Hi All Im new to this forum, Ive been hanging around in the various sections for a week or so and decided now is a good time to post, but it may be a bit confuzzing to say the least, but here goes.
Im Tammy 29 only ever sat on any kind of horse once at a fayre years ago, have wanted to learn to ride for years but for various reasons it has never happened.
Purely by chance I have an interview for a temp to perm post at an Equestrian Vets tomorow, and Im really excited .
Anyway the reason for my post is two-fold.
I was born with something called a club foot, I have had 16 operations and even after this my right foot is still deformed, simply think of someone whose foot is permenantly in the same shape it is when wearing a high heel shoe, I walk on the ball of my foot and my toes, my heel never touches the ground.
I have balance and coordination problems and have to wear special medical boots due to the shape of my foot, which do have a heel.
Because of all these problems I am not the fittest person in the world, and as a result I weigh about 15 stone.
Taking all of this into consideration, all you guys who have been doing it for years, am I in any position to be suitable to learn to ride?
Be blunt I can take it - Ive told you all Im fat havent I?

Thanks Tammy

If you want to learn to ride go for it... I used to work at a riding school and used to teach Riding for disabled.. Im talking kids who couldn't sit up or walk, there is no reason you cannot ride.. you need to go somewhere who has calm horses and an instructor who understands your situation..

Goodluck.. if your heart is in it you will learn to ride..

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Firstly, well done for having the courage to post.

Secondly, i can sympathise. I am now 15 stone after being very unwell the last 2 years, i used to be 8-9 stone so it is a massive shock for me, and i wont ride while im this weight [not that i can anyway!]

If you learned to ride on a large horse, i dont see a problem, although a lot of RS do have a weight limit of 11 to 14 stone depending where you go.

Ring around and see what they say, or try contacting a Riding for the disabled centre. I know your not 'disabled' but they did a lovely job with my OH who was born with a few conditions of his legs, they were much more sympathetic. Any weight you can lose will be a big help. Once you have mastered the basics etc of riding, a good rider rides 'lighter' than a light person riding badly.

Big hugs
xx

Thanks momentofmadness, its good to hear someone so positive about me being able to ride.

Scotston, I dont think its so much about having the courage to post, as it being pointless me posting asking this question if I dont include the details!
It will all hinge on how my interview this afternoon goes, because Im sure a horse vets will have some connections I could use
Its still good to know its at least a possiblity, so thanks.

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your weight isnt an issue for riding at all, one of my horses (a fjord horse) would carry your weight all day and not feel it! same with other similar native breeds, even my sporty/fine new forest mare carries 12 stone happily.

as someone suggested, RDA would be a great place to contact, and they usually have a nice selection of weight carrying natives such as fjords, haflingers and highlands

you go for it girl, as said RDA is a marvellous first contact. Your weight wouldnt be an issue, when u think about it a lot of men r 15st plus. I would go for it irrespective of whether u get that particular job as it would do your fitness and balance the world of good, it all hinges on getting the right place and the right horse to give u confidence and they r out there. Good luck with this and with your job int

Ive sent an email to a stables in Bexley.
Do any of you know of any "good" riding schools near me in Kent, Im in the ME6 area.
Ooooh this is exciting, whilst Im out of work I may as well do something to keep me out of trouble

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You are only about half an hour from me! I would say go for it! Riding is the best thing in the world in my eyes and there is nothing better to get away from all your troubles and stress than going for a nice ride!! :-D
I know lots of people who are quite big who ride horses, as long as you have a weight carrying horse i.e a hafflinger, fjord, cob, shire etc they will be no issue!! Horses have evolved being used as something to carry things on or towing carts etc, they are made for it! The finer breeds proberbly wouldnt be much use but you will be fine!
Why not try The horse shoes, East Farleigh, Maidstone. Or Kits Koty Stables, Blue Bell Hill. or Cobham Manor? These are all good places with good reputations and im sure one will be able to cater!
It is all about trial and error, if you dont try, how will you find out?

Good Luck :-D
xx

Hi Mel, well I never, thats not far at all! Im not sure if I can PM yet as I havent done very many posts, I will have a look at them places you have mentioned.

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Ive just called and provisionally booked a lesson for next Monday not too far from where my other half lives yipeeeee!!
Its somewhere called Rye Street Farm in the ME3 area

I found them on the BHS site too so they must be ok

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