Lessons for the more mature rider :)

[gypsyroselee]

My mother started riding at the age of 55. She absolutely loved it, more than words. However, after her (very old) riding school horse tripped with her a few times she began to lose her nerve. This coincided with her local riding school closing down and therefore she stopped riding altogether.

I know her nerves are high but she often said she wished she'd been taught how to behave around and how to approach a horse at the start of her learning, rather than just jumping on for a lesson, then off at the end of the lesson. And that she would have enjoyed it even more if that was the case.

So, for Christmas I was thinking of getting her some lessons, which would include everything from approaching a horse to riding.

But may I ask, if there are any slightly more mature riders out there - when did you start? She is now 62 and not terribly fit. How did you cope? Would you have killed your daughter if she surprised this on you!?

I am at a great yard and I do think they would go out of their way to make her feel relaxed around horses and would take her nerves into consideration.

Thanks

[jes]

I'm not a mature rider (yet), but I reckon that's a really good idea. Go for it.

[ladynowak]

I think its a good idea if it is something that she really wants, there is nothing wrong with getting into riding later on. However, if she is really wanting to get back into it she will have to fitten up before getting on a horse again else she may find herself loosing her nerve due to a lack of stability/balance, so maybe some pilates lessons might be a good plan too?

[gypsyroselee]

Thanks Ladynowak.

It was to be a surprise but I think I'd best ask her and I'll also suggest pilates. I think she'd quite enjoy pilates, actually. I'm worried she'll just say no to the lessons as she lost her nerves quite a bit just before the RS closed down.
I thought surprise lessons could help her decide if she wants to go back to riding, but on second thoughts, perhaps I should speak to her about it first!

[fth]

I'd get her some IH lessons rather than just riding -- a half day with an RA who has their own horses would be a great idea!

Cathy

[laura]

sounds like a brill idea fth ............. much better than just a riding lesson ;D

[jinglejoys]

She could do a day coarse at Stoneliegh (Parelli) without a horse.They have got one on learning the seven games,or their is one on Horsenalities comming in January.
For Non members its £50 for the day 10 till 4 and that includes a very nice lunch ;D

[l17]

Does your yard do stable management lessons? Then your mum could get to learn about how to handle the horses without the pressure to ride. My mum gave up riding when our very trust worthy cob died, but she loves doing all the yard stuff and grooming whenever she can visit. Lx

[gypsyroselee]

Thanks all.

The yard where I am is very IH/parelli minded (different instructors) and I'd already talked to them about starting at the very beginning - approaching a horse etc and they were very supportive.

The parelli course/IH RA half day idea sounds great. I should probably go with her for support
But seriously, I will look into this as it would be a brilliant grounding.

I now just need to persuade my mother to give it a shot again. I'm going to see her tomorrow so I'll sound her out on the idea.

Thanks again for all your ideas

[deniseluvscobs]

Hi,

Think I am what you would call a mature rider - I am 55, didn't start riding until I was 45, and didn't know one end of an horse from another. I did a Stable Management course at home, and also talked to lots of people, eventually getting into the Monty Roberts school of thought. Went to see him, used an RA for various things and now own 3 of mine who I absolutely love to bits. Don't get me wrong I have serious confidence issues, but at the end of the day I take my time and try not to put myself in dangerous situations (if thats possible with horses). I have 3 very sensible cobs, which I think for anyone with 'nerves' is the best way to go, a bomb proof horse is a must of and older nervous rider (my opinion only !!!!!).
Good luck to your mum, sure she will love you to bits for doing this for her. Happy Xmas.

[susandunne]

Met a fantastic lady on holiday aged 72 who took up riding aged 55 - she said it was the best thing she'd ever done.

Reminds me of a quote along the lines of "I spent the last 20 years of my life riding - the rest I just wasted!"

[eileen]

I think it is a lovely idea for your mum, im really nervous at riding and if one of my kids bought me a few lessons i would be thrilled and it would actually motivate me to get back on board. I have even been thinking about going to one of those "Own a pony" days, wouldnt bother me if they were all 10 years old and under as i would be there for me and probably have a laugh and relax! Let us know what happens and what you decide on for your mum. eileen x

[Lynsey]

My dad learnt to ride at 60, although he was experienced with horses on the ground. He absolutely loved it and it really helped his bad back! He just needed a bit of encouragement to get going. Good luck to your mum.

[gypsyroselee]

Thank you ladies! Those are exactly the comments I was hoping for. She's worried that she's too old to return/begin, so positive experiences like that are perfect.

Thanks again, I'll pass them on to her!

[felicia]

Have you thought about getting her a course of lessons on a mechanical horse? I know it doesn't address the groundwork issues but it would help with her fitness and core strength. I had a session a couple of weeks ago and it was fab! It was also warm and inside and I didn't have to scrape a hole in the mud to fit the saddle into! If I can find the money, I am intending to go every fortnight over the winter in an effort to improve my balance etc.