Returning to riding

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ZuK

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Hi everyone,
I used to ride as a teenager, did small jumps, rode on different horses. Life got in a way and I took a long break (about 20 years :) ). I started having lessons again in October, only every two weeks because they are quite expensive.

But I would like to do more. Not just riding, I would like to spend more time with horses again. Call it a midlife crisis, but now that my children are bigger, I feel like it is time to do something for myself again. But being almost 40, I don't really see how I can do that. I can't have more frequent lessons - and even if I could, it's not what I want. Coming to the yard, spending 30 mins on a horse that is handed to me all ready, and then leaving as soon as the lesson is finished - this is not what I want. I tried to offer to help out at the yard, but they looked at me weird and said no thanks.

I have thought about sharing a horse, but I don't know how to go about doing that and if my skills are there yet. I am confident in trot and canter, about to start jumping in my lessons. But not being around horses for so long means I feel like I need to re-learn their body language again and general things about them.

What would you recommend I do?

I really just want to be around horses more.
 
What about volunteering? I volunteer at a centre that offers therapeutic riding for kids and adults, lots of horse time! I’m in Canada, but maybe try a Google search to see what’s in your area?
 
Hi Zuk! Know what you mean about getting on, having your lesson, getting off and your horse being taken away ☹️.. bit like a hire car! I was luckier than you though, when I asked if I could groom etc. ‘my’ horse afterwards they were only too happy to let me spend as much time as I want with him. I’ve learned so much!
Is there a Riding for the Disabled stable near you? I’m sure your assistance would be very appreciated there ?. Good luck!
 
I came back to riding after a 30 year break. I'd had my own ponies as a child but gave up when I was 18. Dipped in and out of horses for the next 30 years. I helped out with the RDA and had lessons on and off. Could you build your confidence up at the stables then maybe look for a part loan, there are usually a few on Facebook horsey pages or Preloved.
I had lessons for 6 months, then got a part loan. My youngest son went to uni at which point I though life's to short and bought a horse.
 
Thank you all for your answers!

I looked for riding for disabled stables but there is nothing near. I will ask about grooming the horse after my lesson next time. I have already asked to tack him up, which they are letting me, last time I could even put the bridle on :D I know it sounds silly, but it felt so good. Grooming is the next step. I would love to go there more often and I suppose I could go once a week for lessons, but it doesn't really solve my problem. I asked about sharing a horse there but I think they want to see how much I can do first before they allow me.

Vmac66, I wish I could get a part loan, but I would also understand why people don't want to let me because I have been away from horses for so long. I am picking my riding skills back quickly, it's like riding a bike - once you know how to do it, the muscle memory comes back quick even after years of not doing it - just need to build my leg and core strength again! But a lot of things changed when it comes to looking after horses, we never used to clip horses 20 years ago, their diet was different (or maybe it was just the yarn I used to go to, I don't know), we never used a step to get on a horse (again, silly, but back then it was a rite of passage to be able to get on a horse without a step and without stirrups, if you couldn't do it, you had no business riding).

I've been reading a lot of articles about looking after horses, various tack, etc, to learn the theory.

I would like to just help out, I'm sure there are people with horses that need another pair of hands, and because I work from home and have very flexible hours, I can do it during the day. I just don't know how to find the people needing help, other than going around stables personally. I am a member of a few FB pages, I keep an eye on any requests for help/share/loan around where I live. I suppose it will take time.
 
Could you enquire at your riding school whether they do the BHS Challenge Certificates? A friend of mine is doing them and they are a great way to get training in all things horsey from basic care, first aid, lunging, gaits etc etc

Edited to add - I think if you find an instructor who does them (on the BHS website), you can do the non ridden ones without owning your own horse.
 
I'm in a very similar situation to yourself, just back into it after a 6 year break. I also used to get to do the whole shebang from tacking up to turn out and it's weird how much you miss what's essentially just menial labour when you just get handed a horse ready to go.

I'm heading down to my local rescue center tomorrow for a volunteer induction. Even if they just hand me a scoop and a wheelbarrow that might be enough to get it out of my system!
 
ZuK said:
Coming to the yard, spending 30 mins on a horse that is handed to me all ready, and then leaving as soon as the lesson is finished - this is not what I want. I tried to offer to help out at the yard, but they looked at me weird and said no thanks.
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May be look for another RS?

Or start small, like asking if you can put the horse away after your lesson which in my first schol involved untacking and rugging the horse. When I first arrived at the RS as an older adult earner I was asked whether I wanted to get my own horse out and put it away again. There was a choice.

When one is new to a yard there is aways a doubt about safety, insurance etc. However may be the reason I was always allowed to help was that I paid for a couple of lessons on how to pick up the feet, groom, tack up etc. Later I did a BHS Stage 1 course there as well.
I learned most by helping out on a yard once a week. But the stable manager had to agree to be there and supervise me. And to start with I just cleaned the tack.

But the important element is time. When one starts lessons at a RS no one knows who one is - I have been to schools just to have 6 lessons from a particular teacher or to learn a particular thing and never lifted a finger to help or tack up. It wasnt expected. But if one rides regularly at the same school for 3 months you become a familiar face and regular customer.
 
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I think I'm going to do that, Skib. I understand why don't don't offer horse share to just about anyone so I'm going to be patient.

I'll check out BHS courses, they do sound interesting!
 
Hi, I was totally in your situation 6 months ago...I bought my own horse! I have her on full livery for the support but I absolutely love it. I realise not everyone is in the situation I am to afford it, but if you can, go for it x
 
That would be perfect but I don't think I could afford it. Full living out livery cost is around £360 per month where I live, plus the cost of a vet, farrier, dentist, etc, it is just too much for me.

I am really considering putting out an ad on FB saying I am looking for a horse share but I am very tall (6'2'') so I can really only go for a horse that is around 17hh tall, not many of those around.
 
ZuK said:
That would be perfect but I don't think I could afford it. Full living out livery cost is around £360 per month where I live, plus the cost of a vet, farrier, dentist, etc, it is just too much for me.

I am really considering putting out an ad on FB saying I am looking for a horse share but I am very tall (6'2'') so I can really only go for a horse that is around 17hh tall, not many of those around.
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Always worth a go x
 
I was going to suggest doing some courses too - it will not only give you more current knowledge and experience but folk will know that you do have some knowledge on horse care when you offer to help!! My break was 30 years (from just keeping a pony in a field!) so there was a lot of catching up on stable management to be done but I do sympathise with the RS 30-minute contact time every week or so not being nearly enough!!! Great for the riding but it does not quite scratch the horse itch. I also found doing as much reading as possible was a great help so any magazines or books you can lay your hands on will be good. Plus the Forum of course!! And YouTube videos.
 
How about helping at a driving event or seeing if any drivers in your area are looking for backsteppers. Get you back into handling horses and horse care with good supervision.
 
ZuK said:
That would be perfect but I don't think I could afford it. Full living out livery cost is around £360 per month where I live, plus the cost of a vet, farrier, dentist, etc, it is just too much for me.

I am really considering putting out an ad on FB saying I am looking for a horse share but I am very tall (6'2'') so I can really only go for a horse that is around 17hh tall, not many of those around.
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My 6'4" instructor doesn't look too out of place on my 15hh-on-her-tiptoes cob. Height is far less important than weight, and a proper chunky cob will take your leg up well.
 
I had another lesson today, I got to put the bridle on the horse (the saddle was already up) and took it off after the lesson too. I feel like they let me do more things nowadays, even got to turn the house out after the lesson.

I know these are very silly victories but you know, baby steps.

And I asked about sharing a horse there again. They only do one morning/afternoon per week sharing so I'm thinking I'll keep taking lessons there and in a few months time I will look for a share elsewhere.

Also, I jumped a tiny little jump today, the first time in 20 years or so! I'm buzzing :D
 
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