Hi, recently i've really wanted to start riding again as i used to love it!

I started riding at 5, and carried on until 12, then when my school shut down, i stopped. On a school trip i got on a horse again at 17 but felt as though i had no idea what i was doing and actually felt really wary of the horse, and to be honest scared. My first thought was "what if i fell off?" When i was younger, i fell off a few times, and i got dragged once, but it didn't put me off.

But as i've got older, i've lost all confidence around horses. i've looked back at what i used to do in horror- what if there had been an accident? i could have been seriously injured!

Added to this i have two friends who are ex riders- one has shoulder problems as she got thrown at a fence, but she has tried to start again in a beginners group to improve her confidence, and one fell off and seriously damaged her back. I'm worried that horse riding is a dangerous sport.

But i do want to start riding again, it was a big part of who i was when i was little, and i know i'd really enjoy it if i gave it a chance again, and i love horses, but i cant shake this worry. Is this natural returning to riding as an adult? And could i ride competently enough without jumping (as thats where my real fear lies i think)

thanks!

Hi there

Your fears sound completely natural to me! When I was much younger, I had a really 'gung ho' attitude, I think a lot of kids do when it comes to riding. I guess when you're a kid, you just don't think about what could go wrong in the same way, and you don't spend time worrying about it like you do when you're an adult. Well, I think I must have been really lucky to survive the risks I used to take when I was younger!! I am much more sensible now, I'm pleased to say! Actually, I run a horse rescue organisation now, so mostly I care for horses, and not actually ride much. But, losing confidence around horses is understandable if you haven't been around them for a long time. I really think you're being too hard on yourself x Give yourself some time to get back into and take things really gently, and at your own pace. I know it's difficult, but try not to concentrate on the things that could go wrong (easier said than done, I know!!) but try to envisage things going right instead of wrong. Try not to think about your friend's accidents, do you have other riding friends who haven't had an accident? I know it happens, and it's just something that does happen with horse riding, and yes, it is a high risk sport, but I know far more people who ride every day without having an accident than those who have had bad accidents. If you don't like jumping (and I can't say I blame you!) dressage is a lovely thing to do if you want to compete?

Good luck and I hope you are soon back in the saddle!!
Cathy x

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You go for it girl. If you find a really good school they should be able to start you off nice and slowly until your confidence builds, You dont have to jump or do anything except ride for your pleasure, Theres nothing more relaxing than going for a nice country hack and enjoying nature from horseback. I agree that you do get more aware of things going wrong as you get older. I had a brain haemorage but I still ride, I am very careful of what I ride now though whereas before I didnt think about it. I really hope you find a good teacher and go ahead. Good luck!!!

Riding is a dangerous sport but then crossing the road is dangerous too.
If we steered clear of everything that may be dangerous what boring lives we would lead.
Your fears are normal but don't let them hold you back from the magic of being in the saddle.There is nothing like it in the world.
It is normal to have more fear as you get older,with age we have more self preservation whereas when we were young we felt invincible lol.
As the others said ,find yourself a reputable riding school who will understand your concerns but know how to give you the confidence to get back in the saddle and relax.
Let us know how you get on

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I was exactly the same. I fractured my skull 16years ago in a riding accident and didn't ride again until 18months ago. I went riding with my sister and I felt such a fool and a woosy. My sister forgot that I hadnt ridden for 15years! I have started having lessons and hacks with a local riding school and my confidence started to return. It didn't take me long to get the rhythm back for canter and I was surprised when my instructor told me I have a good seat. Although I'm still apprehensive cantering when hacking out, I am definitely not stressed about it now. I went on a 3 hour charity beach ride on a horse I hired that I'd never met before on 11th April and it was amazing.
So my advise is to get some lessons at a good local riding school and mix lessons with hacks at your own pace. And remember to have fun

I would say get back in the saddle
I was the same as you, I started horse riding when i was 5..i had a bad accident when i was 12, broke 3 ribs and fractured my skull..nearly 10 years old and hadnt been riding since.
3 weeks ago i picked up the courage to go to my local riding school. i just watched the horses and others having a lesson, then the next week i had a go myself...ive been back in the saddle 2 weeks now and i had forgotten how much i LOVE it!!
My confidence is slowly coming back, but my instructor is really happy with me and the progress ive made in just two weeks!

GO FOR IT

I agree with everyone else on here!! GO FOR IT!!!

I rode all through my childhood and was totally fearless... any horse that had a reputation for throwing people off or bolting I would have to get on it, lol.

Im more sensible now... I just ride out with a friend when I can. She has 2 welsh cobs and they are lovely and calm to ride.

Just take it slow and get back in that saddle!! You wont regret it

Hi There! I recently went back to it afetr over 20 years and believe me, apart from being rusty, it soons come back and away goes the fears. Start off slowly and you'll see, only do what you feel comfortable with. My confidence is bouncing back!!! You go for it, it'll be the best thing you ever did!!!