Welcome to the horse world!
Can you still recall the plot lines for every horse-related book you read as a kid? Are you still mad that you never got to join the Pony Club?
Great news: It’s not too late to immerse yourself into barn life and the world of riding.
You can still take lessons, and not have to learn to mount and dismount next to an 8-year old on a Shetland Pony. Rather, you can participate in your first riding lesson as an adult, alongside other adults, and have an amazing time doing it.
Click to see one of our favorite books for beginners at Amazon
Why It’s a Great Time to Start Riding
You have more time now.
For many of us, life settles down into a routine in our 20s. Our schedules are more set, there aren’t as many surprises, and we find that there are regular gaps in our schedule that we’d rather not spend on the computer or in doing something stationary.
There’s a lot of moving around right now.
We relocate for jobs, end up in unfamiliar areas, and can find it hard to meet people who could become friends.
Being around a barn with other adult riders will introduce you into a group of people where you’ll always have something to talk about – duh, horses!
It’s a great way to stay fit.
If you’re not big on gyms, horseback riding can be a great way to stay active. Riding is super for working out your upper body, legs, core muscles, and for improving your balance and coordination.
If you had the choice of sitting around on an inflated plastic exercise ball, or on top of a horse, which would be more fun? The stables are going to win every time, and you’ll notice the benefits increase the more you go.
Age is just a number when it comes to horse riding. Check out Horse Riding as an Adult: Why It’s Never Too Late to Learn to see why!
Tips for Horse Rookies in Their 20s
- Online learning: You may be tempted to break out your old copies of the The Saddle Club series for a quick review, but there are better ways to get ready to ride. There’s a wealth of information out there, like –ahem– Horse Rookie!
- Shop smart: Be prepared to get some basic horseback riding safety equipment. You’ll need proper footwear, a riding helmet, and comfortable clothing. Your riding instructor should provide you with a list of items you’ll need to bring to your first lesson.
- Remember to stretch: We’re all about effective stretching, and what it can do for your overall riding experience. Check out our 5 yoga tips for equestrians, including poses you should do before each and every ride. It can be life-changing (and save you from a lot of sore muscles).
- Watch videos: You might want to calm any nerves you might have by watching some short introductory videos, like this one that talks about how to communicate with a horse on the ground.
- Most of all, enjoy yourself! You’re finally getting to do something that you’ve been putting off for years, and it’s going to be an empowering, healthy experience!
Brush up on the basics before heading to the barn by reading How to Ride a Horse for Beginners (Basics, Safety, Mistakes).
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
- What Gear Do You Need to Ride Horses as an Adult
- Horse Riding for Older Adults: Why It’s Never Too Late
- How to Ride a Horse for Beginners (Basics, Safety, Mistakes)
- Horseback Riding: What to Wear (With Pictures)
- 9 Rookie Approved Horseback Riding Boots for Beginners
- Horse Riding Safety Equipment That’s Worth Every Penny
- Horses & Hitching Posts: How to Tie Right Every Time
