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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 21, 2000 - 11:32 am:

My husband and I just purchased a pair of Arabs about two months ago. They are a mare and a gelding 24 and 25 yrs old, respectively. They haven't been ridden in a few years and they were thin and covered with ticks. I've spent the last two months grooming and feeding them, and generally gaining their trust and establishing a relationship with them. They are both healthy and happy now and have been wonderfullly patient with me, as I have found they know they know more about horsey business than I do. We have started putting their tack on and doing some very gentle riding for 30-45 mins. Myself and my boys, 8 and 10, are badly in need of some riding instruction, but I don't know where to start. I would prefer to do it here at home with our own horses. What kind of options are there and how much money is involved? We are in the San Antonio area, if that's any help.

Maureen

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 21, 2000 - 10:57 pm:

Hi Maureen. See if there's a Pony Club chapter in your area--if you don't know where to look, try asking at some of the boarding barns you know of. Also, 4-H is a possibility, but they (at least where I live) tend to go for the speed events which might be hard on your two, considering their ages. Pony Club is very safety oriented and teaches good horsemanship. Too bad they don't open it up to adults, I've always thought. Cost is minimal for both. Good luck.

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 21, 2000 - 11:07 pm:

Sorry Maureen, I didn't first notice that you also wanted instruction. First, you need to decide what kind of riding you want to do, and then explore some of the different disciplines that might be attractive to you. Do you prefer traditional English riding--flat work, jumping, Dressage? Or do you prefer western riding, such as western pleasure, team penning, reining, etc.? A good rider is a good rider, but the emphasis and tack is different between (and among) the English and western disciplines. After you decide what appeals, then you can ask at the boarding barns or contact some of the riding associations for a list of certified instructors. Where I live, you would pay anything from $15 to $75 for an hour's individual lesson. Sometimes you get what you pay for. I recommend certified instructors because there are many people teaching riding out there that shouldn't be allowed around horses or beginning riders. Unfortunately.

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 22, 2000 - 7:46 am:

Yes, I agree, I think speed events are out of the question, (considering my age,too...)I've never heard of Pony Club, but it sounds like the focus is more what I want for my kids. I'm beginning to wonder if a 35 yr old beginning rider is an oddity! I think I would like to ride English, but I'm sure my kids want Western. Is this going to be too confusing for my old guys? Can a horse do both?

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 22, 2000 - 9:34 am:

Hi Maureen, you're not an oddity at all. My cousin started riding in her 40's and I have known quite a few people that started riding as "older" adults. All of these people took lessons and learned from certified trainers - I do think that is important. But they are successful riders and some of them compete in dressage. One lady I know started riding about your age, and within two years she was competing very successfully at 2nd level! So go for it!

Posted on Friday, Mar 31, 2000 - 1:36 pm:

Hi Maureen,

4-H is a great place to begin to learn for all of you. Depending on where you live 4-H is open to all breeds and riding styles with emphasis on education. The Extension agent should be able to put you in touch with a club or clubs. Even though 4-H is a Youth Organization, you get to meet "horsey people". As an adult you can volunteer to help with some events and you will be amazed at what you will learn. Do not be afraid to ask tons of questions and listen carefully.

I agree about instructors - look carefully and wisely - watch some lessons if possible to see if this is a program you would like to be part of. Here in Central NY there are some instructors that will come to your house - so I do not believe it is uncommon.

Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2000 - 3:49 pm:

Hi newbys,

I like yourselves am new at this. We just started raising paints. And I purchased a bay QH recently. She won't let me lead her yet. So I told her I'm calling in the big boys. We have an experienced trainer in the neighbor hood that comes highly recommended. I'm 49 years old and would like to learn riding and especially reining and barrels. I think the QH has worked these areas just from watching her. She trusts me, but any leading is out of the question. I'm wondering if it could be she's afraid of our other mare, who's a little jealous right now. They're going through this new mare in the field right now. The possibilities are there for her. My husband would like to breed her. Can horses do both? She's only 7 years old.

Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2000 - 10:21 pm:

I would highly recommend some round pen work to let her know that you are the leader, and that she should look to you for guidance. John Lyons has good descriptions on how this is done, or enlist the help of someone who understands the principles. Regardless of where she stands in the pasture hierarchy, first and foremost she needs to understand that you rank above all the other horses.

I would also get the help of a trainer who can teach you not only to ride, but also help you work on your relationship with your horse. Check around, and make sure you spend some time either talking to the trainer or watching lessons. You want one that works through methods which make sense to the horse, and which are not abusive. Again, reading either Lyons or Parelli will help you assess the trainers.

I ride dressage, and the rest of my family rides English, yet we spend time on a regular basis with a "cowboy" who teaches us horsemanship. He has his own style, which is a mixture of Lyons, Parelli, Monty Roberts, the Dorrances, etc.--but it makes sense both to us and to our horses, and has given us mounts with more consistent performance both in the show ring and out.

There is also no reason you can't continue to ride and show a horse you are breeding. You can often ride until at least the 8th month of pregnancy--perhaps longer if the mare is not too girthy, and can return to riding her as early as 1 month after she gives birth as long as you let the foal run loose by her side while she's working.

I ride and show mares (I have 3), and plan to breed them every third year or so. The time off is good for their minds, and you don't lose THAT much time riding and training them.

Posted on Monday, May 29, 2000 - 1:05 pm:

Thank You for some sound advice Gay. I called in a very highly recommended cowgirl from our area and she's coming over this week. She apparently never uses abusive tecniques, which I would never allow anyway. Her father was a double champion two years in a row and she has his abilities. Miriah (horse) lead this morning for me but she really wanted to get back to the herd. She did stop and listen when I wanted her to, if she started the leading. Step ONe Thanks again
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