Question about riding lessons?

Question

I rode horses for 7 years (from the age of 8 to 15) until I had to quit for school and other obligations. I rode English, did a lot of jumping and showed a bunch of times...did pretty well...

5 years later, I am now 20 and I am definitely thinking about taking lessons again. I'm not sure if I should just jump into it and pick up where I left off, or if it's going to take me a while to get back into the swing of things. Has anyone been in this situation before or know someone who has? Also, do you think group lessons or private lessons would be a better choice?

I am really excited.

Answer 1

Hi!

It depends on u. Do you do better one on one or do you learn from watching others? Start from were YOU feel comfortable.  Don't get frustrated at yourself for not getting it right the first time! Keep practicing and belive you can do it! Good luck!

Answer 2

I think it's going to take a while to get back into the swing of things, unless of course you are wonder woman and a natural. Don't be discouraged if you aren't perfect in the beginning. By your riding experience, you should be able to ride on the flat pretty well. I'm sure after you set up some cross rails you will be able to "pop' over them easily. I think because you are just starting up again you would benefit from private lessons. I find when I am in group lessons I don't receive enough riding criticism and attention. Good luck! (Once your instructor thinks you are ready join group lessons, it will teach you how to pass other horses, and deal with them.)

Answer 3

We have a lot of moms who rode as kids, quit to do the college and family thing, and are now returning to riding because their kids are! Generally, they pick it back up pretty quickly. (Yes, I know you're only 20! :)) You're just going to have to rebuild all of your riding muscles, which may take a few months. But as far as remembering what to do, you should be fine, especially after only 5 years. And you might prefer a few short private lessons just to get your muscles working again. You're probably not going to last a whole group lesson in the beginning. Have fun!!

Answer 4

Hi

I was in exactly the same situation as you! Rode between 8 and 16, left to go to college and then got itchy feet when I was about 19 and was desperate to ride again!

I started back at a riding school having lessons once a week as thats all that I could afford. I also chose to have private or semi private as I feel you don't get enough attention or even riding in a group lesson! I rode there for about a year and got my confidence back and picked it up really easily but soon started to get bored!! And wanting to ride more but couldn't because its so expensive!! And so I ended up looking for a part-loan/share and now I have a lovely mare that I ride twice a week for half the price of lessons.

Good luck!! I was really excited too! You never grow out of being a horsey person :)

Answer 5

I would say private lessons, just to get you back in the groove again. It will all return to you quicker than you think.  Best of Luck to you  

Answer 6

I would go along for a single private lesson, get the feel again and then a good instructor will try to fit you into a group of the same ability level . This will get you back in the groove, get your seat and riding muscles back and work out cheaper(in the UK anyway !?) than private lessons. Then you can get some private lessons to work on very specific areas that you feel guilty taking up time over in a group lesson.



whatever you decide...enjoy !

Zoe x

Answer 7

I say start out with private lessons, and go from there.  See you feel and judge it by that.  You don't want to over estimate your self and get in over you head.