Ptolemy
Well-Known Member
A little background, I used to have my own horse when I was 19, an ex-racer who was the most wonderful guy, even though he did have terrible feet and a habit of being absolutely terrified of water (very interesting to read all of the barefoot information now!) Situations changed, I moved abroad and I have sorely missed riding ever since.
Situation has changed once more and I am now returning to the UK . I am extremely keen to get back into riding. I also have 2 daughters 12 and 7 who seem equally keen to join me on my horsey journey.
I'm wondering what the best way would be to get myself back into the swing of things as quickly as possible. I have to admit, I have forgotten more than I ever knew, to be honest I couldn't even tie a safety knot any more, so I was wondering if there are any places that offer perhaps residential crash courses (for adults and children) on horse care etc, preferably "up north". I realise that I could go and just do riding lessons at a school, but for me the riding was only a small part of the wonders of horses, and it wouldn't feel right somehow to go for riding lessons without a refresher course in the basics of horse care... does that sound strange?
I loved spending time at the stable with my boy. I'm sure my memory is being selective here and choosing to forget about the cold winter mornings etc, a bit like childbirth ;-) but oh well!
My long term aim is to again have a horse of my own, however I realise that I have a long road ahead of me to get to the point of being knowledgable enough to do that. I'm curious as to what would be the best strategy for starting up again. How many riding lessons a week would be best, how to brush up on horse care, is it worth doing the BHS exams? etc.
Situation has changed once more and I am now returning to the UK . I am extremely keen to get back into riding. I also have 2 daughters 12 and 7 who seem equally keen to join me on my horsey journey.
I'm wondering what the best way would be to get myself back into the swing of things as quickly as possible. I have to admit, I have forgotten more than I ever knew, to be honest I couldn't even tie a safety knot any more, so I was wondering if there are any places that offer perhaps residential crash courses (for adults and children) on horse care etc, preferably "up north". I realise that I could go and just do riding lessons at a school, but for me the riding was only a small part of the wonders of horses, and it wouldn't feel right somehow to go for riding lessons without a refresher course in the basics of horse care... does that sound strange?
I loved spending time at the stable with my boy. I'm sure my memory is being selective here and choosing to forget about the cold winter mornings etc, a bit like childbirth ;-) but oh well!
My long term aim is to again have a horse of my own, however I realise that I have a long road ahead of me to get to the point of being knowledgable enough to do that. I'm curious as to what would be the best strategy for starting up again. How many riding lessons a week would be best, how to brush up on horse care, is it worth doing the BHS exams? etc.