One of my 1st mounts
I have ridden quite a few different horses in my life. It’s not because I am a professional rider or even a competitive amateur. Quite the opposite. For most of my life I have depended on the kindness of friends (and even strangers) who let me ride their horses. I’ve also moved around a lot so, even when I found a regular gig on one horse, by the time I’d gotten really comfortable I’d move away and had to start all over. As a result, I’ve ridden horses from a 12-hand Icelandic to an 18-hand Dutch Warmblood (and many sizes and breeds in between!).
Taking up with a new horse can be challenging. Putting aside the fact that every horse owner has a different opinion about how things should be done (which makes you crazy when the next person tells you that everything you learned from the previous person was completely wrong), every horse has its own personality, history, training, gaits and ways of going.
But riding a lot of different horses can also be a good thing and make you a better rider. If you ride the same horse year after year you can develop a deep understanding of that horse and learn to ride him or her beautifully and joyfully, which is a fine thing. But eventually you will be faced with a situation where you need another mount, whether your beloved horse retires or dies, you are invited on a trail ride while visiting friends, or you have an opportunity to go on a riding vacation in a stunningly beautiful place. Being able to confidently hop on a horse you have never ridden before is a skill worth developing.
That’s me in Canyon de Chelly, AZ
That’s me in Alberta, Canada
This involves several things, which you can cultivate. First, you need to love horses (you’d be surprised that not every rider truly loves horses) and recognize them as unique individuals. Second, relax! Every horse has its own anatomy that makes them move the way they do. This new horse is not going to move the same way as other horses you’ve ridden. Loosen up your body and let the horse move you without blocking him or her. My first experience of a gaited horse was on a ranch vacation in Alberta. The first day did not go well for me, as I was bounced around like a ragdoll on my horse. I just didn’t get it. When I finally paid attention to the horse and let her guide my body, it suddenly made sense and I loved the gait. Third, don’t expect the horse to respond to your aids in the same way as your current horse and pay attention to what he does respond to. Start by assuming the horse is sensitive by asking with quiet aids and only be more insistent if you have to.
In any case, but in particular if the horse is trained in a discipline different from your own, ask the horse’s person to tell you what she responds to. Does she go on a loose rein or is she used to contact? Do you need a whip and spurs, or will these send the horse into orbit? What idiosyncrasies does the horse have?
If you are given a horse to ride that you know nothing about, just go with it. Pay attention to the horse.
Gold Fox
Try to leave your emotional baggage at the gate. A few years ago I leased a 25-year old warmblood named Gold Fox. He was very well-trained and in great shape, despite his age, and was teaching me to ride. Not quite a year later he died very suddenly. He was as close as I’d ever been to having my own horse and I was devastated. After a break, I started riding a horse that was rough around the edges and lacked training. Most of our lessons brought me to tears. I think I hated him because he was not Gold Fox; I was not ready to accept him for who he was. He was like the rebound girlfriend or boyfriend who – pity them – is doomed to rejection. I don’t actually know a good way to get through this stage; cry all you want but don’t take it out on the horse and make sure you have a patient trainer, as I did.
Flicka
Finally, although I encourage you to go a tiny bit beyond your comfort zone, don’t feel you have to push yourself too far. Give yourself permission to take the new horse at your own pace. If possible, ride the horse in the arena before taking him on the trail. This summer I let a friend visiting from Australia ride my horse and I borrowed another friend’s horse so we could take a trail ride. Flicka – a Thoroughbred/Dutch Warmblood – is sane and good on the trail, but I had cantered her in the arena and seen her gallop next to Kerrie’s OTTB on the trail and knew how much power was in that small package, so I worried that I would not be able to control her canter on the trail. I told my friends that I only wanted to walk and trot on our trail ride, and they were fine with that (it helps to have supportive friends). I was able to have a successful ride, which built my confidence for the next time I get the opportunity ride her.
The bottom line is that it’s good to be able to ride a new horse from time to time and when you do, keep an open mind and be forgiving to both yourself and the horse. See it as an opportunity, take it slowly, and try to have fun!
Zachariah
Happy trails!
Monica
Do you think it is possible for someone at age 62 to learn to ride? Has been many many years since riding and I am also intrigued by mules-some sort of childhood thing-please comment. Besides sure footing , is there an advantage with mules versus horses?
Lisa Helm
Yes, absolutely! I think the most important thing when starting out is to find a reputable place to take lessons. Learning the basics on a safe horse (or mule) is the best way to start out. Mules are great, and I know many people who use them for trail riding. They are pretty hardy in general.
Lisa, I assume you are the Lisa Helm I know from Kotzebue? I have never ridden a mule but Glenda has and in fact I think she really likes mules, so you should talk to her about it. Yes, you can certainly learn to ride at 62 and it helps if you are somewhat athletic which I know you are. For my friends who learned later in life, the biggest problem is usually fear. So in addition to what Kerrie suggested for finding a good place to take lessons, start out with a very gentle “bomb-proof” horse or mule that doesn’t spook or act unpredictably and is easy to stop. I also suggest spending a lot of time around horses/mules on the ground if you feel intimidated by them at all. Ask if the stable will let you go there and just hang out with the horses/mules. Go out in the field and pet them, feed them carrots (if allowed), and get used to being around them. When you have your lesson, spend lots of extra time grooming, picking up the horse’s/mule’s feet, walking them around, etc. This will go a long way to enhance your comfort level and help you learn how to read a horse. Once you get comfortable with taking lessons on a super gentle horse/mule, you can move up to one that’s got a little more pep. The other issues when you are older are flexibility, core strength, and balance. Doing Pilates or any other core exercise can help a lot, yoga/stretching, and anything that helps your balance. Good luck and keep me posted. If you’d just move to Vermont like I asked you to 🙂 you could ride with me and take lessons from my awesome instructor!!
Monica
Thank you!
Another great article Monica!! 🙂
Love it, Monica 💕