I would like to learn to ride but I have some questions?

Question

Of course I've done a lot of reading, as much as I can but I would love some advice.

I'm 29 years old, is it possible to be successful at this age? I feel like I'd "stick out" because so many people seem to learn as children.

Is it about having a "way" with horses or does the "chemistry" vary depending on the horse's personality? In other words, some horses "click" with you better than others?

What would be a better horse for a complete beginner, a gelding or a mare? Or, does it just depend on the animal?

I would like to know what you consider to be the premier book on the subject?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I was 17 when I started... there isn't anything wrong with that. With the chemistry thing I believe that only to a degree I rode one lesson horse for a while and then switched to another and clicked with him right away... but I still liked the first lesson horse I rode. A gelding is probably the best for a beginner because they don't have any distractions from the opposite s*x. It also can vary though it does depend on the horse too. If your thinking about buying a horse I would wait a year or so and just take lessons.

Answer 2

Stop reading and start riding. Books are good to pass the time, but the only way you'll learn about horses is to be around horses.

Answer 3

Its OK my aunt is 50 and is learning how to ride!! Yeah go to a local barn that has lessons and ask the instructor if they have a group lesson with adults only or do private lessons even though those will probably cost more $$ I think that It has to do with the horse's personality that you would do better with! not mare or gelding

Answer 4

It all depends on the horse really but as an experienced horse trainer/ owner and lesson instructor I would suggest a gelding. Don't worry about your age I have taught many adults to ride. It just take persistence. As for the book it really depends on the style of riding you wish to do. A good one to start with is  The Complete Horse: : Complete Guide Of Riding and Horse Care You can get it on Amazon or at many larger book stores

Answer 5

my aunt is starting to learn how to ride and she is older then you!!! know you wont stick out!! dont worry about it!!

Answer 6

Good on you! you're research will help :P.

you're never too old to learn to ride, and be successfull.

I think with some horses you do have a bond with but if you find a kind one you may forge a bond. The s*x of a horse doesnt really have an effect on how you learn to ride, you'll find moody, loving,dangerous and calm horses whatever gender you choose.

Ive had lessons where older people have joined in (one lady was around 50) so go for it :D put the young ones to shame.

To help with you're riding i would advise you watch somebody that is a good rider and try and learn how to improve you're own riding.  best of luck, im sure you will be a great rider!!

Answer 7

Yes of course you can be sucessful. Horseback riding isn't just a child's thing, many adults do it too. No you wouldn't stick out, theres a lady at my barn who is learning to ride because her daughter loves it and shes much older than you! Age doesn't matter!!! Yes, I do believe that some horses work better with some riders than others. After all, horse back riding is a partnership with the horse and rider and it helps if you both get along together!! It doesn't matter then gender of a horse much, as long as the horse is calm and knows its job. Most people say that geldings are quieter than mares, but I've seen vice versa. Yes, it mostly depends on the animal. Horses under the age of 4-5 are usually rowdier and are still learning. But some older horses get stubborn and won't budge!! Again, it depends totally on the animals personality and character. I'm not sure on the best books to read but I do suggest taking lessons from a professional - not just starting on your own.

Have fun riding!! And don't forget a helmet - you never know what is going to happen around horses!!! :D

Answer 8

no age is too old too old to ride. and 29 years old isn't old at all. yes, some horses click with you and some despise being ridden by a certain person/s. it really depends on the horse whether or not he is good for a beginner. in general, i would recommend a gelding because mares can be pretty moody at times.

Answer 9

definitely gelding! but i wouldn't read! take a few lessons you'll be fine no one is to old to ride!

Answer 10

It is possible to be a succesful rider at any age! I would say start on a gelding, because geldings tend to be more easygoing. Look for a barn with other adults and try to get in lessons with them. If your taking lessons at a lesson barn, than all the horses will have quirks, but they will be used to beginners and intermediates. Having a way with horses really won't be very neccisary until you get really serious. Then you start focusing on a relationship with your horse. Good Luck!

Answer 11

Well not everyone can ride a horse. Do you have the dedecation to stand in the heat, or freezing cold caring for a horse. Which involves dirt, manure, ect?

If you do, then go ahead. I see that adults seem to progress faster than children because of their muscle strength and the ability to control the horse better.

There IS a horse for everyone. If you are a cautious person then you might want a more relaxed horse. But if you want to do more upbeat things then always being relaxed.

And yes so some horses do "click".

A gelding would be better for a beginner but I do not recommend buying a horse yet if you do not know how to ride it very well.

"One should only get a horse when they completely understand it way of mind and body."

And it does not depend on the animal... get a gelding.

Read some of the younger kid books because they do teach the basics in a simple way for more inexperienced riders to understand.

Good luck!

Answer 12

Unfortunately, a book has never ridden a horse.

Your best source for answers are horse people so it's great that you asked your question on here.

1. You can be successful at your age, but what are your riding goals?  If you just want to learn so you can trail ride, it shouldn't be very difficult for you to make that happen.  If you want to compete in eventing (like dressage) you are going to have to be really dedicated and work hard.

2.  There is something to be said about having a "way" with horses, but that doesn't mena you cannot learn to handle them.  Chemistry is probably more important for the beginner than the advanced rider, but even the most advanced rider probably prefers a horse he/she has chemistry with.  When I take people riding, I match their personality to the horse's personality.  The personalities have to be able to work together.

3. Generally speaking, a gelding would make a better first horse than a mare.  BUT, that is not always the case.  My friend found a really nice horse for her son who was 6 at the time (I think)....she was a mare and she has done beautifully with him!  He rides her anywhere he wants to go!  Your main focus should be the horse's level of experience and safety.

4.  There are many books on the subject, but nothing is as good as experience!  I have never and probably will never recommend a book to someone who is interested in learning to ride.  I would recommend getting on a horse and learning.

If there are any trail riding places near you or a stable where they give lessons, start with that.  Even those boring trails where the horses walk nose to tail would be a good place for a beginner to start.  You can learn how the horse moves and how he feels under you and get comfortable with the motions before getting on a horse that you have to control totally.

If you're in the Cnetral KY area, let me know and I'll take you riding:  [e-mail]

Answer 13

You are never to old to learn to ride a horse.  The only thing that you will miss out from learning to ride as a child is the fearlessness you have as a kid. Also, you are more likely to be a little more stiff and sore when learning to ride :)

Keep this in mind: Equestrian events are one of the few sports (especially at the the Olympic level) where the better athletes are typically older!

Answer 14

You DO NOT look ridiculous on horseback, you look the exact opposite of ridiculous - youre up on horseback - higher than everyone else! :) You can start riding at any age,  but it won't come as naturally to you as if you had started younger. Some horses just bond with people. Others will only bond with one person and it takes years to even do that. Usually, the easier-to-bond-with-horses are used for beginners, while the harder-to-bond-with-horses are used for advanced riders. Yes, the personality depends on the individual horse. Geldings tend to be easier, because they are not like mares who...you know...go into heat...But then there are some mares who act completely normal all the time. And there are some killer geldings out there too. There are tons of horse books out there, the one that I reccomend is  THE NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE HORSE by Elwyn Hartley Edwards. I just finished this book after 1 1/2 years (I hardly ever got to read it - school and homework took up most of my time) and it was VERY helpful. Applause for reading books and taking lessons BEFORE you bought a horse. So many idiots out there who say "I wanna horse" without any experience - this ends in disaster, BTW. Anyway, good luck with your lessons!

Answer 15

For a beginner I would tell them to get a gelding because when mares are in heat they get attitudes and some even get mean. However, I am not saying that all mares are like this. When/ if you buy a horse you'll just know which one is right for you. But, since you are just talking about lessons any horse should be fine as long as you are under the guidence of an instructor.

Answer 16

my neighbor started riding when she was 40! so don't feel to old and i didn't start till my later teens!  i was riding with little 10 year old girls that could control a 1200lbs animal better than i could control my little 500lbs pony! lol

anyone can ride horses but only few people become horsewomen and men

anyone can get on a horse and learn to balance and ride but it's so much more than just riding and showing! you build a bond and get that connection from caring and having a freindship with your horse so yes most horse people "click" with horses!

Answer 17

there are many adults who begin learning to ride when they are older. many barns have lessons just for adults. you definitley would not "stick out".

i think it depends on the horse's personality as to whether you click with them or not. i don't know anyone who gets along with every horse they've ever ridden (assuming they've ridden a variety of horses). just like you don't get along with every person, odds are you probably won't get along with every horse.

i'd have to say mares tend to be moody sometimes when they're in heat, but otherwise they're generally very sweet. i don't think it really matters that much if they're not in heat. it definitley also depends on the horse. some mares are ALWAYS sweet, and some geldings are ALWAYS grumpy.

there are so many good books on horses/horseback riding it would be impossible to name one book.

Answer 18

You might stick out a little but don't worry! Many people start riding at an late age. We use to have a lady at our barn who started riding at the age of sixty-nine and got her own horse at the age of eighty-five. About having a 'way' with horses; Many people say that you and the horse have to click to ride it but that is not true at all. Don't worry about finding the perfect horse. Any horse the riding instructor puts you on will be a good match for your riding ability. I prefer geldings over mares because mares can get real moody at times. But don't worry about that either, Your instructor will put you with a horse that's fits you, gelding or mare. It mainly just depends on the animal. My horse is lazy for everyone else and throws bucks and rears in it for me. I really like this book..http://www.shop.com/+-a-Complete+Guide+t...

Good luck to you and I hope you find that you enjoy riding! Don't care what other people think.

Answer 19

there is a woman at the barn that i go to and she just started taking lessons and i think she is 35. also my friends mom is taking lessons too. if you really do want to learn how to ride you wont let age stop you.

Answer 20

mostly it depends on the horse but mares are usually more tame, they are generally calmer. if you develop a good relationship with the horse you wish to ride it will be a lot easier when you actually try to ride. see the horse every day, give it treats, pet it, and talk to it. the horse will trust you when you mount it. younger horses are more wild and "free-spirited."

Answer 21

No a really nice lady at my farm learned to ride at 50, and she is an awesom rider.

Clicking with a horse does depend on their personality, and how you treat them. If you walk in and just groom and tack up without talking to the chanses are you won't click as much. Spend your tack and groom time talking to the horse.

Just remember some people natural click with horses while others have to work a little more.

As for a mare or gelding, it all depends on the horse. I learned to ride on both. I have seen many good mare and gelding horse. Then there are the "hot" horses both mare and gelding that would take a big advantage of beginner.

Complete Horse: : Complete Guide Of Riding and Horse Care is a great book for everyone.

Answer 22

If you want to learn to ride your age is less important than if you love horses.  You can learn to ride and enjoy yourself, i've known people older than you that got into horses.

If you genuinely love horses it will show and the horse will know it.  Horses are as individual as people so, yes, some get along better than others.  I've met horses where it was love at first sight and I've met horses that I didn't like at all.  

Geldings are generally always going to be the better choice because they don't get all hormonal on you like a mare does.  I have a mare, though, that I wouldn't take anything for, she is always a pleasure to ride and be around and a gelding that is a complete butthead so it is not always safe to generalize.  

I can't recommend a book for you to read but you might want to subscribe to some horse magazines, Equus, Horse and Rider, Western Horseman all come to mind.

Answer 23

First... You are only 29 years old... You are definitely not too old. You aren't "old" at all. I'm 21... You won't stick out at all. If someone makes you feel that way that's their problem not yours. Chemistry between horse and rider does matter. Its just like any pet/owner relationship. I clicked with my TWH the first time I saw him.

Gelding/Mare they can both be really well behaved or Insane. I prefer geldings. (don't get me wrong... I have a mare and a gelding) but mares are females and we're all a little temperamental at times. A gelding ( a good tempered one) is going to be more consistent in the way he acts. ( try to avoid proud cut geldings. They act just like studs)

But it all just comes down to the animal.

I don't know about a premier book. I would really suggest going to your local barn. See if anyone of your friends knows someone who rides who could help you. Having friends in the "know" is the best advice or help you could have.

Answer 24

dude age doesnt matter.

just make sure you take things slowly

dont think that book knowledge is going to make you an amazing rider

experience will.

dot get on and try to get the horse galloping on your first ride.

before you get on a horse stand in front of it and let it smell your hand

(no joke) this is how you want to gain its confidence.

and gently pet its face and neck.

then this is where you get on and just go slowly ride it around

maybe you could even trot on your first try

but idk about it especially if its your first try.

sometimes some horses when theyre trotting they end up going faster and faster

just make sure you always have one hand on the reign

and its on their strongly

dont pull the reign straight back or else the horse will get mad and throw you off

which thats a situation you dont wana be in

hope i somewhat helped

Answer 25

I have a friend who recently started taking riding lessons and she is 25 - she's loving it although she was worried to start with. Her main concern was about being in lessons with little kids but that doesn't happen - a good riding school will have separate lessons for children and adult beginners and I bet you won't be the only one starting ( or the oldest) so don't worry about that.

Horse personalities are different and some will be better for you than others but at the beginner stage most of the horses that the schools use are very laid back and won't give you a problem regardless of whether they are mares or geldings so don't worry over that either.

No idea about the books. I'd suggest you phone around a couple of riding schools in your area and book a lesson.

Answer 26

So many questions!  First, what do you mean by "successful"?  Is your intent to show at a national level?  Do you want to be in the olympics?  Because to be honest, just like any other sport - NHL, NBA, NFL, so very few people ever make it to the professional level.

Millions of people learn to ride at all ages, and continue riding for pleasure and competing at all levels.  Do not let your age stand in the way of a love affair with riding.  Some people have suggested looking for a stable that deals with adult lessons - this is a very good idea.  You might want to work one-on-one with a trainer, especially once you get your own horse.  You will also want to find someone to teach you the basics of horsecare, feeding, grooming and tack.  

Once you start hanging out at a stable, you will meet new people who share this interest.  They will all have valuable information to share with you, and many horse folks are willing to help others get started.  

The best horse for a beginner does depend on the horse, not the gender.  I have always owned mares, but that's just the way it has worked out for me.  Look for an older horse with a good bit of training and the flexibility in personality to explore different riding styles with you - the notion of "learning together" with a younger horse is a nice dream but it belongs in fiction, not fact.  When you go horse shopping, take someone with you who has a great deal more experience than you do.  Be wary of a horse with no vet records, de-worming records, etc.  

Some horses will click with you better than others.  They each have their own personality.  There are some people, very few people, who have a "way" with horses, the so-called horse-whisperer types.  Again, a romanticised notion made popular by fiction.  Many of these people who seem to have that way about them are in reality very very good with animals because they understand the way the animal thinks, how the instinct works, how they will respond, and how to get inside their heads quickly.  This is lifetime learning hard at work, not someone who walks into a pasture one day, never having seen a horse in their life, and bonds with an animal.  

You will have a harder time learning than a fearless child.  It's true that kids pick up on these things faster than adults, they are more adaptable and not so worried about hitting the ground, doing things wrong or looking stupid.    Don't let any of that stop you.  If you are serious about learning to ride, start taking lessons and learning, but understand you can spend a lifetime learning this and still not know it all.  I can honestly say, there is nothing more rewarding, and when you're out on a trail, just you and your horse, every minute of training, each sore muscle and every dime spent is worth it.

Books - start signing them out of the library.  I can't point to just one, since there are so many theories and ideas.  I'd look for something in the "Learning To Ride" kind of titles, the basic kind of stuff.  The best way to learn is hands-on though.  I'd recommend that you sign up for beginner clinics and lessons and start there.

Good luck!

Answer 27

No your never to old to start riding.  If you look for goos barns that offer adult lessons you wont feel left out. There are many adults that ride and show.  There is even special classes for the adults because there is so many adult riders.  I would say about the geldings or mare that it depends on the horse.  This is because i have ridden some very gental mares and some really high sprung ones.  The same goes with the geldings.  It all depends on the horse.  But i would say try to find a trainer who does lessons with adults and if you feel like you do stick out make it positive and just think well i really want to do this and i can, or something like that.  I hoped this has helped with your delemia.

Answer 28

you wouldn't stick out because even though a lot of people start young, adults have a little more patience and pay attention more so you will probably learn faster.  second it might sound odd but all of my horses have kind of chosen me. i haven't gone searching to find a horse but some form a bond with me while I'm working at my barn and i end up buying them lol.  third, i learned to ride on a mare. usually they are the "all purpose" ones especially made for beginners although surprisingly a good bit of them can work with very advanced riders. anyways i prefer geldings for some reason. i just cant bond with most mares. there are a select few that i have a relationship with but everyone seems to be different. I'm not sure of any books but the internet is always helpful :)

Good luck!!

Answer 29

I am 35 and have just started taking lessons. I, too, worried about sticking out, but I'm doing private lessons, so I'm not in the ring with lots of little girls and feeling awkward. According to my instructor, adults and kids learn differently, anyway, so being in a mixed class probably isn't the best.

Start with some lessons--your instructor will choose which horse you will ride--and see how it goes. If you're an animal person to begin with, you shouldn't have any problem finding a horse that you "click" with eventually. But it won't happen right away.

Having a "way" with horses is a romantic ideal that a lot of us pick up from our favorite horse books and movies. But I think most anyone can learn to understand horses and connect with them if they take the time to learn how they think and behave.

So start your lessons, and just think about having fun, before worrying about whether you "click" or feel a chemistry.

Answer 30

Sorry!

I do not understand about horse or mare! I know they are beuatiful, strong and friendly (some of them), but I prefer the motorcycle!

Answer 31

AGE doesn't matter....My granddad is mid 70's and is goin strong...in fact he is riding in Virginia now with another older couple LOL! anyway...The best horse for you would probably be an aged gentle horse to start you out...gender and breed doesn't really matter. Just partner up with someone experienced and let them teach you...and also never panic on one! GOOD LUCK!!! you will enjoy every second!!!