Fat, unfit and not ridden for 10 years, can I start again?

[millcroft]

Hi everyone,

ive been out of the saddle for over 10 years but miss it and am now in a position where I could take up riding again. I'm currently fat and unfit and will have probably forgotten everything (rode and competed in workers rihs / Hoys as a child). How would you go about it or am I past it?! Could lessons get me back to being a competent rider? I went on a hack and wobbled like nobodies business, babies and no muscles I guess! I think I'm just after some reassurance or someone telling me be realistic and I'm too old and unfit now! Thanks in advance.

[thelwell]

Don't be daft you are never too old and fat. I didn't ride for over 30 years (apart for the odd walk round on the kid's ponies) You never forget and I have been hacking out now since I was 60. Think about getting a bit fitter either at the gym or walking/jogging and it will be easier than being put under the pressure of having lessons to start with. You never forget and a few months in it will be "bring it on HOYS" Good luck.

[gillwales]

I remember teaching a retired Doctor, into her 70's she started to learn to ride when in her mid 60's. I wont say that she would have made the Olympics and there were times that she was down right dangerous; but I always consoled myself that if she did mow me down she would be able to put me back together again . Start off by loosing some weight and get yourself a bit fitter so you do not suffer too much when you get back into the saddle, book yourself a nice gentle 30 mins hack at a local stables..... ENJOY!!!!!!

[millcroft]

Thank you so much, that gives me a lot of encouragement and reassurance! Time to get back in e saddle then ! Thanks again.

[gillwales]

Aug 31, 2017 8:04:24 GMT millcroft said:

Thank you so much, that gives me a lot of encouragement and reassurance! Time to get back in e saddle then ! Thanks again.

Don't forget p let us all know how you get on and post some piccys

[ponymum]

It's just like riding a bike (well the saying anyway!), of course you can!! Just take it slow as your balance may not be as good as it used to be. Good luck and ENJOY XX

[sjw87]

I have a lovely lady who hacks out my veteran pony. She had had a break from riding and to begin with she was unfit/lacking confidence but didn't take her long at all to get it all back. She's a lovely lady and I love seeing the enjoyment she gets from riding again.

Sent from my SM-A300FU using proboards

[bigmama]

Well, Millcroft, if I can at 59yrs of age and not having ridden for donkeys years then you can m'darling.

Next week, I shall be making a very gentle start at Bowlers Riding School. I only want to plod, just to be in the saddle again and feel a horse moving underneath me.

I have lost two stones of weight and been attending aqua aerobics for twelve months in order to try to get myself a little fitter beforehand. I may only last half the lesson, if that, but it will be a start.

So c'mon Millcroft, let's do this together xx

[gillwales]

WELL DONE Bigmama! Seems that you need a new name

[millcroft]

Wow, thank you everyone, what an inspirational lot you all are. I can report that I have since done a hack and a lesson and although I couldn't walk the following days and was all unbalanced at first it was great fun. So much so that on recommendation I looked at a cob, fell in love and it has just passed the vetting. Full throttle back into horse ownership! Thank you for all your kind words and inspiration!

[gillwales]

Brilliant news Millcroft, we will eagerly be waiting to see photos of your new steed! Happy hacking plus anything else you decide to do