I believe many women over 50 will find horseback riding a rewarding hobby, but if you approach it without the right attitude or information, it can be a frustrating experience. Here are a few tips you should consider before you start.
1. Take lessons. When I was learning, I had one 30-minute lesson every week, and in between those lessons, I rode three times a week. Regular lessons are essential because they give you a specific goal to work towards. I took lessons for eight years.
2. Be prepared to work on developing your horse’s manners. You can love your horse, but don’t imagine it’s a lap dog. A horse is a very strong-willed animal, so you have to approach it with a firm attitude. You and your horse both need to understand that you are in charge.
3. Talk to your doctor before you start riding to check for any health conditions that may make it inadvisable for you to ride. Personally, I continued riding into my eighth month of pregnancy and it was good exercise for me, but it’s always best to be safe. I have one client who has a hip condition who rides regularly, but she always tries to be a little cautious.
4. Remember, riding is like any other good workout: You should feel it afterward. Expect the same level of discomfort that you would with any physical workout, and know that it’s all part of becoming more physically fit. Your body will thank you later!
5. Personally, I don’t feel I need to go to the gym or do any other form of exercise besides riding. Because of riding, my legs and upper body are very strong. When I do occasionally try other sports, like skiing, it’s easy for me because of all the muscles I’ve developed riding. A Western saddle weighs 40 pounds and I lift that regularly, so I’m very strong. But other riders find that doing Pilates, swimming, or yoga helps with their riding. I’ve heard that Pilates in particular can be helpful because of the stretching.
6. The biggest thing about riding is that there’s always more to learn. That makes it challenging and sometimes frustrating, but it is also what makes it fun! Every time you ride a horse, the horse is different, and you’re different. It’s a dynamic relationship that evolves daily and through the years, so you have to constantly adapt. You’re always thinking as you ride. It’s great mental exercise — keeps the brain sharp.
7. The one book I like and consistently recommend to beginning riders is Centered Riding. The author, Sally Swift, does a great job of explaining how to ride in a balanced fashion. I read this book when I was first learning how to ride and I still go back to it regularly.
8. You can study the mechanics of riding intellectually, but ultimately the only way to learn is hands on. So get out there and do it –ride often and regularly, and ride a lot of different horses. Riding a horse is similar to riding a bike. Sheer physical repetition teaches your body what to do, and eventually you don’t have to think about what you’re doing any more — you just do it. Even if you have only ten minutes, go out and ride every day. You and your horse will enjoy it!
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Sounds very interesting.
Spike, you are awesome! Love your perspective, thanks for sharing.
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