Can you start horse riding as an adult?

Plenty of adults carry around a childhood wish to ride, along with a suspicion that the window closed sometime around age twelve. It didn't. Riding is one of the few sports where you build a relationship with another living creature as you learn, and adult beginners often bring exactly the patience and calm that horses appreciate.

There is no age limit

The British Horse Society says on its learning to ride page that age is no barrier, and that many centres teach riders from young children to people in their seventies and beyond. Good riding schools are used to adults arriving with no experience at all.

Choosing a riding school

This is the most important decision, because the school chooses your horse, your instructor and your safety standards.

• Look for a licensed school. In the UK, the BHS notes that riding establishments are licensed and insured for public liability.
• Look for an approved centre if your country has a scheme. BHS Approved Centres are held to higher standards, with additional inspections, qualified staff and a focus on horse welfare and client safety. Other national federations have their own recognition schemes; in Italy, the national federation is FISE, the Federazione Italiana Sport Equestri, so ask whether a centre is affiliated.
• Visit first. Do the horses look well cared for? Is the yard tidy? Are staff calm and friendly? Do they ask about your experience?
• Ask about beginner lessons. A private lesson or very small group is ideal at the start.

What happens in the first lesson

British Equestrian's guide to your first lesson describes a typical first session, which in our own words goes something like this:

• Arrive early and wait where staff tell you, rather than wandering up to the horses.
• Paperwork and a hat. You'll fill in a registration form, including any medical conditions, and be fitted with a riding hat if you don't have one.
• Meet your horse. Approach from the shoulder, let the horse sniff your hand, and never approach from behind.
• Getting on. Your instructor helps you mount and adjust the stirrups and reins, and shows you how to sit.
• On the move. Usually someone leads the horse at first, often on a lead rein, while you get used to the movement, learn to steer and stop, and maybe try a little trot.
• Getting off, and sometimes helping untack and settle the horse afterwards.

What to wear

British Equestrian's advice, in brief:

• A riding hat. Most centres can lend one; check when you book.
• Boots with a small heel, so your foot can't slip through the stirrup. Some centres lend boots. Trainers and heavy-treaded shoes are not suitable.
• Fitted, flexible trousers such as leggings or fitted tracksuit bottoms. Layers you can remove, and a waterproof jacket for outdoor arenas.
• Hair tied back and jewellery off.

Gloves are useful, and many riders like them for grip on the reins.

The nerves

Horses are big, and sitting on one for the first time can feel very tall indeed. British Equestrian says nervousness is normal and encourages you to tell your coach if you feel uncomfortable, adding that there are no silly questions. A good instructor will slow down, keep you on a lead rein longer, or simply let you spend more time with the horse on the ground. Confidence in riding is built in small, repeated steps.