Return to horse riding in my mid sixties.?

Question

I used to ride regularly 35 years ago. Now I would like to get back to a bit of riding as a hobby & to keep fit. Any helpful advice appreciated. Have had a couple of lessons, mostly at walk. Was given quite a tall horse. Liked the ride, but on dismounting, unfortuneately fell & landed on my back. Now a week later back still extremely sore. So now I'm a bit scared, lacking confidence & dont know whether I should give up the whole idea.

My initial thought was if I could ride again I might be able to go on gentle trekking holiday eventually.

So how can I dismount safely, I cannot risk further back problems.

Answer 1

I did the same only soaking wet! slipped and went flat on my back.  As long as you have a decent horse you can swing your off leg over the back like normal but at the same time lean forward and rotate a little so you can drop your left stirrup as well and drop to tthe ground on both feet holding the saddle.  It's quit unlikely your foot or feet will slip under again and you won't be caught with your knee and foot high up unable to catch yourself.  It will only take a time or two to get used too and helps sore feet after a long ride if you can slide down gently instead of dropping on one!  Good luck it's an uncommon accident, I hope you regain your confidence quickly and enjoy your horse

Answer 2

I assume that you are having lessons at a riding school and therefore they should have a mounting/dismounting block somewhere, just ask.  Failing that I am sure there must be a step somewhere.  

I used to work at a stables and we had loads of people who could not manage the mount and dismount for various health reasons.

Of course if you do manage to go on a trekking holiday you will only be able to mount and dismount without assistance as there does not tend to be steps/blocks in the middle of fields and woods.

I wish you all the best in your venture and hope you are able to get around this small problem to enable you to fulfil your hobby

Answer 3

I think its great that you have decided to start riding again. I have my own horse and I couldn't imagine life without horses in it.  I think you should ask at your riding stables to be given a smaller pony, say about 14.2hh, presuming that your weight fits the horse.  Cobbs are always a safe bet if you are a bit nervous, they have such a gentle laid back nature.  Of course there are no gurantees as they do all have minds of their own!As someone previously said you can ask for help to dismount until you get your confidence back.

Good luck to you, go for it.

Answer 4

Hi...great to hear your returning to the saddle. The major concern here is having a QUIET horse..that will tolerate the unbalancing sensation when u make a mistake on mounting or dismounting...when doing this choose a flat even surface for the horse to stand on...when u mount the horse simply let the near side stirrup iron down about five or six holes or more if u can clear the saddle on the way up. then when seated re adjust the iron to suit your size...same on the way down. do some leg excersizes for strength as this is where u need it the most

happy horsing

Answer 5

my advice to you, is dont give up. find a farm that has horses that fit you. as in smaller calm horses that will allow you to enjoy yourself and feel safe. talk to the trainers help them understand what you want to get out of your time, help them fit a horse to your needs. horse riding can be very therapeutic and relaxing if given the proper instruction.

So Good Luck and just dont give up