my god I ache.

[birdof1977]

Hi to all from a newbie.

After 8 years out of the 'horsey world' I got back in the saddle for the first time on Sunday. I had a half an hour private lesson ( the first lesson I think I've had in about 10 years) and I feel like I've been in the saddle for about 3 days solid.

Can anyone please tell me is this normal? Until this week, at 31, I have never really thought of myself as old.

On a positive note, my lesson went really well, the instructor said that although a little rusty it was quite obvious that I used to ride to a high standard, which boosted my ego no end.

I,ve booked my self an hour's lesson for Thursday, not sure if my pushing my luck a bit though.
I blame my 7 year old daughter, who having never ridden before, started lessons 2 weeks ago, has a perfect seat already, can do rising trot off the lead rein, and made it look all to easy ( she must be a natural).

If anyone else has just got back in the saddle after a long break, maybe you could share your next day experience with me. Am I just past it? Or is this normal?

 

[lucie1984]

First hello newbie!
I think your normal to be honest, i had 6 months and not much riding and my god after my first real ride i was in agony! But after the second time i was fine.. I think its all those muscles that you havnt used in ages getting used to it again! Well thats my excuse!

 

[Kenzo]

Hi newbie and good on your for getting yourself back in the saddle and taking some lessons.

If your sore, it means your RI has worked you properly and given you a good lesson so that's good, if you ache today...wait until tomorrow, it usually takes few days for the pain to kick when you have exercised differently or used muscles that you don't normally use...so be warned lol!

Give it 6 months and you'll be buying a horse....welcome to nut house!

 

[damsel]

Hi newbie. Well done for getting back in the saddle. When i broke my ankle i couldn't ride for 10weeks which was hell but i really ached when i got back on so god knows how you must feel after 8 years. It will be fine after a few months as your muscles will need to adapt to it. Hope your next lesson goes okx

 

[catdragon]

Hi there

Having had to take long periods off riding (due to major surgery 3 times...) I know exactly where you are at. The 1st time I was 28 and thought I was going to die and my legs fall off..that was after 2.5 sad saddle free years. Persevere, it won't be as bad the 2nd ride and by the 3rd time in the saddle you'll have forgotten how bad you ached! I ache every winter due to arthritis, but the pain is worth the benefit of how happy I feel when I've had a nice ride on my girlie. Good luck, I am sure you'll soon be as happy riding as your daughter is and you can share the experience

 

[birdof1977]

Thank god I appear to be normal!! Well whatever I class as normal in my crazy life! LOL.

To Kenzo. I don't know about 6 months, I've already started looking for a horse, my husband thinks I'm Mad.
Think that I will wait a while though, have been seriously cosidering horse share though, just to get my stable etc skills back in check too. If anyone knows of anybody who needs any help in the Braintree Essex area, please let me know.

Anyway thankyou for all of the replys so far (keep them coming). It's reassuring to know that I'm not as old and unfit as I thought I was.

 

[Rambo]

I had a break of 18 years ! Gave up when I was 19...started again at 37. My kids started riding...against my better advice...and within 3 months I had bought myself a horse (didn't bother going for any refresher lessons or anything sensible like that...just turned up at a dealers yeard and bought the second horse I looked at

) Not only did I have to get back on for the first time in 18 years, but I had to jump a small course (no more than 3ft) of fences too

I subsequently started riding again 5/6 times a week from scratch...and at my first competition about 1 month later tore some very painful (and private

) muscles...and spent the next 2/3 months recovering whilst I could only lunge my horse. I finally got back into the ring for real (BSJA) about 4 months after buying the horse...and have been competing fairly regularly ever since. We now have 2 horses. a pony and a horsebox...so be warned

Hope you enjoy your return as much as I have mine...and take it steady !

 

[skewby]

Hiya Niki, I am new here too

seems very friendly!

I gave up riding due to the loss of my horse when I was 17, and didn't buy another until my current boy came along when I was 31! In the interim I used to ride occasionally, when I got the chance, which was rare. And yes, I used to wake up the next morning barely able to move! So it's not just you. I think riding seeks out muscles that can lay undisturbed for years...enjoy your journey back into horses, I certainly have.