“Old dogs can’t learn new tricks” is a phrase we have all heard throughout our lives, but certainly is not one we should live by. We often find ourselves as adults thinking that we’re too old to take up those lessons we begged for as kids or that hobby we always swore we’d master one day. It makes sense, between the stress of bills, career changes, and those unpredictable everyday details, prioritizing what you dreamed about as a child gets shoved to the back of our minds until we decide that we’re “too old” to start. But if your lifelong dream was to become a horseback rider, is it ever actually too late?
Learning to Ride as an Adult
The average age in the United States to start horseback riding lessons is about 6 years old, which certainly has its advantages. For example, a 6 year old is likely not the one paying the bill and still possesses the power of youth, which can be helpful in many ways. However, as an adult, you are likely the one choosing to invest in yourself and your skills as a rider, so you will come with a dedication and life-long passion that children simply cannot yet have. You will also come with your own life experiences that will only benefit you, such as more patience with the horses and a healthy respect for their boundaries.
Most of all, an adult learning horseback riding for the first time is incredibly beneficial for their mental and physical well-being. There is a reason horses are used as therapeutic animals for lessons, connection, rehabilitation, and so much more. Bonding with a horse and learning to care for them, to understand and connect with them, is something that can heal anyone at any age and from any background, even just for a moment.
Physical Health Benefits
It’s no secret that horseback riding requires a lot of exercise, and riding is far from the only physical activity you’ll be doing. Between going out to catch the horse from the field, walking them back to the barn, grooming them, carrying your tack, mounting and dismounting, removing the tack, and returning them to their pasture, you’ll hit your 10,000 steps and then some with no trouble. The best part about horseback riding though, is you’ll be having such an amazing time it won’t feel like exercise at all.
Horseback riding is also known to be excellent for cardiovascular health benefits. Not only does this come from the aerobic exercise aspect of the activity, but also from the reduced stress and improved emotional well-being that horses are known to provide. While the act of riding, especially during the more exciting lessons, can increase your heart rate and improve overall physical fitness, the therapeutic bonding with the horses also lowers it back down again and can help reduce anxiety.
Mental Health Benefits
On the mental health side of horses, the benefits are unlimited. Not only are horses intensely therapeutic, capable of mirroring your energy and emotions in a way you have never experienced before, but they also teach us to have more patience, to have fun, how to be calm, and bring back that child-like wonder that you’ve sought them out for in the first place.
The importance of continuous learning as you age cannot be underestimated. Multiple studies have shown that continuing to educate yourself throughout your adult life helps maintain cognitive abilities, adaptability, and social connections as you age. Accomplishing something you have always wanted to do also gives you a sense of empowerment and confidence, all attributes that horses can provide.
Fear of Riding as an Adult
The one thing that adult beginners in the horseback riding world tend to worry about is the fear that comes with it. Fear of being around a large animal, fear of falling off, fear of being seen trying something new when you’ve already decided you’re “too old” to still be a beginner at it. The importance of choosing the right barn to learn from is incredibly important when it comes to these fears.
When presented with the fear of falling off of the horse or being around a large animal to begin with, it’s encouraging to keep these two things in mind:
- By choosing a reputable, well-vetted, openly communicative facility to learn horseback riding, you can trust that they know their horses exceptionally well and that they are incredibly well trained. If the barn that you choose makes it known that they teach beginners, you can bet they have searched far and wide for the best, most patient, most reliable horses for even the most anxious rider to learn to love. Your instructors will have seen it all, and will likely be thrilled to teach an adult who truly wants to be there.
- You can be injured doing anything, that’s just a part of life. No one can ever guarantee you anything, but a beginner lesson horse’s job description is to be calm, patient, and understanding with new riders, as are your instructors. If you are willing to try, they are willing to teach you how special the bond between horses and their riders can become.
So, are you ever too old to learn horseback riding? The answer to this question is most likely no, unless you decide you are. In reality, if you are capable of getting in the saddle (even with assistance) and are still young at heart, then you’re never too old to learn how to ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Am I too old to start horseback riding? No way! As long as you’re physically able to sit in a saddle and come ready to learn, you’re never too old to start horseback riding!
- Is it harder to learn horseback riding as an adult than as a child? While children may have physical advantages, adults have more patience, focus, emotional awareness, and intentional dedication. Having these qualities makes you just as capable of a student, there are advantages to starting later in life, too.
- What physical benefits does horseback riding offer adults? Horseback riding requires the use of your whole body that improves balance, core strength, coordination, and cardiovascular health. The other chores associated with horseback riding help with additional exercise as well.
- Can horseback riding improve mental health? Yes. Horses are widely used for therapeutic purposes due to their calming presence and emotional sensitivity. Riding can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase confidence among many other benefits.
- I’m worried about falling off and working with large animals, is that okay? Fear is very common for adult beginners. Choosing a reputable barn with experienced instructors and well-trained lesson horses greatly reduces risk and can help foster trust. Beginner lesson horses are selected specifically for their calm, patient nature, and instructors are trained to support anxious riders.
- Do I need prior experience with horses to start lessons? No! Many barns specialize in teaching complete beginners and will guide you through everything you need to know from the ground up.
- What’s the most important factor for adult beginners learning to ride? Choosing the right place for you to learn, and coming with an open mind that’s ready for an adventure.