intro post - adult beginner/re-starter
hi all! just thought i'd make an introduction post..i lurk on this community a lot, but have recently (as in, today) started taking riding lessons again at the age of 27.
i used to ride when i was younger, did a little dressage and then moved into doing a little bit of jumping (very beginner jumping, mind you). i stopped when i started high school because i just didn't have enough time. :(
i've been wanting to start again for a looong time, and my friend and i decided that we would take lessons together because it would be cheaper and we'd get a longer lesson. we started today, and it felt good to be back up on a horse, if not a little nerve-wracking. it was a fairly easy day, walking and a little bit of slow trotting (seated). i rode in an english saddle today, but my instructor said that she sometimes likes to teach english in a western saddle for a few lessons to help the rider out in the beginning.
i am really ok with starting slow, at absolute beginner level because it's been so long since i've really ridden. my main concern right now is being able to feel secure and balanced and gaining confidence, which i guess go hand in hand. i know many instructors start beginners off on the longe line, which we did not do today, but i may ask about doing that next time. i really, really want to make sure that i get my positioning right.
my butt is pretty sore right now, but overall i feel good. i'm really excited to ride again next week.
i think that's it for now, but if anyone has any advice for an adult beginner, i would definitely appreciate it! i'll probably be posting a lot more in the future. :)
i used to ride when i was younger, did a little dressage and then moved into doing a little bit of jumping (very beginner jumping, mind you). i stopped when i started high school because i just didn't have enough time. :(
i've been wanting to start again for a looong time, and my friend and i decided that we would take lessons together because it would be cheaper and we'd get a longer lesson. we started today, and it felt good to be back up on a horse, if not a little nerve-wracking. it was a fairly easy day, walking and a little bit of slow trotting (seated). i rode in an english saddle today, but my instructor said that she sometimes likes to teach english in a western saddle for a few lessons to help the rider out in the beginning.
i am really ok with starting slow, at absolute beginner level because it's been so long since i've really ridden. my main concern right now is being able to feel secure and balanced and gaining confidence, which i guess go hand in hand. i know many instructors start beginners off on the longe line, which we did not do today, but i may ask about doing that next time. i really, really want to make sure that i get my positioning right.
my butt is pretty sore right now, but overall i feel good. i'm really excited to ride again next week.
i think that's it for now, but if anyone has any advice for an adult beginner, i would definitely appreciate it! i'll probably be posting a lot more in the future. :)