Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Debaser]

I'm sure a few of you nice people ride so I'm after a bit of advice.

 

I fancy having a go at riding, but due to my weight (16 and a half stone) I'm having a few problems.

Initially I asked the lady, where I buy my chicken/dog feed, for somewhere to have a few riding lessons and she recommended somewhere, as there all qualified (cant remember the qualification though) but upon phoning them I'm far to heavy.

I phoned a few more equestrian centres near me, but they all have weight limits of 12 to 13 stone, however one gave me a name of a place about 15 miles away (which is ok). I've now spoke to the first lady from the animal feed place and I'm not sure the other place has the right credentials etc.

 

It's all very confusing, as there seems to be a whole new language to learn, I suppose a bit like chicken keeping?

 

Anyway, if anyone can help with advice, or links to a forum etc I'd be grateful.

 

Thanks

[Willow]

I'm not an expert as I only took up riding as an adult but the horse needs to be strong enough to take your weight and as a learner you are harder on the horse than an experienced rider. So you may well see people riding and think they must be heavier than you and it is because they would be less strain on the horse. As I have got better there is a wider range of horses that I can ride even though I haven't lost weight (but I have built up my leg muscles ).

I have no real idea how you find a good stable with good qualifications. I got a recommendation from a friend whose daughter rides and I was only looking for my boys initially and I found it really hard to work out what they needed to do before they could going on the lessons - I'm not sure horsy ladies are the best at 'selling' to the ignorant . I didn't start until a year or more after them and it was after building up rapport with the teacher and when my boys encouraged me to join them.

It is physically hard work. Whilst you are looking I would suggest taking up swimming as it helps strengthen the muscles you need to use for riding.

You can learn as an adult. The thrill and sense of achievement when I cantered properly was considerable. The fear as I got to that point was just as considerable

[Rhapsody]

Yes its true you add two stone on a beginner! It is phenomenally difficultr to find a riding school that will take a larger rider I'm afaid You might be better off looking for someone with a weight-carrying horse that they need help with and have lessons on that with a private instructor- you will learn far more about horses that way too. As for a good horse forum I can recommend New Rider- l;ots of adult beginners go on there.

Where are you (pm me if u like) I have a Fjord mare who can carry any weight and is safe as houses

[chestnutmare]

Good advice so far. A good schooling session (a lesson in an arena) is hard work, especially if you've had time off or are a beginner - your muscles will ache. Also as a beginner you will feel heavier to the horse. Private lessons (one-to-one) rather than a group lesson will cost more, but you will learn so much more. So if you do take up riding a private lesson now and then will do wonders. Personally I'd keep phoning around, it'll probably be difficult to find a riding centre that have good weight-carrying horses but there has to be one out there somewhere! Good luck.

[Mrs Webmuppet]

There are riding schools out there with horses that cater for the larger rider.

 

I once went on a riding holiday and the instructor in charge misread the booking details and thought I weighed 19 stone ( not 9 stone) and assigned me to a Shire horse! I'm only 5ft2 ! It did cause some hilarity The horse loved it as we went thundering through a forest ( now I know how those knights of old felt). The next day they found a pony that was more my size.

[Redwing]

I would phone around and phone around, explain and give them honest info on your size and ability, you will find someone who is sensitive to that, go and see their set up and if its clean, tidy and the horse look well then go for it - its important that the instructor is supportive or you will not feel comfortable being there

 

Another option (and dont laugh) may be to find a western style riding centre where they concentrate on hacks rather than lessons and where technique in the early stages is less important, you'll sit low in the saddle and be more relaxed and feel less 'perched' that would give you a nice informal introduction to riding - there arent many centres about but they do cater for the tourist season as well as the more regular rider so may well have a wider range of horses

 

Horse and Hound forum is good for technical info and to have a read but some of the posters are tremendously tactless so if you post on there do be prepared for insensitive comments - having said that for countrywide coverage and knowledge of local riding centres and their horses that forum probably is one of the best sadly!

[Debaser]

Thanks for the replies, loads of good advice.

 

Much appreciated.

[Willow]

BTW remember to let us know how you get on - I could barely move after my first few lessons and would come straight home for a long soak in a hot bath

[scarlettohara]

The BHS (British Horse Society) have a list of accredited equestrian centres. These will have been checked for insurance, suitability of horse to rider etc. and teaching qualifications.

[Miss Millies Chicken]

This is the link for BHS https://www.bhs.org.uk/Riding/Find_Where_To_Ride/Find_An_Approved_Centre/Find_a_Riding_Centre.aspx