I'm going to start riding again!

I am so excited. After several years not being able to ride because of my bad knees, I am going to start again this week. I have been thinking for some time that Western riding might be better for me as I definitely cannot put any weight on my knees, so no rising (posting) trot as is essential in classical riding. But it is very difficult to find Western trained horses in Europe and although I had lessons and rode Western style when I lived in California in the 80's, I am not expert enough to train my own.

Anyway, by some miracle I have found a horse ranch only 30 minutes from me that trains horses and teaches Western riding! The guy that runs it holds several national and international awards for reining horses and he is willing to take me on. He understands my problems and is sure he can get me back in the saddle comfortably. So I have my first session on Wednesday. I am so looking forward to it but a bit nervous too.

Oh that is great to hear.

I can understand your nerves....have to get over some of my own. Going on my first trail ride this am with a gal who works at the barn.

Keep us updated as to your progress. We have always rode western. Sounds like you have a great instructor.

Yay!!! I got to ride my sisters horse a few months ago and I really love it. It is very relaxing!

Have fun!

Oh how exciting for you hun, great news! Dana and I went on an hour long trail ride on Saturday at a local guest ranch and had a wonderful time. We're going back on Friday to ride for the day.

Good for you, Jenny! Hope it more than meets your expectations.

This is wonderful! We need pictures!

No pix or witnesses yet! I am going to get a couple of sessions under my belt before I allow anyone to see what a mess I make of it. It has been so long since I was on a horse that I know my position and balance will be terrible.

OH how fun . Good for you getting back in the saddle after all of that time. I have ridden Dressage for twenty five years until recently a few months back. Rode everyday. I do miss it, but am focusing on other things in my life at the moment. Be prepared for the inner thigh workout and have a wonderful time!!!!!

It was wonderful! I came back on cloud nine. I an so lucky to have found a great teacher who understands my problems while not letting me get away with sloppiness. I also did something I have never done before in over forty years of riding, and that is ground work in the round pen. I have watched but never actually been in control.That was awesome. When we got into the saddle I was on a beautiful roan Criollo horse who was solid as a rock and gave me confidence. Next day I felt some stiffness but nothing too bad (probably was not working hard enough!). I am going again next Tuesday and I think this could be a real breaktrhrough, back at last to something I have always loved.

The right horse in the beginning makes all the difference. They can give you so much confidence!

You and I came back to riding about the same time. Going out again this am. The man across the road from the farm has a lovely piece of property and he only lets certain people from the farm ride there. You have to be a good rider and have a "sane" horse. Well the other day, he invited us to join the group with permission to ride there.

Enjoy your return to the horses! There is no animal on earth more beautiful or noble. I look forward to pictures!

YAY glad to hear you had a gentle, kind horse (gorgeous too ) to take you ride on. There surely is something magical about riding a horse and gives me such a feeling of peace. Everything else going on in your life just goes away while on that horse!!!

Sounding good, Jenny! Go for it!