Im Green Again- where to start

P

Peaches24

Active Member
Joined
10 January 2025
Messages
49
Visit site
Hi everyone,

I am looking for some advice and to hear experiences from anyone who's been in a similar position please.

After a few years away from the horsey world due to changes in life, I have the need to get back to what I love.and more importantly get my sanity that is horsey time.
Not in a position to buy my own again right now both financially, time wise and tbh, that's for way more down the line. Although my fb algorithm has shown some very nice, very my type horses. Will need to start blocking them 🤣

Having moved area totally it's feels like a bit of a minefield, trying to find where to start. Not knowing anyone or or reputable riding schools in the area that may be good with adults for a start. I'm pretty sure my centre of gravity has shifted in recent years and I'm in no doubt a lessons will be in order riding wise. Aside from riding if there's anywhere to go along and help out. I contacted the most local riding establishment to me which really wasn't suitable for a few different reasons.

Ideally I want to find a good local riding school to brush up and hack out. Also help out on a quiet, small yard somewhere. I realise these may be 2 different places. Especially being in my late 30s, I probably don't fit the bill of being a "helper" at a school anymore. Both for me and them.

Does anyone have similar experiences and if so where did you start? Also if there are any good recommendations I'm in North Lanarkshire area.

Thank you
 
Peaches24 said:
Hi everyone,

I am looking for some advice and to hear experiences from anyone who's been in a similar position please.

After a few years away from the horsey world due to changes in life, I have the need to get back to what I love.and more importantly get my sanity that is horsey time.
Not in a position to buy my own again right now both financially, time wise and tbh, that's for way more down the line. Although my fb algorithm has shown some very nice, very my type horses. Will need to start blocking them 🤣

Having moved area totally it's feels like a bit of a minefield, trying to find where to start. Not knowing anyone or or reputable riding schools in the area that may be good with adults for a start. I'm pretty sure my centre of gravity has shifted in recent years and I'm in no doubt a lessons will be in order riding wise. Aside from riding if there's anywhere to go along and help out. I contacted the most local riding establishment to me which really wasn't suitable for a few different reasons.

Ideally I want to find a good local riding school to brush up and hack out. Also help out on a quiet, small yard somewhere. I realise these may be 2 different places. Especially being in my late 30s, I probably don't fit the bill of being a "helper" at a school anymore. Both for me and them.

Does anyone have similar experiences and if so where did you start? Also if there are any good recommendations I'm in North Lanarkshire area.

Thank you
Click to expand...
I have exactly the same problem as you looking to buy another horse but I'm different insomuch that I'm over the weight limit for RS horses sadly, despite having lost nearly two stone.

So I'd not had any recent riding exposure until recently although I used to compete all the time at one point with my previous horse. I stopped doing flatwork in about 2018 so the only flatwork I've done since then has been some of the 15 times I rode Lari my missold horse I had to retire with KS. He ended up throwing me very hard a couple of steps after leaving the mounting block one day (his treatment hadn't worked sadly).

I did have a mare belonging to dear friends who I rode about seven times in aĺl, but she was very bitey being girthed up and cold backed when mounting which made me suspect KS or ulcers and made me feel extremely nervous that she would do as Lari had done although she was fine to ride and never showed problems under saddle whatsoever. She was sadly sold along with three others as her owner had dementia and went into a care home.

So after all this trigger stacking mental trauma, I went on the not so pleasant merry go round of viewing horses having little confidence due to my weight and even less confidence due to being so frightened they'd do one when I got on.

And putting my foot in that stirrup to mount was truly, truly terrifying the first few times after how had Lari reacted when I'd mounted him and he'd gone ballistic, I don't honestly think I will ever feel completely happy mounting another horse as long as I live.

Any confidence that I did have left was completely shredded by a bucking bronco of a horse I tried out in March last year (I didn't fall off) and the following viewing I totally went to pieces when the horse grew in height under me when the hollow trotting poles in the arena started to whistle in the storm I had to ride him in. It was such a shame.

Luckily help has come in the way of a Shire x ID named Morph that I'm hacking out for a lovely couple near me. But this has been limited to the odd weekend day mainly due to the icy conditions of late, and due to their busy schedule too.

So I'm concentrating on the weight loss. I put on 2lbs over Xmas, which was to be expected, but maintained last week and have been smashing it at the gym again this week.

I will get there but now I have to put the horse buying on hold as I am out of work, although just got offered a job today. I will have about seven weeks till I start and get paid, so the horse buying fund is getting depleted again to live on. Lari has just run me up a lovely £730 vets bill as well. At this rate I will only be able to afford a Shetland! At least my feet will touch the floor so it's not all bad 🤣🤣
 
Last edited:
Peaches24 said:
Also help out on a quiet, small yard somewhere. I realise these may be 2 different places. Especially being in my late 30s, I probably don't fit the bill of being a "helper" at a school anymore. Both for me and them.
Click to expand...
I think that this will depend on the yard and the people who run it and the sort of helpers they would like to join them eg you. So don't dismiss yourself before you've even started
 
@Pearlsasinger this has been a thought for a while to be honest, although last time I called was told that volunteering wouldn't necessarily be on the yard. I think there are 2 l, 1 a bit further away and 1 a very small centre nearby, might drop them an email, can't hurt to ask. @Arzada thats exactly it, hit the nail on head in that post. In a way i am discounting myself due to being older and the same mindset as some of the younger gen these days. I'm not shy of hard work and value any time with the horses, think when I got used to my own it was a relief not to deal with the competitive (dare I say bitchy) side of things.

It's been surprisingly difficult to find a riding school nearby, especially going blind looking at places based on reviews etc.

@Midlifecrisis , I am actually booked in there tomorrow, they look like a really good school from what I've seen. Can't wait. See how unfit I really am 🙈
 
Hi @Peaches24 there's a charity just off the M8 at Harthill called Ponies Help Children. I think they work with rescue ponies and kids from challenging backgrounds. I'd imagine they'd be open to some volunteer work.
If/when you're ready for your own horse there are a couple of FB groups I'd recommend, Livery Yard Reviews Scotland and Livery Yards Central Scotland are good ones.
 
Last edited:
Birker2020 said:
I have exactly the same problem as you looking to buy another horse but I'm different insomuch that I'm over the weight limit for RS horses sadly, despite having lost nearly two stone.

So I'd not had any recent riding exposure until recently although I used to compete all the time at one point with my previous horse. I stopped doing flatwork in about 2018 so the only flatwork I've done since then has been some of the 15 times I rode Lari my missold horse I had to retire with KS. He ended up throwing me very hard a couple of steps after leaving the mounting block one day (his treatment hadn't worked sadly).

I did have a mare belonging to dear friends who I rode about seven times in aĺl, but she was very bitey being girthed up and cold backed when mounting which made me suspect KS or ulcers and made me feel extremely nervous that she would do as Lari had done although she was fine to ride and never showed problems under saddle whatsoever. She was sadly sold along with three others as her owner had dementia and went into a care home.

So after all this trigger stacking mental trauma, I went on the not so pleasant merry go round of viewing horses having little confidence due to my weight and even less confidence due to being so frightened they'd do one when I got on.

And putting my foot in that stirrup to mount was truly, truly terrifying the first few times after how had Lari reacted when I'd mounted him and he'd gone ballistic, I don't honestly think I will ever feel completely happy mounting another horse as long as I live.

Any confidence that I did have left was completely shredded by a bucking bronco of a horse I tried out in March last year (I didn't fall off) and the following viewing I totally went to pieces when the horse grew in height under me when the hollow trotting poles in the arena started to whistle in the storm I had to ride him in. It was such a shame.

Luckily help has come in the way of a Shire x ID named Morph that I'm hacking out for a lovely couple near me. But this has been limited to the odd weekend day mainly due to the icy conditions of late, and due to their busy schedule too.

So I'm concentrating on the weight loss. I put on 2lbs over Xmas, which was to be expected, but maintained last week and have been smashing it at the gym again this week.

I will get there but now I have to put the horse buying on hold as I am out of work, although just got offered a job today. I will have about seven weeks till I start and get paid, so the horse buying fund is getting depleted again to live on. Lari has just run me up a lovely £730 vets bill as well. At this rate I will only be able to afford a Shetland! At least my feet will touch the floor so it's not all bad 🤣🤣
Click to expand...
You really have been through the mill Biker. So sorry to hear about your Lari, did you manage to make a clain of anykind against the seller? That really is shocking for both of you, although sounds like he landed on his hooves with you keeping him.

I totally get where your coming from with confidence, it takes a split second out of no where (or as it seems at the time) to destroy years. It really is a case of better the devil you know sometimes isnt it. I think it shatters you when its a horse you didnt know well. You lose trust in people to advocate for thier horse and in turn putting the horse and you in danger.

Really good you've found a lovey horse to ride, Shires and Clyde's are the freaking best. Noone can tell me otherwise 😍 Hopefully better weather coming soon and you can get out a bit more too. We'll done on the weight loss and hope you reach your goal soon ☺️.
 
thommackintosh said:
Hi @Peaches24 there's a charity just off the M8 at Harthill called Ponies Help Children. I think they work with rescue ponies and kids from challenging backgrounds. I'd imagine they'd be open to some volunteer work.
If/when you're ready for your own horse there are a couple of FB groups I'd recommend, Livery Yard Reviews Scotland and Livery Yards Central Scotland are good ones.
Click to expand...
Now that is a very good recommendation. Less than 10 mins away from me and genuinely think I'd love to help out here. Away to draft an email 🙌
 
I would put an advert on a local Facebook group to help out with someone's horses. There are many people out there with horses at home and no help. People don't like to advertise as all sorts of unsuitable people reply, but if you put an advert out, they would contact you.

Many private people would prefer a mature person, who is honest about their current abilities, over a teen.

I am highly delighted to have found a new rider for my old cobX through word of mouth, but would not have advertised.
 
I got back into riding after a long break. It's not quite the same as the saying about riding a bicycle though! Start off with some lunge lessons and focus on the basics like seat, hands, legs, etc. You'll probably be stiff afterwards, so look forward to a nice hot bubblebath. I hope you find somewhere nice to help out, preferably where you can ride, too. Good luck and keep us posted.
 
If your riding anywhere make sure you have your own personal accident insurance. Even at a riding school they recommend you take this out.
 
Peaches24 said:
You really have been through the mill Biker. So sorry to hear about your Lari, did you manage to make a clain of anykind against the seller? That really is shocking for both of you, although sounds like he landed on his hooves with you keeping him.

I totally get where your coming from with confidence, it takes a split second out of no where (or as it seems at the time) to destroy years. It really is a case of better the devil you know sometimes isnt it. I think it shatters you when its a horse you didnt know well. You lose trust in people to advocate for thier horse and in turn putting the horse and you in danger.

Really good you've found a lovey horse to ride, Shires and Clyde's are the freaking best. Noone can tell me otherwise 😍 Hopefully better weather coming soon and you can get out a bit more too. We'll done on the weight loss and hope you reach your goal soon ☺️.
Click to expand...
Thanks. No two equine solicitors, one BHS said I couldn't nake a claim as it was a private buyer and very much them against you, he said, she said type of thing even though. Even my old vet who I got rid of and my new vet both said he should never have passed the vetting in anyway whatsoever, so I can't help but think both seller and vet were conspiring for their own gain.

At that stage I'd pretty much bonded and although I'd have taken any other horse to the blood bank or possibly considered prs because I'd spent such a lot of time rehabbing him, I'd got a bond which I felt and still feel, I couldn't sever. He's a character and horses with such a personality as his are very hard to part with. He's the love of my life my Lari, we both really adore him. But it's made me incredible wary of buying the next one.

I think your best bet is to try and find a share or loan. I'd bet my bottom dollar you'd find something in this weather, people will be glad to have lie in in the morning.

Put an advert in your tack shop or feed merchant. Good luck x
 
You can also compound your progress but doing work.off horse, with a rider specialist like Equimech (NI and online), and on a simulator. Such a good idea to be a few steps down the line before getting back on, or at least while you're getting back into it.
 
Thanks to everyone who responded with advice, every one has been usefull ☺️

Update no one asked for 😅.

So went for my lesson on Sunday and can say that from the initial impressions, really liked the vibe of the place. The lesson itself was fantastic. Horse was great and a real Saint, (just my type too lol) working on my legs and seat, using correct muscles in the saddle. Let me tell you, how my mind 'knew' and used to naturally sit properly, my body did not anymore, especially after having a baby. Suppose too its working with a 'new' body in a way. The first 10 mins or so i was tence too which didnt help but the trainer was brilliant. Helped me to relax, take time, let me know where i was doing well too. Very positive and straightforward style of teaching which is exactly what I'm looking for. By the middle & end it all started to click again, really happy with how it went. Cant wait for lesson this week, on refletion though, i will not go in with any expectations or give myself a hard time at the start, although that was probably nerves to be honest. It's exactly like you said @Dust Bunny , takes time. Certainly enjoying it so far, which is really the main thing. There are also opportunities to help out here too which I will be doing ☺️

Following a few other suggestions am going to be volunteering somewhere too, no riding involved, really think it will be great.

I.surance wise, I used to use BHS gold for that, might go do this again.

If anyone has any recommendations on you tube pilates channels, let me know. Trying a few out to help with strength and on plus side my toddler is loving trying to get involved too. He is better than me at this point though 🤣
 
Peaches24 said:
Thanks to everyone who responded with advice, every one has been usefull ☺️

Update no one asked for 😅.

So went for my lesson on Sunday and can say that from the initial impressions, really liked the vibe of the place. The lesson itself was fantastic. Horse was great and a real Saint, (just my type too lol) working on my legs and seat, using correct muscles in the saddle. Let me tell you, how my mind 'knew' and used to naturally sit properly, my body did not anymore, especially after having a baby. Suppose too its working with a 'new' body in a way. The first 10 mins or so i was tence too which didnt help but the trainer was brilliant. Helped me to relax, take time, let me know where i was doing well too. Very positive and straightforward style of teaching which is exactly what I'm looking for. By the middle & end it all started to click again, really happy with how it went. Cant wait for lesson this week, on refletion though, i will not go in with any expectations or give myself a hard time at the start, although that was probably nerves to be honest. It's exactly like you said @Dust Bunny , takes time. Certainly enjoying it so far, which is really the main thing. There are also opportunities to help out here too which I will be doing ☺️

Following a few other suggestions am going to be volunteering somewhere too, no riding involved, really think it will be great.

I.surance wise, I used to use BHS gold for that, might go do this again.

If anyone has any recommendations on you tube pilates channels, let me know. Trying a few out to help with strength and on plus side my toddler is loving trying to get involved too. He is better than me at this point though 🤣
Click to expand...
Hi there Peaches24. So glad you enjoyed your first lesson. It sounds like you've been really lucky. That's a nice start to the year :) Here's a link for 'rider pilates' that I enjoy every now and again. She has some well-explained stretching exercises that work well. It's good to do them before you ride because it loosens up those stiff muscles!
Enjoy your next lesson 👍
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top