Blog

7 Tips for Returning To Riding

Dec 01 2024
Katie Nicholl

Having taken a break from regular riding over the last couple of years I am pleased to say I am now firmly back in the saddle, and lets hope it stays that way! It wasn’t really a planned break but sometimes life gets in the way and before you know it time has passed by and your favourite part of the day has turned into the odd ride here and there.

Getting back into riding as an adult has proved harder than I imagined and I thought it might be worth sharing my experiences and advice for those of you that are also hoping to get back in the saddle soon.

Invest in some refresher lessons. Find the right person to train you and a horse that is at the right level for you. This may involve trying a few different places until you find somewhere that clicks. It is different from finding a riding school to teach you as a novice learner as I’m sure you will remember plenty from previous riding experience. The best option is to find someone that will push you slightly out of your comfort zone, but with a horse you feel safe on.
If you can find somewhere I would highly recommend going to have a few lessons on a mechanical horse. This gives time for you to really focus on your position as a rider without worrying about how the horse is going. Often we end up compromising our positions to help the horse’s way of going but the mechanical horse is perfectly straight and very obedient! It is also a good way to help build confidence.
Think about your long term aim. Would you like to own a horse again or perhaps share/ part loan a horse? What can you fit in with your current lifestyle? Start spreading the word from the start as it can take a little bit of time to find the right set up for you. It’s also good for your mindset to have a goal you are working towards.
Work on your strength and fitness when not in the saddle. Pilates is a good option to help strengthen your core which I am finding is most definitely needed! There are lots of free workouts on YouTube if you cant get to a local class.
Make sure you stock up on bath salts! You’ll be working muscles your body had forgotten you had so expect regular long soaks in the bath to recover. It does get easier!
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to get back on and be exactly where you were when you left off. Let’s face it your body and fitness will have changed during this time and you may find that you no longer have the confidence you use to. Focus on the small steps of progress you make and enjoy the learning process.
If you haven’t been looking after horses during your horse out then ask your horse owner friends if you can help them out a couple of days a week. I am pretty sure they wont say no! Handling and general horse care will refresh those skills too, build confidence and also make you realistically think about what you can fit into your life as a long term plan (horse ownership/ share etc).

Of course the most important thing to remember when to returning to riding is to enjoy it! It doesn’t matter how slow or fast your progress, if it puts a smile on your face then it is worth it.