I have always loved horses, but feared riding.
Now at the age of 50+ I promised myself that this would be the year to learn. I am looking for stables/trainer who will provide private lessons and will be very patient with me. In addition to riding, I would also love to learn how to better bond with horses. I live in Arlington, MA, so something closer by would be ideal. Thanks to everyone for your help.
You are bound to get replies to this.
After you get a bunch of names, visit each barn, and listen in to some lessons.
Happy trails:)
I have two students that started riding after they retired. I’m assuming they are around 63-65. My one bit of advice is to find an instructor who teaches adults and understands that the mind often grasp things quicker than the body. Taking a flexibility class such as yoga or aqua-aerobics will be very helpful. Have fun. And let us know how you proceed.
First of all, congratulations for your decision to follow your dreams and learn to ride. It’s never too late! I did the same in my mid-30s; now I am in my early 50s and have my own horse. I still have a lot of confidence issues, but keep trumping them with my deep love for horses.
I live near you, and would highly suggest visiting the website www.equinesite.com. It is based in New England, and you can post your search for an instructor that suits your needs on either the Bulletin Board or Equichat on the site. I guarantee you will get many helpful responses!. Good luck in your search!
Congratulations! You’ll love it. I did much the same at 51, and three years later, I own a 24 year old TB and am about to buy a coming 3 year old. I also emphasize getting an instructor who understands older adults and, most importantly, enjoys teaching them.
I was lucky enough to find a young women who is a Level 2 Western instructor, was the graduate of a college course in stable management and riding and had lots of theoretical and practical knowledge and a background in both English and Western riding. She was very happy to teach me and my 52 year old friend because, unlike most of the kids in the lessons, we paid attention and were interested in her explanations. When I left her a year and a half later to lease a horse and take up dressage, she cried and so did I. I really don’t regret my year spent riding Western either. If you are out of shape and timid, it’s a great way to ease yourself into riding.
I know that verden stables in merrimac ma has some nice horses and one of the instructors specializes in theraputic riding so I would imagine she would be very patient. I started riding 2 yrs ago at the age of 36 and have been having some confidance problems and will prob. be taking lessons there this summer. I almost boarded my daughters horse there but we had a few glitches. Anyhow they are really nice and I would highly recomend them!! Hope to see you there and good luck!!!
I live just south of Boston and would be happy to refer you to several barns in the area that offer adult lessons. I’ll send you a private emal to avoid “advertising”
Congratulations and welcome! You’ll get lots of replies and lots of good advice here.
Good for you on your new journey-- and keep in mind that’s what it is-- there’s lots of time, so take it slow, and enjoy the ride!
[QUOTE=newbee;3127155]
I have always loved horses, but feared riding.
Now at the age of 50+ I promised myself that this would be the year to learn. I am looking for stables/trainer who will provide private lessons and will be very patient with me. In addition to riding, I would also love to learn how to better bond with horses.[/QUOTE]
Another adult beginner! I recommend two books: Getting the Most from Riding Lessons by Mike Smith and Taking Up Riding as an Adult by Diana Delmar. For bonding, try grooming and hand grazing.
I highly recommend Windrush farm
http://www.windrushfarm.org/rec.html
They are up Rte. 95 in Boxford. Because they run a therapeutic riding program, they have the safest and gentlest horses imaginable and everyone there is very patient and understanding.
Good luck!
Fine Form Stables
Fine Form Stables in Groton, MA. Beautifully location. Nice, sweet, sane horses. Friendly enviornment. We have several other women that ride on the weekends and 2 even just started leasing horses! Message me for more information if you would like =)
You will not regret it! I just started taking dressage lessons last December, after years and years of wanting to. I am having a blast and my horse is loving the regular work.
Look for an instructor that knows how to teach adults. There really is a difference between the kids and the grown-ups and you want someone who knows that. I am 45 years old and don’t want to be treated like I am 11 years old. Also, for me, it was important that I found an instructor that I couldn’t bamboozle. I rode with one woman for a few lessons who would never push me to get out of my comfort zone. She would ask me to trot and I would tell her that I wasn’t comfortable with that and she would let me get a way with it!
I think some of the best bonding time between me and my horse has been hand grazing him after a lesson. That, and just sitting with him. I have a beach chair that I keep at the barn and I’ll set it up just outside of his stall and read while he keeps me company. He’ll amble over and eat a little if he has any hay, and then he’ll come over and lip my book or my hair. I couldn’t function without my barn time!
Take a deep breath and go for it!
Sheilah
Good for you! Welcome to the world of dressage!
One thing I recommend about finding a trainer is to go watch a lesson with them. I spied on my current trainer for quite awhile before I signed up with him. :lol:
Newbie, you have a PM!
