I'm also looking to lose weight: riding is a good incentive.