Had my first horse riding lesson!!

[eofelis]

I did the horse riding thing for 20 years, from the mid-70s to the mid-90s. I even had my own horses for 10 years of that. After my last horse died of colic, I rode other peoples horses for a few years. Then I got into going to college (at 33!) and got away from horses. I sold all my tack 5 years ago and bought a nice road bike.

I still love horses and look at them out on bike rides.

I have a friend from college who is getting into bikes and we have been riding bikes together. She also rides jumpers and event horses. She has a horse, a Russian Warmblood, Max, who is a semi-retired show horse. I have gone horse riding with her a few times.

She really likes to teach riding too, so I can get instruction from her if I want it.

The horses I ride there are trained in dressage and jumping. They take work to ride. I'm in good shape for hiking and biking, but riding horses takes a whole new set of muscles and balance. I can't hold my seat for too long yet before getting tired. Last time I made it all the way around the arena at the canter!

[KeepingUp]

That's cool. I've always wanted to ride a horse but always afraid they would since my fear and throw me off.

[chicago]

thanks everyone for your nice comments and encouragement.

I'm going to be getting some boots this week and a helmet . Not going to get any gear other than that right now...

can't wait for my next lesson. I already ran into two people at different stables who are interested in me leasing their horse as soon as I get a few lessons behind me

[vinbek]

When I lived in Maryland, I rode English hunter/jumpers and participated in fox hunts with Elkridge Harford Hunt Club. It was an expensive sport, but a fun one. I helped around the barn and cleaned the horses and pulled manes,etc. in exchange for reduced rates on lessons and such. In addition to boots and a helmet, I would buy a pair of chaps - they will save your clothing bill! I went on a trail ride in Montana last summer on a huge horse and rode Western. I was very uncomfortable and didn't like it - I hadn't been on a horse in almost 20 years. Not as flexible as I used to be, so enjoy!.....Bekki

[ehirsch83]

So glad you got to ride!! I am actually a trainer, so it is how I make my living(which is why I haven't been on the boards lately, got back into the horse world a few months ago after a year off and have been sooo soo busy with lessons and shows while finishing my last semester of school and fitting in bike time). If you have any questions feel free to ask! and yes check out Dover,also look at SmartPakequine.com and Statelinetack.com