New riders

[Princess16]

I have started riding lessons and had about 6 lessons now which I am really enjoying. Just wondered how long it took you to learn to ride properly by that I mean felt confident enough to go out on your own without the security of the RS?

I'm really looking forward to that day but feel it will be a little while yet !

 

[Barnacle]

I don't remember as I started lessons very young (4 years old) but I think it was something gradual. I pushed the boundaries further and further, hacking with my instructor, then with friends... Then a short hack alone. Etc. I think until you can walk/trot comfortably and stay on in a canter and deal with a stumble or little spook, you probably won't be able to realistically hack out alone safely even on a pretty bombproof pony. How long that takes is variable... And then in terms of confidence, well, once you can canter and pop a small jump, you'll probably feel confident (particularly if you are on the younger side). When I was younger I was less capable but also more confident... Don't know how old you are but that's a factor! I remember pretending that my horse had bolted a couple of times just to go fast... Or aiming for the high end on a crosspole so that we jumped that teeny bit higher... Those were the days!

 

[Princess16]

I don't remember as I started lessons very young (4 years old) but I think it was something gradual. I pushed the boundaries further and further, hacking with my instructor, then with friends... Then a short hack alone. Etc. I think until you can walk/trot comfortably and stay on in a canter and deal with a stumble or little spook, you probably won't be able to realistically hack out alone safely even on a pretty bombproof pony. How long that takes is variable... And then in terms of confidence, well, once you can canter and pop a small jump, you'll probably feel confident (particularly if you are on the younger side). When I was younger I was less capable but also more confident... Don't know how old you are but that's a factor! I remember pretending that my horse had bolted a couple of times just to go fast... Or aiming for the high end on a crosspole so that we jumped that teeny bit higher... Those were the days!

Thanks I agree you have loads more confidence when younger plus you don't fall so hard! Older bones and injuries take longer to heal at my age - late 40's but I'm loving it so will persevere

I live by the adage you're never too old to,learn!

 

[Shay]

It is individual obviously - and also dependent on the riding school. Are you able to find one which can take you on an escorted hack? We are all more cautious as we get older!

Congratulations on taking up riding - although from your previous posts it seems you already have your own horses? Are they rideable? Is that what you are hoping to graduate to?