Realistically - riding with young children to look after?

[Bubble]

We are moving to a cottage in the country this week (can't wait!). I have always wanted to start riding but living in the surburbs has always made it more difficult. However, there is a riding school in the village where we're moving to.

I would love to give it a go, but just wonder how much time it takes up? As a beginner, will I just turn up for lessons and then go home? Or will I be expected to help muck out, groom etc (which I don't mind). DH is all for it but I think he's a little worried about how much time it's going to take up - the whole idea of us moving to the country is to spend more time together! But I don't actually have a hobby as such so I think it will do me good.

Opinions gratefully received :smile:

[lisa82]

when i had lessons to start with you just turn up have your lesson then go but as i got more into it they started getting me to tack up before hand then un-tack after. You can help out at stables if you wish so time wise will probably be up to you but id probably ask just so you know how long your be!

I have 2 horses (at the mo) and an 18 months old and one due feb/ march, my oh isnt so keen on them but he knows if he wants to go fishing he has to look after them while i go riding which is fair!

[MissDem]

Horseriding aside if your hubby won't let you have 2/4 or 24 hours a week to do your own thing then you've got bigger problems than a sore *rse from riding! ;-)

I'm serious here actually.

Anyway, good luck with your hobby, being a mother doesn't stop you being a person in your own right you know - and you are NOT just a s*dding baby-machine for your husband!

[Bertie_Boo]

Hi Bubble I just want to say go for it!:lol: When I learnt to ride for the second time around 6 years ago I just had half hour lessons as my bum and legs couldn't cope with more than that! When I decided I wanted to get my own horse I used to be there longer as I wanted to learn all about the stable management stuff. So really you can be there for as long or as little as you want.
Good luck!

[Bubble]

Thanks for your replies everyone. I shall definitely check out the stables down the road from our new house.

Miss Dem - my DH is actually a complete sweetheart and is more than happy for me to take up whatever hobby I choose - it's just that if it would take up a whole day, for example, at a weekend then I myself wouldn't want to do it. He works terribly long hours in the week so doesn't see the kids at all, and I don't get to see him much either - so the weekends are our family time, we tend to spend the majority of it together as a family.

I hadn't thought about my bum and thighs not being up to it :lol: I think I shall definitely suffer in that department, so perhaps short lessons are the way to go at first :lol:

I shall keep you updated when we move :smile:

[MissDem]

In that case it's probably best that I let you in on a secret now - "dressage knickers" - you can get them at any horse-riding shop. Basically they're big knickers with a built in sanitary towel for your pleasure. Well not pleasure in that sense you dirty moo, but for your comfort then!

Do NOT under ANY circumstances wear a thong else you will find yourself the unhappy recipient of an unplanned Hollywood! :eek: Big knickers are the way forward in this game.